Hi guys, this is my first post and I'm not yet a Harley owner but the process has already started. I just sold my 1989 GL 1500 Goldwing which ran and rode great. I've alway wanted a Harley but being a family man I just kept thinking I'd hopefully get one when the kids are through school, etc. I'm also a life long drummer that has retired from the club circuit which is what has put me in the market. I've already sold one drum set and my bike and still have another drum set and boat for sale. As soon as they're sold I'll have my bike fund complete. Having all that said, I've been shopping and trying to educate myself and I'm down to the last determining factors. I'm only going to have about $13-14k to spend and being used to the Goldwing obviously my hope was for an Ultra. My question from you guys that actually know these machines is would I be better off to try and get an 07 Classic for the sake of the 96ci and 6-speed or an older Ultra with the 88ci and 5sp. I have an opportunity to pick up an 07 Classic with under 10k miles on it for $14k and there are several Ultras on Craigs list in my area from 02-05 with 25-45k miles on them for less than $14k. I know I'm trying to have my cake and eat it too, I guess the guidance I'm looking for is what would be worth more, the bigger motor and tranny (lower miles also) or all the bells and whistles of the Ultra. I never used the intercom and cb on my Goldwing. The stereo and cruise where my favorites and I understand I could add the cruise to a Classic for about $300. Thanks for any input you could share. Dave

 

Welcome to the forum from Virginia.

 

Welcome from Fort Irwin California, ride safe

 

FYI....the new members usually get welcomed before we start with ya....So welcome to the forum....
Personally i would get the 07...Nothing wrong with the older ones either but the UGClassic is In my opinion the most bang for the buck new...It is up to you if you want the CB, communication , rear speakers and cruise control....
Motor wise...starting in 07 the cam chain tensioners were upgraded, the transmission went to 6 spd...Tranny??? no big deal if you ask me but the motor... 88 to 96"....The 88" is a very good engine...ran cooler... spring loaded cam chain tensionners were Iffy at best...can be upgraded....The ultra has all the bells n whistles....They ride about the same up to 2009 when they changed the frame....

Go with the EG Classic and get cruise added you will be happy.

 

Welcome to the Forum from Indy!

 

Welcome to the HDForum from southeastern Michigan, U.S.A. Get all that you can!

 

Welcome from South Central Kentucky.
Just my personal experience but I would go with the 07 Classic.

Barney Biker
07 EG
PGR

 

Get the newest bike you can.......every year....more improvemnts are made.

~Joe

 

Thanks for the welcome. I can see this site will not only be helpful during the shopping process but I'll be spending a lot of time on here once I get my bike. I think I was already on the same page with the responses I'm seeing here. I've had people tell me in person if there's any way I can swing it to try to get an 07 or newer. I really didn't think I could but the 07 Classic I reffered to belongs to a family member that buys wholesale and will let me have it for cost plus expenses. One concern I had was since I've been reading posts on here about the bikes I think I might be interested in, I've seen a few that were not as happy with the 07 claiming that it almost required a stage 1 kit and exhaust to keep from having problems. Wasn't sure if these were just isolated issues or if I should maybe just stay with the 88. I'll keep checking in to see if any other opinions show up here before I make any moves, and of course once I do pull the trigger I'll put my "new guy" post on here and let you guys know what I end up with. Thanks for the input, this is a great site!

 

Welcome to the forum from Kansas