Any known problems with flhtcui

10720 Views 22 Replies 19 Participants Last post by ShakyJake, Apr 26, 2005

Hoss

Discussion Starter · Feb 28, 2002

I just ordered a new flhtcui and was wandering if there were any known problems with this bike..handleing, performance issues?

1 - 20 of 23 Posts

pasadenajim

· #2 · Feb 28, 2002

The Ultra Classic has had several very positive reviews in a number of reputable motorcycle mags. The bike deservedly has many, many fans. In evaluating the bike, you must understand that it is a touring machine designed for the long, comfortable haul.

All the big twins share the same powerplant, the TC-88, so there are no engine problems unique to the Ultra. The weight of the bike can be a bit of hassle, particularly in slow traffic, but that's no surprise. And there are other expected "weight/size" issues. You'll probably want to upgrade to Stage I mod's soon after your purchase. Some riders gripe about the lower leg fairings, which they contend causes the ride to be too hot in warm clim's. Concerns related to the infamous "high speed wobble" have allegedly been removed by a redesign of the 2002 model.

IMHO, the Ultra is a very good, albeit expensive bike.

Vagabond2000

· #3 · Mar 3, 2002

Very happy with my 02 Ultra, picked it up November 9th, and now have just over 2000 miles not a problem one. I did have the recall done for the front fender light, that is it. Will remove the lower fairings once the weather gets warmer.
Gary

LarJon

· #4 · Mar 3, 2002

I have had no trouble whatsoever with my 2000 Ultra. It is very well mannered as far as handling is concerned. After you have done a few miles together, you will have no problem with low speed turns, and heavy traffic conditions. I am not a big guy, 5'8" about 185 pounds. I was amazed at how easy the bike handles. Regarding the high speed wobble story, I don't know if it exist or not. I passed three trucks the other day in a really short straight strip of road. When I pulled back into my lane in front of the lead truck, I glanced at the speedo and I was just creeping past the century mark. I started backing off at that point, but if I hadn't looked, I never would have known I was going that fast. The bike was just as rock solid as it is at 70/75. My engine is totally stock. I have changed the factory mufflers to BUB slip on Bad Dogs. This is just my opinion, and I know MANY here will disagree. I have never understood why someone buys a touring bike, then starts with the engine performance mods. You don't need all that HP in town, and I don't think you need it at all on a bike like the Ultra. When I turn onto a freeway on ramp, I have no trouble entering traffic at 80/85 if thats what it takes, no trouble cruising at that speed all day. Now, I for one don't like to make gas stops. With a stock engine I get just what the book says I should get, 45/46 MPG. So, I can cruise at 70/75 MPH for 200 miles before I have to stop. Or, you can increase HP and cruise at the same 70/75 MPH and stop every 100 miles or so. Different strokes, different folks.
In short, congrats on the bike, you are going to love it.

LarJon

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HIPPO

· #5 · Mar 4, 2002

Ride it like you stole it. No problems.

If you come off a carb Harley, it will take you a day or two to get used to what the EFI does or doesn't do, but that's it. The only thing they do not like is to be babied.

If you come off a smaller bike, resist the temptation to play with all the controls and switches, like the audio system and cruise control, they can be very distracting at first. Take a few days to let the basic bike become second nature first.

Taking an advanced MSF course with every new bike is a good idea, as it will amaze you what such a large bike can actually do.

Hoss

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 5, 2002

Thanks for all the advise. It just gets me more excited to get it and ride it!! I have a 1987 Yamaha Venture and when harley came out with the firefighter edition I said to myself I gotta have it. I test drove a 2001 ultra at the dealer and after the ride they new they had me hooked. Come on June.....

DPrice

· #7 · Mar 6, 2002

Test drive?

A test drive is unheard of in my neck of the woods!

That sure is mighty nice of the dealer to let you ride it before you thought about buying it. Wonder what his motives were?

Cold Rider

· #8 · Mar 9, 2002

Just like to add that some folks (me included) found a "clunk" in the front end with the 02 Ultra from the factory. Snooping around I found my head bearings needed to be tightened just a tad - did that, along with the new cartridge forks seeming to like a pound or two more air pressure in the front tire - clunk is gone. FWIW

Cold Rider

wsuarez

· #9 · Apr 4, 2002

I've had an '02 Ultra since last August, 'bout 4K on the odometer. Rode all winter up here in New England when I could. Snow, ice and sand due tend to be a "challange" at times.

Upgraded from a Dyna so the powerplant was the same, ableit different gearing and the EFI. The throttle response is different than the carbuerated models and does take some getting used to. However, the "cold engine" starts and performance are great.

I've added a Stage 1 kit (including the ECM remapping) and some SE mufflers - noticable improvement.

Balance and road manners are commendable for a "full dressed" machine.

IMHO you've made a great choice, ride safe.

Bill

dungy

· #10 · Apr 23, 2005

Biggest problem I have is the ol' lady is jealous because I spend more time with the bike than her.

deucedog

· #11 · Apr 24, 2005

Rode mine today for a few hours after detailing it Thurs and Friday night. My wife loves this bike and we have spent many enjoyable hours going out on rides. You will never regret the purchase, in fact, you'll wonder why you waited so long! American Iron has a review on the Ultra this month.

Also, I test rode an 05 Ultra and RKC at Van Nuys HD. Danny is the sale manager there - if you live in Socal, I highly recommend dealing with him - straight shooters and correct pricing.

Warhawk

· #12 · Apr 24, 2005

I love my '05 Ultra. The '05s have revised lowers that have a big vent that can be opened to increase airflow to your legs.

newultraclassic

· #13 · Apr 24, 2005

I have the '04 Ultra. It's exactly as I thought it would be, very satisfying bike! It has all of the bells and whistles that you would want. Buy a black one and save $1,000!

chiefs58

· #14 · Apr 24, 2005

re:ultra

Bought a new '05' Ultra and took delivery of it a week before Christmas. Could not be any happier. If I would have know the reaction that I would have gotten on a Harley 20 years ago, I never would have bought any other type of bike.

Love the low speed handling of the ultra. Love the extra comments you get in the parking lots from all the guys wanting a Harley. Great conversation starter.

And I gotta admit, the love factor from the wife has gone up about tenfold since we bought a Harley. Don't know what it is that does it, but I will never go back to a metric bike.

msocko3

· #15 · Apr 24, 2005

chiefs58 said:
And I gotta admit, the love factor from the wife has gone up about tenfold since we bought a Harley. Don't know what it is that does it, but I will never go back to a metric bike.

It's the vibration

newultraclassic

· #16 · Apr 24, 2005

msocko3 said:
It's the vibration

Only at idle.

95FLHR

· #17 · Apr 25, 2005

I would be very careful if I were you. The FLHTCUI, known on the street as the "Ultra" is highly addictive. It lulls you into a comfort zone and you will never, I repeat, never be able to go back to "lesser" motorcycles. The bad part is, that it is a life long addiction for which there is no cure. The symptoms of the addiction can be treated with mile after mile of good old American highways but that only temporarily controls the urge to put your butt in the saddle.

newultraclassic

· #18 · Apr 25, 2005

95FLHR said:
I would be very careful if I were you. The FLHTCUI, known on the street as the "Ultra" is highly addictive. It lulls you into a comfort zone and you will never, I repeat, never be able to go back to "lesser" motorcycles. The bad part is, that it is a life long addiction for which there is no cure. The symptoms of the addiction can be treated with mile after mile of good old American highways but that only temporarily controls the urge to put your butt in the saddle.

====================
That's sure the truth! I was riding mine this morning for about an hour and I damn near fell asleep it was so smooth. That's the big danger on any of the rubber-mounted bikes - falling asleep on the road, especially with stock mufflers. Heh heh.

andeez

· #19 · Apr 26, 2005

wobble

i have an 05 ultra and i have noticed a wobble. the bike will wobble a little at around 110+mph. very awesome bike. moco put a package together that works flawlessly after the sluggish motor problem is fixed. after the changes i made i can see why a person would never look back.

MegaGlide

· #20 · Apr 26, 2005

Is your fall away adjusted correctly?

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