What Are the Common Problems with the 09 Harley Ultra Classic?

Introduction

The 2009 Harley Ultra Classic is a beloved model among motorcycle enthusiasts, but like any vehicle, it has its share of problems. From mechanical issues to performance quirks, many riders have shared their experiences regarding the challenges faced with this particular bike. In this post, I aim to discuss some common problems that users have reported and seek insights from fellow riders on how to tackle these issues.

Mechanical Issues

  1. Oil Consumption
    Many riders have noticed excessive oil consumption in their 09 Ultra Classics. This can be concerning as it might indicate a deeper engine issue. Has anyone experienced this and found a fix?

  2. Transmission Noises
    Some owners have reported unusual transmission noises, particularly when shifting gears. It could be anything from a simple lack of lubrication to more complex gear issues. Any tips on diagnosing this?

  3. Electrical Failures
    Electrical problems, such as flickering lights or dashboard failures, can be frustrating. It’s essential to get these issues checked out, but I’m curious to hear how others dealt with their electrical woes.

  4. Throttle Control Malfunctions
    Issues with the throttle response can be dangerous. If the throttle sticks or is unresponsive, it leads to safety concerns while riding. Have any of you faced this problem, and what remedies were effective?

Maintenance Tips

While sharing experiences regarding problems, it’s also useful to discuss maintenance practices that could prevent these issues:

  • Regular oil changes and using high-quality oil to minimize consumption.
  • Keeping the bike’s electronic components clean and checking connections periodically.
  • Routine transmission checks and lubrication to avoid potentially costly repairs down the line.

Rider Experiences

I’m eager to hear from others who own or have owned the 2009 Harley Ultra Classic. What challenges have you encountered? How did you address them? Any recommended fixes or preventive measures you swear by? Let’s gather our experiences and help each other out!

Conclusion

The beauty of the Harley community is our ability to share both experiences and solutions. Let’s keep this discussion going and empower each other to maintain our rides effectively. Share your insights, advice, and any other problems you’ve faced with the 09 Ultra Classic! Your experiences could be invaluable to another rider out there.

Looking forward to your thoughts!

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I’ve owned a 2009 Ultra Classic for a few years, and transmission issues seem to be quite common. Shifting can sometimes feel rough, especially between 2nd and 3rd gears.

I’ve experienced that too! The shifting issue can ruin a ride. Have you considered any fixes, or are you waiting to see if it gets worse?

Transmission problems are just the tip of the iceberg. I’ve also heard about electrical failures—like dash indicators malfunctioning. It’s a pain when you can’t trust your gauges!

Absolutely! My speedometer went dead for a week. I ended up taking it to the dealer, and it cost a fortune!

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Let’s not forget engine performance problems. Some owners mention performance dips that are pretty disheartening for a touring bike. I wonder if it’s a fuel injection issue.

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Exactly! It can be quite alarming when you’re on the highway. Regular maintenance hasn’t seemed to help in my case. Could it be a widespread design flaw?

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I think the build quality might contribute to these issues. I’ve had minor issues but nothing that stopped me from enjoying the ride. Maintenance is key!

Sometimes it feels like 2009 was a bad year for Harley! I’ve had my share of quirks as well, but horses are fickle, right? :wink:

Truer words never spoken! But I love my Ultra Classic despite the quirks. I guess it’s all part of the Harley experience?

Don’t worry! Every bike has its gremlins. Sometimes I think the problems are just part of the charm. Just got to ride through the hiccups and keep smiling!

The 2009 Harley Ultra Classic can be a real beauty, but maintenance isn’t always a walk in the park. Oil changes can be tricky due to the location of the drain plug. Just a heads up for those new to the bike!

Absolutely! Plus, with the bike being so heavy, getting it on a lift can be a struggle. Anyone have tips on handling that?

I had a hard time with my tire wear too. The rear tires on these models wear out quicker than expected, especially with aggressive riding. It’s crucial to keep an eye on them!

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Exactly! And when it comes to replacements, the stock tires can be pricey. Has anyone switched to a different brand?

I’ve found that part replacements can also be daunting. The fairings are tricky to remove without damaging them! Anyone else have trouble with this?

Oh man, yes! I broke a clip last time I was trying to take mine off. Now I just buy extra clips before diving in!

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I totally hear you on those clips! Also, the battery placement can be challenging. You have to remove so much to get to it. Anyone have a shortcut?

Love my Harley but that battery location makes me feel like I’m in a puzzle! Maybe I just need more practice.

I’ve been following this discussion, and I agree that maintenance can be tricky at times. But hey, it’s all worth it when you hit the open road, right?