Considering new Ultra
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 408
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RE: Considering new Ultra
I have the 08 because I wanted the ABS, and I could not be happier.
I have had ZERO problems with my UC, except that the weather has gotten nasty and I have passed out in the garage 8 times now rinning it witht he door closed.
Seriously, I have had not one problem with the bike. Only add ons are things I want, rider backrest (I am getting old), extended Pass pegs (wifey is short), stuff that I feel will make my bike more enjoyable to ride, look better or protect my bike(tour pak chrome luggage rack), or be safer to ride (added the running light conversion kit).
I think most of the folks here with 08's really love them and have had few problems.
I have had ZERO problems with my UC, except that the weather has gotten nasty and I have passed out in the garage 8 times now rinning it witht he door closed.
Seriously, I have had not one problem with the bike. Only add ons are things I want, rider backrest (I am getting old), extended Pass pegs (wifey is short), stuff that I feel will make my bike more enjoyable to ride, look better or protect my bike(tour pak chrome luggage rack), or be safer to ride (added the running light conversion kit).
I think most of the folks here with 08's really love them and have had few problems.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 976
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Considering new Ultra
ORIGINAL: jpooch00
Hi Doug,
When you have a chance, could you elaborate on the problems that you've had with it and the dealer's responses??
Many thanks,
John
Hi Doug,
When you have a chance, could you elaborate on the problems that you've had with it and the dealer's responses??
Many thanks,
John
The 08's are still too new for anyone to really make comments on maintenance and problems..
Sorry if my post to your thread ended up looking like a negative... but I wanted it to look like a turd in a banana cream pie anyway.. Good hunting and remember most forum members are good honest people who won't try NOT to stear you wrong but for obvious reasons.... most all 08 owners become mini-dealers for Harley..
Just my thoughts and opnion stated here.... as it is my right to do so.... as it is yours...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
Likes: 6
From: Livingston, Texas
RE: Considering new Ultra
O.K. I didn't git a Ultra, Got a standard. got 2800 miles on it. Haven't had a problem. Bike runs and handles nice. My buddy did git a 08 Ultra, he didn't git the ABS brakes and after yesterday he's glad he didn't have them. He was riding down the road, a kid on a bike turned left in front of him, He hit his back brake and turned the steering wheel to his left and the bike slid sideways into the other bike, bent the foot peg down on the other bike. He stated he thinks if he had ABS he wouldn't of been able to come out of the wreck as good. He still has his 07 bike and likes the heck out of his 08.
Let it get a little colder and sales are down at the dealer, Bet you can find a good deal on the 08. I like the drive by wire.
I had 2 07 bikes and something seems different about the motor on the 08. I would go for a 08. The crank easier too. The started dragged some on my 07. The 08 is smooth on the starter. transmission shifts a little better. The IDS is already on the bike.
They changed the motor mount on the 08 to a top bracket with a stablizler arm.
I like the 6 gallon tank better also. Gives you a little more room to breathe on long hauls.
The speedo has a reserve milage showing you how long before you run out of gas. Even when the light comes on. The 08 has 4 piston Brembo brakes that are better.
They come out with a new touring seat for 08 that I really like.
If this isn't enough change go see a knowlegable dealer and ask him the differences.
But if you think the deal of about 1000 off on a 07 is better go for it.
I had the choice of several 07's at several dealerships. I went for the 08 and glad I did.
Let it get a little colder and sales are down at the dealer, Bet you can find a good deal on the 08. I like the drive by wire.
I had 2 07 bikes and something seems different about the motor on the 08. I would go for a 08. The crank easier too. The started dragged some on my 07. The 08 is smooth on the starter. transmission shifts a little better. The IDS is already on the bike.
They changed the motor mount on the 08 to a top bracket with a stablizler arm.
I like the 6 gallon tank better also. Gives you a little more room to breathe on long hauls.
The speedo has a reserve milage showing you how long before you run out of gas. Even when the light comes on. The 08 has 4 piston Brembo brakes that are better.
They come out with a new touring seat for 08 that I really like.
If this isn't enough change go see a knowlegable dealer and ask him the differences.
But if you think the deal of about 1000 off on a 07 is better go for it.
I had the choice of several 07's at several dealerships. I went for the 08 and glad I did.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee, WI
RE: Considering new Ultra
Nothing that different between the 07's and 08's as far as the "problems" are concerned. I have an 07 SG and love it. Changes are pretty limited to "fix" the issues. IDS stock, 6 gal tank, abs option and a few other minor things. 08 is still going to run just as hot as an 07. Just a though... There are a few add ons that really make any HD "almost" perfect. If you are looking for perfection out of the box you may want to keep looking. Thats not to knock these bikes at all. I love them and would buy another in a heartbeat. Harleys are not the place to save money. IMO at the very least slipons, new air cleaner, fuel management, highway pegs are necessary. This allows you to stretch your legs on trips and for the engine to run properly since the MOCO has to lean it out so much (make it hot) to meet epa regs. I suppose you could get by without these things but why stop at 21k when 22k is so much better! Just my .02. Good luck with your choice.
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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 just wanted to convey my sincerest thanks and appreciation to all of the good folks on this forum for taking the time to give me their opinions and advice about the '08 Ultras. I really appreciate your help and I'm gonna be placing my order for one next month.
Thanks again and ya'll ride safe,
John
Thanks again and ya'll ride safe,
John
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Considering new Ultra
I have a new 08 Ultra with my name on it at the dealer right now. White/Black pearl with ABS. I'm doin' the pee-pee dance just waiting for Monday when I can pick it up.I can't offer advice on the bike other than to say I believe it will be a nice step up from the 03 RKC. And, my wife is going to be one happy camper.
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Novice
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Considering new Ultra
I had an 07 Ultra that I bought in August 06. I put 10600 miles on it and had a lot of problems with it. I did love the bike when it ran OK except for the clatter in 6th gear and the whine in 5th gear.
I worked with the dealer and moved to an 08 in August this year. In my opinion there is no comparison between the 2 bikes.
The engine seems to have more bottom endso I think that the cams are different, The new top engine mount seems to stabilize the bike in the corners, The noise in 5th gear (whine) isn't half as bad as the 07 was.The clatter is gone thanks to the IDS. The brembo brakes are a lot better. The larger tank is OK and the new guage that counts down the remaining distance till empty is cool. I also like the new seat.
I believe that this is the best bike I have ever owned. I joke with the guys at the shop that it is so smooth it is almost metric.
Later....
I worked with the dealer and moved to an 08 in August this year. In my opinion there is no comparison between the 2 bikes.
The engine seems to have more bottom endso I think that the cams are different, The new top engine mount seems to stabilize the bike in the corners, The noise in 5th gear (whine) isn't half as bad as the 07 was.The clatter is gone thanks to the IDS. The brembo brakes are a lot better. The larger tank is OK and the new guage that counts down the remaining distance till empty is cool. I also like the new seat.
I believe that this is the best bike I have ever owned. I joke with the guys at the shop that it is so smooth it is almost metric.
Later....
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 776
Likes: 2
From: Houston,tx
RE: Considering new Ultra
I purchased my 07'Ultra in Nov 06' added the sert slipons and the IDS and have over 15,000 miles with no issues bike runs great!Beware the 08's will have the same heat issues as the 07's also same engine/ trans as 07' IDS was oe on 08' model jmo
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