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Has any one have thoughs of what the o7 may be like . a local dealer told me the o5 and 06 where the same engine . And he said I may save 1000$ on a dresser in jan. time is really know issue ,If there are any bugs in the o6 hopefully harley will work them out.
Funny you would ask. I own an '03 Ultra and have been thinking the same thing. Do I buy an '06 or '07? Seems to me that if anything the '06 would be better than my '03. From what I am reading it does not appear to be that way.
Just curious, what troubles are you hearing about the '06 models? I haven't heard of any problems other than those associated with people trying to change pipes and/or air-filters without the proper knowledge of mapping systems. As long as you use the Screamin' Eagle Race Tuner (SERT) you shouldn't have any trouble doing those mods. Most of what I've heard is very postive in that you get a much better sound-system on the radio-equipped models. As for waiting, you run the risk of increased cost. Of course they may change the model completely, but then you run the risk of experiencing new-model bugs. As for a completely new dresser model, I wouldn't hold my breath until the '08 models since they will meet all EPA regs with what they have until at least that time. They just updated the Dyna models and two-years before that they updated the Sportsters, so given the update timeframe the next batch in line for complete updating would be the Softails or Touring models in '08, at least that's my guess...
I agree with Birch, it seems likely that a 6 speed tranny in the Touring models would be a likely bet. Otherwise the problems that I've read about the '06 models are from owners who've posted on this board. eg...lurching while driving at RPM's between 2000 to 2200 and motor mount failures. Setting those things aside, they've updated the '06 quite a bit. The Harmon Kardon sound system which has available modules for XM, Bluetooth and Navigation, then there's the reduced effort clutch and the new redesigned (2 position) Tour Pack. They've even changed the plastic formula for the side covers, fairing and hard bags. The previous hard bags were prone to "chalking". One day I opened my saddlebag and discovered what appeared to be a visit from the candyman. There was white powder over everything. This I am told is caused by vibration and the lid and the hard bag rubbing together. There is a seal there as you know, but the chalking still remains. Obviously the MoCo knew about this and decided to change the plastic to prevent it from happeneng. Another interesting note is that the interior color of the new hard bags is black rather than a dull light gray.
I hear different rumors everytime I go to my local dealer...then if I ask one of my friends from the MOCO about the rumor, they all play dumb. It's kind of an ongoing joke between us..."Hey so-and-so, is it true that Harley is working on a six-speed trannie?" So-and-so's reply..."I have no idea what you're talking about." Then, one year later the Dyna's come out with the six speed. It's gotten to the point that I really enjoy bantering with these folks in an effort to get some top secret information--but they never budge.
I do know that the philosophy at the MOCO is to make enough changes within each model year to get us interested in the upgrades. Knowing this I just figure I'll get what I want, when I want, and not wait until next year because I'd never have a bike if I kept waiting for the next upgrade.
The Stage 2 download is done by the dealer, and (I believe) changes the air/fuel map for the big bore kit.
The Doherty Power PACC is a breather kit that is far superior (IMHO) to the SE kit. http://www.dohertymachine.com/
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