New CVO Ultra Shows Up

2004 Road King Classic
2008 FLHTCUSE3 (CVO Ultra Classic)


Cory from Roosters Harley-Davidson of Sioux City delivered our new 2008 CVO 105th edition Ultra (FLHTCUSE3) last week. What a beautiful bike. I couldn't find this limited edition in Omaha so last October I sent out an email to every dealer within 250 miles. Roosters had one scheduled in and I got my deposit down immediately. Cory knew his business, loved motorcycles and was a pleasure to work with. I read a lot of compaints about Harley service and personnel on various forums. But I've never had a problem with anyone at any dealership.

It was a bittersweet moment when I helped Cory tie down our treasured 2004 Road King Classic in the delivery trailer (traded it in). Terri and I had tons of fun on the RKC, but it's time for a new model. And Terri wants a radio.

Omaha has been snow covered since late November, so very limited riding. We're both suffering cabin fever bigtime. The high mileage motorcyclist will know what I mean. If you don't get at least a hundred miles or so under your belt every week, you get cranky, edgy and generally stressed out. It's tough walking thru my garage every night, ogling the new ride, knowing it's not broken in yet and wondering when we'll have a day without snow, slush or ice!

The CVO was upgraded with some front and rear fender doo-dads, the LCD tail light, V&H megaphone slip-ons, SERT, Screaming Eagle high flow air filter and the new Harley air horn. THIS HORN IS LOUD. It'll be nice to blast it at the next unconcious and uncaring motorist who thinks they own my lane.

It was dynoed stock and with the upgrades: 94.5 HP , +10 over stock;, 116 Torque, +11 over stock. (Does this mean anything on a bike that isn't even broken in? I'd be interested in your opinions.) I rented a 110 CI Ultra before buying this CVO and really liked the extra power. And the 6-speed transmission is terrific compared to my Road King. It'll be interesting to see how this bike rides once the weather breaks.

Neither of us have ever been to Yellowstone, so thats the first overnight trip, and the reason for this blog. The itinerary will include nights in Yellowstone, Jackson, Cody, Dubois and Red Lodge, MT in late May. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Beartooth Pass will be open. But the weather is always iffy at high altitude passes and especially on the highest pass in the lower 48. I've ridden thru 6' deep side road snow drifts in July in Wyoming. So we'll have to be really lucky to catch Beartooth open.

Riding in the mountains in late spring means we'll need to pack most of our cold weather gear. More about trip planning in future blogs.