I currently ride a Vulcan 2000, but I'm thinking strongly about an Ultra Classic. My brother in law has a 2006 ultra with only 1000 miles on it, and it is like new. I can probably get it for around 16,500. My question is, Would I be better off getting the newer 07, or 08 because of the bigger engine and 6 speed transmission. Thanks for any responses...........

Rod

 

That's a great price on such a low mileage bike. The '06 is the last of the TC88's, so you have all the updates if it was built in the latter half of the '06 model year.
Easily upgraded to 95", which would be close to the size of the new engines. Tranny has slightly lower first gear which is a plus. If you do freeway driving, the 6 speed would be nice to have, but I can cruise no problem at 75, but gas mileage suffers at that speed.

If it hasn't been done yet, upgrade it to a Stage One for better running/more power.

You will still have to keep an eye on the cams--many here say to check them at 20,000, which is where I'm at right now. The new ones are supposed to have that problem finally fixed, but only time will tell.

 

I would not tell anyone any more to buy a 07, due to the major crank issues that are just now coming to light. I sold 2, 07s and a 08 and went back to a 05. I like it much better than either of my 07s. The 08 was nice , but still like my 05 better. If it was me I would buy the 06, its 5k cheaper than you can get into a 08 for and as good or better of a bike.

 

If you are going to buy it and ride it, I would say to go ahead and get it. But if you want to have all of the latest and greatest, like a 6 speed and a 95" engine, you're probably going to save a few bucks in the long run getting a newer model.

The '06 and earlier bikes are great performers as is, butthe cost of6 speed alone will put you into the newer bike territory.....

 

I have an '06 and couldn't be happier with it. I bought Service Manual from Zanottis, do my own maintenance, and ride every chance I get. I got the Voltage regulator replaced free by the dealer because of the service bulletin, but other than that I just gas it up and ride! You won't be sorry!

 

Go with the '06 and with the money you save, have a headquarters 95 or 98 ci kit installed and a baker 6 speed. Better performance and reliability than a new one!

 

I personally think you would do better with an 08 but the cost will be about $7,000.00 or more when you consider set-up and doc fees and freight and whether you will have ABS or a pearl or two tone pearl color. If money is no object definitely go with the 08. But at the price the 06 is a very good buy.I know of no wide spread crank problems on the 08. We have sold about 20 08 Ultras,Road Kings and other model touring bikes and none have come back with those problems. In fact none have been back for any problems at all.

 

I love my 06 Ultra and have about 18,000 miles on it now. I swapped off with a friends 07 Ultra on a trip one time and decided that the 6 speed wasn't worth the additional cost and some of the problems that have cropped up on the 07's. I hear the 08's are better but I'm plenty happy with my 06 right now, tried and proven. At some point I plan to put gear drive cams in it for a little more torque and then around 60,000 miles I may do a 95 kit. That should give me more power than a stock07 or 08.

That's a great price for such a low mileage bike, I'd grab it while you got the chance before he changes his mind.

 

Where did you get your saddlebag fringe and does it affect the chrome finish on the rail its attached to?

 

Get the 06 Ultra.
Any performance upgrades would be up to you.
Definitely check and make sure the 06A injector upgrade had been done.
If not do it. It should be free.
also I would do the performance oil pump upgrade. Not a necessity but I would recommend it.