Difference between 08 & 09 Ultra

IR Rick

I would go with the 09, I also think trying to buy close to home, and get a repore going with service, you just never know when you will need thier help,, and if the dealership is the kind of place that care about customers you will be happy over the time you own the bike, Money is not everthing it come and goses

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Every Day Is A Great Day On
2009 Ultra Classic Black Pearl ABS
Bushtec/ turbo 2 trailer

Carroll B

I pulled the trigger on an 09 in Red Hot Sunglow. I got the security system, ABS, aluminum wheels (which is what I wanted). I added the luggage rack on the tour pack, driver's back rest, and a fan that mounts where the horn is now. The guy at the parts counter was great and offered a lot of advice since he drives an Ultra. Told me I could upgrade to the pipes to D&D superboss pipes and along with the SE airfilter and told me I would not have to add the after market fuel module. Said the stock fuel map would work but only with this set of pipes. Said if I just changed the air cleaner to a high flow unit without changing to the D&D pipes I would neat a new fuel map installed. Said I could install the pipes and air cleaner myself and by not buying the fuel module and paying for 4-5 hours of tune time I would save myself about $1000. He took me outside and let me listen to them on his bike. The parts guy ask me if I was ever in the military and I told him 40 years ago I was in the navy. He said great you will get a 10% off on any parts the rest of your life for being in the military.

When you buy from this dealer they take you around to the different depts and you are on a poker run. You draw a card after each introduction in each dept. The hand determines what type of free motor clothes you get. I have drawn 4 cards and will draw the fith when I pick up the bike. Right now I have 2 pair so I should get a nice piece of clothing up to a leather Harley jacket if I can draw the full house.

I haven't yet decided on the extended warranty. It is $609 for the 3rd year or $814 for years 3-4. The bike was on order and should be in by the early next the week. This works out good because it will take me a few days to get the money from my retirement account.

Thanks guys for all the help and advice. Now I not only have the gray hairs to show my years but I'll be driving a geezer guide with a big smile on my face by father's day!

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Hang in there, Moses was once a basket case.
2009 Ultra Classic - Red Hot Sunglow, ABS, security, HD oil cooler, Lenale fan.
CMA member - Glen Burnie, MD chapter

Crazyfrog

Congrats on the new bike. Now make sure you post some pics as soon as you get a chance!

Redman

Congrats....nice ride and great color...have fun and an early Happy Fathers Day.

jimharvey1

A brand-spankin' new Red Hot Sunglow Ultra up from an '05 883...You are gonna be in HEAVEN! I decided to go from an '07 Superglide Custom to an '07 Ultra and the difference was AMAZING. You will NEVER LOOK BACK after riding an Ultra. They definitely are the Mac Daddy of the Harley line. Congrats on the new ride. Be careful with her...that ain't no Sporty you'll be toolin' around on.

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Yeah, it's a Harley...No, you can't drive it!

Hobbit

go with the 09- i test rode an 05 an 08 and the 09 and the 09 won hands down and was only 3K more than the secondhand SE 05 and better equipped

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Carroll B

Jimharvey: I plan to take it easy with the new ride. I'm not an agressive rider anyway, and even on the Ultra I'll give everyone else the right-of-way. A guy at my church teaches the cycle course at a local college. He has offered riders in my church and local CMA chapter an advanced class for $140 some Saturday. I don't think I would have any problem with the course using the sporty but with the Ultra I'll need a couple of months in the saddle to get use to the extra size and weight. I might have a problem for the first couple of months because of the big smile I know I'll be wearing. I hope my helmet will still fit my head!

__________________
Hang in there, Moses was once a basket case.
2009 Ultra Classic - Red Hot Sunglow, ABS, security, HD oil cooler, Lenale fan.
CMA member - Glen Burnie, MD chapter

jimharvey1

Yeah, that "figure-8 inside the box" takes on a whole new dimension on the Ultra. Get used to it and you'll be comfortable throwing that weight around and keeping her balanced in no time, but the change from a Sporty to an Ultra is like upgrading from a Kia to a Caddy. Take it slow. Laying an ultra down even at slow speed, or even tipping one on its side at a stop gets very expensive, very quickly!

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Yeah, it's a Harley...No, you can't drive it!

hntwrobin

The advanced rider course is well worth it! You learn more of your limits and the bikes limits. The 09 was definetly the way to go. I have a 99 Roadking and an 09 Streetglide, since I bought the SG I haven't been on the 99. That's how much of a difference there is.

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99 Road King 106" S&S stroker and 09 street glide

wildey

Well in my opinion I don't care for the 09's. If you have short legs its going to be a problem as they sit higher than the 08's.

As for the nicer ride. I took one for a test ride and I didn't think it was any better than putting Avons on instead of Dunlops.

Yeah, its got a bigger tire, a little more load carrying cap, frame etc. But that doesn't sell me on it.

Actually, if I were to sell my 08, I would go back in time and buy a harley before they got rid of the timken bearing crank setup, rebuild the engine the way I want it, wheels, tires, paint etc and still be cheaper than an 09 and get exactly what I want.

There are a lot of low mileage older Hogs out there waiting to be had, esp during these trying times

I just wish I would have done that before I bought my 06 too.