The Electra Glide has been around forever and a day it would seem, it was introduced in 1965 and came to fame in the Hollywood produced film Electra Glide in Blue in 1973. This particular model, wait for it, Harley Davidson FLHTCUI Electra Glide Ultra Classic, was introduced to mark the huge tourer’s 30th anniversary.
Everybody knows Harleys are big, but not until you stand next to one do you realise just how impressively huge they are.
The Ultra Classic is one of the most lavishly equipped bikes ever made, complete with auto-volume radio cassette player, CB radio, air temperature gauge, cigarette lighter, cruise control, intercom, engine diagnostic light, accessory power socket on top of all the usual, volt, oil and fuel gauges.
The engine is now 1449cc of vibrating V-twin sporting fuel injection for smoother running and improved fuel consumption.
Rubber engine mountings try and keep some of the vibes from passing to the rider through the massive steel frame.
The monster fairing keeps the weather off the rider and pillion, the lower parts are removable when not required.
Luxurious seats for both rider and pillion are comfortable for all day long distance touring. The built in luggage has plenty of room and the top box has a pillion backrest attached. The ignition key operates all luggage and fuel cap locks. Passengers are well catered for with their own height adjustable floorboards, stereo controls and intercom socket. The suspension is air adjustable at both ends, a bit on the soft side and not giving a great deal of ground clearance, but you don’t have one of these bikes for pushing hard round the twisty bits. Unhurried cruising, covering vast distances in comfort is what this bike is all about, and at that it excels.
A huge amount of torque is produced at just 3500 rpm and makes gear changing almost redundant, get it into top gear, hit the cruise control and leave it there all day.
5-speed gearbox transmits the power to the wheel via a chunky reinforced belt drive.
Weighing in at 357 kgs. (788 lbs.) the bike feels heavy at standstill, especially as the upper fairing is mounted on the forks and not the frame, but once rolling the weight disappears and all is well. The engine has its work cut out just shifting the beast. It will top 100 mph. But is happier cruising at more sedate speeds. The fuel tank is on the small side for a big tourer, it holds just under 19 litres and should be good for about 160 miles between fill-ups.
Brakes have never been a strong point on any Harley, but the twin discs on the front and single disc at the rear make a decent effort to stop the machine, the front still requires a big handful.
A full dress tourer that’s built to last, and just oozes quality from the depth of the chrome to the chunky switchgear, its unlikely to disappoint and makes an excellent investment.
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Last updated 27/05/02
