I am considering purchasing an older HD - Ultra. Model years 2007 - 2009. I want avoid spring chain tensioners as I am already dealing with that issue on two bikes. I also would like to avoid ABS and hydraulic clutch. Can anyone comment on:

1. Did 2007 - 2009 Ultras have ABS?
2. Did 2007 - 2009 Ultras have hydraulic clutch?
3. For 2007 - 2009 Ultras, any quality problems that have been widely seen across those years?
4. Any other comments for those years?

I ride bikes easy, so high performance is not what I am looking to buy. The bike would be for weekend trips in the 400 mile range. I want to avoid a design miss like spring chain tensioners.

Thanks for the help!

 

1. 08-09 has ABS
2. No
3. Not much to make any difference. Stock comp sucked on those years though
4. 09 had totally redesigned frame so go with that year if you can.

 

Only comment is that 09 Ultra had ABS optional. Not standard, as I had an 09 Ultra without ABS.

Agree that you should get 09 vs. earlier models. Not only did it have the new frame, but the gearing was "correct" and you can actually use 6th gear at reasonable speeds.

 

Abs still isn't standard on some touring bikes. I agree get a 2009.

 

Touring CVOs from all those years had hydraulic clutches but not the regular bikes. Everything else has been covered

 

I'd go with the 2009 also. The ABS was an option on the 2009 Ultra Classic that I owned. I believe it was the second year of TBW (no throttle cables). The compensator was lousy and replaced with the SE version in 2011. It was the first year touring bike to use the Dunlop dual compound tires and ran the 180 tire on the rear instead of the 130 (2007) & 150 (2008) with the newer frame. No hydraulic clutch until 2014 Ultra Classic.