I just took my bosses 06 Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic for a spin. I was not at all impressed with the power or low end torque. However, as I recall my 05 Ultra was a bit of a dog until I got to the 5K service. My stock 88 with the SEAC 2-1 and SERT seems a bit more responsive and possible just as quick overall.

The biggest difference I noticed was in handling. The SE had more of a sport bike feel. At first I thought it was lighter. But I check the specs andd find just the opposite. The SE is 845 lbs while my Ultra is 788 lbs. I do have a true-track on my Ultra and am a bit more stable above 85 MPH and certainly I'm more stable in high speed corners.

The Hydraulic clutch is awesome and now a must have.

The shorter windshield is something I did not like at speed. Would be great cruising daytona!

Overall I do not think the Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic is anywhere near worth the $12K premium. But that said, it certainly is a sweet ride!

Just curious about the handling difference. Can anyone give me a clue as to why I feel the 06 Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic handles more like a sport bike than my 05 Ultra Classic?

 

Profile rear shocks, 05' to 06' fork internals are different and.....less chrome trim..... so more aerodynamic, like a Street Glide. CVO's are sweet! How's the 160W stereo set-up?

 

Had XM tuned in and I did not want to mess with it. However, I cranked up the volume and it was impressive.

I can't get that sport bike feel out of my head. The specs on the Rake Steering Head/Trail are the same. Maybe I need to rent an 06 and see if there's a difference. Don't think I could justify the additional cost for an SE. But I may think about it if the difference is in the handling.

 

I don't have the SE Ultra, I do have a Jims SE103 and six speed box. 110 hp/103 ftlbs torq. in an 03 FLHTC/I. I am impressed with the torq off idle. When you can pull and carry the front wheel in the 1/2 and 2/3 shifts, that's impressive. The CVO SE Ultra needs to be dyno tuned. HD from the factory is conservitive in the ECM setup and also the cams. Dyno'ed it should provide 100/100 for HP/torq.

 

This may have no bairing(sp?), but my father and I have the exact same bikes, softail heritage 06's. His and mine handle completely different due to the fact I have 4 inche risers and he has longer pullback bars.

 

This SE has a little ove 800 miles. I recall a big difference after the 5K service. He wants to change the pipes and put a SERT on it. If he can find a decent tuner I would think there will be significant improvement. I also think he should put a few more mile on before making any changes.

What's the advantage of the 6 speed? Unless 6 is greater than the 3.150 wouldn't it just be more footwork to get there?

 

IT IS LOWER AND SLIGHTLY HEAVIER.

 

Ever try to shift into that imaginary extra gear on the highway, that's the advantage of a sixer! I know I would like one. Imagine that 103 with pipes and a decent tune. Hey Bob, did the CVO really handle that much different that your ULT, how sure are you?

 

I just checked the specs and see the 6th is 2.96 as opposed to 3.15 not a big difference but I know what you mean about looking for that extra one!

As for the CVO handling. It was the first thing I noticed. Just seemed to feel lighter and easier to manuver. When I pulled to a stop and put my foot out, it felt like a 10spd bicycle, effortless balance. With my UC I can feel the weight and seems bulkier. Yet when I look as the spec sheet the CVO is the same wheelbase, height and all ecept that the CVO is 57 lbs heavier. Must have a lower center of gravity due to the 103 engine as all else is the same. At least on the spec sheets.

Hate the low windshield. Riding w/o helmet at 100+ is not pleasant. My boss said the wind comes under the face shield for him. We're both 6'4". He's going to get a std size smoke windshield soon. Also wants true duals but hasn't decided on the brand.

 

Very interesting post...would have never thought there would have been much difference... The front forks, rear shocks, and more power, which would be a big difference, but to feel different at a stop sign????