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just got our 08 sg this is my second hd 1st new and i dont think hd could have made a better bike ( except for the seat) the wife and i love it rinehart true duals stge 1 ride it hard and put it away wet
There are all kinds of opinions here. Most negative you'll find are from peeps that have 06 or earlier models bagging on the newer 07-08. Do they run hot? Yes! But it's an air cooled engine with VERY LARGE pistons. Stage 1 or any aftermarket programmers will cool it down. Is 5th gear loud? Yes! But there is nothing mechanically wrong with it. 5th uses straight cut gears. Ever heard the tranny in a race car? Same thing. I kind of like it. The added 6th gear is awesome.
I was in the same boat as you, but decided on the 07 because of the Higher resale value, Bigger Motor, 6th Gear, Easy pull Clutch. I didn't want the 08 due to the fly by wire throttle and even higher EPA Regs. The new 08 Tank and Seat are not interchangeable with 07 and earlier models. Most dealers are very reluctant to do any motor upgrades on the 08's. Not even exhaust here in Socal. BUT!!! The 08's are turning out to be very trouble free also... That extra 1 gallon of gas would be sweet.
Just my $.02... I've had 0 issues with my 07. Could not be happier!
Dan
i'll agree with everything you've said here except for one thing. epa regs did not change between 07 and 08. the 08s should run just about the same temp as the 07s (which in stock form is hot.....) the next change in epa regs is slated for 2010.
Your mechanics bumped their heads. Go and get your self an 08 and enjoy it.
I had an 07 Heritage (9700 miles) PCIII and TMAXand now an 08 Street Glide (650 miles) SERTand so far only had to replace a key fob.... Knock on wood.
Bottom line is you have to add pipes or slip ons and A/C. Richen it up with a fuel management system and you are good to go. Just be prepaired to spend some money unless you buy a used one already done up.
On the 08 I installed my own pipes , A/C , and MAP. I Bought a MAP from Latus. The best combo and best running bike Ive had so far.
I always like to listen to complaints about the 6-speed trannies. I wonder how many guys complained when HD went from a 4-speed box to a 5-speed. My brother's bagger back in the 70's sure clunked those gears home nice and solid. Talk about a big MPH range for each gear! Anyway, 5th is noisy, but 6th at 80 is great!
5th gear whine was a bit louder on the 07 but Red Line Shockproof stopped the whine on both. Both Trannys shift like butter.
The green 6 always brings a smile to my face!!!!!!!!!
or
Buy a model that has a radioand CRANK THE Ba$tard UP!!!!!!
Ignore the haters. There's nothing wrong with an 07-08 is that's what you want. Lots of pluses to the 6-speed and long stroke 96". More so if you go '08 and get the 6 gallon tank and ABS. The mild heat issue is only a problem during the summer temps and as many have already said, a stage 1 kit cools them right down.
Uh-oh. I guess I better sell my '07 since I live in FL and summer heat is on the way. Naaaaaaah.... It turned 1 year old this month,loved it last summer and it was hot then too, soI guess I cankeep it
Stage 1 from day 1 with V/H ovals and added IDS even though I had no "problems" with trans noise. Justless drive-line chatter with it in there and I like it that way. 10K plus miles now and not a single mechanical problem of any kind - zero - zip - nada.
The 08 ultra is the best ever Harley for me. The six speed is awesome. Not near as much whining as we see on this forum. My SERT brought the temps down. On my 06, I put a SE 2-1 pipe and Race fueler that really knocked the heat down. One up or two up, the ultra is just a joy to ride.
A rider's opinion is best when it comes to comfort.
An H-D tech is best to fix a broken ride.
My 07 is hot and noisy. I would not have it any other way. It's a Harley.
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