Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited Review

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The 103 "daddy"

With its 1,690 cm3 engine, the Electra-Glide Ultra Limited makes it possible to take a step ahead of what the ultra classic will cub in a marketing refresh. Beyond that, it is the ultimate evolution of this long-short Touring, ultra-equipped classic from the motor company..

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

You have to have worn your first jeans on this side of the Atlantic behind twisted handlebars to have fun with the numbers proudly displayed on the crankcases of this Harley. 103, there is enough to shed a tear over the years that have passed and to smile at the first sensations of two wheels. A few years later, the pedal launcher kit was finished. The 103 cubic inches of this 1,690 cm3 don’t care.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

And hit the chrome on both sides of the beautiful to announce that it is not a vulgar twin cam 96 (1.584 cm3) which has disappeared from the 2011 catalog on this machine, evolution of the displacement of the twin cam 88 (1,450 cm3) from the end of the 90s. Here we are therefore in the presence of the penultimate notch of the mechanical evolution of this engine, the stage of 110 cubic inches (1,800 cm3) being reserved for the moment. to CVO models (for factory preparation) displayed, with flames, at 37,000 €. It is, on another type of machine, neither more nor less what Ducati does with its S and R models of hypersportives whose displacement and the components of part-cycle go down in range at the speed of a galloping horse, in this frantic race for marketing which must sell more and more.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

Harley passes the six

With Harley, the quest for performance is not the same. And it would be necessary to compare two machines driven by two twin cylinders with different bore to really realize the nuances. Because since the Electra-Glide Ultra Classic of the twin cam 88, the spirit remains the same. Above all, the use that we make of it has not blinked. However, the developments are real. In addition to a general unchanged plastic, there is however a small advance in the register of pilot approval. Deflectors located at the ends of the fork crown allow the air to be directed towards the rider. It is very pleasant in summer, in winter, the appendix will have the merit of repelling the air or the rain a little further.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

That’s not all. Since 2007, big twins have been infatuated with a new element: a sixth gear. Which is not nothing to reduce consumption and sound volume when we are constantly racing to the displacement. And lowering the volume on the Electra, that’s the challenge to take advantage of the on-board sound system..

Successful original sound

On the first turns of the wheel, we prefer to stay focused on the weight of the machine, as imposing, with its 415 kg in running order, as the aesthetics of the beast. We take advantage of the double selector to lock the gears, and incidentally not to damage the top of his boots, it is necessary to be connected.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

Then, it must be recognized that the sound of the exhaust pipes is particularly successful of origin. And that US pots would only attract the attention of the constabulary. While staying in the nails, the Electra breathes like a real Harley. The characteristic heave is present from 1,500 rpm and only increases as the revs accelerate. Very quickly, and before the threshold of 3,000 rpm, we are naturally invited to shift a gear above to take advantage of this melody, the syncopated melody filed by the brand. Once the sixth gear is engaged, and at decent speeds, we will enjoy a sort of buzzing when the machine is restarted..

The War of the Buttons

It is launched, and once assimilated the operation of the mastodon, that we will go groping on the side of the dashboard to press the ON button. The start of another adventure. That of the on-board sound system. Four speakers for equipment that spits 40 Watts, it is certainly enough to take full ears, provided you have properly adjusted the treble and bass before.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

The first step is to know how to switch from CD to radio by doing it on purpose. There are so many buttons on the comodos of this handlebar that it takes two to three days of driving to assimilate everything. On the right, we put one more or less track on a CD with a single button which, oh magic, is also used to select the radio or the CD. Obviously, we tend to fiddle with the button next to it. But it’s that of the cruise control.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

And it is, once mastered the sound system, the key button of this model. The one that allows you to enjoy the cool of the landscape, rocked by the purring of 2,200 rpm at 100 km / h, 3,000 rpm at 130 km / h.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

At this rate, the Electra consumes 7.5 l / 100 km. Not the most economical of the niche despite the electronic injection. It is also not the best for the highway. We prefer to impose departmental and other provincial nationals on him. Those which allow you to cross the villages and play with the mineral resonance of the constructions to bring the Big Twin to life when it is relaunched. Quiet, peaceful on the very comfortable pilot’s seat, it is still the passenger who is best off on this type of machine. Note that the Motor Company has equipped its model with air suspension at the rear. In addition to the upholstered seats.

In the city

In view of its size, the Electra is not the easiest to handle in the city, even less to zigzag between the queues on the ring road. However, we made do, by force, to the size of the beautiful and its 400 kg, in particular by using the rear brake to avoid too pronounced mass transfers at low speed. It is undeniably missing a reverse gear to register as a competitor of a Goldwing. Above all, to get out of gently sloping terrain without having to push the machine. So, in the meantime, we look at where we put the wheels, even if it means taking a walk for nothing to consider where we will park to avoid any inconvenience..

ABS frees the pilot

On a daily basis, whether in the city on wet surfaces or even on the road, the real change in the rise in equipment of the Electra lies in its braking system.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

While it has gained in power with four-piston calipers at the front as well as at the rear, the pilot has meanwhile gained peace of mind since the ABS was invited to the trip. In an invisible manner, the device is flanked in the hub so as not to pollute the aesthetics of the machine. We prefer, by far, to the toothed wheels of the classic devices, to dwell on the very beautiful cast aluminum rims of this limited version. 28 branches and a contrast between black and polished aluminum, it is very successful. To forget, therefore, the ABS which allows you to drive in all weathers without having to worry about it in the event of an emergency stop. Which was not the case before. On dry roads, the device is so sensitive that we even manage to hear the tire squealing before the electronics come into play. It allows, just in case, to be able to show off your driving skills. And with such a juggernaut, the good vibrations will not forget to give a certain additional thrill to buyers of a limited version. The brand’s VIP area.

Comfort / duo

If the pilot is well off, the Electra is above all the realm of the passenger. From this seat with a slightly raised backrest in relation to the pilot, the passenger can intervene on the sound system, control its power like changing the station or the track on a CD. Like the pilot, he has particularly comfortable running boards to consider motorcycle tourism. Note that in terms of comfort, the pilot has a cruise control and an ABS, enough to disconnect the anxiety mode in all circumstances.

Practical aspets

The fork crown deflectors are undeniably a plus for the rider who will suffer less from the protection of this machine in the summer. If it is too hot, the orientation of these deflectors will at least make it possible to deceive the temperature by sending a breath of air, while rolling, on the bust of the pilot..

On the practical side, we note the double selector which allows you to go up a gear by tapping the heel. A specificity especially used at Harley, which refers to the roominess of the side cases, also specific. Thin at the top, they are deep and difficult to fill after the cover has been removed. However, it is possible with simple quarter turns to remove them from their anchor points. It is eminently useful when cleaning the machine or replacing the rear wheel. Indispensable when you want to work on the rear air suspensions.

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited

Conclusion

True evolution of this emblematic model which has been showing its fork crown since 1969, Harley has succeeded in making it evolve to make it more “secure”. If it does not meet the standards of handling and rigidity of behavior of its rivals announced at comparable prices, nearly 30,000 € (28,690 € in two tones), the Electra Glide Ultra Limited has a stainless advantage: its aesthetics. And a double on-board sound system: one flanked by four speakers, the other by a 2 in 1 in 2.

Strong points

  • Box six
  • The quality sound
  • The invisible ABS, in the hub of the wheels

Weak points

  • The price
  • The intimidating weight
  • The suitcase opening system

Harley-Davidson Electra Glide technical sheet

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