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Hi all, I'm new here and just picked up a 2008 Ultra Classic earlier this year. It has 27,000 km (about 17,000 miles) and came from a single owner. I had the bike fully serviced after buying itfluids flushed, brakes and tires checked (both were already in great condition). There was an oil leak that turned out to be the oil pan gasket and a damaged speed sensor O-ring, both of which have been fixed. The rear brake works well but seems just a little softer than I am used to. Not sure if its just this bike, may look into master cylinder rebuild down the road.
Overall, the bike seems to be in great shape and mechanically sound. My plan is to keep it for at least 34 years. Before this, I had a 2014 Road King (Rushmore). I owned it for seven years and really regret selling itgreat bike.
Im 5'10" and about 165 lbs. I find the bars on the Ultra Classic feel a bit low for me, so Im thinking about getting taller handlebars. What kind of mods do people typically do on these bikes? Would you recommend spending the money on upgrades, or should I just enjoy it stock for now?
Also, are there any known issues or common problems with the 2008 Ultra Classic that I should be aware of? Appreciate any input!
I would be ready to replace the compensator. I have an 08 and mine stated causing me starting issues right around 30k miles. After doing some research it seems the stock compensator was an issue for the early 96ci engines. The stock compensator was the same as the 88ci engines and it didn't seem to hold up. Couple of options for replacement Screaming Eagle or several after market options.
The only other issue I had was the connection to the throttle body. There is a Service bulletin ( bulletin # TT418A) on fretting of the connections and/or broken wires at the connection point. If this happens the TBW does not know where the throttle position is and defaults to limp mode. I replaced the pin connectors in the connector and have not had an issue since then.
I now have 109K miles on mine. I rebuilt the engine at around 95k miles, there was no real issues with it at the time I just wanted to tighten it up and get a little more HP so my 96ci is now a 107ci.
I would say if it ain't broke, don't fix it. For now, just go slow and enjoy it; see what ideas you get (cosmetic or otherwise) as you gain experience with the bike.
That's what I'm thinking. I've put about 2000 miles this this summer on it, with three trips of 300 miles each. My gut says to run it stock for next year as well. And see how the bike does and kind of go from there.
front and rear suspension - you will thank me later. Never me a set of stock HD handlebars I liked.
Ditto. I took delivery of my new-to-me '06 Ultra Classic a couple months ago. The rear shocks are totally clapped out. I'm thinking Pro Action based on reps from others; YMMV. The front end will be looked into, but for now seems ok. Let us know what you do.
front and rear suspension - you will thank me later. Never me a set of stock HD handlebars I liked.
I would agree with this.
It's a deep rabbit hole. I bought my 08 and I am the second owner. Original owner did the 103 kit, cams, intake, exhaust. They put a fuel pak on it and not a proper tuner. So I trashed that and got the SE race tuner and had a buddy retune it.
Taller bars. Better grips. Custom seat. Ditch the tourpak to remove weight and lower center of gravity. Custom stereo cause stock sucks.
It's like tattoos, once you start it is hard to stop.
Got 75K on it now. Plan to ride it till the engine pops. Then build something ridiculous out of it.
I was use to taller bars when I got my Ultra Limited and like you I thought I needed to change them out, a guy told me not to change them out until after the second year I had the bike. As it turn out for me, once the bike sat for over the winter for a few months and I got on it the following year, I didn't mind the lower stock bars as much and I am still running them to this day. Sometimes your mind thinks you need stuff that you really don't, just be sure taller bars are what you really need and not just a fumigation of your imagination ...
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2008 Ultra Classic - Mods Recommended
