Newer Model or Keep the '99 Ultra???
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Central Florida
Newer Model or Keep the '99 Ultra???
Ok, have the bug since Daytona Bike Week!!! Let me get your opinions. Currently have a 1999 Ultra with 40K miles, just put new Michelins on it. Paying my buddy off $185 monthly. Nice bike, runs well, will probably need about $500 in upkeep shortly.
Thinking of going 2008 & newer. Like the newer brakes, and 6 speed. Trying to decide if I want a RK Classic or stick with the Ultra. Don't foresee any long overnights in the near future so the need for the tourpak is nill. Although btwn the tourpak and drivers backrest, my 4 year old fits nice and secure back there.
Anyway, thoughts/opinions are appreciated. Don't need a newer bike, but...
Thinking of going 2008 & newer. Like the newer brakes, and 6 speed. Trying to decide if I want a RK Classic or stick with the Ultra. Don't foresee any long overnights in the near future so the need for the tourpak is nill. Although btwn the tourpak and drivers backrest, my 4 year old fits nice and secure back there.
Anyway, thoughts/opinions are appreciated. Don't need a newer bike, but...
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,925
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From: The 1980's
I had a 2008 Ultra for a short time before swapping for a new '14 Street Glide. I have no direct knowledge because I didn't go that route, but many people told me that there were frame changes on the 2009 touring models that made them a better ride.
I'm sure someone who has owned pre and post 2009 models will give a post to help you out.
I'm sure someone who has owned pre and post 2009 models will give a post to help you out.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Northern California
wait until the new tires are worn out. Of course the new bikes are "better" but there is not a thing wrong with the older bikes. You have one with low miles so enjoy it. By the time you wear out the tires you will likely have a much better understanding of exactly what you want in a bike and not have to ask a bunch of rich strangers their opinion. Not everyone thinks a new bike is a down payment on the modifications.
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Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I could see the brembo brakes and abs ( packaged with security and cruise) as being a big plus- you have the final year for single caliper brakes
the new ( 07+) EFI is much better
but newer would be better than a 2008 which has the old frame- 09 was the change
the 6 speed is nice
the 96 is a stroked version of your 88", and the 103 a bored version of the 103"
But if you are digging your 99 and the cost works for you, just keep riding. 40K is no strain on that bike
Mike
the new ( 07+) EFI is much better
but newer would be better than a 2008 which has the old frame- 09 was the change
the 6 speed is nice
the 96 is a stroked version of your 88", and the 103 a bored version of the 103"
But if you are digging your 99 and the cost works for you, just keep riding. 40K is no strain on that bike
Mike
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From: Central Florida
Good points. Thank you. I have had a '04 Heritage, '08 Roadglide, '09 EGlide. Then bikeless for about a year before my buddy offered up his. It is a nice comfy ride, but I also like the updates in the newer bikes. I should prob keep it, get it paid off and see what 2015 has in store for us.
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Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Michigan
At 40,000 miles you still have a lot of life left in your bike.
I sold my 2000 in late 2012 with 77,000 miles on it and it still had the OEM wheel bearings (which the '09's have problems with) and the OEM voltage regulator (which the '12 touring models have problems with).
I had the 1550 Big Bore Kit installed in mine at about 39,000 miles and it really woke up that T/C 88!!
On your bike, the main concerns are the Cam Chain tensioners and the MM EFI System.
Cam Chain tensioners should be checked at about 25,000 and replaced if necessary. There are options such as the S/E Hyd. Cam Chain Adjuster Kit or going with a gears as opposed to chains.
The MM EFI system works fine until it doesn't, and parts are difficult to find. Mine started giving me problems and it was difficult to diagnose (no coding) due to a bad Engine Temperature Switch. Once that was replaced the bike "coded" indicating that is was indeed the ECM, which we could not find.
An aftermarket was installed and even though the bike ran OK, we could never get it to start like it sis with the OEM part.
If you normally do local riding, I think I'd stick with the '99 'till it's paid for and then start looking for a newer model.
I sold my 2000 in late 2012 with 77,000 miles on it and it still had the OEM wheel bearings (which the '09's have problems with) and the OEM voltage regulator (which the '12 touring models have problems with).
I had the 1550 Big Bore Kit installed in mine at about 39,000 miles and it really woke up that T/C 88!!
On your bike, the main concerns are the Cam Chain tensioners and the MM EFI System.
Cam Chain tensioners should be checked at about 25,000 and replaced if necessary. There are options such as the S/E Hyd. Cam Chain Adjuster Kit or going with a gears as opposed to chains.
The MM EFI system works fine until it doesn't, and parts are difficult to find. Mine started giving me problems and it was difficult to diagnose (no coding) due to a bad Engine Temperature Switch. Once that was replaced the bike "coded" indicating that is was indeed the ECM, which we could not find.
An aftermarket was installed and even though the bike ran OK, we could never get it to start like it sis with the OEM part.
If you normally do local riding, I think I'd stick with the '99 'till it's paid for and then start looking for a newer model.
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Joined: Apr 2007
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From: .
If you were, I would get a 2009 or newer as mentioned above. I just found my 13 Limited on craigslist for an excellent price. I put 85K on my 05 and it was great! The difference between the two is night and day! A much better ride overall and my wife enjoys it more.
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Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Central Florida
Yes, the MM EFI is a potential concern. I do need a new starter and waiting to see if I trade before that undertaking.
I'm also wondering if I made the upgrade to 2000-2007 brakes if that would make me happier as well???
I'm also wondering if I made the upgrade to 2000-2007 brakes if that would make me happier as well???
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