I got my new 2008 Anniversary Ultra today. Put all of 60 miles on it. Thought some folks might be interested in first impressions. This is my fifth HD, but first touring bike. The only option installed by the dealer was HD’s mid-frame heat deflectors. First, the downside: The bike vibrates much more at idle (1000 rpm) than any of my previous bikes. Now, the upside: Everything else. The temperature was 93 F today when riding the bike. The lower vents and batwing vents were both open. No issues with temperature for me – I was very comfortable. My wife was riding with me. She complained about heat around the lower areas of her legs. But she was wearing shorts. I think if she had long pants on there would have been no problem. By the way, the batwing vents are great. You can adjust them to get very good air flow over the rider. In fact, this had been one of my concerns of a touring bike – not getting good air flow. None of my previous bikes had windshields. We were cruising some back roads for about 15 miles with lots of curves and hills. In my opinion, the handling of this bike is outstanding, especially considering the weight. It is very well balanced. For comparison, the handling of my Dyna is great riding solo, but is crap with a passenger. This new Ultra handling was so good I couldn’t tell there was a passenger on the bike. The brakes are also great – just right for this heavy bike. Couple of stops going down hill proved no problem. I detected no unusual noises – the transmission was perfectly quite in all gears. The pipes were unusually loud for stock (louder than my 03 softail or 06 dyna). Thought they sounded pretty good. What really surprised me was riding on the highway. When we first got on the expressway, I was slowly running up the gears and could have sworn we were doing about 40 mph, but looked down at the speedometer and we were already at 65 mph and climbing. Holy crap, this bike is smooth.

 

Thats what the ULTRA ( top of the line and flagship of the fleet) is all about! I will bet you put in more time on it than your other bikes.Welcome aboard!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

What date did you order your bike? I ordered mine Aug. 1st. and have not seen it yet.

 

I too have a new 08 Ultra. We just got back from a 4100 mile trip (Detroit toCO &NM). Great trip except for heavy rain in the Rockies and riding through hail (4-inch accumulation) in the Jemez Mtns. We rode the Million $ Hwy from Ooray to Silverton indrenching rain. Had to go back the next day to experience that road dry. I love this bike. Very smooth. 6-speed is fabulous.Never thought I would need a stereo on a bike, but I just blared that thing the whole time. It's so comfortable and handles so well, my wife is ready to go again.

My only complaint was that I couldn't keep up with two other riders between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. One on a Gold Wing, the other on a Super Glide - they just kept a steady 80mph pace. On the inclines, we just kept losing speed with the throttle pegged (fully loaded and two-up) and I had to catch up on the declines. Maybe I should have downshifted, but I shouldn't need to.

I'm looking forward to the Power Commander -as soon asthey figure out the 'drive-by-wire.' I'm going to start with a Stage1 upgrade. Any recommendations for new pipes? I'm partial the Thunderheader 2-into-1 because it worked so well on my Super Glide. Others have told me that the DnD would provide more horsepower tho...

 

6th gear is like an overdrive gear. I find that when cruzin and no load..it's great. But if you need power to get up a hill or pass, you better downshift and get into 5th. Same thing in most cars..downshift to pass or climb, etc.

 

Sorry, but yes you should downshift to clime the grades when fully loaded. Especially with the 6 speed on an H-D.