Any 08 ultra owners yet?
#21
08-01-2007 | 08:53 AM
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 820
Likes: 0
From: Union City, California
#22
08-01-2007 | 09:51 AM
Novice
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Any 08 ultra owners yet?
Here's a little **** and moan letter I'm sending to Harley. It will more than likely fall on deaf ears. But if I can prevent someone from making the same mistake I did!!!!????? Email me with questions!!!!
To Whom It May Concern:
After coming to terms with the aches and pains of being 41, I finally decided to sell my 2001 Deuce and step up into a more traditional and comfortable ride. I’ve had my eye on the Ultra Classic for a while, but could never picture myself on one until I was older.
On July 23, 2007 after much research I walked into a dealership (TSI) and dropped 23k on a new Ultra! I was attracted to the 08’ because of the 6 gal. tank, the new 96 along with the 6 speed. Something my Deuce was missing.
I picked the bike up that afternoon. After the walk through, the salesman tried to start the bike to no avail. The technician took the bike into the back to run diagnostics on it. Nearly 2 ½ hours later they found that it had blown the ignition fuse and did not know why. They said they didn’t have any info on the 08’s and would need to contact HD. They did get the bike running but wanted to keep it for further evaluation. I asked that I take the bike and bring it back at a later time. After riding for a day I went to try the cruise. As soon as I hit the button on the right side handle bar..the bike died! So… the bike will run but as long as I don’t use the cruise control and carry a bunch of 15 amp mini’s with me. I have an appointment Friday to have them resolve it.
Last night my wife and I decided to take the bike to a concert in East Hartford. After sitting in traffic for a very short time, the heat on the left side became unbearable. Not thinking much of it we continued on. After leaving the show, again we sat in traffic. This time the heat was too much. I had to pull over and turn the bike off. When we finally got home, my leg was killing me. I have what would be the equivalent to a severe sunburn from the inside of my thigh down to the back of my knee. Not something I would expect from a 23k bike I just purchased. I guess Laconia is out!
Lastly, I have a few observations about the bike in general that I would like to make. Of course not being able to test drive the bike before I purchased it, I had to go off of my previous experiences with my Deuce and on information from HD themselves.
First off the bike does not sound like a Harley. Enough said!
Second, you would think that the new 96 would have considerably more power to offer over the 88. Not true.! I am really disappointed with the throttle response. I realize it’s a different bike than my Deuce was, but on the highway at 65 mph in 5 or 6th gear, you’re hard pressed to get out of anyone’s way![/ul]
It was very difficult for me to sell my Deuce. I now feel as if I‘ve completely made the wrong decision in purchasing my 08 Ultra Classic. I will certainly be conveying that to anyone who asks! Hey..hows that new Ultra?
[IMG]local://upfiles/39124/4E1431170CC742FC85E290E28B410E08.jpg[/IMG]
To Whom It May Concern:
After coming to terms with the aches and pains of being 41, I finally decided to sell my 2001 Deuce and step up into a more traditional and comfortable ride. I’ve had my eye on the Ultra Classic for a while, but could never picture myself on one until I was older.
On July 23, 2007 after much research I walked into a dealership (TSI) and dropped 23k on a new Ultra! I was attracted to the 08’ because of the 6 gal. tank, the new 96 along with the 6 speed. Something my Deuce was missing.
I picked the bike up that afternoon. After the walk through, the salesman tried to start the bike to no avail. The technician took the bike into the back to run diagnostics on it. Nearly 2 ½ hours later they found that it had blown the ignition fuse and did not know why. They said they didn’t have any info on the 08’s and would need to contact HD. They did get the bike running but wanted to keep it for further evaluation. I asked that I take the bike and bring it back at a later time. After riding for a day I went to try the cruise. As soon as I hit the button on the right side handle bar..the bike died! So… the bike will run but as long as I don’t use the cruise control and carry a bunch of 15 amp mini’s with me. I have an appointment Friday to have them resolve it.
Last night my wife and I decided to take the bike to a concert in East Hartford. After sitting in traffic for a very short time, the heat on the left side became unbearable. Not thinking much of it we continued on. After leaving the show, again we sat in traffic. This time the heat was too much. I had to pull over and turn the bike off. When we finally got home, my leg was killing me. I have what would be the equivalent to a severe sunburn from the inside of my thigh down to the back of my knee. Not something I would expect from a 23k bike I just purchased. I guess Laconia is out!
Lastly, I have a few observations about the bike in general that I would like to make. Of course not being able to test drive the bike before I purchased it, I had to go off of my previous experiences with my Deuce and on information from HD themselves.
First off the bike does not sound like a Harley. Enough said!
Second, you would think that the new 96 would have considerably more power to offer over the 88. Not true.! I am really disappointed with the throttle response. I realize it’s a different bike than my Deuce was, but on the highway at 65 mph in 5 or 6th gear, you’re hard pressed to get out of anyone’s way![/ul]
It was very difficult for me to sell my Deuce. I now feel as if I‘ve completely made the wrong decision in purchasing my 08 Ultra Classic. I will certainly be conveying that to anyone who asks! Hey..hows that new Ultra?
[IMG]local://upfiles/39124/4E1431170CC742FC85E290E28B410E08.jpg[/IMG]
#24
08-01-2007 | 10:15 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 81
From: Southern California
RE: Any 08 ultra owners yet?
So what exactly do you hope to accomplish with a letter like that? Sounds like you've had your bike just over 1 week and haven't given the dealer much of an opportunity to resolve your issue. The fact that there is any kind of issue at all on such a new bike I am sure is the reason why you're angry. I know I'd be angry to, especially if it failed to start the day I picked it up from the dealer.
Give it time, hopefully the dealer will be able to work through these issues with you to your satisfaction. I am considering purchasing an '08 myself, but because of what I've heard about the '07s I am very gun shy. So I wait...wait..and wait I become convinced HD had worked through all these issues. I am quite content to sit back and read the reviews by the '08 owners because I know if there are any complaint's I will read about it eventually.
Give it time, hopefully the dealer will be able to work through these issues with you to your satisfaction. I am considering purchasing an '08 myself, but because of what I've heard about the '07s I am very gun shy. So I wait...wait..and wait I become convinced HD had worked through all these issues. I am quite content to sit back and read the reviews by the '08 owners because I know if there are any complaint's I will read about it eventually.
#26
08-01-2007 | 11:42 AM
Novice
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Any 08 ultra owners yet?
Call it venting? If i can help someone along with their decision..then great! I guess I'm a little disappointed in myself for getting caught up in the corp. marketing of a "new an improved machine".It will work out! After I dump a ton of $$$ into it to get it to what my idea of a "Harley" should be. They say the cheapest part is buying the bike!
#27
08-01-2007 | 11:49 AM
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
RE: Any 08 ultra owners yet?
I went and rode an 07 Ultra yesterday. I am on a BMW now and I am tired of the lack of available dealers. I am considering the HD or possibly a GoldWing. I tried a Roadglide a few weeks ago but really did not like the windscreen after two different attempts with different heights. I really like the 07 Ultra and I am considering an 08 with ABS. The bike felt lighter to me than I thought it would but it seemed a tad slower than the RG. The big thing for me was the heat from the back cylinder. It happend to be a 90 degree day yesterday but I think it might keep me from buying it. I had dress pants on and not riding pants or jeans so I know I will feel more heat but wow did the seat get hot. My heart is with the Ultra but my head says to go back to a Goldwing. I was hoping that the 08's were running cooler but from these post it appears not. I also didn't really sit in much traffic I was pretty much on country roads.
#28
08-01-2007 | 11:50 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Any 08 ultra owners yet?
ORIGINAL: CAMPY
Here's a little **** and moan letter I'm sending to Harley. It will more than likely fall on deaf ears. But if I can prevent someone from making the same mistake I did!!!!????? Email me with questions!!!!
To Whom It May Concern:
After coming to terms with the aches and pains of being 41, I finally decided to sell my 2001 Deuce and step up into a more traditional and comfortable ride. I’ve had my eye on the Ultra Classic for a while, but could never picture myself on one until I was older.
On July 23, 2007 after much research I walked into a dealership (TSI) and dropped 23k on a new Ultra! I was attracted to the 08’ because of the 6 gal. tank, the new 96 along with the 6 speed. Something my Deuce was missing.
I picked the bike up that afternoon. After the walk through, the salesman tried to start the bike to no avail. The technician took the bike into the back to run diagnostics on it. Nearly 2 ½ hours later they found that it had blown the ignition fuse and did not know why. They said they didn’t have any info on the 08’s and would need to contact HD. They did get the bike running but wanted to keep it for further evaluation. I asked that I take the bike and bring it back at a later time. After riding for a day I went to try the cruise. As soon as I hit the button on the right side handle bar..the bike died! So… the bike will run but as long as I don’t use the cruise control and carry a bunch of 15 amp mini’s with me. I have an appointment Friday to have them resolve it.
Last night my wife and I decided to take the bike to a concert in East Hartford. After sitting in traffic for a very short time, the heat on the left side became unbearable. Not thinking much of it we continued on. After leaving the show, again we sat in traffic. This time the heat was too much. I had to pull over and turn the bike off. When we finally got home, my leg was killing me. I have what would be the equivalent to a severe sunburn from the inside of my thigh down to the back of my knee. Not something I would expect from a 23k bike I just purchased. I guess Laconia is out!
Lastly, I have a few observations about the bike in general that I would like to make. Of course not being able to test drive the bike before I purchased it, I had to go off of my previous experiences with my Deuce and on information from HD themselves.
First off the bike does not sound like a Harley. Enough said!
Second, you would think that the new 96 would have considerably more power to offer over the 88. Not true.! I am really disappointed with the throttle response. I realize it’s a different bike than my Deuce was, but on the highway at 65 mph in 5 or 6th gear, you’re hard pressed to get out of anyone’s way!
[ul][/ul]
It was very difficult for me to sell my Deuce. I now feel as if I‘ve completely made the wrong decision in purchasing my 08 Ultra Classic. I will certainly be conveying that to anyone who asks! Hey..hows that new Ultra?
[IMG]local://upfiles/39124/4E1431170CC742FC85E290E28B410E08.jpg[/IMG]
Here's a little **** and moan letter I'm sending to Harley. It will more than likely fall on deaf ears. But if I can prevent someone from making the same mistake I did!!!!????? Email me with questions!!!!
To Whom It May Concern:
After coming to terms with the aches and pains of being 41, I finally decided to sell my 2001 Deuce and step up into a more traditional and comfortable ride. I’ve had my eye on the Ultra Classic for a while, but could never picture myself on one until I was older.
On July 23, 2007 after much research I walked into a dealership (TSI) and dropped 23k on a new Ultra! I was attracted to the 08’ because of the 6 gal. tank, the new 96 along with the 6 speed. Something my Deuce was missing.
I picked the bike up that afternoon. After the walk through, the salesman tried to start the bike to no avail. The technician took the bike into the back to run diagnostics on it. Nearly 2 ½ hours later they found that it had blown the ignition fuse and did not know why. They said they didn’t have any info on the 08’s and would need to contact HD. They did get the bike running but wanted to keep it for further evaluation. I asked that I take the bike and bring it back at a later time. After riding for a day I went to try the cruise. As soon as I hit the button on the right side handle bar..the bike died! So… the bike will run but as long as I don’t use the cruise control and carry a bunch of 15 amp mini’s with me. I have an appointment Friday to have them resolve it.
Last night my wife and I decided to take the bike to a concert in East Hartford. After sitting in traffic for a very short time, the heat on the left side became unbearable. Not thinking much of it we continued on. After leaving the show, again we sat in traffic. This time the heat was too much. I had to pull over and turn the bike off. When we finally got home, my leg was killing me. I have what would be the equivalent to a severe sunburn from the inside of my thigh down to the back of my knee. Not something I would expect from a 23k bike I just purchased. I guess Laconia is out!
Lastly, I have a few observations about the bike in general that I would like to make. Of course not being able to test drive the bike before I purchased it, I had to go off of my previous experiences with my Deuce and on information from HD themselves.
First off the bike does not sound like a Harley. Enough said!
Second, you would think that the new 96 would have considerably more power to offer over the 88. Not true.! I am really disappointed with the throttle response. I realize it’s a different bike than my Deuce was, but on the highway at 65 mph in 5 or 6th gear, you’re hard pressed to get out of anyone’s way!
[ul][/ul]
It was very difficult for me to sell my Deuce. I now feel as if I‘ve completely made the wrong decision in purchasing my 08 Ultra Classic. I will certainly be conveying that to anyone who asks! Hey..hows that new Ultra?
[IMG]local://upfiles/39124/4E1431170CC742FC85E290E28B410E08.jpg[/IMG]
I really love my bike!
#29
08-01-2007 | 11:53 AM
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Any 08 ultra owners yet?
ORIGINAL: dircha
Good news for 08 owners then, assuming this holds true for all of the 08 touring bikes.
Unfortunately though I wonder if that means us 07 owners are going to have our resale value hurt on account of it being labeled the dud year on the new engine/tranny.
I just can not recommend an 07 touring model on account of the 5th gear whine. In my opinion, whatever mo co's motivation for making 5th gear different, a HD shouldn't sound like that whether it's bad for it or not, and they plain screwed up.
ORIGINAL: jr_c6
- I don't notice 5th gear sounding any different than any of the other gears.
- I don't notice 5th gear sounding any different than any of the other gears.
Unfortunately though I wonder if that means us 07 owners are going to have our resale value hurt on account of it being labeled the dud year on the new engine/tranny.
I just can not recommend an 07 touring model on account of the 5th gear whine. In my opinion, whatever mo co's motivation for making 5th gear different, a HD shouldn't sound like that whether it's bad for it or not, and they plain screwed up.
How many miles on your bike so far? Mine had some whine, but not too bad. I have 5500 miles now. It sounds quieter than before. I also switched to Mobil 1 trans, 90-140 weight. Smooth shifts and rides great.
Sorry to hear about your issue. I would highly recommenda 2007 to anyone based on my experiences.
#30
08-01-2007 | 12:10 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,475
Likes: 2
From: Southeast Wisconsin
RE: Any 08 ultra owners yet?
ORIGINAL: tda69
So what exactly do you hope to accomplish with a letter like that? Sounds like you've had your bike just over 1 week and haven't given the dealer much of an opportunity to resolve your issue.
So what exactly do you hope to accomplish with a letter like that? Sounds like you've had your bike just over 1 week and haven't given the dealer much of an opportunity to resolve your issue.