New vs. used Ultra
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
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
FOR me.... I'd want a much better deal.... on a four (model) year old bike... soon to be five. but that's just me.
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
I have a 09 Ultra with just over 2500 miles & came from a 08, 06 & a few others before that. You do not have to push the bike at all to notice a huge difference between the old & new frames, to me it's worth the extra money. Ride & handling is far superior with the newer bike & the better gearing is also a big plus especially at highway speeds!!!! The bike just feels more planed all the time & especially when going over bums, it can deal with those irregularities much better. One of the guys I ride with in the Shrine had about $4K invested in his 08 with screaming eagle go fast stuff. The 09 had equal power/acceleration out of the box. The 09 trans also worked better then on my 08. The reason we sold our 08's was due to how hot they would get.
Heat wise I would give the advantage to the 09 but not by much. To me they just get hot in different places. I ride with shorts on the majority of the time & 08 older bikes would warm up the top of my thigh & the 09+ is more of a calf warming bike. It's easier to get my calf out of the heat which is why the 09 gets the slight advantage in the heat department. That being said by far the best improvement is the proper oil, that makes more of a improvement then the year of the bike.
That being said what is the price on the bikes you are considering? I plan on selling mine actually & am not sure what to ask.
Heat wise I would give the advantage to the 09 but not by much. To me they just get hot in different places. I ride with shorts on the majority of the time & 08 older bikes would warm up the top of my thigh & the 09+ is more of a calf warming bike. It's easier to get my calf out of the heat which is why the 09 gets the slight advantage in the heat department. That being said by far the best improvement is the proper oil, that makes more of a improvement then the year of the bike.
That being said what is the price on the bikes you are considering? I plan on selling mine actually & am not sure what to ask.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
Ok here is something that I have a lot of experience with , I buy used , but I buy at the dealer with their financing, buy a warranty , then a few days later I get financing elsewhere, for a much better rate.
The first bike I did like that was an 03 EG classic, and about 12,000 miles after I bought it the dreaded cam chain tensioners went, warranty bought a new motor.
Then after about 3,500 miles after that , it was stolen, then I got another bike from insurance money, an 03 ultra ,what can I say I like the 03, bought it in Florida, rode it home , and about 1,500 miles after I got it home , the tensioners went in it, so another motor, payed for by the warranty, the 07, and newer don't have to worry much about this though, but it is food for thought.
The first bike I did like that was an 03 EG classic, and about 12,000 miles after I bought it the dreaded cam chain tensioners went, warranty bought a new motor.
Then after about 3,500 miles after that , it was stolen, then I got another bike from insurance money, an 03 ultra ,what can I say I like the 03, bought it in Florida, rode it home , and about 1,500 miles after I got it home , the tensioners went in it, so another motor, payed for by the warranty, the 07, and newer don't have to worry much about this though, but it is food for thought.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 811
Likes: 53
From: Emmett, Idaho
I favor always buying used, late model. These days there are tons of even 2010s out there and used bike prices are dropping most everywhere because people have once again over-indebted themselves.
Last year I bought a 2006 Ultra that had $30,000 into it (including the original cost of the cycle) and 10,000 miles on it. I paid $12,000 cash. Just out of curiosity I look at my local Craigslist all the time and there are many excellent 2009s and some 2010s. And for anyone with cash, the deals will be terrific.
I just do not know why anyone would buy new because all the warranty work will have been done by HD, there will be few miles on a late model cycle AND if it runs like new when you see it then there will not be a damned thing wrong with it. I just cannot see throwing money away when there are so many excellent used bikes for sale. Then, if you are just dying to spend more you can take the money you would have spent on new and buy a few thousand dollars worth of add-ons from Harley Davidson.
Last year I bought a 2006 Ultra that had $30,000 into it (including the original cost of the cycle) and 10,000 miles on it. I paid $12,000 cash. Just out of curiosity I look at my local Craigslist all the time and there are many excellent 2009s and some 2010s. And for anyone with cash, the deals will be terrific.
I just do not know why anyone would buy new because all the warranty work will have been done by HD, there will be few miles on a late model cycle AND if it runs like new when you see it then there will not be a damned thing wrong with it. I just cannot see throwing money away when there are so many excellent used bikes for sale. Then, if you are just dying to spend more you can take the money you would have spent on new and buy a few thousand dollars worth of add-ons from Harley Davidson.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,318
Likes: 26
ALL bikes and ALL years have their own issues. Pre 09 bikes are great and can be had fairly cheap. Buy what ever floats your boat and address its individual issues. I loved my 05, it was a great bike. Good luck and have fun.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 2,561
Likes: 280
From: North Cental Iowa
I'd go for a used 09, the price difference between the 08 & an 09 shouldn't be much more than a grand, well worth it in my book. With the larger rear tire the 09s have a higher load rating & much better gearing than the 08. There's nothing wrong with pre 09, but given the choice between the two the 09 seems like a no brainer when buying outright, if you already have an earlier model & have to trade then that's a different story.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 136
Likes: 2
From: N/A
I would vote for the '08 as this is what I currently own. I haven't had one issue with the performance or handling. I love this bike and have owned only Yamaha's in the past, but am used to riding somewhat aggressively. I find the '08 w/abs to be a great all around tourer and very nimble for all the weight it has. The six gallon tank, throttle by wire, six speed transmission, ABS... all work for me and my wife when we're two up. Mine is completely stock with the exception of cosmetic upgrades with only 4991 mi. on the clock. Not one issue as of yet. I also like the look of the 9 spoke wheel as opposed to the cookie cutter style of the '09s and up. To each his own.
Last edited by mkekid; Feb 11, 2011 at 11:17 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,000
Likes: 11,441
Nothing really wrong with pre 09 but if you buying now IMO good idea to look 09 or newer. The new frame tires and exhaust routing is well worth the little more you may pay.
Take a look at the 2011 Road Glide Ultra MSRP 22,499
comes with all the stuff ABS ,security pack, 103 engine on of the best deal around.
Take a look at the 2011 Road Glide Ultra MSRP 22,499
comes with all the stuff ABS ,security pack, 103 engine on of the best deal around.