Mine is stock and completely satisfied so far and most of my riding is 2-up

 

My 08 UC POSE is factory stock, but I've only had it for a week. I did buy awindshield leather 3-pocket pack and will probably add a rear trunk rack. Other than that I'm more than satisfied with it's performance, operation, and look's. Can't go wrong with the UC...

 

John

I'd be inclined to make a change to the fuel map. It seems to run awfully lean - I rented one for three days before taking the plunge, and then bought the SE Race Tuner to get it running better. Since the SERT, I have gained a useful improvement in rev range (it now pulls strongly from below 2,000 rpm without pinging), cooler running, more power and response, and no worse fuel economy. On hot days it makes a helluva difference, both in heat and smoothness.

There are a myriad of articles in American Rider magazine about how the EPA requirements strangle the smooth running of a big air-cooled Harley engine, and enrichening the air/fuel ratio, regardless of whether you add pipes/mufflers or a hi flow A/C, will make a more enjoyable AND more efficient ride. This is not just humble opinion but backed up with scientific fact. Here's one such article by Joe Minton:

http://www.americanrider.com/output.cfm?id=1279963

Either way, it's a fabulous machine and one that is sure to give you many, many miles of smiles. Enjoy and ride safe!

 

Hey Quint, thanks for posting the link to American Rider heat issues. Very informative.

 

I think stimul8ting was joking. Lightin' up.

 

Hey Quint,

Thanks for the link. Lots of great info there. Lots of good links to other related subjects too!

I'massuming that fairly soon the all-knowing, omnipotentEPA will start requiring emissions testing on bikes and that's gonna be a huge problem for everyone with modified ECM's & carbs. I hear that Denver is already enforcing laws against loud, non-stock pipes.

Thanks again and stay safe,

John

 

I kept mine stock for the first 5000 miles, then added the Screaming Eagle air intake and a Fuelpak. I haven't decided on whether or not to change the pipes. On my Road King, I had the V&H duals with Oval mufflers. They looked and sounded great, but on a 6500 mile trip in August, the noise just got to be too much. Add to that the issues with noise, and I am leaning towards keeping the stock mufflers. You will really like the Ultra. It has greatly exceeded my expectations.

 

Fortunately for me, none of the quirks of the 96" engine and transmission setup has been very noticable in mine. I am really impressed with the torque and how well it winds up. I hit the rev limiter the other day and it pulled strong right up to it. I bought my bike in August, with over 100 degree days and didn't find the heat objectionable at all. I've since added midframe heat shields for my wife's benefit (she rides with her legs up high, exposing some flesh when she does), but as for me I am good with it until I get caught at traffic jam.

I find that as the miles pile on, the engine is getting less noisy. The gas mileage runs close to 42 on average, although strictly around town, 4th gear running, gives around 37-38 mpg. The exhaust pipes are a nice beige/gray look telling me it runs a bit on the lean side, but have not once heard the bike pinging, even uphill/upwind/two up in sixth.

I am not motivated at all to change a thing. Maybe I got a gem (build date June 2007) but I am happy as it is.[8D]

 

I want to thank all of the good folks who took the time to post their opinions and advice about the '08 bikes. I feel confident, after reading all of your posts,that whatever faults may have existed in some of the '07's have been taken care of for '08. I will be ordering an '08 UC in white gold pearl next month for delivery in early spring, maybe with the laced wheels - still waffling on that. I decided against the ABS only because it's kinda pricey and that'll be one less thing to possibly give problems on an already super-complex machine.

The dealer that I'm working with has agreed to let me take it on a long test drive before taking delivery. If I'm not completely happy with it, then the deal's off with no hard feelings - his words. To me, that shows a lotta confidence on his part. He was very understanding of my concerns and doubts and admitted straight up thathis dealership had several unhappy '07 customers that they are still dealing with and that he was getting no cooperation whatsoever from the MOCO. Seems like a pretty honest guy to me!

Thanks again and ya'll ride safe & have a great Holiday season!

John

 

'07 Ultra Bone stock except for IDS. (does that count?)
Purchased in April this year, have 8000 miles on it, my first Harley so I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase I'm sure,and I FREAKIN LOVE IT.
Came off an '05 Yamaha Venture and before that an '01 1800 Wing. I've owned a 1500 Wing and aValkyrie Interstate.

Handling is fantastic
Ergos are great, better then any other touring bike I've owned.
It's been rock solid for me so far. Built like a tank.
It's darn hot in the summer, i use RJ's heat shields which are off now for winter. They work great.
I personally love the sound of thestock mufflers from the drivers seat, that's where it counts.

Can honestly say I've not had a singleissue other than theaiming of the headlight and passing lamps, which were sofar off as delivered from the dealer they shoud havebeen embarassed.

I "learned" about the bike while riding the crap out of it, the noises the engine makes (my first air cooled vtwin), the gearbox characteristics and what not. My venture had the holy grail of gear whines (you wanna hear gear whine, go ride a generation 2 Yamaha Venture...you have no idea) so I was familiar with the sound of 5th gear, at times it bugged me, but IDS somehow really put the lid on that I don't even notice it now. Iput the IDS on the bike on a whim really, and It's the best thing I've done to it.Very smooth bike now.

I'm toying with the idea of a fuel management box for the heat, but have not decided yet.

I would not trade it for any previous bike I've owned. It's everything I thought it would be and more.