I'm considering a new Ultra. Is there anyone that has left theirs completely unmodified engine/drivetrain-wise who can give me some info?

Thanks,

John

 

cant possibly be done! no way no how bone stock what fun would that be

 

My '08 UC is stock but then, I've only had the bike a month.

With that said, I'm considering something like the TMax when it becomes available. Other than that, maybe a change to the seat and that's about it.

I like how my bike sounds, rides, and performs. I'm no longer into high speed, power, or other mods along that line. Great for those that are; it's just not my bag any more.

 

My 08 is still stock. Its a tad hot on warm days stopped at a light but once you start moving it's ok. Is pretty quick for such a heavy bike. 2up its not as quick. If you do alot of 2up ridding might want to get it a little more torque/HP out of the engine.

 

My young neophyte buyer...come and learn....many have tried and all have failed...you cannot leave any harley bone stock! It is nice to hear of such simple thinking ....it has been such a long time since i've run across such a virgin!! The lesson is complete....now go...buy your hog and start the bling/upgrades!!!!!!

 

Mine was completely stock until the 5th of December and then I added some Rush Slip ons. What do you want to know?

 

Hey simul8ting,

Thanks for the sophomoric, condesending reply. I have been buying and riding Harleys for well over 40 years (All were left totally stock) - how long have you been at it? Judging from your lack of respect, I'd say not very long!

If you choose to buy "Bling" for yer ride, that's your biz. I asked a totally different question.

Thanks anyway,

John

 

I've got a bone stock '07 EGC - not an Ultra but the drive train is the same. I've got over 10000 miles on it and it hasn't skipped a beat. FI is new to me. I rode a caburetored EGC from '89 until last year when I finally made a change.

I'm not sure what you're looking for so here's my impressions after a year.

I'm sold on the fuel injection. The bike starts on the first crank every time. Throttle response off idle is good and smooth between trailing and leading inputs. I've ridden between sea level and 4000 feet and didn't notice a change in performance due to elevation change.

The six speed will lope down the interstate at 80 to 85 mph without breaking a sweat. I'm not a fan of the super slab but it sure is nice to have the extra gear when it's time to gobble up some miles. Sixth gear was noisy on mine for the first 1000 miles or so but quieted down after changing to synthetic at the 1K service. I didn't add the IDS (don't need it) but I'm sure it's an improvement for the '08s.

I was surprised that first gear is "taller" than on the old five speed. It's no big deal but it is noticeable when taking off two up and fully loaded. Until I got used to it, it felt at times like I was taking off in second gear. I'm a little lighter on clutch release with a passenger compared to the EVO and it's no problem.

I think the 96 cubic inch has adequate troque and power. The transmission gear ratios are pretty well matched with the engine. I'm pleased with the overall 47 - 48 mpg. I didn't buy it for gas mileage but figured it would be a lot less than the EVO and it's not.

There are a few cons.

The lean running setup does throw off a lot of heat in stop and go traffic. I've considered adding a Power Conmander but haven't felt it was necessary. I don't want to mess with the set up because other than the heat issue, which is only a concern now and then, the bike runs great.

I'm still getting used to the "high tech" changes. It doesn't have as much character as the old bike. There's no choke to set when it's cold or petcock to forget to open when I start it. It is almost too smooth at idle. I miss the front wheel shake and potato - potato sound. And I do miss the ability to switch to reserve on low fuel.

 

jpooch,
What is it you're tryin to find out?

 

Hey opossum,

I think I've got the info I need. Sounds like the stock '08 UC's are running fine.

I have never owned one of the injected bikes, but from what I've read here and on other forums, they seem to have heat and lack of power issues. It seems that everyone has to spend quite a bit of extra money to get the engines to run cooler and to get the power that they want.

Every Harley I've ever owned was bone-stock and when it came time to sell them I have ALWAYSgotten more than I paid - not counting taxes. The last one was an '03 RK which I had problems with from day one and I even soldthat one for about $500 more than I paid for it. From what I have experienced, adding stuff to them doesn't increase the value at all and in most cases actually makes them worth less and harder to sell.

As far as individuality goes, It seems that the rarest bikes - and therefore the most individual ones - are the ones that haven't been modified at all!

Anyway, I wasjust trying to find out if there are folks out there who are satisfied with the UC's the way they come from the factory and also if the hot, lean-running engines hold up OK. Also, there was apparently a serious clattering noise issue with about 25% of the '07's, but apparently the '08's don't have it.

Anyway, that's the deal with me.

Best wishes and ride safe,

John