2006 Ultra or an 09
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
2006 Ultra or an 09
I was hoping to get some of your opinions on the 2006 Ultra
I have found a beauty of a machine, and wanted to make sure there was no issues with this model year
I have heard the paint was defective but this one has a custom paint job, and I have also heard of cold engine stalling in this same year. Supposedly MoCo had a recall that corrected the problem. The bike is listed for $18,600 and has 15,547 miles is that low or high, what???
I have a perfectly good Fatboy that I am ridding currently but want something for long hauls and more wind protection. The 06 Ultra Has Stage 1, tons of chrome, Full Rinehart exhaust, custom chrome wheels, I could go on and on any advice would help should I get this one or go for an 09 Ultra? I test rode an 09 and love it, rides like a dream, but this 06 has everything that I would ever install already so that would save me thousands of dollars I figure at least $7,000!
Thanks guys and Gals!
I have a perfectly good Fatboy that I am ridding currently but want something for long hauls and more wind protection. The 06 Ultra Has Stage 1, tons of chrome, Full Rinehart exhaust, custom chrome wheels, I could go on and on any advice would help should I get this one or go for an 09 Ultra? I test rode an 09 and love it, rides like a dream, but this 06 has everything that I would ever install already so that would save me thousands of dollars I figure at least $7,000!
Thanks guys and Gals!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
We have had no issues with our '06 Ultra, other than it still had the original style cam tensioners, which are prone to failure. We did a pre-emptive strike and replaced with Andrews 21G's and now are even more satisfied. Cost about a $1000 total to upgrade, with dealer labor to install ($320), and a complete kit from ebay.
The '06 is the last of the TC 88's, so it has all the upgrades for the 88's, which have been numerous over the years.
The '06 is the last of the TC 88's, so it has all the upgrades for the 88's, which have been numerous over the years.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
06 Ultra
I recently purchased an 06 Ultra. Had the stage1 done, boatloads of chrome add ons, all the pack trims, chrome rails, luggage rack, side bag top rails, speaker upgrades, shorty antennas, LED highlight pkg on motor & pipes, new rear tire, etc, all service records and the original owner transferred the remaining 4 years of the 7 year extended warranty (covered until 2/2013). He also gave me all the stock accessories he had. Mileage was 13K and I picked it up for just under $15K. I definately got a deal IMHO, but he also needed cash.
I have now put 1400 miles on it since May and haven't had any issues. I searched many forums as you have done, but haven't really found any issues with this year. If the bike was maintained well in my opinion you won't see problems. I just had the 15K service done on it recently, by the HD mechanic who had been doing the servicing from the previous owner. He is well respected and said the bike was in great shape, and found no issues.
I will start doing my own servicing from here on, as I love working on my own stuff. I explained to the mechanicthat he would be my source for any major mechanicals if needed or stuff I couldn't figure out which he said was fine with him.
I gave up riding for 25 years due to raising a child. But they are now grown and I want to live again. I always said my next bike would be a full bagger, and went all in with this Ultra. I can say I am totally satisfied, but suffer one issue. I am constantly visiting shops to see what I can add or make a change to make this mine now, but the original owner left me little areas to work with, but I have found a few new items.
I recently added a light assembly under the Ultra Classic logo. Its an LED assembly that just makes a difference. Also I am adding the brake, turn and running light assembly kit. I want to be seen! More lights the better IMHO. Good luck with your decision.
I have now put 1400 miles on it since May and haven't had any issues. I searched many forums as you have done, but haven't really found any issues with this year. If the bike was maintained well in my opinion you won't see problems. I just had the 15K service done on it recently, by the HD mechanic who had been doing the servicing from the previous owner. He is well respected and said the bike was in great shape, and found no issues.
I will start doing my own servicing from here on, as I love working on my own stuff. I explained to the mechanicthat he would be my source for any major mechanicals if needed or stuff I couldn't figure out which he said was fine with him.
I gave up riding for 25 years due to raising a child. But they are now grown and I want to live again. I always said my next bike would be a full bagger, and went all in with this Ultra. I can say I am totally satisfied, but suffer one issue. I am constantly visiting shops to see what I can add or make a change to make this mine now, but the original owner left me little areas to work with, but I have found a few new items.
I recently added a light assembly under the Ultra Classic logo. Its an LED assembly that just makes a difference. Also I am adding the brake, turn and running light assembly kit. I want to be seen! More lights the better IMHO. Good luck with your decision.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Value of an '09
I test rode an '09 Road King today. I have to agree that the new frame has substantial value. Whether it's $7K? I don't know. That's a lot of money you're saving. I only rode that bike for about 45 minutes, but boy, when you lean that thing into a turn it's like no big bike I've ridden before. Not that I'm Mr. Experienced on the big baggers, but I was definitely impressed. I would think it would make an even greater difference with the additional weight of the Ultra.
It will be great either way you decide to go.
It will be great either way you decide to go.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
Well I suppose it all depends on what's important to you. It sounds like you really like the '06 model and the idea of saving $7,000 is very appealing, not to mention that the bike is already dialed in exactly the way you would want it; based on that I'd go with the '06. As for me, I waited awhile to replace my '03 Ultra but as soon as the '08's became available I pulled the trigger. All of the upgrades/improvements was what cinched the deal for me. Then a year later HD goes and changes the entire frame and rear end. Had I known that I would have waited an extra year. Oh well...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Well I suppose it all depends on what's important to you. It sounds like you really like the '06 model and the idea of saving $7,000 is very appealing, not to mention that the bike is already dialed in exactly the way you would want it; based on that I'd go with the '06. As for me, I waited awhile to replace my '03 Ultra but as soon as the '08's became available I pulled the trigger. All of the upgrades/improvements was what cinched the deal for me. Then a year later HD goes and changes the entire frame and rear end. Had I known that I would have waited an extra year. Oh well...
Your 08 has the 96 and the 6 speed so at least you have that. IMO those are the only things this one is missing but on the other hand 06 was as good as the 88 can get!
I thought about selling out right but even trying that will be a pain since an 09 is 16,500 now I would be lucky to get 15,500 out of it even with all the extras I have added. Should have went with an ultra to start with but I think most people go through this transition.
Yeah think I am going to lean toward the 06 and see what happens, this bike is special, and I watched everyone that came in the store stop and look at it before they moved on. A few even seemed very interested in buying it so I think I will see what the bank says and take the trade in the paints and not look back
Not planning on trading this one until its paid off then I will probably keep it.
Thanks everyone for the input!
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: Dover DE
I'd go with the 09 for a ton of reasons. Frame, engine, 6 speed....do I need to continue??
Face it, your gonna dump a lot of money into what ever bike you get. Might as well start with a much more superior bike for a few grand more.
Re'
Face it, your gonna dump a lot of money into what ever bike you get. Might as well start with a much more superior bike for a few grand more.
Re'
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 665
Likes: 1
From: North Yorkshire
Can you test ride the 06? Personally I think ride and feel is more important that bits or bling (you can add them later over time). If the 09 felt way better than the 06 I would go 09, if the difference was not worth $7000 to you then go 06. Good luck.
