Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I got a 1999 Ultra Avenger and this bike kicks some 1/4 mile ass, changed it a bit but hey thats what hot rods are for.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I have had this bike since June 1998 and it ran and looked like a champ. However, it was wrecked and the dealer that I bought it from put it back together half-assed. I have had nothing but problems for a year and half. I have called Ultra and talked to them about it, but I fell on deaf ears. From what I see is that the company is no better than HD in that it is out to make a buck and they let anyone become a dealer as long as they have a service shop and the floor space. Even though the dealer may not have any mechanics with experience. Ooh well I still love this bike but I do my own work now and pay for it out of my own pocket because the warranty and service is worthless. Many dealers in Ohio will not even do warranty work without being paid up front because Ultra was not paying them for the warranty work that they had already completed....Ouch for Ultra
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I have owned my ‘99 ground pounder for over a year now. I had some problems with torsion arm
susp. I had so many problems and delays with warranty dept. I installed shocks out of my own pocket. Other than that I love my bike. I have 18000 mi. no motor or
trans.problems.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I can't get my local dealer to fix anything under warranty. I've had it in the shop twice to fix the same things with no luck. Ultra better stand up and take notice. Plus, it took Ultra 6 months to get me a owners manuel. Not good!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
For everyone out there,you can't rate a high performance bike such as this for comfort, quality, or reliability. It's rigid! It's high horsepower! Do you compare a Cadillac STS to a Viper! It rides rough, shakes everything loose, breaks everything else, and runs like hell! I've had one for years, take my advice. Have the heads, intake, and carb done by a real airflow specialist, install a Supertrapp exhaust, 640 S&S cam, 11:1 comp pistons, titanium valves, and balance engine, plus some other minor mods. Result: 160 hp 167lb/ft torque, at 5,500 rpm 9.986 1/4 mile!! GREAT BIKE!!!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
My model has been in the shop for 63 days out of the 6 months I have owned it. I purchased it off of the showroom floor. The engine and brakes are the best you can get, but the rest of the bike (everything from starters, kickstands, seals, ignition switches, pulleys, oil bag mounts...you name it) are alarmingly substandard. There are too many cut corners. You never know if you will be stranded in the middle of nowhere unable to start the beast. The manufactures warranty has been a frustrating nightmare as well. The fender was damaged when the rear pulley separated and the belt flew off. The fender was sent back to the manufacturer for repair. The manufacturer gave a turnaround time of 3 weeks. On the 21st day the dealer finally received the part back, when the box was opened it was the same...UNREPAIRED fender, and all of this after they had declared that the reason for the pulley separation was due to my lack of maintenance. They advised the dealer that I should have had the alignment checked on this brand new bike with only 2300 miles on it. I love the looks and power of this bike but the expected quality is not there. The customer service is also an insult.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I got this bike six months ago and have hadno trouble with it. Except for having trouble starting it in the cold weather. Other than that it is an excellent hog.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
-- Jackhammer --
The baddest chopper still and no problems except the turn signals which I removed and the emissions crap. I did put a spiked gas cap It has the best lines and paint (black with maroon flames). Did I mention this stock bike comes with a S&S 113 motor. You better get a good grip or you're going to get thrown off this bad boy.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I haven't seen an Ultra yet that I didn't like. One thing: be very wary when purchasing the warranty. I have an older bike but have had a few problems, especially with "the warranty people". I have been dealing with them for 1 1/2 months and nothing has been resolved. I called the Better Business Bureau which informed me that this company has had "a poor standing since 1992". I almost forgot the 24-hour towing took over 2 days to coordinate. Thank God my bike broke down at the house and not on the highway. Before purchasing or accepting a warranty, call the BBB and request the history. You maybe surprised. I can honestly say that Ultra needs to provide quality customer service after the purchase and ensure that we are being provided services promised.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I have a 98' Ultra Legecy and it’s in the shop more than I ride it. Because of warranty work it takes forever to get anything fixed on this bike its just a rat race and I’m not the only one with this problem so think twice when u are going to purchase on of these bikes looks can be deceiving.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
have to be kidding me with these Ultras. These are the most poorly built bikes made. They have bottom of the line parts on them and are poorly set up. I have nothing but problems with mine. I can’t even get rid of it in my town because everyone knows its a piece of junk. It spends more time in the shop than on the road and that’s no kidding. I have contacted Ultra and they tell me I’m riding it to hard ,but it never gets ridden, and isn’t that what high performance is for anyway.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I had so many problems with this bike. When I called the dealership they would not do a thing for me. They would just tell me to call the warranty company. They gave me the run around so many times, I just sold the bike. I lost $8000.00 in one year of ownership. This was the most disapponting expereance I've ever had with motocycling companies.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
20K doesn't do any better than this--113 SS, softail frame.,180 rear, monoshock suspension. The only thing this bike was missing is locktight on the parts and a high torque starter.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I recently purchased a 2000 Ultra Ground Pounder. I was looking at 1998 to 2000 Harleys and once I saw the Ultra, my search was over. The looks & performance is outstanding. The bike handles real well. With all the custom upgrades that come standard, you can't beat it, plus it comes with an unlimited 4 year warranty. Everywhere I ride, I get nothing but great compliments on the bike and people think that I have customized a new Harley and spent over $30,000.00 on it, when the truth is that the bike is listed @ $19,900.00!
Check one out!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
The bike rides and handles fine, but the stock seat is a torture device. The stock "Siamese" pipes are junk. Ultra does not record colors so no touch-up paint is available. Dealers are not required to stock parts so your bike will be down until parts come from Ultra ( and this can be weeks!). I've been trying to get my Groundpounder straight since March and it's now July 2000! Ultra warranty service folks are not riders and not much help. Tanks are 5.5 gallons stretch but due to improper petcock placement, the tanks only have 4.2 gallons usable. The oil tank leaks past the cap and Ultra says to take out oil until it doesn't leak anymore! Bike vibrates horribly and engineering has not compensated. Many problems with lights, parts rubbing off paint/getting loose and rattling. To access wiring (normally in the headlight) the gas tank must be removed! BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD!!! Probably most popular with first-time riders who don't know any better. It's all after market anyway - build your and you'll probably do better than this!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
Go search and see if you can find a better bike with a 113-cubic-inch motor, stretch tank, custom paint and a four-year warranty for under 20k…good luck!!!I have owned mine for almost one year and yes I have had some
probs, but my Harley was in the shop a hell of a lot more and leaked a lot more. Highly recommended
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
Thats all it does! I bought a 2000 GP Softail and put approximately 1300 miles on it and sold it. I have been riding for about 18 years, have experienced a variety of bikes and have come to a conclusion, American bikes (all of them) are not to be ridden! They are supposed to sit there and look pretty! Maybe fire them up to hear the rumble from time to time but, for God's sakes, never take them on the road. They leave you stranded, bolts vibrate off, they all leak oil, and will frustrate the hell out of you. Keep it clean so you can show it to your friends and neighbors when they come over, but for your own sanity, don't ride it. I feel let down by american bike manufacturers in that they can not produce a well built, dependable, good handling, low maintenance machine. I currently own two asian models and am completly satisfied with both. Good luck to anyone who buys american bikes ... and be safe!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
This is my first American Big V-Twin, I have ridden Kaws, Yams, Hondas, MX, Rocket, and Cuiser. I just got off a Vstar 1100 that I loved and was like riding air and had some kick (for a twin anyway). The Fat Pounder is not a Japanese bike for sure, but I like the power and feel. From the minute it starts to the minute I shut her down it is pure violence! One thing for sure I can see dropping more $ on maint. If your into adrinaline it's either the Pounder or a Japanese Rocket your looking for. I'll let you know later what happens with the warranty and quality. P.S. I'll race a HD anyday!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I bought a 2000 ultra ground pounder about 3 months ago and it is awesome. I've put over a thousand miles on it. It's a stiff ride to start but you get used to it. I've felt the power and I wouldn't hesitate to race any other bike out there. The only problems I've had with my bike is the stock pet cock doesn't let enough gas flow to the carb which makes it starve the front cylinder for gas. I'm changing that this week. And do check the nuts and bolt because with the vibration from all the power they will come loose. I recommend everyone buy one today
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
Got one back in 1998 and rode it for 2 years. I loved it and rode it hard but it had its problems. After about 9,000 miles the right gas tank mount (front) started tearing. Got a new tank but after another 4,000 miles it also tore away. Bike was still under waranty but they didn't want to fix it so I had to weld in stronger mounts myself. At 12,000 miles the speedometer gave out. At about 15,000 miles the starter motor started 'clicking out' on me when I tried to start the bike. They replaced it with a bulldog starter but the problem persisted right until the end. The S&S motor held up pretty well in spite of the hours I rode every day. I had to replace the push rod seals more than once and the paint started flaking off the motor very soon after I bought it. Transmission never gave me a problem. Also had a constant battle with light bulbs going out at the worst possible times. I eventually ripped out most of the wiring and found numerous places where the wires had rubbed through, causing short-circuits - blowing bulbs and popping relays. In 2000 the bike got ripped off from outside my house and I've wanted another one ever since. I loved my scoot and would recommend it to anyone. If you're going to really ride the thing I recommend you be the type who likes working on the bikes.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I purchased this bike in October of 2001. Having owned 7 Harley's prior to this bike and riding continuously since 1989, logging over 110,000 miles, and customizing several of my Hawgs on my own, I'm letting you know that I'm an experienced biker. Moving along, with my ownership experience, from day one this bike was a disaster and big trouble. I traded in my '92 customized Harley Lowrider only to find myself fully let down with this company and its products.
Here are some of the problems that I encountered while owning this bike. Front and rear brakes had to be replaced, headlight bulb blew out 1 week after ownership, the starter was replaced twice, the rear head valve guide gave and the whole head had to be replaced, the front cylinder head had a valve that gave and hit the piston, and when this happended the warranty company that they spoke so highly of went out of business so I ended up having to buy another motor, while waiting to see if Ultra would stand behind its product. The bike sat in service for 3 and a half months, only to find out that the company was going out of business and I was left holding the bag. It was apparant to me after the first year of ownership that whoever put this bike together wasn't dealing with a full deck to put it mildly. And the list goes on as far as other issues that the bike had, but I'll stop here.
I would like to advise those in the market of a custom bike not to look at the Ultra Motorcycle company for custom bikes seeing as how a new owner has taken over and refused to reply to my messages that I left on his answering machine. Shows you how much he believes in his products. One final piece of advice, if you're going to own a custom bike, it's good to have technical knowledge of trouble shooting mechanincal and electrical issues that can potentially arise.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
My bike was bought at tombstone which is owned by the same person that owns ultra.This bike didnt even make it home it was rode to the shop.Ultra and tombstone cycles are full of stories.It is never there fault.The swingarms on these bikes are junk.Ultra admitted this to me but have not done anything about it.Not even a recall.This is a very serious problem.A rider could be killed or injured very bad by this.This bike is always in the shop.This bike also leaks alot of oil.The frame of this bike is not made for the S&S motors it cant handle it.Ultra takes your money hands you keys and the headache is yours.DO NOT BUY.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I BOUGHT THIS BIKE IN FEB 2003 AND ON MARCH12 IT WAS HEADED TO THE SHOP THE BACK FENDER IS ON THE TIRE AND THE SCREW THAT HOLDS THE SEAT DOWN IS CUTTING THE TIRE, THE MOTOR IS VIBRATING AND THERE MAY BE A CRACK IN THE FRAME ARE A BOLT BROKE IN THE ENGINE MOUNTS, THE CARBARATOR IS LOADING UP AND THE ENGINE BACKFIRES. I PICKED IT UP FOR A DEAL I THOUGHT BUT IT LOOKS LIKE I GOT TOOK FOR A RIDE ON A BAD BIKE.
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I bought this bike and road it home 7oo miles without any problems. At about 5 thousand miles the bike developed a slight electricle problem,when the bike warmed up the lights would go out.The circuts would over load.An easy fix but I didnot recieve any help from ultra.they say you get a four year warranty except for electrical,the electrical is the only thing that belongs to Ultra.I do love the bike but I also know I am on my own! Chopper Jim P.S. never trailer,always ride!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
I got a great deal on this ULTRA. I don't know why everyone is saying how bad these bikes are. I have no problems along with other individuals that I have met that own an ULTRA. Maybe ULTRA's production line has inconsistant flaws per bike? OR maybe I'm just one lucky bar hopper!
Ultra_Cycles_MY_OPINION
The line of motorcycles manufactured at Ultra Cycles is complete and extensive. The product line ranges from their rigid frame "Ground Pounder" and "Jack Hammer" up to their "Wide One" line of Softail style bikes with a 180 rear as standard equipment. In between these is the "QC 96" line with several bikes that resemble the Harley Fat Boy and Heritage styles.
When I first became aware of Ultra Cycles, in 1996, I heard horror stories of the bikes falling apart and just being problematic. But, along with those horror stories were the customers who had serious love / hate relationships with their Ultra Custom Cycles (company's name back then). They liked the looks, the power and enjoyed riding their bikes, but hated all the time they spend being repaired. As time progressed, it appears that most of these problems were worked out and the company evolved to what it is today - a manufacturer who builds great looking motorcycles.
All the Ultra Cycle bikes come standard with wild custom paint and, billet components (in most cases), high quality exhaust systems and a nice finish overall. I say "in most cases" because the Cruiser I rode seemed to have been an exception which I'll explain later on.
Having a connection with their Salt Lake City dealer, I had the opportunity to take several of their bikes for extended rides. The general impression I was left with is that the bikes are much better than they were in 1996. But, there are still a number of quality control problems with their product that they need to overcome.
I absolutely loved riding their "Ground Pounder" rigid frame custom. It's powered by a 113
c.i. S&S motor and does literally what it's name implies - pounds the pavement. For riding around town, bar hopping or short rides, it's a great bike. The rigid chassis is long enough and flexible enough to absorb much of the imperfections found in Utah's highways, but a good chuckhole will still slam your teeth together in a pretty sound fashion.
The handling seemed fairly good, but I was unable to put it to the full test because in left turns the kickstand would drag way before I ever reached the maximum lean angle. Power? Better say POWER. That's what this bike is all about. The power produced by the 113 cubic inch S&S is unbelievable. The phrase "Sit down, shut up and hold on" really applies here. With the twist of the throttle, regardless if it was from a stop light or at 80 mph on the freeway, this bike would rocket down the road. With only half throttle, I blew the doors off a nice '69 or so Camero with a blower scoop poking out of its hood. This bike just hauls ass and then looks great when it's parked at one of the local bars or restaurants.
The Ultra Cruiser in the QC Series was a bit of another story. It's basically Ultra's copy of the Fat Boy with nice aluminum wheels and a great custom paint job. But good looks don't do you a lot of good if you can't get from point A to point B without service needs. This bike was purchased by the dealer's daughter (she liked the purple paint scheme), but still had under 100 miles on it when I test drove it. I was warned to keep my rides below 10 miles because for some unknown reason, at around 10 miles the fuel system develops a severe starvation problem.
Even after they changed the petcock from the standard Harley style to a
Pingle, the problem persisted. They were just preparing to tear into the S&S "E" carb when I asked to ride it. Their mechanic did say that excessive sediment in the tank, from the paint being buffed, was part of the original problem.
Now, for my continued evaluation of this model. Nice paint, but a good size gap between the seat and the tanks. For some reason the inner primary had the black finish while the rest of the 96
c.i. S&S was in natural finish. The forward controls were inexpensive stamped chromed steel. The floor boards sit far too low and are not the sort of quality you would expect from a $19,000 bike. Due to their positioning, these floorboards dragged in every single turn I took so I can't report on the handling.
The gunfighter style seat could not be changed to a solo seat since someone at the factory had drilled an off-center hold in the fender, secured an attaching bolt and after they realized they screwed up, drilled another hold to which the current seat is mounted. The power from the S&S engine is acceptable, but nothing to write home about. My 20% smaller, 80 inch FXR has more guts and go than this bike, but this problem could be tied to the fuel system. The other thing I noticed about the Cruiser is that it seemed to leave a nice, clean puddle of oil where ever it was parked. Kind of reminded me of my old shovel or my old Triumph TT Racer. Thank God for Ultra's 4-year warranty.
So what's the final analysis? In my opinion, Ultra Cycles has overcome some of the quality control problems they were known for in the past. But, they still have a ways to go. The paint finish is very, very good. The components are generally, fairly high quality though the Cruiser did disappoint. Considering the rate with which parts vibrated loose on both bikes, I would recommend that the folks at Ultra invest in some major quantities of
Loc-Tite™ - I lost the trip reset knob off both bikes. Seats were by major seat manufacturers, but on both bikes, there was an unacceptable size gap between the seat and tanks. I have heard that Ultra is now installing a better fitting seat on their Ground
Pounder. Wheels and tires on both bikes were good quality and worked well with the design of the bikes.
In conclusion, Ultra Cycles has the ability to manufacture a good product. The Ground Pounder I rode proves that. They need to apply that quality to all the bikes they build. Their prices are extremely competitive with Titan and other manufacturers in this segment of the motorcycle industry. Ultra needs to get their own people out on these bikes to determine how low the bikes, kickstands or floorboards should be in order to allow purchasers to maximize their riding skills. Right now, on both bikes, everything was too low. And finally, in closing, I hope the rumor that Ultra Cycles is going to start selling their bikes at Costco is not true. Though I shop at Costco, I can't see buying a motorcycle (or car) from them.
