08 Ultra Classic Advise
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
08 Ultra Classic Advise
I've been on here for 5 years, but mostly just hung out in the Sportser area, for obvious reasons.
I'm about to purchase a 2008 Ultra Classic with 34,000 miles. Are there any pitfalls, or unique things I should check out before buying the bike?
I know just about anything on a Sporty, but only have limited knowledge about the Touring Class bikes.
Thanks!!
I'm about to purchase a 2008 Ultra Classic with 34,000 miles. Are there any pitfalls, or unique things I should check out before buying the bike?
I know just about anything on a Sporty, but only have limited knowledge about the Touring Class bikes.
Thanks!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,552
Likes: 3,954
From: Vermont
Stock compensator sucks, can be replaced with SE comp. 6 speed gearing in the 08's suck IMO, can be changed a few different ways. TBW connection behind AC can get corroded for some folks and needs pins replaced or cleaned with alcohol. I love my 08 and have done quite a few changes.
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
My '08 had 30k miles (shoes were the old style) and had quite a bit of wear. Not close to causing any problems but I changed them out when I upgraded the cam.
Secondly, you might want to ask the current owner if the fuel filter was upgraded...HD did a recall on them.
Good luck!
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 254
Likes: 24
From: Texas
Stock compensator sucks, can be replaced with SE comp. 6 speed gearing in the 08's suck IMO, can be changed a few different ways. TBW connection behind AC can get corroded for some folks and needs pins replaced or cleaned with alcohol. I love my 08 and have done quite a few changes.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Thanks for the info. Unfortunately, I can't ask the owner anything about the history of the bike. This is a big Repo sale that HD Finance is doing here in Nashville just for this weekend.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 9,486
Likes: 4
From: Hico, TX (once home to Billy the Kid)
You'd have to be a CAFE racer to feel or know any difference in the frame. I put a progressive swing arm stabilizer on mine and am done with it. Rides perfect.
In fact I rode newer bikes in anticipation of purchasing one and cannot justify it due to any frame issues.
The gearing is just tall in stock form. Easy fix.
In fact I rode newer bikes in anticipation of purchasing one and cannot justify it due to any frame issues.
The gearing is just tall in stock form. Easy fix.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 4
From: Central Coast CA
I do love mine done a lot to it, definitely worth getting I am keeping mine, I will put a new bullet in it when it needs it. Good luck!
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
Thanks Guys. Looks like I'm going to buy the bike tomorrow. I'm sure I will have lots of questions while I start to learn all the details of a different class bike.
This forum is great! Now I know it's great outside of the Sporty section.
Ride Safe!!
This forum is great! Now I know it's great outside of the Sporty section.
Ride Safe!!
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 254
Likes: 24
From: Texas
My "opinion" is that HD went to the new stiffer frame in '09 for just that reason. Doesn't mean '08's and earlier are not rideable. More so with aftermarket swing arms I would imagine.