2006 Ultra 100K mile report
#1
06-30-2017, 11:49 AM
2006 Ultra 100K mile report
Hi guys,
I haven’t been on the forum for quite a while, but I’ll be crossing the 100K mile mark on my way home from work today (on my 2006 Ultra) so I thought I’d visit again and give you feedback on some of the things I’ve done with the machine that I’d do again or not. For my opinion ranking 5 stars mean I’d definitely do again, 1 star means I wouldn’t do at all. Some other random observations are further down.
Engine build – It was punched to 95” about 75K miles ago with higher compression, a super tuner and 203 cams installed. Never had a problem with the build. While not really aggressive, I found the 203s to provide a smooth power curve and a bit of an old school “lope” at idle. One can never get as much power as they’d like, and with the 5 gallon tank, there’s always a bit of a tradeoff. 4 stars
Rinehart true duals – I really like the concept of true dual exhaust and the larger head pipe and throughput. In my case, I found that after a few hours of riding the Rineharts were too loud and my ears would be ringing most of the evening. Not fun for me. About 50K miles ago, I kept the Rinehart head pipes and put on Bub Stealth mufflers. IMO they have maintain a great sound, but at a more manageable sound level. Rinehart True Duals: 2 stars. Bub Stealth mufflers on Rinehart head pipes: 5 stars.
Chubby Wild One (WO577) bars – I went through a number of bar configurations…Stock were much too low for me for longer rides giving me shoulder cramps. I tried Ergo Up bars for a while and for me the wrist position was quite uncomfortable and I’d get tingling in my hands and fingers. The WO577s were the right choice for me. Splicing to extend all those wires in the bars was a pain, but worth it. While I’m finding the chrome on the bars is not as good as the OEM chrome on the bike, I’m still giving the Chubby’s 5 stars. I have two Ergo Ups bars in my barn if anyone wants them.
Magnum +6 cable for the bars – look great and work fine. 5 stars
Screamin Eagle 6 speed – After coming back from Sturgis one year and riding through Wyoming, I really thought I needed a 6th gear for the speed limits (or lack thereof) in that state. Generally, I’m not spending enough miles sustained above 70 MPH to warrant the need for 6th. I think my ears wanted that gear more than the machine did. 1 star.
TrueTrack – If any of you guys are still riding a frame style similar to the 2006 or before (MoCo addressed this in later years), you may want to consider this. My Ex was a bigger girl and this frame supporting member helped a lot when loaded; kept from wallowing in the twistes a bit. 5 stars.
Progressive 440s on the rear suspension. After messing around a lot with the stock air suspension, fixing leaks, adjusting for trips, etc., I decided to change to the Progressives. It was a good choice for me. 4 stars.
Tour pak quick release kit – seemed cool, I could make my Ultra look like a Street Glide. Did it once, pain in the a$$ messing with antenna wires, etc. Now the quick release connectors are worn and the TP vibrates. 1 star.
Mustang seat works for me >80K miles; love the backrest too. 5 stars.
Alaska Leather’s sheepskin butt pad. Love ‘em. On my 3rd I think, I’m not sure if they really “wear out” or not, but after about 30K miles, they’re not as “cushy”. 5 stars.
Cap’n Itch glove box cup holders. I’d like to think Larry and I co-designed these. Here’s that thread. 5 stars, still used every time!
Long Ride “flip up” Shield. No problems; have had about 30K miles. I like the design but it took me a while to get used to the tint I chose, but that was my choice, not a product thing. 5 stars.
Mini Beast air horn. Not only great for folks that cut you off (after you give them a left turn signal), it’s really useful for wildlife avoidance IMO. 5 stars.
FWIW, she’s been trailered twice. IMO not too bad, but it’s never convenient. One time the compensator nut became loose and the rotor ended up damaging the stator of the alternator. Lost all electrical generation. So you know, my EFI will work for about 90 minutes off the battery alone (with everything else electrical turn off), but it wouldn’t get from Tonopah, NV to an indy shop in Pahrump, NV (about 167 miles). The second trailering event was due to a parted drive belt. My first drive belt was proactively replaced at about 80K miles (partially separated but ridable). The second belt (after market) parted after about 3 miles, manufacturer defect – second trailer event albeit a short haul. Went back to OEM belt and no problems since.
Just for completeness (and fun): I'm still running OEM tire brand, but K&M filters, Mobil 1 V-Twin, Red Line in primary and tranny. I wear chaps when it’s cold and use my heal shifter! Still carry a spark plug in my tool kit, but never needed it for this bike.
Be safe and have fun,
I haven’t been on the forum for quite a while, but I’ll be crossing the 100K mile mark on my way home from work today (on my 2006 Ultra) so I thought I’d visit again and give you feedback on some of the things I’ve done with the machine that I’d do again or not. For my opinion ranking 5 stars mean I’d definitely do again, 1 star means I wouldn’t do at all. Some other random observations are further down.
Engine build – It was punched to 95” about 75K miles ago with higher compression, a super tuner and 203 cams installed. Never had a problem with the build. While not really aggressive, I found the 203s to provide a smooth power curve and a bit of an old school “lope” at idle. One can never get as much power as they’d like, and with the 5 gallon tank, there’s always a bit of a tradeoff. 4 stars
Rinehart true duals – I really like the concept of true dual exhaust and the larger head pipe and throughput. In my case, I found that after a few hours of riding the Rineharts were too loud and my ears would be ringing most of the evening. Not fun for me. About 50K miles ago, I kept the Rinehart head pipes and put on Bub Stealth mufflers. IMO they have maintain a great sound, but at a more manageable sound level. Rinehart True Duals: 2 stars. Bub Stealth mufflers on Rinehart head pipes: 5 stars.
Chubby Wild One (WO577) bars – I went through a number of bar configurations…Stock were much too low for me for longer rides giving me shoulder cramps. I tried Ergo Up bars for a while and for me the wrist position was quite uncomfortable and I’d get tingling in my hands and fingers. The WO577s were the right choice for me. Splicing to extend all those wires in the bars was a pain, but worth it. While I’m finding the chrome on the bars is not as good as the OEM chrome on the bike, I’m still giving the Chubby’s 5 stars. I have two Ergo Ups bars in my barn if anyone wants them.
Magnum +6 cable for the bars – look great and work fine. 5 stars
Screamin Eagle 6 speed – After coming back from Sturgis one year and riding through Wyoming, I really thought I needed a 6th gear for the speed limits (or lack thereof) in that state. Generally, I’m not spending enough miles sustained above 70 MPH to warrant the need for 6th. I think my ears wanted that gear more than the machine did. 1 star.
TrueTrack – If any of you guys are still riding a frame style similar to the 2006 or before (MoCo addressed this in later years), you may want to consider this. My Ex was a bigger girl and this frame supporting member helped a lot when loaded; kept from wallowing in the twistes a bit. 5 stars.
Progressive 440s on the rear suspension. After messing around a lot with the stock air suspension, fixing leaks, adjusting for trips, etc., I decided to change to the Progressives. It was a good choice for me. 4 stars.
Tour pak quick release kit – seemed cool, I could make my Ultra look like a Street Glide. Did it once, pain in the a$$ messing with antenna wires, etc. Now the quick release connectors are worn and the TP vibrates. 1 star.
Mustang seat works for me >80K miles; love the backrest too. 5 stars.
Alaska Leather’s sheepskin butt pad. Love ‘em. On my 3rd I think, I’m not sure if they really “wear out” or not, but after about 30K miles, they’re not as “cushy”. 5 stars.
Cap’n Itch glove box cup holders. I’d like to think Larry and I co-designed these. Here’s that thread. 5 stars, still used every time!
Long Ride “flip up” Shield. No problems; have had about 30K miles. I like the design but it took me a while to get used to the tint I chose, but that was my choice, not a product thing. 5 stars.
Mini Beast air horn. Not only great for folks that cut you off (after you give them a left turn signal), it’s really useful for wildlife avoidance IMO. 5 stars.
FWIW, she’s been trailered twice. IMO not too bad, but it’s never convenient. One time the compensator nut became loose and the rotor ended up damaging the stator of the alternator. Lost all electrical generation. So you know, my EFI will work for about 90 minutes off the battery alone (with everything else electrical turn off), but it wouldn’t get from Tonopah, NV to an indy shop in Pahrump, NV (about 167 miles). The second trailering event was due to a parted drive belt. My first drive belt was proactively replaced at about 80K miles (partially separated but ridable). The second belt (after market) parted after about 3 miles, manufacturer defect – second trailer event albeit a short haul. Went back to OEM belt and no problems since.
Just for completeness (and fun): I'm still running OEM tire brand, but K&M filters, Mobil 1 V-Twin, Red Line in primary and tranny. I wear chaps when it’s cold and use my heal shifter! Still carry a spark plug in my tool kit, but never needed it for this bike.
Be safe and have fun,
Last edited by BurgundyUltra06; 06-30-2017 at 11:55 AM.
#2
06-30-2017, 01:20 PM
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07-01-2017, 06:16 AM
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#9
07-01-2017, 07:43 AM
Club Member
Shrewd choice with your True-Track kit, I also have one on my 1990 Glide and the improved handling and stability is well worth it. As for your ears, we were told back in the '70s to protect our hearing with ear plugs. That wise advice doesn't seem to have made it through into the internet age! Greatest tuning aid known to man.....
#10
07-01-2017, 07:58 AM
