Harley Electra Glide
The Basic Facts Of Harley Electra Glide
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.
As I was writing the above article, it struck me that you may be interested in reading this too: I hope you find it useful Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic and Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide.