Considering new Ultra
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Medford, Oregon
RE: Considering new Ultra
I too sat on the sidelines in 07 because of the trans noise issue discussed here. I'm sorry I did. However, I got the 08 Ultra with ABS and it is fantastic ... no problems. I encourage you not to wait. You may want to buy or place your order sooner than the spring, otherwise, you may not get what you want when you want it.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: SW Iowa
RE: Considering new Ultra
If you are going to wait, It will just cost you more money. Every year HD upgrades it's top of the line touring bikes with features and benefits to attract new buyers and trade ins. Trust me, if a new ultra classic is what you want, you'd better get it ordered and speced with options just like you want it now. It will still be a 90 day lead time to get it, or longer,and by then spring will be right around the corner. Don't wait they won't get any cheaper. The big touring bikes are selling even in this present poor assed, inflated economy. Get ready to pay MSRP on an ordered UC.
If you are waiting to buy a left over model year, then you will have to take what is on the show room floor that is being discounted. Might save a grand or $1500 from new, but also you will have to pay to add the new features you desire. I am not sure you can add ABS to an 07 ultra, but someone probably will put together a kit for add-ons.
The worst thing about waiting, is they may quit the air cooled 96 motor and go water cooled...Then what???
If you are waiting to buy a left over model year, then you will have to take what is on the show room floor that is being discounted. Might save a grand or $1500 from new, but also you will have to pay to add the new features you desire. I am not sure you can add ABS to an 07 ultra, but someone probably will put together a kit for add-ons.
The worst thing about waiting, is they may quit the air cooled 96 motor and go water cooled...Then what???
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,582
Likes: 72
From: North East
RE: Considering new Ultra
If you are waiting for the perfect bike that guarantees you that no upgrades are required to "make it right," get comfortable and while waiting consider another hobby. No motorcycle manufactured on this planet arrives perfect for everyone out of the box;not the ones manufactured in Milwaukee/York, PA, Minnesota, Ohio etc. If you are going to purchase a motorcycle make sure you bring along the commitmentwith the cash to "make it right" or do yourself a favor and take up another hobby. I've ridden for over 35 years and never owned the perfect motorcycle. My '99 and '07 Ultras have come as close to perfect as I've been and if you read enough threads on this forum you will be convinced those were two of the worst motorcycles ever manufactured. No disrespect to theother 35,000+ members of this forum, but if you want a broad based opinion of a motorcycle talk to several people that ride them in addition to those that visit this forum to complain about them.I love reading this forum but if you make your buying decision based solely on the input received here, you'll never buy your first bike.
And who wants the perfect bike!! That would be one less good reason to buy the next one.
Good luck.
Good luck.
And who wants the perfect bike!! That would be one less good reason to buy the next one.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
RE: Considering new Ultra
You now, I've yet to run across anyone with an 07 with troubles. I have talked to loads of people ....none have any troubles. I asked dealer about IDS. He's done two and said if no problems, leave it alone. He said the original setup (without IDS) is better. The only problem I hear about the 07's are on this forum. Glad I didn't listen to them.
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
RE: Considering new Ultra
I want to thank everyone for taking the time to post their widely-varied opinions regarding my questions about an '08 Ultra.
I guess that I'm fortunate that I have a dealership that will let me wait till April to order the bike I want. They will even let me test ride it before I buy it, and if I have a problem with it and decide against taking delivery on it, they will even give me my deposit back!
As far as the comment that there is no such thing as a "perfect bike", that is simply not accurate. If I shell out a bunch of money for a new car, it will eitherrun perfectly well when I test drive it or I won't buy it. Bikes are no different. I have bought several new bikes, both H-D's and Jap bikes,& every one ran great right out of the box. If I find that any further purchases are necessary to make an '08 Ultra perform satisfactorily, thenthey will be keeping it!
Anyway, thanks again for the input.
Ride safe, y'all,
John
I guess that I'm fortunate that I have a dealership that will let me wait till April to order the bike I want. They will even let me test ride it before I buy it, and if I have a problem with it and decide against taking delivery on it, they will even give me my deposit back!
As far as the comment that there is no such thing as a "perfect bike", that is simply not accurate. If I shell out a bunch of money for a new car, it will eitherrun perfectly well when I test drive it or I won't buy it. Bikes are no different. I have bought several new bikes, both H-D's and Jap bikes,& every one ran great right out of the box. If I find that any further purchases are necessary to make an '08 Ultra perform satisfactorily, thenthey will be keeping it!
Anyway, thanks again for the input.
Ride safe, y'all,
John
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Considering new Ultra
I think the main issue is DOLLARS versus FEATURES. The two main benefits of the '08s are ABS and the six gallon tank. If these are a must, then spend the extra bucks. If they are not, then go ahead and get an '07 and save thousands. I have an '08 but only because ABS was important to me. I certainly was not scared about buying an 07 because of quality issues.
The heat issue AND the noisy transmission can both be fixed by a different exhaust (either full system or slip-ons), a new air cleaner and an EFI remap, preferably with a unit than can give you good control over air/fuel ratios (if you get a canned download from Harley, it will still be too lean - lean mixture means hot running).
I have two friends with 07's - one has an Ultra and the other has a Street Glide. Both are superb, trouble-free machines. Either way, fear not!
The heat issue AND the noisy transmission can both be fixed by a different exhaust (either full system or slip-ons), a new air cleaner and an EFI remap, preferably with a unit than can give you good control over air/fuel ratios (if you get a canned download from Harley, it will still be too lean - lean mixture means hot running).
I have two friends with 07's - one has an Ultra and the other has a Street Glide. Both are superb, trouble-free machines. Either way, fear not!
Cruiser
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 134
Likes: 6
From: North Texas
RE: Considering new Ultra
Moved from an 01 Ultra to an 07 Ultra in July and have never looked back. No problems after 5,000 miles. I'm still wondering what the deal is with talk of transmission noise ... like so many others on here, I've not had any problems and don't see any reason for the ISD, at least not at this point. The only up side I see to the 08 is having a larger tank and the option of ABS. As someone else said, if you're looking for the perfect bike, you might consider a Huffy [sm=smiley20.gif]