2008 Ultra vs. 2012 Limited
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 14
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2008 Ultra vs. 2012 Limited
I was at the dealer yesterday and talked to the salesman I bought my 2008 from. They have several 2012 Limiteds in stock and we got to talking about them. He said that there was a big difference in handling and ride quality compared to my '08 and also that the 103 engine is much better performing than the 96 (all stock) I have now. I am pretty happy with the '08, but if there really is a big difference, I might consider trading.
For those who have one, or are in the know, is he right? Would I notice much difference?
Thanks!
For those who have one, or are in the know, is he right? Would I notice much difference?
Thanks!
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 722
Likes: 2
From: Deep south in a bunker
there is 100 + changes in the 2010 and up,some of my friends that have rode mine say they can tell a big difference............
Last edited by Dr.ultra2010; May 3, 2012 at 03:56 PM. Reason: typo
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
Likes: 14
From: Florida
I went from 07 eg classic to 12 ultra ltd. Handling noticeably improved, probably due to chassis and tires. Larger engine gives a little more power. Seat is slightly different, pillion is wider. I liked my old bike and like this one even more.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 911
Likes: 10
From: Wisconsin
I have an 04 and couldnt believe the difference when I test drove one! I have a 95" Big bore kit with some other add on's and feel confident about walking away from a stock 96" but the 103 is somthing else!
Test ride one, you wont be sorry
Test ride one, you wont be sorry
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 644
Likes: 31
From: Central Texas
I made almost the exact chg, 08 FLHTC to 12 FLHTCU.
I would say it was like going from a pogo stick to a bicycle.
Always hated the way my 08 handled from the day I bought and esp after I test ride a new one.
Don't test ride one you'll buy it.
Clif
I would say it was like going from a pogo stick to a bicycle.
Always hated the way my 08 handled from the day I bought and esp after I test ride a new one.
Don't test ride one you'll buy it.
Clif
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
I have to say there is quite a bit of difference in both ride and performance.
My '08 was stock for the first couple years (except TTS) then I changed cams. The stock 103" (IMHO) out performs my slightly modified 96" right out of the box.
The ride immediately felt more solid and responsive with the 2012. It seems to sit slightly higher which was good for me with a longer inseam.
The only real change I've made with the 2012 is going to a cat-less header and adding the TTS. At this point in time, I will make no other changes (subject to change of course).
So as not to suggest I have no negatives with the 2012, I have noticed that low speed handling is not as good as my old '08...not sure why.
Hope that helps.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 4
From: Boca Raton, FL
my buddy just did a swap from an 06 Ultra to a 12 Limited
he is incredibly impressed in the increased ride and handling of the new bike
I have an 08 SG and test drive the new ones at every bike week and I can feel a difference, but my modded 96 pulls better than a stock 103 so the power isn't yet impressive to me.
BIG difference that he noticed immediately was that the bikes are HOT AS ****!
a bunch of that is directly attributible to the CAT right under your right leg, but overall that is his ONLY complaint.
Overall he is extremely impressed and totally happy with the new bike in every way over his old one.
he is incredibly impressed in the increased ride and handling of the new bike
I have an 08 SG and test drive the new ones at every bike week and I can feel a difference, but my modded 96 pulls better than a stock 103 so the power isn't yet impressive to me.
BIG difference that he noticed immediately was that the bikes are HOT AS ****!
a bunch of that is directly attributible to the CAT right under your right leg, but overall that is his ONLY complaint.
Overall he is extremely impressed and totally happy with the new bike in every way over his old one.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
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From: Bellevue, NE
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Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
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Thanks all, I will get a test drive out of the way and then try to decide if the price is worth it or not. I wanted to get some input to see if it was even worth doing the test drive. Sounds like it is!
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 57
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From: Western Kentucky
Test drive did it for me.....had a 2007 Ultra.....after the test drive of a 2012 Ultra..... and some negotiating.... Love the 2012.....much better handling and power... 6 gear is now very useable at much lower speeds.
Test drive a 2012 and be prepared to buy.....
Test drive a 2012 and be prepared to buy.....