I traded my 06 Electra glide for a 08 ultra with 5K on it.
The problem I'm having is 1st gear is very sluggish from a dead stop. It almosts feels likes in 2end gear. I took it back to the dealer and they checked it all out and said everything was running right. Well Its not! I took a couple other 08's out for a ride and they didn't have this problem.

The ultra has stage 1 and after maket pipes. Thats it.

I have rode enough harleys to know this is not right.

Anyone else come across this problem. HELP!

 

Take it to aother dealer.

 

I have an '08 Ultra. I've never experienced the problem you are referring to.

I hope you get it fixed. I think you'll love it once you get this sorted out.

First thing you might try, just for grins, is to replace the spark plugs. Not that there is anything wrong with 'em, but it's an easy thing to do and it wouldn't hurt to do it anyway. Good luck!

 

I have an '08 and have noticed the same thing. It has always had poor acceleration from a stop (gets better in 2nd - 6th gears). I noticed it pulling it out of the dealer's parking lot the day I took it home. I just always attributed it to being a lot heavier than my old bike and I would get used to it...and I have gotten used to it. I don't even think about it anymore. To me it is what makes this a tourer instead of a race bike.

 

The 6 speeds are more sluggish from take off in 1st gear than the 5 speeds. Going from an 06 to an 08, you definitely will get that. Take off on my 04 UC is a lot better, even before big boring the engine, than the 09 I had. On my 09 I had to slip the clutch and gas it a little. On my 04, I can just let out on the clutch with no throttle, and it will go.

 

What kind of tuner does the bike have? Is it possibly not set correctly?

 

The 07-08 touring bikes are geared much taller than you are use too with the 5 speed. I have a friend with an 08 and when I ride with him, it sounds like he is taking off in 2nd gear. You might try having the clutch adjusted. The taller gearing would require more slip when it started so it may be worn some.

 

Thanks for the input.

The bike does not have a tuner on it. Dealer said it has the latest ECM updates.

Not to sure I buy the six speed is more sluggish compaired to 5 speed.
I rode a couple other 08 ultra's they did not have this problem.

Plus going from a 88 to a 96ci I would think it would have more pep and get up. My old 06 FLHT would walk all over this bike. The 06 only had stage 1 and pipes.

The first gear ratio between the two bike is very close anyway.

I think I will take it to another dealer.

 

Why ask for opinions if you aren't going to take them from people that have or have had both? Like the other guy and I told you, the 6spds are taller gearing than the 5's. They take off more sluggish. Maybe the other 08's you have ridden had some extras added on that give them more pep. 96 vs 88 or not, my 96 was more sluggish until I got into 2nd or 3rd gear, then it ran stronger than the 88.

 

Stock 88" vs. stock 96", the 96" will completely smoke the 88 through all the gears... Key word: stock!
Sure sounds like something is wrong with your bike...if it's got aftermarket pipes, they typically loose low end torque for gain higher in the power band, but you prolly already know this.