I'm still waffling about a new Ultra in that If I get one, I will not be doing any mods to it at all and it will only be ridden solo. Also, if I buy a Harley at all, it will be an Ultra.

I'm not in any way trying to show any disrespect to the good folks on this forum, or anywhere else for that matter, who mod their bikes, and I respect the choices and the opinions of all of the individuals here.

I'm just trying to find out if these bikes are actually suitable for long distance touring and around town riding if they're left the way they come from the factory. From what I've read, they seem to be in a constant state of trying to melt themselves (and the rider) unless the fuel mixture is changed from the factory setting and a different intake and exhaust system is installed. Especially the 2010 models with the cats in the header pipe.

I've read many, many (100's) of posts relating to heat issues with the bigger engines, catalytic converters, exhaust pipe placement, several people proposing class action lawsuits because the bikes are considered un-ridable as they come from the factory, "$2000 in exhaust and ECU mods should be considered a normal expense of owning a new H-D", etc. and I've also noticed that essentially all of the sigs on all of the H-D forums include engine, ECU, intake and exhaust mods.

All I want is some real world advice on what's up for real when riding solo on a factory-stock Ultra on a daily basis and if there are any Ultra owners out there who have actually done it without any durability or maintenance issues as a result.

Thank you all very much in advance for any and all opinions and info.

 

Stock? WTF is that? Ain't that where a whole bunch of white shirts get together and spend other peoples money somewhere in NYC?

Can it be left stock? = yes, absolutely

Chances of it being done? = slim to none. Get your wallet out. You'll be modding till your ears fall off!

 

Thank you for your response, but you do not know me, so please don't tell me what I will or will not do. I respect your right to your opinion, but in this case it's absolutely incorrect.

I also understand that your response was tongue in cheek, but If I end up getting one of these bikes, $24,000 is ALL I'm gonna be spending on it. Period - end of story.

I've owned 5 Harleys and all were left or returned to factory-bone-stock configuration right down to the nuts, bolts and washers. That's just me.

Thanks again & ride safe,

John

 

To answer your question I'll add. When I rode my 07 ultra out of the dealer it pinged and in my opinion definitely needed some mods. I did so with a pc111, K&N Air cleaner, and a 2 into 1 exhaust. These mods REALLY woke up the 07 and cooled it down.

The 2010 Ultra is a different story. I rode it from the same dealer and everything felt good, as it should. Please note that I have not ridden the bike in any temps over 75 degrees. As of now I would say that this bike runs fine without any mods needed. However!!!!

I just pulled the trigger on a HQ 107 ST Package, TTS Mastertune, FM 2 into 1 into 2 head pipe, Jackpot slip ons, SE AC. oil temp gauge, HD oil cooler, but that's just me.

 

Understood and very much appreciated, Sir.

Thank you very much for the informative info and watch out for those cagers out there!

John

 

Sure you can leave it stock. I rode mine for about 2000 miles bone stock and other than being a little warm at stops (Aug) I had no problem with it what so ever. Good luck

 

Thanks, I appreciate the help.

John

 

There are lots of new bikes of all model with the exhaust left completely stock.

 

Thank you for the response, I really appreciate your taking the time.

Best wishes and ride safe,

John

 

I went from an 07 Street Glide with a complete FuelMoto Stage 1 pkg, to a 2010 ElectraGlide Classic. I have not changed a thing on mine. In fact, it has much better throttle response then my 07. I really like the sound of the stock exhaust and do not plan on changing it. I have not ridden it extremely hot temps so I do not know how the cat exhaust is going to effect the heat coming up to my legs. If this does become an issue, I will either drill out the cat, or buy FuelMoto's headers.