"04 Ultra purchase question
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,046
Likes: 398
From: sugar land, gulf coast, tx
"04 Ultra purchase question
Have owned a Street Glide and Road Glide in the past. Recently sold my Dyna. I found an 04 Ultra Classic with 49K miles on it, and am thinking about it. I realize it's an 88 and a 5 speed, but the price is negotiable and it looks clean.
Just wondering if there is any reasons to not consider this bike, or to consider. Both my other tourers and the Dyna were 6 speeds. Will I always be looking for another gear when on the highway? FWIW, They have an '11 for a few grand more, but don't really want to invest an additional $4K, just to add another bike to the garage.
FWIW, I have a Kawi C14 and an R1150RT, both Sport Touring bikes, so this desire is totally emotional for another Harley. Way back when, I road an '05 UC and loved it. After all these years, is this bike still a good mile eater?
If I do consider the '04, anything to look out for? Google was no help, there.
Thanks for your honesty, good or bad. tomp dd50
Just wondering if there is any reasons to not consider this bike, or to consider. Both my other tourers and the Dyna were 6 speeds. Will I always be looking for another gear when on the highway? FWIW, They have an '11 for a few grand more, but don't really want to invest an additional $4K, just to add another bike to the garage.
FWIW, I have a Kawi C14 and an R1150RT, both Sport Touring bikes, so this desire is totally emotional for another Harley. Way back when, I road an '05 UC and loved it. After all these years, is this bike still a good mile eater?
If I do consider the '04, anything to look out for? Google was no help, there.
Thanks for your honesty, good or bad. tomp dd50
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 603
Likes: 14
From: So Texas
I have an 06 which is nearly the same machine with 48k on the clock. About the only thing you need to look into are the cam chain tensioners. I don't have any issues running 80+ on the 5 speed and my 95" puts out more than most 96" and factory 103's.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 266
From: Roma Alberta
It's an '02, and now has a 95" kit with a few more goodies, it runs hard. the stock 88" was pretty weak, night and day difference.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
I have an 05, and have ridden it for days at a time at 80 or better without issue. I added a later model cam plate and Andrews 21N cams and love them. No more spring loaded tensioners and higher oil pressure to boot. If you like the bike go for it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 59
From: SW Burbs of Chicago
I realize it's an 88 and a 5 speed, but the price is negotiable and it looks clean.
They have an '11 for a few grand more, but don't really want to invest an additional $4K, just to add another bike to the garage.
If I do consider the '04, anything to look out for? Google was no help, there.
Thanks for your honesty, good or bad. tomp dd50
They have an '11 for a few grand more, but don't really want to invest an additional $4K, just to add another bike to the garage.
If I do consider the '04, anything to look out for? Google was no help, there.
Thanks for your honesty, good or bad. tomp dd50
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 160
Likes: 5
From: indiana
I have had a Dyna with a six speed and a Streetglide with a six speed. The six speed is absolutely useless until 75 to 80 mph. Not many people riding at those speeds often unless on a trip. The six speed in the Dyna was probably the worst shifting trans I have ever had and I have had alot of four speed Shovels.
I know some people will disagree but I will take a five speed over a newer six speed anyday. With a little love the 88 will perform just as well or better than a 96 or 103.
My current ride is a 2002 Ultra Classic and I could'nt be happier.
I know some people will disagree but I will take a five speed over a newer six speed anyday. With a little love the 88 will perform just as well or better than a 96 or 103.
My current ride is a 2002 Ultra Classic and I could'nt be happier.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
I have now a 04 Road King 88 incher and 5 speed.
Stock it was anemic in comparison to my previous 95 inch 2004 , but I swapped cams to a Andrews 21 along with a tuner and I am happy. It is not a race bike for sure but this little motor will surprise a lot of bikes much larger for a few seconds until they roll on by !!! Quick but not fast it however makes a lot of torque where the motor lives while touring.
Stock it was anemic in comparison to my previous 95 inch 2004 , but I swapped cams to a Andrews 21 along with a tuner and I am happy. It is not a race bike for sure but this little motor will surprise a lot of bikes much larger for a few seconds until they roll on by !!! Quick but not fast it however makes a lot of torque where the motor lives while touring.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 154
From: Buffalo, NY
I have an 04 and it has been a great bike, although mine is only up to around 30k miles. Hurts to say this................ for $4k I would go the 2011 unless it has some ridiculous amount of miles on it
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Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 4,046
Likes: 398
From: sugar land, gulf coast, tx
The '11 Ultra is a Vivid Black and 26K miles. Suppose to rain for the next week, but hope to get to ride both, to see if one does more for me than the other.
Thanks for all the help. Keep it coming, please. tomp dd50
Thanks for all the help. Keep it coming, please. tomp dd50
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I've owned bikes with 3, 4, 5 and 6 speeds and looked for an extra gear on every one of 'em! We have two seven speed cars. Modern vehicles only have a lot of gears to help them meet EPA regulations, some automatic cars having nine, would you believe?! So don't be put off by only having five, we won't think any less of ya!
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