Things You Should Know About Harley Ultra Classic Electra Glide

By Indra Gunawan

ultra classic electra glide

The Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide models are all new from the ground up. Key changes for 2009 include new modular frame, swingarm, engine mounting system, and wheels and tires. With a ‘ready to ride’ weight of over 800 pounds Harley Davidson’s touring models are massive bikes designed for all day comfort while crossing vast stretches of highway.

Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide already stands at the apex of V-Twin engine based luxury touring bikes. So it’s no wonder Harley Davidson premium touring motorcycle keeps finding its way into the CVO lineup. While it received its bounty of stylistic upgrades, the majority of notable changes to the CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide focus on more rider friendly amenities for the long haul and the comfort of the passenger.

Harley Davidson Touring Chassis

The new Harley Davidson robotically welded touring chassis based on single Spar; rigid back bone frame combined with the new swingarm insures improved quality, versatility and stiffness. The modular design accommodates new models like the Tri Glide Ultra Classic by changing the rear section. The new longer, wider swingarm is matched to the new frame design and it’s 30% stiffer than previous designs. The 2009 motorcycles are only 30 lbs. heavier but GVWR is increased by 101 lbs.

Front forks have been re tuned for a 33% increase in spring rate, the rear shock rate has been increased by 5% and damping is recalibrated at both ends. On the road, the new suspension gobbles up bumps and pavement imperfections.

The ride is comfortable, confidence inspiring, and mid corner bumps are barely noticeable a pleasant surprise as I found myself completely at ease riding at a brisk pace on sweepers and back roads alike.

Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide

The standard Twin Cam 103™ has 102 ft. lbs. (138.3 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm. the Screamin Eagle models have 115 ft. lbs. At 4,000 rpm) passing is as easy as a twist of the wrist in any gear. The 6 speed transmission shifts are smooth and quiet, with a new 68 tooth rear sprocket improves acceleration. The Engine Idle Temperature Management System (EITMS) is now rider engaged by rotating the throttle forward for several seconds. In hot weather when the motorcycle is stopped in traffic the rear cylinder’s fuel and spark are shut off to reduce heat felt by the rider.

Tires, Wheels and Brakes

Harley Davidson and Dunlop co. designed the Dunlop 407 bias ply tires specifically for the 2009 Harley Davidson Touring models. The tires feature a dual compound, harder center for longer life while riding straight up and a softer compound on the edges for improved cornering traction.

Harley Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide

All bikes were equipped with ABS brakes. The Brembo brakes are powerful and easy to modulate. The rear brake works well with good feedback from the forward mounted pedal. Riding a combination of mountain passes, in town, freeway and twisty back roads was comfortable and enjoyable. There was never an issue with ground clearance riding at a brisk pace on a variety of twisty roads. The riding position to be quite natural, and seat comfort was excellent even after a day in the saddle. According to Harley Davidson the touring models are their best selling class.

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Discover What Harley Electra Glide Classic Is

By Indra Gunawan

electra glide classic harley

When I was assigned to test the 2009 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic, my curiosity and the exuberant encouragement from my wife (Jane) made the decision to accept the assignment simple.

Harley Davidson has taken its classic touring line and made some significant improvements. Never having ridden an Electra Glide, many of these improvements assuredly are less noticeable to me than an experienced Harley rider, but I can see that the changes make moving from my normal sport touring (Kawasaki Concours 14) and adventure bike (Ducati Multistrada 1100) milieu to a luxury cruiser touring bike less drastic. I was forewarned that the intense vibration at idle disappears once the bike reaches operating speed, so I was unconcerned.

A few minutes spent in a nearby mall parking lot gave me the confidence to take the Electra Glide onto the highway. Of course, the highway is where you really learn to feel comfortable on this bike.

The early morning traffic afforded liberal use of the electronic cruise control and sixth gear making the ride almost effortless. The stability of the Electra Glide provided by its mass and superbly designed suspension made the seventy miles of highway pass quickly. I noted that the stereo controls on the throttle side are easier to reach than the cruise control switches, which are on the same side. The narrow, snow lined two lane roads up from Yucaipa to Oak Glen proved less intimidating than I had anticipated on the big bike.

Easing the Electra Glide into the tight parking lot of Oak Tree Village brought back some of the trepidation I originally felt when getting accustomed to the bike. The low seat height in conjunction with the wide floorboards made walking the bike awkward so I found it beneficial to maintain enough speed to keep the bike upright until in position to stop. Over lunch, Jane and I discussed our impressions of the Electra Glide Classic. Jane, to my surprise, likes speed and enjoys the back of a sport touring bike. I was concerned that the lackadaisical nature of a big touring bike may not provide as thrilling an experience as she desires but to the contrary, Jane was exuberant in her praise of the Electra Glide. Fortunately, Harley Davidson provides a rich line of motorcycles that give long distance comfort with an ever increasing eye on performance.

After wrapping up lunch, Jane and I opted out of our normal role as tourist at Oak Glen in favor of spending more time on the Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic. The bike begs to be ridden and rewards you for doing so.

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The Basic Facts Of Harley Electra Glide

By Indra Gunawan

electra glide harley

Harley Davidson Electra Glide is a base model for the touring lineup. Also standard on all ’09 touring models is EITMS (Engine Idle Temperature Management System). Standard features include the 96 Cubic Inch Twin Cam motor; throttle by wire, 6 gallon gas tank, six speed overdrive transmission, Brembo brakes, and beautiful 28 spoke cast wheels. Options include ABS brakes, a security system, and electronic cruise control.

The first chance I got to ride the bike was from Milwaukee to Chicago in the typical Midwest August heat 92 degrees. The electronic cruise control makes this bike an absolute pleasure while hauling down the highway. I can’t say enough good things about having cruise control on this bike. It was easily my all time favorite feature. This new bike doesn’t suffer the same buffeting that previous models endured from crosswinds or the turbulence generated by tractor/trailers or larger vehicles.

It went into gear with a loud clack and each gear whines a different tune. It’s worth noting, however, that noises not normally noticed on other or similar bikes tend to be amplified as they bounce around the cockpit of bikes with such large fairings and/or bodywork. The highway ride was compromised by the stiffness of the suspension. Usually I mash motorcycle suspension into mush on most bikes; I think Harley went a little too heavy on this one. Not that the bike is uncomfortable, but sharp highway jolts will jar you pretty good.

Iron Mountain Road in the Black Hills has everything from fast sweepers to 15 mph switchbacks, and is a real nice road to test the handling of any motorcycle. This bike came equipped with ABS for that extra margin of safety. I tested the ABS on this bike by purposely locking the front and rear wheels and you can feel the heavy pulsing as the ABS activates. (ABS is standard on all CVO FL models). As far as the ergonomics on this bike, it is still just like the Electra Glides of old. Gas mileage varied from the high 30s on a fast highway blast into a headwind, to the high 40s on a normal highway cruise. The six speed transmission really helps on those high speed highway runs. Nice and relaxed. Expect to click down one gear for decent passing speed. Does the new technology on the 2009 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard make a better motorcycle? I guess the conclusion is that the bike just plain works! Before riding this bike I was thinking of getting a new 2009 Electra Glide.

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