08 Owners - How about some feedback
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,015
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Burbs!!!
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
Great ride. No issues. A liitle warm? Maybe, but hey, we're riding an air cooled bike. It will be warm. I came off a 98 RG and it's similar. Love it and I'm not even runnin' synthetic yet or a/c, sert.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Henderson, NV
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
My o8 ultra is doing great 600 miles There is nothing annoying about it for me. Yea every now and then I hear the brakes squeak and a little extra heat. Would I buy the same bike again yes I would. The biggest dissapointment would be the gas mileage 38mpg, and HD needs to update their catalog for parts that do not fit like the skull gas lid and the front axel nut covers that is all I have found so far. Radio could use the amp and upgraded speakers to be cleaner sounding but what stock system doesn't need an amp and upgraded speakers.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
Well, I started this thread earlier in the summer. All the positive reviews convinced me to get the 2008 anniversary edition ultra classic. After a few weeks, now have 1000 miles on the bike. Only add-on was the mid-frame air deflectors and a rider backrest. Will be getting the first service done shortly.
Bike has been great so far. Wife absolutely loves it for comfort. Bike handles great. In fact the handling is unbelievable for such a heavy bike. I ride a lot of mountain roads and have no issues whatsoever. Probably due to the large tires, good suspension and balance.
The bat-wing air vents give good control over air flow. Brakes are great - actually clamped down on the ABS once - brought the bike to a quick stop. No heat issues (but the heat-deflector is installed). Haven't tried the intercom or headsets yet. 5th gear has some whine - but it is fairly minor. Just checked mileage with the last tank and am getting 45 mpg with 2-up riding. Not bad.
Would I buy one again - absolutely!
I am thinking of doing the stage-1 air cleaner (and required re-map) at the first service. But keep the stock pipes. Anyone have opinions on this? Effect on mileage, torque, or engine temperature?
Bike has been great so far. Wife absolutely loves it for comfort. Bike handles great. In fact the handling is unbelievable for such a heavy bike. I ride a lot of mountain roads and have no issues whatsoever. Probably due to the large tires, good suspension and balance.
The bat-wing air vents give good control over air flow. Brakes are great - actually clamped down on the ABS once - brought the bike to a quick stop. No heat issues (but the heat-deflector is installed). Haven't tried the intercom or headsets yet. 5th gear has some whine - but it is fairly minor. Just checked mileage with the last tank and am getting 45 mpg with 2-up riding. Not bad.
Would I buy one again - absolutely!
I am thinking of doing the stage-1 air cleaner (and required re-map) at the first service. But keep the stock pipes. Anyone have opinions on this? Effect on mileage, torque, or engine temperature?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
My 08 Anniversary Street Glide "Rocks"
Only the Ambient Temp gauge is out. Was out when I left the showroom. Im having so much fun I dont want to bring it back for service.
I have no weird noises people talk about in earlier models.
The brakes are simply awesome! Now I know why they have ABS as an option.
I love the throttle. Responsive, no sloppiness.
And the power is superb.
Only time I felt the heat was on a really hot day and was in alot of traffic. Broke out and that was history.
See the blueing on the heel area of the exhaust. No biggie to me. Maybe I'll have it jet hot coated this winter
I want a solo seat, but my wife likes to ride on the back so....Maybe I'll have an anniversary solo made and swap it out when she's not with me.
Only the Ambient Temp gauge is out. Was out when I left the showroom. Im having so much fun I dont want to bring it back for service.
I have no weird noises people talk about in earlier models.
The brakes are simply awesome! Now I know why they have ABS as an option.
I love the throttle. Responsive, no sloppiness.
And the power is superb.
Only time I felt the heat was on a really hot day and was in alot of traffic. Broke out and that was history.
See the blueing on the heel area of the exhaust. No biggie to me. Maybe I'll have it jet hot coated this winter
I want a solo seat, but my wife likes to ride on the back so....Maybe I'll have an anniversary solo made and swap it out when she's not with me.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Mississippi.
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
tomorrow i will have had my ultra for one month. i have 1600 miles on it. its great. no problems at all. ride is smooth as silk and power is good.
went on a ten hour road trip...5 there and 5 back. no problems.
heat is not an issue for me or a passenger.
i love it.
went on a ten hour road trip...5 there and 5 back. no problems.
heat is not an issue for me or a passenger.
i love it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 1
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
Iv'e had my 08 SG three weeks now and have 600 miles on it. Not that much but I'm doing a800 mile weekend up to NH and ME. Going to try and keep up with a couple of young bucks on their rice rockets. All I can compare is my 03 SERK and the 96 stock is getting pretty close in power.
I Love the brakes the power and the handling for such a big bike. Oh did I mention the brakes they rule.
I Love the brakes the power and the handling for such a big bike. Oh did I mention the brakes they rule.
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 408
Likes: 5
From:
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
What aboutSEVERE vibration that increases with throttle acceleration.Ive got a buddy thats had knucks,pans,evos and this is his first twin cam in an 08 Street Glide. He called me and stated that as he increases rpm the vibration gets so bad it is very hard to see due to vibration. I thought the 4" shield might be a problem but he's got a 10" shield,motor mounts and every bolt on the bike is tight as a drum. So im replying to this post in an attempt to see if anyone's got similar issues as my bro.Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,575
Likes: 180
From: N.E. OHIO
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
ORIGINAL: continentaldrifter
What aboutSEVERE vibration that increases with throttle acceleration.Ive got a buddy thats had knucks,pans,evos and this is his first twin cam in an 08 Street Glide. He called me and stated that as he increases rpm the vibration gets so bad it is very hard to see due to vibration. I thought the 4" shield might be a problem but he's got a 10" shield,motor mounts and every bolt on the bike is tight as a drum. So im replying to this post in an attempt to see if anyone's got similar issues as my bro.Thanks
What aboutSEVERE vibration that increases with throttle acceleration.Ive got a buddy thats had knucks,pans,evos and this is his first twin cam in an 08 Street Glide. He called me and stated that as he increases rpm the vibration gets so bad it is very hard to see due to vibration. I thought the 4" shield might be a problem but he's got a 10" shield,motor mounts and every bolt on the bike is tight as a drum. So im replying to this post in an attempt to see if anyone's got similar issues as my bro.Thanks
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: League City, TX
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
I have had my 08 Ultra for 4 1/2 weeks and 1800 miles. When I took it in for the 1000 mile service, I told them the idle vibration was way out of whack. Since then, the idle vibration has been tolerable - it is a Harley - and the vibration seems to go away at about 200 rpm. It the vibration increases at higher rpm's there is something definitely wrong.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 2
From: Omaha Nebraska
RE: 08 Owners - How about some feedback
ORIGINAL: Burple_X
I have almost 1000 miles on my '08 SG now and I love it. The new Brembo brakes are the cat's a$$. Wimpy brakes were my major complaint on my Lowrider. Harley has fixed that on the touring bikes. Handling is confidence inspiring. For a big bike you can throw it around pretty easily. Lean angle is adequate for all but the most aggressive riders (and we are talking about a bagger... not a crotch rocket!) I like the suspension. I run 10 lbs in the back shocks and it quite comfortable. There is still a gear whine in 5th gear, same as I had on my '07 Lowrider. No big deal for me. Engine is smooth once you move off idle. Idling, it jumps around like a worm in hot ashes. Harley did install another damper on the front cylinder head to help with this in '08. I just can't tell that it helps much. Throttle responce is spot on. If I didn't know better, I would say there was a cable there. No discernable delay in any throttle conditon that I can tell. The new radio is great too. 30 days ago, I wouldn't have given you $.02 for a radio on a motorcycle. That has now changed. I thoroughly enjoy the radio/CD/MP3 player. The sound is clear and the volume adequate. I even wear ear plugs and can still hear the radio plainly.
What I don't like (short list and real nit picky)... lack of power. I have the 103 kit on order to fix this. I would also like to see the radio and control buttons lighted. At night, it's hard to find the buttons and they are far enough out of your line of sight that it could be dangerous to fiddle with them much. Heat is somewhat of an issue BUT it's no worse than on any one of the 20 others various bikes I have owned. And lastly, I'm having problems with the air flow coming from under the fairing. Hopefully wind deflectors or some other fix will resolve this.
All in all, excellent bike IMHO.
I have almost 1000 miles on my '08 SG now and I love it. The new Brembo brakes are the cat's a$$. Wimpy brakes were my major complaint on my Lowrider. Harley has fixed that on the touring bikes. Handling is confidence inspiring. For a big bike you can throw it around pretty easily. Lean angle is adequate for all but the most aggressive riders (and we are talking about a bagger... not a crotch rocket!) I like the suspension. I run 10 lbs in the back shocks and it quite comfortable. There is still a gear whine in 5th gear, same as I had on my '07 Lowrider. No big deal for me. Engine is smooth once you move off idle. Idling, it jumps around like a worm in hot ashes. Harley did install another damper on the front cylinder head to help with this in '08. I just can't tell that it helps much. Throttle responce is spot on. If I didn't know better, I would say there was a cable there. No discernable delay in any throttle conditon that I can tell. The new radio is great too. 30 days ago, I wouldn't have given you $.02 for a radio on a motorcycle. That has now changed. I thoroughly enjoy the radio/CD/MP3 player. The sound is clear and the volume adequate. I even wear ear plugs and can still hear the radio plainly.
What I don't like (short list and real nit picky)... lack of power. I have the 103 kit on order to fix this. I would also like to see the radio and control buttons lighted. At night, it's hard to find the buttons and they are far enough out of your line of sight that it could be dangerous to fiddle with them much. Heat is somewhat of an issue BUT it's no worse than on any one of the 20 others various bikes I have owned. And lastly, I'm having problems with the air flow coming from under the fairing. Hopefully wind deflectors or some other fix will resolve this.
All in all, excellent bike IMHO.