I've been on a shopping spree recently to find a good deal on a Ultra Classic. I thought I'd start with a demo ride on a new 07 first then look for a good used earlier model for a comparison. I read as much info. as I could dig up on the 07 to try and convince myself I needed this new bike. I know of some problems with various earlier twin cam engines such as the cam tensioners, silent cam chains, bearing failure etc. which carried right up even to the 06 model engine. I understand there are retro kits to address some of these problems. I've come to the conclusion I am going with the 06 Ultra and committed to one. I'm concerned this new 07 engine design being a first year production needed to prove itself. There are many issues with this new engine that raise an eyebrow with me. Such as the lighter pistons with less contact surface & having to be sprayed with oil to keep heat at bay & also the lack of a cam bearings in the engine case are just a few. I make no claim to be an expert on engine design so I'd like to hear from those out there that are more knowelegable & could chime in and shed some light on this subject and any other questionable changes they made.

 

The new HD engine is as good as any that preceeded it. It does run hotter though that is expected since it puts out more power. Some say it is more noisy. My ears and db guage at our dealership say that is not true. The cam tensioners and other associated parts are better than the 88 it replaced. Any HD dealer is authorized to retune your engine with a download that causes the back cylinder to only fire at idle every other stroke and will reprogram it back free one time only. I dont know what the fuss is about. So far we have sold about 50 new ones and none have been back with any engine problems. Some people imagine problems with a new engine when there reall is nothing there.Transmission noise is another imagined noise. I dont hear any and I ride some sort of Harley every day at the dealership where I work.You can go for an 06 if you like if you can find one. The 07 is clearly a better value with a larger engone and 6 speed and improved security system. The 06 and earlier will also be worth less because of those improvements and the fact that Harleys are no longer as short in supply as they use to be.

 

I didn't address all the issues that concern me with this new bike. Mack ..You need to look at the thread here on the noisey trans. complaints which may or maynot be the trans at all but possibly the primary adjuster. Whinning noises are one thing and related to the straight cut gears in 1st & 5th but the knocking & clanking noises are REALLY pissing off ALOT of the 07 owners so I'd care to differ with you that it is imagined. Also these new bikes are running so lean to meet emissions that the pipes are glowing red hot, not because they are more powerful. I rode one & felt it had less performance than the older models. Some have had issues with the radios not working. First year production is prone to have problems and this one is no exception. I hope they get it sorted out before their reputation takes a dive like it did during the AMF years.

 

TOYMAN you are right on the money Guy. Someone forgot to tell me more at the Dealership and even more if you just call one in another state like I did. The 2007 Rk Classic does NOT have more power. I really think in 5th and 6th gear its worse than the others being a brother of mine rides a o6 with EFI also. He also has alittle heat problem when its up 85 or 90 outside.
I did the things my dealer said would help me GET more sound and make it run better..In the end ..well I think thats where it ended.

I bought the high dollar SERT and looked high and low for a set of 2005 or 06 SE off road slip-ons. I found a brand new pair for 220.00.(05) I thought I was in heaven with the price. However..the dealer made it sound like i would be no PROBLEM if anything came up..I even called him just a day or maybe a couple days later and and told him it was hot at the oil.(235) It was a 75 degree day also! I was talked into that new LED with oil Lever checker.( Boy I would take it back but the 90 days have run out. Mack..you said you have sold all kinds of bikes from your dealer..ARE you guying telling the customer that it will be burning your thighs off when its 100 outside?

I wasn't told anything..EVEN though I asked questions from the delaer in Lebanon,Mo who has two stores..You can find the tread about guns at his other store on here. I have been in contact with HD C/S on the record three times. They have me over a barrel....I put on Off road slip-ons even though I was told no problem..Reminds me of a line in Cheech and Chong movie.

The bottom line here is..Like my Dyna 99 and the cam bearing..its MO Money...MO Money..

One last thing..The 95" upgrade kit on the 88 cam was a true and proven ride...many people went with it and no problems. I always thought all baggers should have came out stock like that anyway. Like I said before in a post..I think we will see a radiator on a HD next year..OH how harley riders wil turn over in their graves!

 

Huh? Doesn't sound as good as even a shovel the way you describe it.

 

I bought a 2007 S\E Ultra - the worst cycle I have ever had. It had more vibration than my 1993 Sportster - true, not just a sarcastic statement. After owning 16 HDs in total I am very familiar with the V-Twin. I went back to a 2005 S\E E\G and am very satisfied. I should have never bought a first year production cycle. Besides the vibration, it would not go into neutral easily, horrible vibration at idle, ran so hot it would burn your thighs, and trans noisey. Not a very good 35K value.

 

To get the "96" cubes, they stroked the crank from 4.00 (the 88) to 4.38. Stroking makes the piston travel farther in the same amount of time which increase the speed (velocity) of the piston. The increased speed is going to generate more heat, but also more wear on the cylinder walls. The increased length of the rods changes the piston design ( shorter skirts to clear crank and other piston at BDC, and moves the wrist pin and rings up higher exposing the rings to more heat), longer rods usually mean more piston slap, and adds to the engine vibrations from the increased leverage of the longer rods. Run that already higher temp set up with lean fuel and looks like a recipe for a early rebuild.

 

The more I read & hear about this newly designed engine the less I like it. The shovel was & is a better engine, especially with the upgrades available today.

 

Dude, I feel for YOU! I'll give HD this; The bike you bought has got to one of the most beautiful factory baggers I've every seen. Hands down! I got the pleasure of checking one out in Houston over the Turkey Day Holiday. Sweet looking motorcycle! But wow all the problems to look forward to correcting.