Within the inner fairing lies the speedometer with multiple trip functions, tachometer, and gauges for fuel, oil pressure, ambient temperature, and battery voltage, along with the audio head unit and speakers. Surprisingly, there's even an old school, 12V, cigarette lighter-smoke 'em if ya got 'em! I'm sure there are other reasons, like charging a cell phone, which the outlet could be used for.
Being a Touring bike comfort is important and the new two-up seat fits the bill with a shape that improves reach to the ground. With me sitting just over 27 inches off the ground it was easy to sit flat-footed while stopped. An added feature is increased lower back support that cradles you in the seat. Passenger accommodations are roomy and the Tour-Pak provides a built in backrest with wrap-around armrests. Additionally, the passenger has roomy floorboards to rest their feet.
Audio and Electronics
Cruise control is a nice feature to have during the long haul. With nicely integrated, intuitive controls under the right handgrip it's possible to engage/disengage the cruise, and alter your speed without taking your eyes ff the road. The system is amongst the best in the motorcycle world and works flawlessly combined with the Electronic Throttle Control in H-D parlance. Otherwise known as fly- or ride-by-wire, there are no throttle cables to control the air and gas into the motor. A sophisticated computer controls all aspects of gas mixing via a motor in the throttle body through the magic of electrical wires as you twist the grip.
Under both grips are also the controls for the harman/kardon Advanced Audio system with AM/FM, CD, mp3/AUX, intercom and CB capabilities. 80 total watts of power are distributed to four speakers: two within the fairing and another pair mounted to the sides of the Tour-Pak. Independent control of bass/treble, fade, balance, and speed-specific volume control is easy to adjust. While I personally don't care for the passenger audio controls mounted to the Tour-Pak they are there too. The last thing I want when out on the road is the ability for my passenger to change the station, song, or volume. With that said here's a riding rant-anecdote for a happy touring partnership: Communicate, don't dictate.
Even at highway speeds with helmet the audio is easily heard and sounds darn good. Harman/kardon is renowned for its high-quality audio components and the tried and true h/k H-D system did not disappoint. With the auxiliary input on the front of the radio it's easy to plug in any mp3 device. Road surface and bumps had no effect on playing CD's.
Storage
One of the biggest selling points of a bagger is how much stuff can you pack on/into it; especially if there's a Donna or Donald riding in the p-position. To start off with, the, RG Ultra has hard, locking saddlebags, a spacious King Tour-Pak, as well as storage in the adjustable-vented lowers and two convenient compartments on either side of the fairing. In this case Ultra definitely stands for capacity. Best of all it is usable capacity. Other brands lay claim to (mathematically) have more storage space, but on H-D Touring rigs it's space that can easily and safely hold gear. Sure, most people still need two hands to open (and especially close) the top-loading saddlebags, but they keep your gear dry, safe, and accessible while on the road or commuting. On the safety front, the Tour-Pak features wraparound tail/brake lights.
Motor and Transmission
At the heart of the new RG Ultra is the 103ci big bore Twin Cam motor that's more than capable of fast launches as well as uphill passing. The black powdercoated engine with chrome accents has plenty of real-world torque thanks in part to its gearing. Like all Big-Twins, motor power is transmitted to the rear wheel via the Six-speed Cruise Drive transmission operated by a light-pull, mechanically actuated clutch. A lower downtube-mounted oil cooler additionally helps keep the air-cooled motor happy.