08 or 09 ultra classic
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 26
YES. Get the 09. MASSIVE improvements.
All new frame: handles much tighter, more stable.
All new motor mounts: less vibration, more stable frame
New final gearing: 07 and 08 were geared too tall. Sixth was useless below 70 if not 75. My 09 goes into 6th at 60 with no problem. Much better acceleration as well.
Fatter rear tire: from a 140 to a 180. More meat on the road, and it looks good too.
Lower profile front tire: Handles even better at slow speed, looks nicer too.
New exhaust routing to keep heat out from under your crotch-jury is still out, I personally think it just MOVED the heat somewhere else, not eliminated it.
Cleaner rear fender with no "grab bar" looping over it.
Saddlebags moved back 1/2 inch, no longer rub passenger in the back of the calve.
Bags hold 5 lbs each more than before. Overall bike load rating has gone up 95 lbs.
Suspension is much better. You no longer need to max out the air in the shocks to get a decent ride.
I have owned an 03, 05, and 07 prior to the 09. Do NOT go with the 08 if your just buying now. Its not worth the 1-2 thousand you will save.
All new frame: handles much tighter, more stable.
All new motor mounts: less vibration, more stable frame
New final gearing: 07 and 08 were geared too tall. Sixth was useless below 70 if not 75. My 09 goes into 6th at 60 with no problem. Much better acceleration as well.
Fatter rear tire: from a 140 to a 180. More meat on the road, and it looks good too.
Lower profile front tire: Handles even better at slow speed, looks nicer too.
New exhaust routing to keep heat out from under your crotch-jury is still out, I personally think it just MOVED the heat somewhere else, not eliminated it.
Cleaner rear fender with no "grab bar" looping over it.
Saddlebags moved back 1/2 inch, no longer rub passenger in the back of the calve.
Bags hold 5 lbs each more than before. Overall bike load rating has gone up 95 lbs.
Suspension is much better. You no longer need to max out the air in the shocks to get a decent ride.
I have owned an 03, 05, and 07 prior to the 09. Do NOT go with the 08 if your just buying now. Its not worth the 1-2 thousand you will save.
Last edited by flyingace; Aug 23, 2008 at 06:05 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
09 has a bunch of changes, I suggest you go to the HD site and check them out, 08 is also a great bike but as you said little $ diff between the years. You might want to rent both and make your choice after a day on each. I recommend the ABS in either case.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
I know you must be blowin' smoke up our skirt, the 09's are incredible. The differences, while definable, are beyond words. Go ride the two for an hour each, and tell us which one you want to live with.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 157
I have ABS on my 08 Ultra but it's funny when just a few years ago when someone would mention that Harley should offer ABS on their touring bikes like Honda has for years on their touring bikes, most folks said that ABS has no place on a motorcycle. How times have changed. I suppose in a few years when the motor company offers an airbag on their bikes like Honda has offered on their Goldwing for the past couple years, folks will say to get the airbag. Where as now, I'm sure 99% of H-D riders would never consider an airbag on their bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,961
Likes: 263
From: Conroe Texas
Yeah 08, Honda did it to sell a bunch of bikes to Beemer driving Yuppies who wanted to be cool with their two wheeled Capucino sewing machines (not knocking the GW just their target customers), HD did when they felt like it. If I did not live in So Fla and ride in the rain 50% of the time in the summer I dont know if I would have considered it.
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Joe Kucinski
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
I'm sticking my 08. Personally the changes made to the 09's wouldn't warrant me trading my bike in. Before the 09's came out, all people could talk about was how great the 08's are. Everyone ooohh'd and aaahhh'd over the 6 gallon tank, Brembo brakes, optional ABS, TBW, etc.... The year before that it was the '07 model with 6 speed tranny and TC96. The point is, every year Harely makes changes. Some years the changes are more substantial than others. The question is are you happy with your bike or a specific model year without feeling the need to change just because HD made a couple new changes for the upcoming year?
Now if I didn't already own a bike, I might give more consideration to the '09 versus the '08. However I would need to ride both bikes first and then compare the cost difference to know whethe or not it was worth it.
Now if I didn't already own a bike, I might give more consideration to the '09 versus the '08. However I would need to ride both bikes first and then compare the cost difference to know whethe or not it was worth it.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
I Rode the 09 and found that the seat was raised and it seemed that the center of balance was higher up. Also, the one I rode (dealer demo) had screamin Eagle pipes on it(only thing available) and they sounded like a sick Honda. I was not impressed. I Bought an 08 ULtra that a freind of mine was going to trade in(completly decked out) and I am selling my 07 Ultra. Frankly the 07 seat is more comfortable than the 08, but I wanted ABS and the cableless throttle. I have ridden for years and I don't like the 09's that well.
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