Observations of my new 08 Ultra
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 51
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From: san diego, ca
Observations of my new 08 Ultra
Just picked up the bike a few days ago, been riding a bit and here are my first impressions:
1. It is much hotter running than my 03 RG or 06 Heritage......I have ridden in 70-80 degree temps so far and the diff is quite noticeable.....will be getting the heat shields soon but have not decided which ones yet......I would imagine that 100+ temps will be quite interesting.........
2. The whine in 5th is really not there but it is very noticeable in 1st......Anyone else with this 1st gear whine???? Is this an issue of concern or common?????? In first, with no other traffic around, it almost sounds like an siren close by........
3. Have not gotten used to the key fob/security system yet....I used to always keep a spare key/fob onotherbikes, hidden somewhere, but with the new proxmity system that is impossible.......
4. Love the bike so far....Will quickly get to the stage one upgrade and probably detachable top pack.....Trip to Death Valley pending from hometown San Diego.........
Steve
08 Ultra
1. It is much hotter running than my 03 RG or 06 Heritage......I have ridden in 70-80 degree temps so far and the diff is quite noticeable.....will be getting the heat shields soon but have not decided which ones yet......I would imagine that 100+ temps will be quite interesting.........
2. The whine in 5th is really not there but it is very noticeable in 1st......Anyone else with this 1st gear whine???? Is this an issue of concern or common?????? In first, with no other traffic around, it almost sounds like an siren close by........
3. Have not gotten used to the key fob/security system yet....I used to always keep a spare key/fob onotherbikes, hidden somewhere, but with the new proxmity system that is impossible.......
4. Love the bike so far....Will quickly get to the stage one upgrade and probably detachable top pack.....Trip to Death Valley pending from hometown San Diego.........
Steve
08 Ultra
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 27
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RE: Observations of my new 08 Ultra
Hey Steve, I have had my 08 Ultra now for a week. The first day I rode it home from the dealer it had winey sounds on downshift in first, second and third gears. For the colder weather I put the tall windshield on and you know you hear all the loose screw sounds etc of the engine even more. Anyway the next day I put a pair of plugs in my ears and took her out for a good 300 mile run. I ran it just a little on the hard side but kept the revs below 4000. Whining sounds are gone. Engine sounds great and runs great. Still just a little whine in first but that should leave after awhile. Dont be afraid to brake the engine in. Should be ok by the 1000 mile service.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 518
Likes: 11
From: atlanta ga
RE: Observations of my new 08 Ultra
SD1209 have 08 ultra with 2500 miles. put in 20 50 ams syn oil in trans 1st and 5th whine much quieter. changed exaust to v+h duals + can bareley hear whine + much less heat. bike is great lol
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 94
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From: casper wy
RE: Observations of my new 08 Ultra
hi i picked up my 08 ultra anniversary with sidecar 3 weeks ago. i had the 103 stage II put in it. i have little transmission noise. however it could use a little more power. here in wy at 5000 ft the air is thinner. headed into a 25 mph head wind it will not pull sixth gear at 80 mph. otherwise it runs great. the dealer is still trying to get the codes to go away on the ecm. there is a glitch. it thinks its in california
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 5
From: Chicago, IL.
RE: Observations of my new 08 Ultra
Get some kind of fuel tuner on there and the heat issue will be gone. I personally think the alarm system is useless. If someone really wants your bike they will pick it up, put it in the back of a truck, and be gone. I had no choice but to get a alarm thats all the dealer by me orders. If you want to get rid of the alarm have your dealer put your bike in "service mode" than flip the batteries in your key fob backwards. Now the alarm is uninstalled and will not re-arm until you flip the batteries back and your key fob is in close proximity.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 499
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RE: Observations of my new 08 Ultra
The Stage 1 upgrade really reduced the heat and the syn3 oil quieted things down. The responsiveness of the bike also picked up. Now while riding in the mid-30's, I could use some of that heat back. Brrr. The tranny sound in 5th pretty much went away. The sound in 1st is no big deal. Don't you like them Brembos. Wow. They are great. Wait until your 1000 mile service to see if you really want those heat shields; you may not need them anymore. Definitely add the tour-pak rack.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2007
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RE: Observations of my new 08 Ultra
Oh, one more thing. I got used to the new key-security system right away. It is nice. I just keep the minimum number of keys on my bike set so its easy to keep in the pocket all the time. After I get home though, I have to remember to have the keys in my pocket when I move the bike around or it gets upset and puts on a light show.
