Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide reviews

I purchased my 2010 Ultra Classic used in 2011. I have ridden about 13k miles since then. My previous bike was a 2008 Ultra Classic. Both are great bikes. The 2010 has the new frame and bigger back tire. You get a more stable ride on the newer bike, especially at higher speeds, but noticeably stiffer. I have upgraded my 2010 a lot. It is a blast to ride. It is dependable, and will take you to work or to another country. If you're thinking about either a Honda Gold Wing, or a Harley, let me say this: The Honda is faster, smoother, and quieter. But the Harley is more fun.

I purchased mine used (20k miles). After extensive research, I decided that I wanted an Ultra no later than 2009 in order to get the benefits of an improved ride by the larger front and rear tires; ABS brakes; electronic throttle and modular frame. I have the 96 engine and very happy with its performance. I particularly wanted the 96 since it has been around for a long time and the 103 is realitively new. I rode one bike with 103 and didn't notice any performance differences. I have ridden this bike from Maryland to South Carolina (1,300 miles round trip). The bike is extremely comfortable and although weighs over 800 lbs. it easy to ride, especially at speed. This bike does not have the torque of a VRod (my previous bike), however, I find that acceleration up to 90 is relatively effortless (How fast do you need to go?) but not racey. My only negative comment about this bike is the sixth gear. The manual states that you should engage the sixth gear at 50 mph., however, the bike "chugs" at this speed. I recommend keeping the bike in fifth gear and change to sixth only if you are going to remain above 60-65 mph. for an extended period. If you engage the six speed below 60-65 mph. in normal, non-speedway traffic, you'll be down-shifting a lot. Secondly, the fuel gauge is not accurate, however the estimated miles remaining gauge is best to measure your distance. don't expect to get high mileage around town (25-30 mpg. highway (35-40 mpg.). I love this bike and expect to have it for a long time.

I have owned my 2009 for three years. I purchased the stage 1 kit with Screaming Eagle street pipes. It really turned the 96 motor loose. The only issues I have had with the bike is like other people. The 5th gear is noisy and at 5,000 miles my dealer changed the front tire. It sounded like a snow tire I now have over 11,000 miles on the bike and 6,000 miles on the front tire and it is starting to make noise around corners or any time you lean it. I never was a fan of Dunlop tires and now I dislike them even more. I'm looking at changing my tires to Avon Cobra. My 89FLH never failed me in my 20 years of riding it with Avons on it.

I bought my E Glide used with 25k miles on it. So far I have put an additional 8k on it with no more than regular service. Coming off a modern sportbike, the E Glide is heavy and feels a lot more basic. But this is a time tested V Twin and runs like a top. I have never had any "5th gear whine" from my bike or oil leaks. My only comment is the cat in the head pipe builds up a lot of heat. I decided to cut my cat out and it made a 20+ degree difference with no ill effects to the bike.

So far all is great for the break-in. I changed to syn oil @ 1,000 miles. The bike performs great and rides even better. My wife loves the comfort when riding along. No mechanical break downs or other problems to report about. If I had to complain about anything it would be the price of everything...base cost, upgrades, accessories, etc. But then again, all hobbies of mine are expensive.

I agree in every way with a previous rater. I too have been a Goldwing owner for the last 20 yrs. Riding an Ultra Classic is what I call riding a motorcycle! It has awesome balance and a low center of gravity. I could go on and on. The only thing I could come up with that the Goldwing can challenge this bike is on throttle response and acceleration. For me the 96 is strong enough, besides I'm in a "geezer glide" stage of my life. If I was younger I might opt for a street glide with a stage kit. If you have never ridden an 09 or newer FLHTCU, give it a try. The improved frame design, larger front wheel and 6 speed (helicut 5th) gearing is great. I just completed a North Dakota-New York summer trip and back in 11 days. I had a great ride and no driver's discomfort.

I brought this bike new and had to get it lowered. I also put on the reach seat which fits me perfect. I tried some different bikes but wouldn't change my mind for anything else. It get good gas mileage and is good for long rides. I've received good service from the dealership. I just love to ride this bike.

This is my fourth Harley. My wife and I bought this bike to 'tide me over' until I hit 50, when I intend to buy either a Limited or possible a CVO. We bought this '08 with 4100 miles and immediately rode it to Street Vibrations in Reno. What a great ride! This Ultra may not be the most powerful or modern touring motorcycle on the road, but with its mildly tuned 96 cu. in. V Twin and 6 spd. transmission, it is an absolute pleasure to ride at a relaxed pace. Yes, 5th gear whines and the engine shakes the entire machine at idle. But on the highway or any open road, 6th gear brings smooth as silk and quiet rumbling performance from 55 mph. on up to 85 mph. (as fast as I wanted to go!) This bike has ABS, cruise, a great audio system with AM/FM/CD/XM/CB, full instrumentation, six gallon tank, security and keyless ignition. The fit and finish are superb. The fuel injection handled sea level to 9000 feet seamlessly. We have only put on 1000 miles, but I love this bike. I am changing the stock windscreen to a 9" Wind Vest as I hate looking through the windscreen. Even at my height, the stocker splits my vision when I slump down in the seat. I totally agree that the rear exhaust can tend to cook the rider's inner thighs in slow, hot riding, which is why I am adding the heat deflectors that are standard equipment on the new dressers. Other than that, this is one classy and comfortable machine! Oh, and by the way, the wife is very comfortable on the back.

It's my first Harley and I'm happy!! I purchased it through the military in Iraq and had it delivered to the Harley dealership. The service department and everyone at the dealership were terrific!! They delivered the bike to the house (after a 45 minute operator's class). The service department has gone above and beyond throughout the life of the bike. I'm looking to get my wife a Heritage and will go the same route. It may be not the military sales, but with the dealership. It's a great bike, smooth ride, very dependable and looking forward to riding at every given chance!

Only 20 miles on it, but I can give some first impressions. Handling: This is only my second motorcycle, my first being an 883 sporty. I was pleasantly surprised how easily this bike is to ride around parking lots, corners and down dirt roads. Once moving above 5 mph, it doesn't feel too much different than the Sporty. The only time you 'feel' the weight is when backing it into the garage. It is much easier backing it up pushing with your legs than trying to push it forward. It's a heavy bugger, but well-balanced, easy to keep up with one leg at a stop light. Drivetrain: As expected the engine is much more powerful than the Sportster but fits the bike well. The bike's very smooth, very little vibration felt in bars and footboards. It shifts well but neutral is hard to find. I suspect this will get better as my toe and transmission breaks in (again only 20 miles on this bike). The heel shifter is different, I find myself using the toe shifter for upshifts. The motor seems to run hot on the left (exhaust) side. The motor is so new, I expect it to run hot for the first couple thousand miles. Admittedly, I was only riding around town so not a lot of airflow to cool things down, also. The bike sounds wonderful. It's not louder than the Sporty, but it has a deeper tone. There is a whine in first gear, with the clutch pulled in. I have read it's normal and will lessen with time. Odds & Ends: Fit and Finish are superb. It's a beautiful bike. The bags are easy to use. The horn is a real horn, not the roadrunner (meep meep) found on the Sporty. The radio controls seemed confusing in the manual (seems 1/2 the manual is dedicated to the radio). But they are intuitive once in use. The radio display is hard to see. I have no idea how the radio sounds at speed. I am keeping it off until I am used to riding a new bike - the fewer distractions the better. The riding position is perfect, seat is great and floorboards very comfy. The bike has ABS - hope to never try that feature out. I gave the reliability a 5 star rating. I am most surprised by the handling of the bike, I was a little concerned that moving from HD's smallest bike to it's largest would be difficult. The concern was unfounded, it handles super easy once moving faster than a walking pace. If your considering this bike but afraid of the weight, don't be. I whole-heartedly recommend this bike. Handling is great. Handles 'lightly' for a large bike.