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i will probably catch alot of grief for this but oh well, i do not recommend anyone to buy a bike with the 96 motor and until the moco puts a new design in i will not recommend the product. i am not saying the motor is not reliable. i am saying it runs hot, very hot and the heat comes from the exhaust and the fairing amplifies it. google harley heat issues and you will see. sorry if i bummed anyone out but just giving my 2 cents.
What ?. My eyes, My eyes !.
Can't believe I'm reading your quote above even though I own an '09 Ultra with 96" engine. Never one heat issue out of my bike, Not one a bit that's for sure as well as for the new exhaust design. I can say this new exhaust system's working very well alot better than my old '06 RKC.
Welcome to the forum and good luck with whichever you buy.
If you haven't been on a bike in awhile, please...please consider taking a motorcycle safety course. Much like you, I was away from bike riding for many years (college, career, kids...you know the story) but when the ol' lady and I decided to buy a bike I took a safety course offered locally by ABATE. It was the best money I have ever spent on myself or my bike.
Can't believe I'm reading your quote above even though I own an '09 Ultra with 96" engine. Never one heat issue out of my bike, Not one a bit that's for sure as well as for the new exhaust design. I can say this new exhaust system's working very well alot better than my old '06 RKC.
uhmm look over to the right of this page do you not see the flashing sign that says do you remember burning your inner thighs v-twin heat deflectors. by the way they are a great product thanks rj =D. or the advertisement for no more fried thighs. well one good thing the heat keeps a cool guy like rj in buisness.
Last edited by poppa cooter; Apr 21, 2009 at 08:38 AM.
I would like to thank everyone who replied to my questions. The Harley Ultra Classic runs around 26,000.00 cdn here. There is a screaming eagle on the floor for 39,000.00 cdn. Is there anywhere close to Nova Scotia where you could get one cheaper. Tks again.
one more question, the 3 bikes that I selected, is one any harder to balance than the other.
uhmm look over to the right of this page do you not see the flashing sign that says do you remember burning your inner thighs v-twin heat deflectors. by the way they are a great product thanks rj =D. or the advertisement for no more fried thighs. well one good thing the heat keeps a cool guy like rj in buisness.
Pay attention !. This guy was blantantly speaking of '09 heating problems since I own an '09 with heat deflectors. Absolutely nothing wrong with my '09. Understand with the '08's and previous years where all Tourers had their real heating problems as I experienced it with my '06 RKC.
The Ultra is a great touring bike - I'm sure your significant other would be quite comfortable riding shotgun. The cruise control is really handy - it spoiled me - ditto the radio (never thought I'd use it).
The 96 engine does have heat issues - not on the highway but in stop-n-go. The new machines have a parade mode that triggers in overheat - shutting down the rear cylinder (bike at rest) until the throttle is engaged. Heat might no be an issue in Canada.
If you're considering a used (07) 96, be aware there was a characteristic clatter in 5th gear. If you test drive the bike, take it on the highway and cruise in 5th - if the bike has not been retrofitted you'll notice one gawd-awful clatter. The problem is a result of reflected energy from the rear sprocket, being reflected back throught the spur-cut 5th gear - very noticeable! (EXTREMELY NOTICEABLE). The new bikes were modified with a so-called cush drive. A kit is available for the 07's entitled the Isolated Drive Sprocket (IDS) for $300+. The noise does not compromise the integrity of the tranny.
Lastly, the Ultra is a big, powerful motorcycle - a dream on the highway. THAT being said, like all big bikes slow speed handling can be an education - and even more so, two up. There is a good CD entitled, "Ride Like a Pro" - I'd recommend it (highly).
If you're taking the wife....get the Ultra. It's a great bike; a bit top-heavy at slow speeds but the "Ride like a Pro" video and a little practice will have you tossing her around in no time. I thought I'd be taking off the T-Pack for cruising around town but dang that thing's handy. And scuse me but you're in Canada and you're waiting till the end of summer to buy?
Pay attention !. This guy was blantantly speaking of '09 heating problems since I own an '09 with heat deflectors. Absolutely nothing wrong with my '09. Understand with the '08's and previous years where all Tourers had their real heating problems as I experienced it with my '06 RKC.
i was paying attention and yes i know he is talking about the 09's. what you think i have never rode an 09, i have a family member that has an 09 and it is just as hot as my 07. the 96 is still a hot running engine regardless what ever exhaust changes and plastic you put on it. he asked for peoples opinion so i gave him my honest opinion and you got to come along and try to make me out to be a liar. why not just give him your opinion and leave it at that. if i was honest with him i don't see what your problem is. it never fails say one little thing negative and true about harley and watch how upset people get. by the way if the 96 did not have a heat problem you would not see all the little gadgets and things to help the driver keep his core temperature down, yes they know there is a big heat problem with this motor and it would be better for them to just start with a whole new motor design before they burn all their future patrons.
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