Thoughts on the 2010 FHLTK
Thoughts on the 2010 FHLTK
All,
I am writing to inquire and solicit opinions from everyone on their thoughts concerning this years Ultra Classic Limited bike that is just starting to hit the streets. I've been holding off for the 2010s to come out and really like the look of the bike (colors, standard items that is coming with the bike most notably is the 103 motor). Anyway, before I pull the trigger on this I'd like some feedback from folks certainly more knowledgeable about HD's then me. This is my E-9/MGySgt promotion present to myself so I want to make it good. I would like a CVO Ultra but I just don't have the extra 11k to put into a bike.
I am writing to inquire and solicit opinions from everyone on their thoughts concerning this years Ultra Classic Limited bike that is just starting to hit the streets. I've been holding off for the 2010s to come out and really like the look of the bike (colors, standard items that is coming with the bike most notably is the 103 motor). Anyway, before I pull the trigger on this I'd like some feedback from folks certainly more knowledgeable about HD's then me. This is my E-9/MGySgt promotion present to myself so I want to make it good. I would like a CVO Ultra but I just don't have the extra 11k to put into a bike.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,955
Likes: 7
From: The Great Northwest
If it was me, and it is, I'd go with an 09 Ultra and do the upgrades myself. Heres why and some pros and cons IMHO.
1) The 103 is really the only thing I like about the Limited.
2) Don't really like any of the 2-tone colors. Black is always OK and the red/red aint bad I guess.
3) Don't need heated grips or an oil cooler.
4) Oh wait, there's that Cat in all the 2010 touring bikes so maybe you do need the oil cooler.
5) The luggage rack is nice and I would probably put one on anyway.
6) I like the bag guards and think they need to be there on an Ultra. They look good and provide a utility value. Limited doesn't have-em.
7) The guages are nice, wish I had-em, but if I was to choose, I'd go with the spun aluminum.
8) Extra 12v socket in the tourpack is a simple and inexpensive mod.
9) The new helical cut 5th gear is a total mystery to me. They always told us the straight gear was much stronger and thus the "whine" sound. So either they lied about that or they are now making the bikes with a weaker gear just to appease the biatches from complaining about the "whine".
10) You might be able to get the 09 for 1 or 2 grand below MSRP and probably pay full MSRP or more for the limited.
Anyway, that's just my worthless opinion.
Good luck with your choice and most importantly thanks for your service. You've more than earned this new bike so whatever you choose, CONGRATS!!
1) The 103 is really the only thing I like about the Limited.
2) Don't really like any of the 2-tone colors. Black is always OK and the red/red aint bad I guess.
3) Don't need heated grips or an oil cooler.
4) Oh wait, there's that Cat in all the 2010 touring bikes so maybe you do need the oil cooler.
5) The luggage rack is nice and I would probably put one on anyway.
6) I like the bag guards and think they need to be there on an Ultra. They look good and provide a utility value. Limited doesn't have-em.
7) The guages are nice, wish I had-em, but if I was to choose, I'd go with the spun aluminum.
8) Extra 12v socket in the tourpack is a simple and inexpensive mod.
9) The new helical cut 5th gear is a total mystery to me. They always told us the straight gear was much stronger and thus the "whine" sound. So either they lied about that or they are now making the bikes with a weaker gear just to appease the biatches from complaining about the "whine".
10) You might be able to get the 09 for 1 or 2 grand below MSRP and probably pay full MSRP or more for the limited.
Anyway, that's just my worthless opinion.
Good luck with your choice and most importantly thanks for your service. You've more than earned this new bike so whatever you choose, CONGRATS!!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
If you like the changes they made then the limited is a fairly good buy if you can get one for msrp and the color you like.
The only color I would consider is the 2 tone red but it will not be out until Oct... as I am told. The accessories (optional on the ultra classic) can be added little at a time with not much difference in price. Better deals out there on the 09's.
To my understanding the limited only has big bore pistons-103- with standard ultra cams.
You can have the 103 kit installed when you pick up the bike with the se255 cams, which is the heart of the tq. improvement. for about what you would save in difference. Touring rack is easy to install and not much money, oil cooler is another easy install but if you have it installed at purchase it will also be included in the warranty. Anything you have added at purchase will be included with the 2 year factory warranty. There may be some exceptions, not sure.
I agree with Clint55. This is a big investment for these times.
Get what you like, not what we like.
In God we Trust
Thank you for serving
dd
The only color I would consider is the 2 tone red but it will not be out until Oct... as I am told. The accessories (optional on the ultra classic) can be added little at a time with not much difference in price. Better deals out there on the 09's.
To my understanding the limited only has big bore pistons-103- with standard ultra cams.
You can have the 103 kit installed when you pick up the bike with the se255 cams, which is the heart of the tq. improvement. for about what you would save in difference. Touring rack is easy to install and not much money, oil cooler is another easy install but if you have it installed at purchase it will also be included in the warranty. Anything you have added at purchase will be included with the 2 year factory warranty. There may be some exceptions, not sure.
I agree with Clint55. This is a big investment for these times.
Get what you like, not what we like.
In God we Trust
Thank you for serving
dd
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I like it and would buy one, if I was into Ultras. It's a nice in between point between the Ultra and the CVO.
The only thing I don't like about it is the heated grips. They'd be nice I guess. I just don't need them here in Texas. I usually don't ride below 50 degrees anyway......and that only leaves out a few days a year here.
I'd say go for it.
The only thing I don't like about it is the heated grips. They'd be nice I guess. I just don't need them here in Texas. I usually don't ride below 50 degrees anyway......and that only leaves out a few days a year here.
I'd say go for it.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Remember, this thread asked for people's opinions - that's mine.
Last edited by jpooch00; Aug 5, 2009 at 05:04 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,867
Likes: 268
From: People's Republic of Boulder Colorado
Also, thank you for the sacrifices that you made in order to serve America in the Armed Forces!
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: nor-cal
It sounds like you've already decided that you like the look of the limited over the ultra so that is +1 for paint next is 103 again +1 with only $1485.00 difference in price I personally think it is a good deal. Around here it will cost more than that to have dealer install 103 on 09 or 10 so grips, oil cooler, chrome wheels, luggage rack are all gravy. And since you are active military don't you get discount off of msrp? With economy the way it is I would not buy anything for full (fool?) price.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,954
Likes: 148
From: Augusta, GA
If it was me, and it is, I'd go with an 09 Ultra and do the upgrades myself. Heres why and some pros and cons IMHO.
1) The 103 is really the only thing I like about the Limited.
2) Don't really like any of the 2-tone colors. Black is always OK and the red/red aint bad I guess.
3) Don't need heated grips or an oil cooler.
4) Oh wait, there's that Cat in all the 2010 touring bikes so maybe you do need the oil cooler.
5) The luggage rack is nice and I would probably put one on anyway.
6) I like the bag guards and think they need to be there on an Ultra. They look good and provide a utility value. Limited doesn't have-em.
7) The guages are nice, wish I had-em, but if I was to choose, I'd go with the spun aluminum.
8) Extra 12v socket in the tourpack is a simple and inexpensive mod.
9) The new helical cut 5th gear is a total mystery to me. They always told us the straight gear was much stronger and thus the "whine" sound. So either they lied about that or they are now making the bikes with a weaker gear just to appease the biatches from complaining about the "whine".
10) You might be able to get the 09 for 1 or 2 grand below MSRP and probably pay full MSRP or more for the limited.
Anyway, that's just my worthless opinion.
Good luck with your choice and most importantly thanks for your service. You've more than earned this new bike so whatever you choose, CONGRATS!!
1) The 103 is really the only thing I like about the Limited.
2) Don't really like any of the 2-tone colors. Black is always OK and the red/red aint bad I guess.
3) Don't need heated grips or an oil cooler.
4) Oh wait, there's that Cat in all the 2010 touring bikes so maybe you do need the oil cooler.
5) The luggage rack is nice and I would probably put one on anyway.
6) I like the bag guards and think they need to be there on an Ultra. They look good and provide a utility value. Limited doesn't have-em.
7) The guages are nice, wish I had-em, but if I was to choose, I'd go with the spun aluminum.
8) Extra 12v socket in the tourpack is a simple and inexpensive mod.
9) The new helical cut 5th gear is a total mystery to me. They always told us the straight gear was much stronger and thus the "whine" sound. So either they lied about that or they are now making the bikes with a weaker gear just to appease the biatches from complaining about the "whine".
10) You might be able to get the 09 for 1 or 2 grand below MSRP and probably pay full MSRP or more for the limited.
Anyway, that's just my worthless opinion.
Good luck with your choice and most importantly thanks for your service. You've more than earned this new bike so whatever you choose, CONGRATS!!
You hit the nail right on the head. I got the itch for a Limited real bad last weekend, but then had time to think about it. Especially after they wanted to add $1000.00 above MSRP and another $1200.00 in fees, I decided to look for a new '09. I can use the extra $9000.00 to make it my own.