New vs. used Ultra
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 144
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
My wife and have decided to do some touring so we've decided to buy an Ultra. We have looked at new and used. I just came across a good deal on a 2008 with just over 4k on it.
I have read a lot of concerns of engine heat on this site among others. My question is is the 08' going to be better or worse since it doesn't have the cat. I can come up with the extra cash for new if it's going to be that much better. I know about the frame difference and it's really not that big a difference IMO. Anything else I should consider?
Thanks in advance
I have read a lot of concerns of engine heat on this site among others. My question is is the 08' going to be better or worse since it doesn't have the cat. I can come up with the extra cash for new if it's going to be that much better. I know about the frame difference and it's really not that big a difference IMO. Anything else I should consider?
Thanks in advance
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,128
Likes: 27
From: florida swamp
The new ones are going to be hot with that cat in the header.
Chances are the 08 probably has the stage 1 already done and will be much cooler because of it. New is definitely nice but you are probably going to have to put more money into it to make it right for you. If money isn't really an issue then new for sure.
Chances are the 08 probably has the stage 1 already done and will be much cooler because of it. New is definitely nice but you are probably going to have to put more money into it to make it right for you. If money isn't really an issue then new for sure.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Also consider the compensator problem in the 07 to 10 models. 2011 come stock with the new SE compensator. (do a search there are a few posts in here about it) https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...mpensator.html I would get the 2011 and remove the cat if that is an option in your state. I have a 2010 and removed the cat and just replaced the compensator myself for piece of mind. https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ead-pipes.html
Good luck with your choice
Good luck with your choice
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
4K is decent scratch to start touring with. Now if you can squeeze a little more out and get it to $4500-$5000, that would be even better.
I bought an 06 used back 3 years ago. It had 13K on it. Everyone said to look at an 07 because of the 6 speed tranny. You want to know something, I don't regret it. I saved a bundle (around 5K versus an 08 new, basic Ultra with no extra chrome or stage 1) and my bike had already had quite a bit of upgrades to it, and also had a VIP warranty until 2013.
You can purchase a warranty thru HD, it will cost around $500 to $1300 depending on how many years and what degree of coverage. This will give you peace of mind.
In all honesty, 4K miles is nothing on a HD, it's really just starting to see the break in point. If you like to keep the extra money around for travel and investing in a 2 year warranty, I'd go used. That 2011 will lose 25% of it's value as soon as you ride it off the lot.
I bought an 06 used back 3 years ago. It had 13K on it. Everyone said to look at an 07 because of the 6 speed tranny. You want to know something, I don't regret it. I saved a bundle (around 5K versus an 08 new, basic Ultra with no extra chrome or stage 1) and my bike had already had quite a bit of upgrades to it, and also had a VIP warranty until 2013.
You can purchase a warranty thru HD, it will cost around $500 to $1300 depending on how many years and what degree of coverage. This will give you peace of mind.
In all honesty, 4K miles is nothing on a HD, it's really just starting to see the break in point. If you like to keep the extra money around for travel and investing in a 2 year warranty, I'd go used. That 2011 will lose 25% of it's value as soon as you ride it off the lot.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 443
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh, PA
08 has the old style frame with the smaller rear tire and gas tank, old style exhaust which is routed right below your left thigh which radiates the heat in traffic and has the tendancy to burns holes in rain suits, ask me how i know lol.
On the other hand 09's dont have cat converters and even with a 10 or 11 the cat can be gutted very easily. Many on this site have done it themselves.
I ride an 07 for work and the gearing and handling difference is amazing between it and my personal 2010. As soon as I can I will be upgrading the work bike to the newer frame.
On the other hand 09's dont have cat converters and even with a 10 or 11 the cat can be gutted very easily. Many on this site have done it themselves.
I ride an 07 for work and the gearing and handling difference is amazing between it and my personal 2010. As soon as I can I will be upgrading the work bike to the newer frame.
You didn't push it too hard or something was wrong. I had an 07, no comparison when it comes to the 10 in handling. The main reason I switched is because of my style of riding. Even with a bagger brace on the 07, the 10 still handles better.
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 4
warranty isnt an issue. You can purchase those at the stealer when you buy a used bike, or even find them online.
I hate chasing all the newest & latest improvements! When I bought my new diesel truck, it was the best one made (horsepower, torque, quietness)... the next year, they changed the body stye. The year after that, they changed the engine & added more HP. The year after that, the competiton came out with a bigger one that was even nicer, etc., etc.
Its a losing battle. Just find what you like, buy it, and don't look forward!
I hate chasing all the newest & latest improvements! When I bought my new diesel truck, it was the best one made (horsepower, torque, quietness)... the next year, they changed the body stye. The year after that, they changed the engine & added more HP. The year after that, the competiton came out with a bigger one that was even nicer, etc., etc.
Its a losing battle. Just find what you like, buy it, and don't look forward!
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 244
Likes: 0
From: New Braunfels, TX
I bought an '08 new. I have 40,000 miles on it and my wife and I have ridden cross country on the bike in excellent comfort. I'm not into riding hard but instead we get up on the interstate, country roads, and enjoy a nice ride. I've ridden the 2009 and newer for 500 miles on rentals and found the ride stiffer than on my '08. It just suits my riding style better. Heat-yeah from time to time but I've never found it to be more than an occasional annoyance on a really hot day when I'm stuck in traffic. If you and the wife are buying this to enjoy together on trips and not rip around corners and such, the '08 will be fine and as others have said, with only 4k miles it's new. Save the money and buy the peace of mind of an extended warranty, pocket the savings, and head out on the open road.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
I had a 07 FLHT & went to a 2011 FLTRX 103 . 09 & up, better frame,swingarm & motor mounts ect. The new frame handles much better. New is usually better unless you find that bike that Granny/Grandpa only rode to church on Sundays.
Some of you guys are crazy. I'd buy used again in a heart beat. I bought my '05 with 7K on the clock and about three things added to it.
I've had ZERO issues with my bike, but, I've seen guys on here with brand new bikes whining all the time about stuff going wrong and the dealership not covering it.
I have ridden a '10 Ultra and the frame differences are well improved. But nothing wrong with a pre '09.