The 2011 Harley Davidson’s have been out for a while now, and being the roving reporter of Bikernet, I have been assigned with providing the test rides. I know it is a tough life, but someone has to live it, right? When I showed up at Republic Harley Davidson to pick up a demo bike, I was expecting to ride a hopped up Police Special. Unfortunately, the bike is still awaiting the dyno tune, so all the dealer had for me was a 2011 Ultra Classic Electra Glide. This bike, while sporting plenty of bells and whistles, was bone stock. Having ridden a bone-stock 2005 Electra Glide, I expected this bike to be a dog as the other had been. Holy crap was I wrong!
As soon as I sat on this bike, I new I was dealing with a big boy… this is a BIG BIKE. I was a little intimidated by the size and felt a bit uneasy pulling out of the parking lot due to the decline angled driveway followed by a feeder road that requires you to immediately accelerate to 50 mph to avoid being road grime.
The engineers at H-D must know what they’re doing, because as soon as I started rolling, this bike felt as easy to ride as any bike I had ever mounted. To be honest, this bike’s parking-lot maneuvering is much easier than the V-Rod I currently ride. The rake combined with the wide handlebars and foot position place the rider in the perfect position to handle the bike without ever having to try to “muscle” it.
Once on the road, I was quick to start playing with the radio and enjoy the tunes as I was getting ready to cruise. The radio surprised me with the level and clarity of the audio, I didn’t realize this bike has a feature that allows the radio’s volume to increase as you start riding. Pleasantly loud, I had no problems hearing this bike at any time on the road whether I was sitting in the middle of traffic or cruising the highway at triple digits, I could hear the radio clearly. I ride with a full face helmet, and found the radio was actually easier to hear while wearing a helmet than without due to the blocking of the wind noise.
The power of the stock 96 inch motor was incredible and I had no complaints about it or the 6 speed transmission. Cruising at 75 miles an hour in 4th gear was surprisingly easy. This bike seems to just want to go, the direction doesn’t matter to it, just point the front tire and go.
The ergonomics between the rider and motorcycle combined with the amenities made this the most complete motorcycle I had ever ridden. I experienced all the positive emotions and feedback I have ever felt on any motorcycle before; I was just much more comfortable on this bike. The Ultra Classic is by far the most complete motorcycle I have ever ridden on and I can guarantee this; this bike WILL be my next motorcycle purchase. Anyone in the market for a used V-Rod?
I want to thank Craig and Minda over at Republic Harley Davidson, for once again treating me like a rock star and taking care of me. The hospitality shown by this dealership is second to none and I would recommend them to anyone in the motorcycle world. Whether its sales, service, or just stopping by for a cup of coffee, someone is there to greet you with a smile and take care of you. It seems I have found a dealership that specializes as much in establishing relationships as it does in sales.
Check Harley’s website for some options, pricing, and interesting facts and figures about their flagship motorcycle:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/en_US/Motorcycles/find-the-one.html?locale=en_US&bmLocale=en_US
The Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® sets the standard for long-haul touring comfort and convenience. Though many imitators sought to duplicate it, the Ultra Classic Electra Glide stands tall as a benchmark for touring enthusiasts. A four-speaker, 80-watt Harmon/Kardon® Advanced Audio System, one-piece, two-up Electra Glide® Classic comfort stitch seat with passenger backrest, adjustable fairing-mounted air deflectors, vented removable fairing lowers with integral glove boxes, spacious Tour-Pak® carrier and injection-molded hard saddlebags, and standard electronic cruise control, all combine comfort and function as styling touches that make it a Harley-Davidson.
MODEL HIGHLIGHTS
NEW Security Package Option including factory-installed Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System with hands-free fob and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
NEW Sculpted seat for added comfort and easier straddling
NEW Paint color options and graphics
• Black powder-coated powertrain with chrome covers
• Chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers
• Black, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum wheels with narrow whitewall tires
• Bat-wing, fork-mounted fairing with clear, Lexan® windshield
• Smoked Lexan® adjustable fairing-mounted air deflectors
• Vented removable lower fairings with integral storage compartments
• Mid-frame air deflectors
• Chrome, low-profile fuel tank console
• Deep FL front fender with trim
• Stainless steel, classic touring handlebar
• One-piece, two-up Electra Glide® classic comfort stitch seat
• Passenger backrest with wrap-around armrests
• Injection-molded hard saddlebags; 2.26 cu. ft. volume
• Injection Molded hard Tour-Pak® with soft luggage liners, storage pockets and wrap-around rear tail/brake lights; 2.26 cu. ft. volume
• Fairing-mounted electronic speedometer and tachometer plus fuel, voltage, oil pressure and ambient air temperature gauges
• 80-watt, four-speaker Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System with CD/MP3 player, and CB/Intercom
• LED rear fender tip light
• Auxiliary passing lights
KEY FEATURES
• Rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96™ V-Twin engine with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) with heated O2 sensors and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
• 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission with integrated Isolated Drive System (IDS)
• Dunlop® “Multi-Tread” rear tire construction extends tire life by 25 percent
• Brembo® 4-piston front and rear caliper with dual front rotor brake system
• Air-adjustable rear shocks
• Full-length rider footboards
• Height-adjustable passenger footboards
• Six-gallon fuel tank
• Optional electronic cruise control
• Optional Original Equipment Custom Color paint program
Spec Sheet courtesy of Harley Davidson.com
Pricing 1 |
|
MSRP |
|
Vivid Black |
$20,999 |
Color Option |
$21,559 |
Two-Tone Option |
$21,999 |
Custom Color Option |
$22,199 |
Special Edition Color Option |
See your local dealer for pricing information |
Security Option |
Only offered as part of Security Package |
Wheel Option |
$460 |
ABS Option |
Only offered as part of Security Package |
Reverse Option |
N/A |
Cruise Control Option |
Standard |
California Emissions |
$200 |
Freight |
$380 |
Power Pak™ (103 engine, Security, and ABS) |
N/A |
Security Package (Security and ABS) |
$1,195 |
DIMENSIONS |
U.S. Units |
Length |
98.6 in. |
Seat Height |
|
Laden 2 |
27.3 in. |
Unladen 2 |
29.1 in. |
Ground Clearance |
5.1 in. |
Rake Steering Head |
26 ° |
Trail |
6.69 in. |
Wheelbase |
63.5 in. |
Fuel Capacity |
6 gal. |
Oil Capacity |
4 qt. |
Weight |
|
Dry Weight |
852 lbs. |
Running Order |
889 lbs. |
Luggage Capacity |
|
Volume |
N/A |
Weight |
N/A |
POWERTRAIN |
|
Engine 3 |
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96™ |
Displacement |
96 cu. in. |
Bore x Stroke |
3.75 in. / 4.38 in. |
Engine Torque |
J1349 |
Engine Torque 4 |
92.6 ft. lbs. @ 3500 rpm |
Fuel System 5 |
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
Compression Ratio |
9.2:1 |
Primary Drive |
Chain, 46/34 ratio |
Fuel Economy |
|
Fuel Economy City 6 |
35 mpg |
Fuel Economy Hwy 6 |
54 mpg |
Gear Ratio (Overall) |
|
1st |
9.593 |
2nd |
6.65 |
3rd |
4.938 |
4th |
4 |
5th |
3.407 |
6th |
2.875 |
WHEELS / TIRES |
|
Wheels |
|
Front 7 |
Black, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum |
Wheel Option 7 |
Chrome, Profile Laced Aluminum |
Rear 7 |
Black, 28-spoke Cast Aluminum |
Tire Size |
|
Front |
NW 130/80B17 65H |
Rear |
NW 180/65B16 81H |
ELECTRICAL |
|
Instruments |
Fairing-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer; time-of-day clock on CD player/stereo; dual trip meter; low fuel indicator light and mileage countdown feature; low oil pressure indicator light; engine diagnostics readout; LED indicator lights; 6-speed indicator light; cruise control indicator light |
Indicator Lamps 8 |
High beam, running lights, front fender running lights, directional light bar, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warning, cruise control (optional), ABS (optional) |
CHASSIS |
|
Brakes |
32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear |
Parking Brake |
N/A |
Lean Angle |
31 / 33 ° |
Exhaust System |
Chrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers |
COLOR OPTIONS |
|
Color Options |
Vivid Black |
· 1 Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude dealer setup, taxes, title and licensing and are subject to change. Dealer prices may vary.
· 2 Measurement reflects 180 lb. (81.7 kg) operator weight.
· 3 Recommended 91 octane or higher fuel (R+M)/2.
· 4 Values shown are nominal. Performance may vary by country and region.
· 5 Standard and optional fuel systems may vary by country.
· 6 Estimated from fuel economy tests on a sample motorcycle from the corresponding family conducted by Harley-Davidson under ideal laboratory conditions. Not all motorcycle models undergo fuel economy testing. Fuel economy and mileage may vary among motorcycle models within a family. Your mileage may vary depending on your personal riding habits, weather conditions, trip length, vehicle condition and vehicle configuration and other conditions. Break-in mileage may vary.
· 7 Standard and optional wheels may vary by country and region.
· 8 North America security system includes immobilizer; outside North America the security system includes immobilizer and siren.
· 9 See motorcycle owner’s manual for complete details.
Vehicles depicted may differ from vehicles manufactured and delivered. Specifications and prices listed may differ from specifications and prices of vehicles manufactured and delivered. All product descriptions (including depictions, specifications, dimensions, measurements, ratings and competitive comparisons) are based on available information at the time of publication. Although such descriptions are believed correct, errors and changes can occur and complete accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Harley-Davidson may make changes at any time to prices and specifications, and may change or discontinue models, without notice and without incurring any obligation. Attention: Vehicles in the configurations shown and many of the accessories described in this catalog may not be available for sale or use in some locations. Please check with your dealer for complete product details and the latest information. All models feature 6-speed transmission (VRSC™ models and Sportster® models are 5-speed) and carbon fiber belt final drive; multi-plate clutch with diaphragm spring in oil bath; and 2-year unlimited mileage warranty.