Hello all. I've been wanting a Harley since I started riding again a few years ago. At the time they weren't offering some of the options that I was looking for so I bought something else. Now I am smitten with the new Road Glide Ultra. My only problem is that I have been reading horror stories about how hot the new engines run even with the rear cylinder de-activation because the engines run so lean. So my question is this, would it be better to purchase a pre '06 road glide and add a trunk or is the new one worth it. Are there any fixes that won't void the warranty? Any and all help would be appreciated. Thanks all.

I think thats a good question because there always seems to be some degree of growing pains when ever HD makes improvements.

When upgrading my old iron(1963 FL, 1983 FL and 1996 Buell S2T) to newer iron 2 years ago I opted for a used 1998 Ultra (last EVO) because EVO's have decent reputation and a used 2001 Ultra because by 2001 I believe the twin cam tolerance problem had been resolved. I just rode that used 2001 Ultra 7000+ miles on a 3 week trip no problems what so ever. None.

I am also aware of the many RG owners who in the past and before HD came out with the RG Ultra to spend alot of money turning there RG into RG Ultra's. Tough call. How much money you got? New isn't always better. When I bought my 2001 Ultra it had 10,000 miles and was 8 years old. I only paid 10,000$ for it compared to 21,500$ or 20,5000$ new.

I think you're onto something badinfluence. I have been talking to a couple of co-workers about thier bikes. They ride an '01 and a '05 roadking. Very few problems from either bikes. I think used might be the way to go. I have also heard nothing but good about the Evo engine. Thanks for chiming in.

I think one of the problems with MoCo's "reputation is that many folks just repeat what they have heard. Much of that has to do with the old AMF days, and that's a time long gone.

Our dealership is ten years old, it's a new owner with a new building but an older franchise. There are large sections of cement where people park and where the service department lines up the bikes.

There are almost no oil drip marks. However to hear the detractors "all Harleys leak," they are hard to start, over-priced, etc.

And yet in four decades I have been left along the side of the road with only one major engine failure. I fragged a complete GoldWing motor in 1979. The entire rear portion of the motor blew up, completely off of the bike!

My worst experience with a Harley was in late 1972 when a faulty front jug seized. The bike still ran, and I got down to the shop for replacement parts.

Currently I also bought a new Sportster, and while it's a fairly basic model, it runs like a champ. I think more people ought to go on demonstration rides.

Did it look like this:

No, mine was worse. The back half of the engine was completely gone, like someone had sawed off the rear portion.

The armature in the alternator had loosened, and due to the high RPM of the unit, it shot through the rear section like a torpedo. When I say "explode" I'm not kidding. I brought the bike to a stop by fighting my instinct to grab the brakes, and when I put my feet down I continued to hear chunks of metal fall from the bike.

I got off, and the entire rear section of the frame was showing.

Thats f'ed up right there. No roadside repair options on that day,eh.

As with most vehicle purchases if you can get a good used specimen you are better off because someone else has paid the depreciation already.

Now I bought new but couldn't help myself...it was a Sedona Orange Street Glide...NOT waiting to try and find that used in a couple of years!

I buy new for two reasons.

First, I want to do my own break-in and oil changes. I have a good working relationship with my mechanic.

Second, very few of my bikes remain stock for long--despite my vow to try and break that habit! I want my bikes to be 100% Harley, and handling all of my own customization mods guarantees that.

With all Harley parts I can get service and replacement parts anywhere. My local dealer won't work on Franken-bikes, for example.

IF you really want to know how good the bikes are go peek at the service bays and check out whats going on, if you see the bike model you like up on a bunch of lifts with the guts torn out then they suck. I've always talked to the mechanics and ask them whats up the the model I was interested in. Mechanics aint sales people they try to keep the company line but the truth sneaks in if you ask them questions. I think buying used is awesome IF you can FIND the bike you want.
Best of luck