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'07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

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Old Sep 25, 2007 | 09:05 PM
  #1  
WVULTRA's Avatar
WVULTRA
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Default '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

Since many riders here at the forums have or will in the near future make that jump to a Stage 1 upgrade, I wanted to share the results of my mods that have made this ’07 Ultra the finest ride I have owned yet. Coming up on a year of ownership and just over 16,000 miles.

My first major complaint shortly after ownership was the unbearable heat generating off the rear cylinder/exhaust that was cooking my inner thighs at long traffic lights and stop and go traffic. I knew the ’07 was extremely lean due to EPA regulations, and started a plan to go Stage 1 and (hopefully) improve the heat by adding some fuel. So after accumulating a Ness BS and Rush 1.75 slip-ons, I waited for the new “G” SERT. Yes I was aware of the PC III and other fuel “adders” but had good success with the SERT on previous RK and had no experience with other units.

At the recommendation of UltraKla$$ic to follow Shovelhead Bob’s expert advise (many thanks to you both!), I eventually ended up with the “J” SERT software and proceeded to max the CLB Tables and upload the 159PZ004 #78 map. I can honestly say the Stage 1, SERT, Mobile 1 V-Twin engine oil, and a set of H-D’s heat shields (thrown in for good measure) solved my problems. Heat has not been an uncomfortable [/i]issue, even in 100 deg. temps on the way to the Keys this summer. Just last week, I uploaded the #78, 176PZ005 map from the latest SERT Software ver. 476, and am entirely pleased with the minor enhancements to this newest file which now allows us to max the values for front & rear CLB Tables.

As time went on I kept up with the complaints on the forums of clatter and /or tranny whine, especially in 5th gear. I had experienced some mild clatter but attributed it to “lugging” the engine at lower rpms than I should operate in. And after adjusting my riding to a “sportbike” style of keeping the rpms higher than I normally would it was not an issue, though I was not comfortable riding this way. Changing to Bel-Ray gear oil helped with the tranny noise; but of course, did not eliminate it. So be it. Turn up the radio and try to ignore it.

And then came the Holy Grail, the Isolated Drive System. Not going to go into details as there are way too many posts here already, along with my own, touting the enhanced experience[/i] this product has provided ’07 Touring owners. Call it what you will, but this one product along with my above mentioned upgrades has completely changed my Ultra to the most enjoyable Touring bike I have owned. I must also throw out a plug for the last change I made and that was the switch to Spectro’s new full synthetic, GL-5, 6-speed transmission gear oil. A bit pricey since it’s new, but after putting a little over 1,000 miles on since the change, I cannot hear any 5th gear whine while riding level highway, 2-up, and with the cruise activated. Put her into an uphill pull, or roll on the throttle, and yes I can detect that initial load being applied to the straight cut gears. But I have to listen for it! Feel absolutely sure if another rider climbed on my Ultra that had never ridden an ’07 Tourer before, and was unaware of our inherent noises/problems, he/she would say this bike was as smooth as any previous Twin Cam!

Sorry for the long post, but I had to share my results with hopes that others considering mods similar to my own can have some first hand feedback. And thanks to all the knowledgeable people that contribute here!

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]



 
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Old Sep 25, 2007 | 09:24 PM
  #2  
dirtdobber's Avatar
dirtdobber
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From: sand mountain Alabama
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

Thanks for sharing this. I think to many concentrate on the clatter or what ever you want to call it. Mine has been quiet for me from day one. My wife says she hears something but I don't care because it is so slight and with my head phones on I don't hear it, I prefer to listen to my tunes than concentrate on something that just doesn't matter to me. Don't get me wrong, I keep a close eye on all my fluids and change oil etc. as it should be. Yes the stage 1 is great. My 07 ultra is the best bike I have ever owned. Much better than my 95 eg... beleive me out of 43 years of riding I have had a lot of bikes.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 08:40 AM
  #3  
hubble's Avatar
hubble
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Mcdonough, Georgia
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

Thanks for sharing. Thats the same things that I want to do for mine. I keep going back & forth on theSERT or PCIII though. I prefer the SERT but the PC is cheaper. I would also prefer a fat cat 2 into 1, but the slipons are much cheaper. Damn this money thing [:@]
 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 08:56 AM
  #4  
capt775's Avatar
capt775
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Shreveport,La.
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

I agree with you, I've done just:

K&N
PCIII
recored mufflers off EBAY

Just got back from 2500 mile trip into the Smokey Mtns, put it through every concievable situation, cruising at over 80 mph, sitting in stalled traffic in Pigeon Forge, the dragon, rain, etc. I couldn't be any happier with my Ultra. Pulls good from below 2000 in 5th and 6th, but I've never had and tranny clatter, just the slight "Jetson's" noise in 5th that doesn't bother me. Fuel mileage seems good although I didn't check it, just stopped about every 160 miles or so and crammed 7 or 8 bucks in it, checked the atlas, and took off. I felt it was more comfortable to ride than my Wing was, I won't be going back. I could even pack more stuff on it.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 09:08 AM
  #5  
Akitakoi's Avatar
Akitakoi
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: SE Wisconsin
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

Yup! Thundermax, IDS, Tru-duals w/Supertrapps and my bike is fantastic. [sm=happy046.gif]

The way it should have come from the factory.
 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 10:15 AM
  #6  
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texaspirate
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Galveston Bay Area, The Republic of Texas
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

Thanks for sharing the results and mods! My 07 UC has been pretty good from the time I bought it. My only real issue is the rough idle when it get pretty hot. I have added V&H True Duals, Oval Slip Ons, Fuel Pak for the latest 07 mapping. Still some hot conditions under the seat with new setup at stops or heavy traffic. Installed a KoolKing heat deflector system (Peking Enterprises, LLC) and that has completely stopped the heat problem for me and passenger (and NO it does not add extra heat to the engines rear cylinder or components!). Prior to next summer I will add a oil cooler. I use AMSOIL products with the 3 different fluid system as recommended. It has be great. Plan to install a IDS as soon as if arrives from Zanotti's ($228.98 w/bearing pressed).
 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 08:16 PM
  #7  
WVULTRA's Avatar
WVULTRA
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Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

My pleasure to share..........this had turned out to be such a fine ride!

Glad to hear others are experiencing the same.

[sm=icon_cheers.gif]


 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 08:22 PM
  #8  
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blackfinbob
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: O'fallon,MO
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

Thanks for sharing your information there......UltraKla$$ic is a fine gentlemen who has also answered a few questions for me too....
Thanks,
b
 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 08:37 PM
  #9  
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UltraKla$$ic
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From: Po-Dunk Looziana
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

I thought about posting the same thing many times, as I chose to listen to people that offered sound advice in helping me to enjoy the BEST motorcycle I've ever owned to date. I'm no Harley fanboy, as I would buy WHATEVER I felt would be the best bike for my riding and this Harley with the mods I too have done fits the bill to a "T". I can stay in the saddle from sun-up to sundown stopping only for gas for days on end. The Mobil I V-Twin, Redline MTL, and Redline Heavy Shockproof seem to be a winning combo in my chariot, and I, like you, can no longer discern 5th gear at highway speeds any longer. I don't know what gear I'm in any more until I see the little green "6" light up. I too would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to all that reply with a compassion to help others, and ShovelHead Bob for his expert technical moderation.

I appreciate you posting this positive post after a year long circus of '07 antics from the masses. I only hope we can move on and realize the '07 is not the bastard child most thought it was. It's only an add-on(IDS) away from being comparable to a new '08..........sans ABS(only upgrade that would make a difference to me).

Everybody ride hard and be safe!

PS....thanks for the kind words fellas......BUT it is truly guys like you that make this place enjoyable.[sm=deal.gif]
 
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Old Sep 26, 2007 | 08:39 PM
  #10  
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From: St George, UT
Default RE: '07 Ultra: Recipe for Success! (long)

Yup, just the finest Harley I've ever owned. I added IDS, but have no plans for other mods. I get 41-43 mpg, and in our heat it hasn't been much of an issue. Maybe some heat shields before next summer. It runs fast, handles great, and rides smooth. I be very happy.[&:]
 
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