Hi,
Looking to buy a Ultra Classic. Has anyone complied a list of year to year updates? Tank size, motor size, radio options, intercom, things like this. It would be so helpful in buying a bike. All help is appreciated.
Thank you

 

The biggest change was in 2009, updated frame. So if you are looking for a used one, "most" people start at 2009 & newer. YMMV

 

Also in '09 they went to a six gallon tank.

 

Most likely going to buy older then 09. I hope by the end of this thread we have a good list! Thank You.

 

Actually, I think the 6 gal. was '06. I have an '05 Road Glide and an '09 EGC, I like the '05 better. It is 95" with a S.E. 6 speed and a True Track frame stabilizer. Yes, the '09 is a little more stable and has a bigger tank but that's about it.
The older bike rides better/smoother, it starts better, the 96" engine starts like an oid evo.
The brakes while yes, they require less effort, the rotors warp causing pulsating. The '05 has 72,000 miles and the brakes are still smooth and progressive. There's no real difference in power between the two bikes although I like the power delivery of the shorter stroke 95" better.
So don't worry, you can find yourself a great bike even though it has an "old" frame. get one cheap, make a few mods and enjoy.

 

The 6 gallon tank was 08, the frame 09, went to 96 engine with 6 speed in 07, I'm not sure but I believe the radio changed in 06, which was the first year of the Street Glide. 10 the SG and RG had 2-1 exhaust, also since the tank changed in 08, so did the seat, 08 also is when TBW was introduced.

 

I keep hearing everyone say the new frame is better, but I disagree I rented one for a weekend in Gatlenburg TN. about a year ago and was so glad to get back on my 05 when I got home. If I were lookin Id just find somthing I liked and somethin I could afford, they did have some motor problems in 07 but if you can find a deal then go for it. As far as the 6 gal tank by the time I ride my 5 gal. out im ready to stop anyway, and the 6 gear option is over kill done mainly to keep the engine quieter while running in high gear, the newer bike brakes suck they pulse and feel like your rotors are warped, and they seem to have alot of trouble with the throttle by wire system. And if you compare stock 88 to the new 103' s by the seat of your paints they are both dogs and require engine modifacation in my opinion. Just my 2 cents

 

I rode several new Harley's at Wing Ding here last week, and none of them were very impressive. The 110 was the best of the bunch as far as seat of the pants feel goes, but it was on a 40 thousand dollar bike, and that won't happen for me.

 

This sounds about right.
'06 FI standard (no carbs)
'08 also got IDS standard.
The seat changed again with the frame changes for '09.
Gear ratios changed for '09.
Wider tire for '09
Exhaust routing changed for '09.
Cat came in '10
Narrower seat in '10.
'11 introduced the Limited
This doesn't even mention color changes.

As you can tell, that would be a long list to cover all the changes for all the years (and no one has mentioned paint colors yet). (Also not all of the facts will be facts).

I keep hearing that the years to look for are '02 and '09. Not sure I've ever heard of a year to avoid.

 

I bought my 03 in January. I absolutely love it and wouldn't swap for a new one. The 88 with a stage one upgrade pulls like a Mack truck and runs like a bat out of H#ll. 2800 rpm at 65 mph is sweet spot. 75 still feels great, so I don't see need for 6 speed. 07 and 08 had complaints with hot engine, noisy 5th gear. Mid 08 came out with heat management system, but still runs hot. Check this thread:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/ignition-tuner-ecm-fuel-injection/350432-eitms-idle-heat-management-stall-any-tts-tuning-solutions.html

The only reason I would buy a newer bike would be for ABS. I have scared the H#ll out of me locking rear wheel. So if you're going older buy any 02-06 in nice shape. If over 20k miles have cam chain tensioners checked. They wear prematurely. Do a search. Some pretty smart guys consider 02 to be the best. My .02

Here is a video of my bike. I bought it in January, from Racine HD. It was $13,700. Had 2090 miles, stage one upgrade, extra saddlebag guards, luggage rack, lid racks. Dealer went over bike and replaced any defective parts. some private sellers want as much or more, because of emotional ties, want return on extras.