I'd go for the 01. Keep as many toys as possible. My 01 Ultra is like new, runs great, had nice extras when I got it 2 years ago. I kept my roadster but never ride it..Gave it over to my son in law to use.
And, my wife, who is also petite, loves the seat and comfort. You'll dig the 01 and get to keep your other one.

 

The newer bike has a better everything!!

 

Many many difference, also in price. A really nice 01 maybe $8-9 k. Nice 07-8 maybe $12-15, maybe $16.

I'd look for an 09. Big motor (96" in 07), 6 speed in 07), much better brakes (Brembo, in 08 I think)), much better suspension (09), better frame (09), ABS (08 or 09), bigger gas tank in 09 (6 gal), Warranty (08 or 09), fuel injection (02), Bigger wheels and tires (09), better resale (for all the previous reasons),

A used 09 might cost a couple grand more (than an 08), $16-18 or so.

Really depends on your budget, but absolutely NO comparison from an 01 to a new bike. Nothing "wrong" with the older ones..the newer ones are just waayyy better....INHO

 

The ability to keep both bikes (at toy and a cruiser) would make the decision easy.

If it weren't for that, I'd have to go the newer bike. But getting the older one would be a small price to pay for the ability to have both! Absolutely a no-brainer for me.

 

Searching eBay completed listings for 2001-2003 Touring there aren't many Ultra's that went for less then 10,000 unless there were major problems so that's probably a pretty good price. I've looked at some '09 Electraglide Classics with ABS lately they can be had for 16k if you look, 17-17.5 for an Ultra less if you look for bikes without ABS

 

This will take care of that issue... http://harleycomforts.com/ for about $115 bucks...I love it and as do the DD's that ride behind me...LOL

 

I just traded in a 2001 ultra a few months ago for a 2007.

The 2001 had the old style fuel injection which was sometimes problematic, but the 2001 ran much cooler than the 2007 does.

The 2007 seems to handle better, has more power, has a much stronger stereo (and a CD player instead of cassette like the 2001 did) and has the six speed transmission. (Yes, the 5th gear whine is noticable on occasion, but it is not annoying on mine...I've heard some that were loud enough to get on your nerves, so that's something to consider, too.)

My 2007 does not have the rubber loaded rear sprocket assembly and it definately does have more "power pulse" vibration around 2000 RPM, but I've been told that upgrading to that rubberised rear sprocket assembly will cut that out (to me it isn't bad, just noticable).

I believe the 2001 has smaller diameter axles than the later models, but I never had any problems with the axles or bearings on the 2001.

The 2007 has the new style cam chain tensioners, and the automatic primary chain adjuster. The 2007 also has LEDs for the turn signal indicators, low oil pressure indicator, etc, and the back-lights of the speedo and tach. (The other gauges still use conventional bulbs.)

As someone else said, if it were just a bike for bike deal, I would get the 2007 over the 2001. I liked the 2001, but I REALLY like the 2007.

But getting to have two bikes instead of one, I'd have to say go with the 2001. They are not bad bikes, I enjoyed the 2001. I was just able to get a good deal on an "upgrade" to the 2007, and I definately do not regret the trade.

Good luck, enjoy which ever bike you choose!

 

Pretty much agree with the above post. Just too many upgrades and improvements from
01 to 07.

 

+1... BUT, remember if you have two bikes, you have to insure both... more monthly outlay. Also, as I mentioned, I ride my '07 for everything. If I had a second scoot for short runs or just fun, I don't know how much i'd use it. I think you need to think about that aspect and trade it off against what you'd get with the '07 or newer. You certainly get some things with that. EFI, 6-speed, better stereo, bigger engine are key attributes.

Sit down and think about what you really want, then make the decision.

 

There wasn't that many upgrades from an '01 to the '07 models, basically just the motor, tranny, radio, and EFI.

I would look for a used '09 model, that way you get the new frame, larger rear tire, and the bigger motor, 6-speed tranny, better radio, and EFI upgrades.

There are a lot of deals out there right now on newer used bikes, with so many people out of work the bike is the first thing to go and normally it's cheap for the quick sale.

Steve