'09 Ultra test ride disappointing
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,942
Likes: 7
From: guntersville, al
don't forget the ultra is pushing a lot of air and packing more weight. i traded my 2001 RK for a 2009 RK and there is a world of difference. like getting out of a corvair and into a camaro. i can tell the difference when i install my quick detach fairing after riding with a windshield. the fairing really slows me down.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
I wouldn't buy an Ultra without a 103 Stage II kit. I rode mine stock for about 10,000 miles before adding it. It went from being ok, to being great! I can't imagine what a Headquarters kit with heads would do for it....If you buy it (SE Stage II) before you take delivery, I think the warranty is unaffected.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 1
Not really a complaint I think. It's just the nature of the beast. It's the heaviest bike they sell and it feels down on power because of it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,449
Likes: 46
From: Roswell, GA
The 96" engine provides basically the same power on the Touring bikes that the 88" motor did--HD probably increased the size (stroke) to cover the loss of power from EPA required changes.
Riding without a fairing/windshield on a softail or Dyna always "feels" much faster than my EG because of the wind.
Doubt you'd find much actual difference between Touring models of 88" or 96", except that the '09's have a different rear sprocket lowering the final gearing and multiplying the engine's available torque faster.
Riding without a fairing/windshield on a softail or Dyna always "feels" much faster than my EG because of the wind.
Doubt you'd find much actual difference between Touring models of 88" or 96", except that the '09's have a different rear sprocket lowering the final gearing and multiplying the engine's available torque faster.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 808
Likes: 1
From: so.jersey
dissapointment
however if you take the same 3-5 grand you put in your 88 "to make it a 95"
you will gain quite a bit of smile power probably to the tune of 103" or 110"
it's just me thinking aloud
you will gain quite a bit of smile power probably to the tune of 103" or 110"
it's just me thinking aloud
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
I don't know if it is a complaint, it is a comparison between the 88 and 96. Personally I kind of thought a stage I 88 was equal (apple to apple) to a stock 96. I agree the fairing blocking the wind may have some to do with it, but I never got above 45mph. It was the pull I was missing. My 02 pulls from the moment I let out the clutch up through the top end. The 08 Ultra didn't start to pull at least until 3500rpms. Now I can see that extra 80 lbs making a difference, but it is still kind of a shock (disapointment) I have to get around before buying the Ultra.
Beary
Beary
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 8,051
Likes: 50
From: Florence, MT (Bitterroot Valley)
Very interesting thread. First I've really heard of the complaints on the 09's. Didn't think I had my head in the sand, but perhaps. Still waiting on pulling the trigger. I haven't liked the idea of buying a stroked motor from ground zero. Just don't think that was the smart way to go. They (MOCO) just wanted to use jugs and heads from the 88's without retooling. I think now that they've changed the frame, wheels, etc., that the engine will be modified as well, w/o the stroked motor. At least I hope so.
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Joe Kucinski
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Before I test rode the 09 I rode an 06 Ultra and it just seemed like it could run away from the 09. I'm not complaining just trying to make an informed purchase. I am planning to ride an 09 street glide just for comparison. I figure I don't really need the trunk, but I want the fairing and electronics.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
I'm extremely happy with the performance of my Heritage, but we are wanting to take some longer trips and I need an Ultra. The salesman said that for about $850 I could have a fuel management system and different pipes installed to give the Ultra a little more kick, but with all of the towns around me handing out tickets for aftermarket exhausts I'm leery about doing it. How does the '09 pull compared to an '06? It just seems that with luggage and wife on back the 09 will be dragging.
I wouldn't take any advice from a salesman. Go an talk to a couple of good indy
shops,and you'll come away knowing what works and what dosen't.