Should I buy new or used

[garyp1]

Looking for advice.
Just sold my 2005 Electra Glide.
Looking for an Ultra.
Should I buy a Ultra Classic or a Ultra Classic Limited.
What are the differences between the 2009 through to the 2012 ?
I have found 2009 with 4000 kms and 2012 with 12000 kms
Not sure what to buy.
Any advice might help make my choice. Plus the differences in price might also make up my mind.
Thanks Gary

[HwyKnight]

Not that I'm biased but, I am! I say go for a UCLimited. Mine is a 2010. I feel that the better paint, ABS, wheels, motor, and heated grips were all worth the extra money. Regardless, get what you really want, even if it means waiting to save up a bit. If you settle for less, you will regret it in the long term.

[smitty901]

Nothing wrong with a used low mileage bike If the discount is right.
I would recommend you go 2009 or newer the new frame is a good move.
As for the limited and other models it comes down to cost.
You know what you need on the bike figure out what you would like and find one that fits you bank account.
If there is something you really want no madder the reason wait for it settling for less just to save a buck leaves you an unhappy rider down the road.
2009 first year new frame old style 02 sensors no CATS TC96 engine
2010 02 sensors moved to end of header pipe most models no CTAs TC96 engin
2011 first year 103 standard on RGU ABS also standard rest are TC96 options for 103 , 110 and ABS option on other models. All have CATS. 103 models come with the upgraded compensator
2012 TC103 standard engine 110 option on some models.

[Scrubs]

The way I look at the choice between new & used bike that I'm planning to keep for awhile is:

If there is a clean, used bike that already has the things done to it that I'd do anyway - e.g. breathes better w/ Stage I and a quality performance exhaust system - then I would seriously consider this bike over a new one. Especially, if I know the previous owner and can get the service records...big plus. The savings here over doing/paying for these mods myself may turn out to be considerate.

There's a pre-owned '10 FLHTK with 103 c.i.d. in 2-tone blue/black where I'm working that is yanking my walletchain. I know the previous owner who traded it in. New isn't interesting for me since I don't really care for any of the color options the past 2 model years.

The downside is, there may be no warranty on a used bike...in this case, I'd seriously consider an ESP for at least a few (3-5) years.

Oh, the agony of decisions

[smitty901]

As some know I totaled my 2011RGu last week.
I have gone over the options and one was to find a low mileage used 2011-2012 for the right deal , I norally buy new but I looked.
My options were some what limited as I want a RGU.
I found a 2011 just like mine with 1000 miles on it a dealer demo. The problem was it was not discounted enough for me to buy a 2011 at this time. Next I saw a 2011 with 4K on it clean like new ride but same issue Value wide I was better off with a new 2013 for the price difference.
After that I just gave up on looking for that option and ordered the new one in color I wanted.
If you buy used and it has a balance of factory warranty left you get that. The two year warranty belongs to the bike not he purchaser.
Amazing how many very low mile 2010-2012 Touring bikes to be had what you must figure out is if the discount is enough.
It you buy a 2010 and price is right and keep it a long time the lost two years becoming meaningless, if you plan to trade in a year or two it can be a downside.
I rack up a lot of miles so I trade more often

[nixdad]

About two months ago, I bought my 2012 Ultra Limited. It was a rental at a local HD dealer and it had about 8k miles on it. The bike is flawless. Paid a lot less for this bike than I would have for a new one. The way the HD dealers, in this area at least, rent out the bikes and with the $2500 security deposit, these bikes were all in good shape. And yes, they do budge on the sticker price.

Just my thoughts.

Nixdad

[acwhite]

Those Ultras are nice...smiling...

[FXDRYDR]

Exactly what I experienced back when I bought. One shop wanted more for their used demo bike than another wanted for an OTD new bike. A no-brainer.

That said - I'll buy used before another new HD. Take your time. There's plenty out there - and if you're planning on keeping it, a lightly crashed one is a lot of value.

[garyp1]

I guess from what I read so far is the 09 have a smaller engine.
Maybe I should scratch them off my list.
Does anyone know the differences between an Ultra Classic and a Ultra Classic limited ? Just so when I am looking I will know for the price differences.
Thanks Gary

[MilesToGo]

Other than engine size, there's no difference between an 09 and a 13. Do a stage one for the 09 and you'll be happy.

[Scrubs]

Originally Posted by garyp1

Does anyone know the differences between an Ultra Classic and a Ultra Classic limited? Just so when I am looking I will know for the price differences.
Thanks Gary

The differences are cosmetic and/or what one might deem to be creature comfort. The Limited comes Standard Equip. with factory-installed security-package incl. ABS, adjustable heated grips, titanium gauge faces, additional 12V power port in the tourpak, etched Limited on fender badges, unique tank emblems, and chrome wheels.

Most of these amenities are offered as Optional Equip. on the Ultra Classic. That's the only difference; except for the price.

You know what though?

When you're financing 20+ grand for an H-D, the payments may calculate to be slighly higher, and that can be overcome by budgeting. Do the math...get what you want.

[Cole'sHD]

Man alot of really great deals on some used garage queens out there.I would shop around the used market.now that the weather is cooling time to get some deals.
Good Luck!! Cole.

[bcomes]

Two other differences not mentioned here between an ultra and and ultra limited is that the limited models don't have the guards around the saddle bags and the limited's front fender doesn't have the dual tublar bar bracket that wraps around the front of the fender (with the big chunk of rubber in between the bracket's bars). These two things change the looks of the two bikes pretty significantly. To me the standard Ultra looks a little more like a heavy "hog" while the limited is a bit more sleek. Also, the limited has chrome wheels while the standard has the brushed alum.

[RickDeVon]

What ever you go for...go ABS and 09 and newer...I just came off an 06 Ultra to return to a RoadKing...I wanted the new frame and ABS...there are other reasons but I'm not going to bash you Ultra guys...to me it was big and bulky and I missed the "motorcycle" feel...I came from a 01 SuperGlide to an 06 RoadKing Classic to a 06 Ultra...now for my last ride a 13 RoadKing Standard...I just liked to be able to dress it up for touring or strip it down for a night on the town...make sure you test ride them all...you only have to make yourself happy with the ride...

[utrvp]

Originally Posted by HwyKnight

Not that I'm biased but, I am! I say go for a UCLimited. Mine is a 2010. I feel that the better paint, ABS, wheels, motor, and heated grips were all worth the extra money. Regardless, get what you really want, even if it means waiting to save up a bit. If you settle for less, you will regret it in the long term.

The Ultra has the same motor. Heated grips, ABS and security can be added for about $1500.00 more. Better paint is a matter of opinion.