New vs. used Ultra

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Feb 12, 2011 | 07:26 AM

#31

Uncle Larry

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 157,524

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From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLDDEADEYE

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

Scooters, scooters ... everywhere you look there are scooters .. what's a man to do?
Here's my .02 worth. If I were considering an Ultra I would definitely look at an 09 or newer. There are significant changes to the frame, suspension and tire sizes. I purchased an 09 FLHTCU ( my 3rd bagger ) and it is by far the best HD I've ever ridden and I have been riding for well over 40 years. Don't worry about the heat from the converter because an 09 won't have a converter unless it's a CVO or it has a California emmissions package. Even without the converter the newer scooters do run a little hotter but it isn't that uncomfortable. Good luck!

Feb 12, 2011 | 07:40 AM

#32

piasspj

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2007

Posts: 9,208

Likes: 374

From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74

Don't worry about the heat, it isn't as bad as it sounds on the internet (my '08 is stock, even the pipes). If you sit in traffic a lot it will get hot, the newer ones will too. Also '09 pipes with the different routing will fit.
The only issue with TBW affects idle speed and is easy to avoid and correct (anywhere, no tools required, takes about 15 seconds, you don't even have to leave the seat).
Gearing is the biggest improvement on the newer bikes with the frame second. The ratios for '08 were too tall.
If you can save a lot buying used and still be happy, do it.

Feb 12, 2011 | 08:22 AM

#33

cdestuck

Supporter

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 6,724

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From: Altoona, Pa.

I would really stay with a 09 or newer. frame and tire. So much difference. A 2" wider tire will be such a big plus, especially for 2 up.

Feb 12, 2011 | 01:38 PM

#34

lonslo

Intermediate

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 33

Likes: 0

From: south west Georgia

I have had 08,09,10,and currently own a 2011 flhp as well as 99 and 05 rk. the problems with the 08 were first of all with the elec. throttle , causing delayed throttle response and idle issues. These problems were easily solved by downloading tt380 at the dealership, also will give the heat management system. Be sure that the recall has been done on the fuel filter if it applies to the bike, it will put you down. The 08 handled very well and rode great. I put 35000 miles on it. The reason I trade so often is that i do competition riding, rodeos, and my bikes are abused severely and are also used for touring, so it gives my wife comfort knowing we are on a newer bike. Stay away from the early 09s as some of them had defective trippletrees, I found out the hard way. I have to say that the 2011 is great.

Feb 12, 2011 | 03:34 PM

#35

bigdumbnoitall00

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 8,341

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i cant stand the tall gearing on my 07, wife and i are not small and loaded with gear i feel like im roasting my clutch evertime i take off,6th is useless under 70.i do like the ride better on the 07 its softer,the09 handles better but not ride better,stg 1 took care of the heat issues,6 gal tank doesnt mean much to me i like to stop b4 i use 5.so its a toss up for me. bigger back tire is a lot of money just for looks.

Feb 13, 2011 | 07:10 AM

#36

OLDDEADEYE

Thread Starter

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 3,051

Likes: 9

From: Norman Ok.

Thanks for all of the input folks, I sold my old bike yesterday and then went bike shopping. We found a dealer we like in OKC and decided to go with the 2011 in Merlot. We will most likely pick it up this following week.

Thanks again

Feb 13, 2011 | 07:28 AM

#37

dano309

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,649

Likes: 3

From: southern indiana

good choice..........you done good

Feb 13, 2011 | 10:39 AM

#38

Geoff

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 10,946

Likes: 822

From: Nevada

Quote:

Originally Posted by arealinvestor

Anything 2008 & older is going to be cheaper(they loss value,due to frame change) ,because everyone wants the new frame.

Really? You might want to check book values and classifieds. 2008 and older have followed normal depreciation. The only thing that's changed is there's now more demand for used bikes with the new frame.