Just thought I would share my experience over the past month and a half, and then end with a question for the group.

First let me say that in almost 26 years of motorcycling, I don't think I've ever had as much fun and enjoyment as I've had on my Ultra. Don't get me wrong, I've always loved riding, but my old CB750 and Goldwing were nothing compared to riding the Ultra. Yes the Goldwing might have handled a bit better and had a bit more top end speed, but this is truly more fun. Even my wife agrees after taking a three day anniversary ride last weekend.

I've been riding back and forth to work each day about 30 minutes each way. Some days I'll take the back roads, and other days the freeway. I've not had any major problems thus far. I have noticed a few smaller items, and any comments or suggestions would be most appreciated.

First, I've had to add about a half quart of oil every few hundred miles. Not a huge deal, and I haven't noticed any major run off. If you look under the bike, you can see a small drop at the bottom of the pan, but I try to park in the same spot each day at work, and nothing noticeable there. I do get a few drops in the garage, but I've not found any loose bolts or noticeable leakage anywhere else, so am almost just assuming this is par for the course with almost 60,000 miles on the bike.

The second item I noticed on the longer trip after riding for about 4 hours. When I would shift into fifth gear, it didn't catch and was almost like being in neutral. I would engage the clutch and shift again, and all was well. This has happened twice now, but about two weeks apart. I have not dug deep into this, but would again welcome any advise or experience on this.

The last item is very minor, and it seems that occasionally, the radio would cut off for a few seconds. Comes back on each time though. Again, this has only happened about 4 times. Any suggestions on any component to check first?

I really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge - I've been digging through all the forums - quite a bit of info and experience out there! One site a friend at work showed me was "Fixmyhog". The only hesitation I have after looking at it, is I'm not sure if it would have anything for the older Harley's or not. Has anyone else used this site?

Thanks in advance to everyone. My next big project now that I've got her cleaned up is to put an additional set of brake lights on.

Ride safe.

-Ray

 

Having just bought my first HD, I'm in no position to offer any help. But I did want to mention that my last Suzuki (DL1000) was notorious for giving me false neutrals. Real PITA, it was.

 

Save your money and axe questions. I think you may be correct and the focus of them dvds may in fact be Twinkies.
Welcome from taxachusetts.
Tom

 

Welcome from Minnesota.

A missed shift happens. These gear boxes are clunky and with 60K on her, she may need some attention.

Mine has never leaked oil and when it did, I went over it till I found it. Turned out that one of the oil lines was the culprit. No more oil spots.

The radio could just be a bad ground. Pull the outer fairing off and check your connections. I had in issue with my turn signal indicators and is was just bad connections. Cleaned them up and we were good to go.

Have fun..

 

Well, which is it? Either it leaked or it didn't. LOL


(I'm just yanking your chain, not serious)

 

Ok. I get it.

The Ultra developed a leak after the work was done on the cam replacement. I inspected the oil pump and the 17 year old hose didn't like the jostling. It didn't leak after we ran it on the jack but, when we returned from the first ride, she was dripping. Changed the hose, no more drip.

Was just saying, it shouldn't be leaking.

 

Ok my experience, 60,000 miles on the bike it will burn some oil plus you said you had some drips. Check your belt to see if your getting oil on it.
The second item with missing a shift is a minor fine tuning of the tranny, the shifter peg is not spaced out correctly. Takes a bit but you can fine tune it.
The last issue with the radio sounds like a circuit breaker is clicking off then back on giving power back to the radio. It doesn't hurt to change all your circuit breakers as they are cheap and get lazy.

 

Thanks for the quick replies everyone! Really appreciate it (especially Factory Built, Tom, and Lynn).

I'll take a look this weekend at the hose near the oil pump and the circuit breakers. Not familiar with the shifter peg, may need to do a bit of research on that one....

Tom - I think you're right on the other site - appears to focus on the newer models...