bike purchase opinions
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 87
From: Cookson, Ok
'97 carbed Ultra Classic would be my choice. Last year carbed Ultra plus more parts and accessories available for the later frame. Thought I cut a fat rat with the low mileage '98 Ultra that replaced my totalled '97. Ran really great for about 20K miles then got a fuel infection that nobody could diagnose. Threw about a grand in parts at it based on advice from so-called experts and trouble codes before cutting my losses and changed it over to an S&S carb and Ultima ignition.
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 1
From: massachusetts
thanks for all the advise. the 87 and the 89 both got sold, I will continue the search. There is a nice 97 ultra nearby with 17000 on it, it has fuel injection, but its a bit high priced at 7500.00.
Dirt don't hurt
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 21,065
Likes: 4,561
From: Haslet Texas
You can always talk them down.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/mcy/4713453922.html
This is $5 thousand with an s&s 107. heck, the motor is worth $3000 alone. Where in taxachusetts are you? Check cape cod Craig's list.
Tom
This is $5 thousand with an s&s 107. heck, the motor is worth $3000 alone. Where in taxachusetts are you? Check cape cod Craig's list.
Tom
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 34
There's a 96 ultra near me cheap. Not sure what part of the state you're in but there's my bike s 98 fatboy and a 96 ultra all western mass area. If you need the links I'll fine the 96 but it had a newer engine. I wanted it but it's not going to work out for me.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 101
Likes: 9
From: Truckee
Remember, opinions are like ***holes - everyone has one.
I have an 1985 Evo (FXRS). This would not be my first year choice for an Ultra. This year Evo has an less than stellar oil pump that almost always vomits oil out the breather after a long winter. Besides the issue with the cases that some mention, there's the outdated clutch release assembly. My son now rides this bike and has around 50,000 miles on it.
I have an 1990 Evo (FXRS). Oil pump seems superior. Redesigned clutch release seems better. I believe the electronics are better than my 1985.
I too just went thru a search for an Ultra. Like you, I wanted an Evo with a carb. I would have considered an Evo with the early MM EFI, if it was properly/recently tuned, and maybe a TC, if the tensioners were upgraded. (it seemed that every time I asked a TC seller about the tensioners, they would ignore my question, or just plain not respond to my inquiry)
I ended up with a 1998 Ultra with 40,000 that had been converted to a Mukuni. The top end was rebuilt. I paid 7500. The only flaw I could find on the bike, was a small scratch on the rear tour pack.
I had also looked at a 1994, a 1996, and a few other 1998s. I recall being cautioned by this forum about the 1996-1997 and the availability of parts. I believe the 1998 frame was used thru 2008 (double check me on this). Many part from pre-2008 Ultras will work on my 1998.
As previously said, there are lots of bikes out there, as it appears to be a buyers market, especially if you are willing to expand your search area.
I have an 1985 Evo (FXRS). This would not be my first year choice for an Ultra. This year Evo has an less than stellar oil pump that almost always vomits oil out the breather after a long winter. Besides the issue with the cases that some mention, there's the outdated clutch release assembly. My son now rides this bike and has around 50,000 miles on it.
I have an 1990 Evo (FXRS). Oil pump seems superior. Redesigned clutch release seems better. I believe the electronics are better than my 1985.
I too just went thru a search for an Ultra. Like you, I wanted an Evo with a carb. I would have considered an Evo with the early MM EFI, if it was properly/recently tuned, and maybe a TC, if the tensioners were upgraded. (it seemed that every time I asked a TC seller about the tensioners, they would ignore my question, or just plain not respond to my inquiry)
I ended up with a 1998 Ultra with 40,000 that had been converted to a Mukuni. The top end was rebuilt. I paid 7500. The only flaw I could find on the bike, was a small scratch on the rear tour pack.
I had also looked at a 1994, a 1996, and a few other 1998s. I recall being cautioned by this forum about the 1996-1997 and the availability of parts. I believe the 1998 frame was used thru 2008 (double check me on this). Many part from pre-2008 Ultras will work on my 1998.
As previously said, there are lots of bikes out there, as it appears to be a buyers market, especially if you are willing to expand your search area.
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 52
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From: massachusetts
Thanks so much for all your reply's and opinions, I will keep on looking, especially with winter coming, the prices will come down a bit. Like many here,a well priced, low mileage, one owner, well cared for 98 carbed bike is my ideal.
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naga77777
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Jul 12, 2013 10:17 AM
