In one of the fast and long turns on the route of our test ride, I thanked fate for two things: that this turn was not too sharp, and that I was riding a strong and reliable touring motorcycle without unnecessary quirks. On it you just turn on the ignition, press the starter button and turn the gas - and nothing more. You don’t wait for the dashboard to load, you don’t connect via Bluetooth to start your trip, you don’t enter a PIN code from the keyboard. Just the wind in your face, the rumbling of the Milwaukee-Eight somewhere below and a couple of dial gauges at the lower limit of vision. And nothing distracts you from the simple feeling of movement, from pushing through the wind. And the motorcycle itself appears eager, easy-going and ready for the next sharp turn, devoid of the cybernetic baggage of the modern world. But that's just my feeling... Perhaps I rewatched the old Harley advertisements about simple iron bikes.
First impressions.
The Harley Davidson cruiser I'm riding is the new Electra Glide Standard, which is often compared to its Street Glide brother. Electra differs by 5 kg in weight and by a ton in feel. EGS is Street's thinner and prettier sister, who has shed the on-board information system and a bunch of other electronics, toned and slimmer in many important places.
Of course, it’s cheaper than the Street Glide or Electra Glide Ultra, but let’s be honest: the difference of 2 thousand dollars compared to 20 is not very significant. Let's call the price of the Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard less scary and won't return to this issue.
Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard 2019
Start of the new Electra Glide Revival collection
The Harley Davidson Legends Collection begins with the Electra Glide Revival, a modern motorcycle with a retro-classic design for those nostalgic for a timeless and vibrant classic. Externally, the Electra Glide Revival will be based on the 1969 Electra Glide, the first model to feature the optional Batwing fairing that has become legendary, essentially a symbol of HD touring models and the basis of the design of many new models. For 1969, the Batwing and saddlebags were only available in molded fiberglass in white, and the Electra Glide Revival's color scheme reflects this feature, with the fairing and saddlebags finished in Birch White.
An authentic tank badge and Electra Glide lettering on the front fender complete the design of the Electra Glide Revival. The model will be available in a single colorway based on the original model's livery: a two-ton tank in Hi-Fi Blue and Black Denim, separated by a Birch White stripe, as well as Hi-Fi Blue on the fenders and side panels.
“We live in very dynamic times, and each of us is undergoing constant change,” said Brad Richards, Harley Davidson Vice President of Styling and Design. The Electra Glide Revival is an island of calm in this turbulent sea of change, a way to connect with the fundamental Harley Davidson tradition that shaped American touring models as a class.
Honest tourist bagger
The Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard is discreet and not flashy, it's a simple, honest touring bagger. Low solo seat, no audio, no passenger pegs (they can be purchased additionally, of course) and not too many chrome accents. The only color option is black. The standard engine is a Milwaukee-Eight 107. In short, the EGS is a lightweight version of the Street Glide, or a non-alcoholic Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic (if EGUC were a beer). This doesn’t mean that the Standard is bad in any way: it’s just laconic and not loaded with things that aren’t necessary for travel.
The Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard is not equipped with the Boom! and accompanying speakers, lacks the Tour-Pak and comes with a 17-inch front wheel, the same as on the Electra Glide Ultra. It also doesn't have stock ABS (which, however, is available as an option), and there's not even a USB port in the glove compartment, which takes the place of the remote Boom! Box. Soft plugs at the speaker locations opaquely hint that, if desired, you can install any acoustics here, and the Tour-Pak easily falls into its “rightful” place if you need to be able to carry more luggage.
Mid-year releases usually don't involve any major design changes, and the modest Electra Glide Standard illustrates this perfectly. At first glance, this is a typical representative of the Touring family, and a trained eye will distinguish it from its relatives by a couple of characteristic little things: the first visual difference is the absolutely smooth, unadorned black front fender covering the 17-inch Impeller wheel (though there is more than a lack of glitter on the fender compensate for the chrome fork casings and turn signal housings).
The shortened windshield and Batwing with ventilation ducts and single round headlight will confirm that you have correctly identified it: this is a Harley Davidson cruiser. In this case, the mirrors are mounted on short stems on the steering wheel, and not on the fairing, as on older touring models. Chrome details, including valve covers, engine and clutch covers, add "a dose of nostalgia that draws parallels to the very first Electra Glide," according to Harley Davidson vice president of styling and design Brad Richards. The minimalism of the design is reinforced by black painted components, creating a contrast with the chrome ones.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard 2019
By the way, this is not the first Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard. For the first time, a new product with this name appeared in 2007 and was advertised as an obvious tourer. Back then it was equipped with a Twin Cam 96 and air suspension, and did not have cruise control. But then, according to Harley PR manager Paul James
Street Glide swallowed her up. It was pretty basic... a good platform for customization. [The Standard] is coming back these days because we saw a need in the market for a simple touring bike with a batwing. Now we have younger consumers with minimalist needs and tighter budgets, we decided to set the price below a certain psychological barrier.
And yes, it sounds logical, especially about minimalism. I'm trying to remember what faired baggers exist as stripped (read: non-luxury) versions of tourers, and other than Indian and Kawasaki (and to some extent Yamaha) nothing comes to mind.
From Moscow to Minsk by train. Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
We rode from the Russian capital to the capital of Belarus at the wheel of updated Harley-Davidson touring cars and found out how well American motorcycles are adapted to long journeys
Vitaly Andreev
Straight as an arrow and smooth almost along its entire length, the M1 highway is reminiscent of the endless roads of the North American continent, which Harley-Davidson motorcycles are used to plying. It is not surprising that the Russian representative office of the brand chose this highway to present the updated line of Harley tourers. Three updated Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles took part in the 1,000 km run: Electra Glide Ultra Limited (price from 34,210 euros), CVO Road King - a product of the company’s custom studio (from 38,457 euros) and only this year officially entered the Russian land trike Tri Glide Ultra Classic (from 43,270 euros).
ELECTRA GLIDE ULTRA LIMITED
In appearance, the “electric train” has not changed much; a layman might not be able to tell the difference right away, but there are plenty of innovations in the “filling” codenamed Rushmore. The first thing that catches your eye is the space optics with lensed Daymaker LED lamps - at night you can really drive almost as if it were daylight, as well as a dashboard equipped with a 6.5-inch color touchscreen (in the basic version of the "electric train" - display 4 .3”) and an acoustic multimedia system. The CD player has been replaced with a USB output for connecting external devices, navigation and a slot for SD memory cards have been installed, and Bluetooth has appeared. The display shows air temperature, oil pressure and engine temperature. The system can be controlled using joysticks on the new steering wheel remotes or by voice (though only in English with a clear Wisconsin accent). The Boom!Box audio system produces quite powerful (25 W per channel) and clear sound, which automatically increases with speed. The side and central trunks have more convenient locks and can accommodate the luggage of two people. One of the most noticeable changes is the Batwing's new ventilated fairing: with it, aerodynamics have become noticeably better, and oncoming traffic puts less pressure on the driver's head.
But enough about the frills, let's move on to the hardware. Ta-dam - here it is, the new High Output Twin Cam 103 engine with the Twin Cooled system - water cooling of the cylinder heads! The new engine produces a little more torque (138 Nm versus the “old” 134) and power (87 hp instead of 84, according to the PTS) - overtaking dynamics, which were not always enough in the previous model, have improved slightly. Well, the engine became a little weaker to fry the driver’s legs.
The radiators are hidden in the side fairings: it doesn’t spoil the view and doesn’t irritate old-school fans
Another technical feature is the electronically controlled Reflex braking system, which independently distributes force between the front and rear brakes at speeds above 40 km/h. Now, in most cases, you can forget about the rear foot brake and operate only the front brake lever.
The fork legs on the new Electra Glide Ultra Limited are thicker (from 43 to 49 mm) and noticeably stiffer, and air suspension is installed at the rear. The clutch system is now hydraulic - your hand won’t cramp in traffic jams.
All elements of the “space” tidy are located very ergonomically
All of these changes are not just a facelift: everything is done to make driving a large and heavy “electric train” simple, safe and comfortable. Although it must be admitted that the old “sores”, for example, insufficient chassis rigidity and the difficulty of maneuvering at low speed, remained in the asset. On the other hand, what is important for a tourer? Comfort on long hauls. And the Electra Glide has plenty of it. At a cruising speed of about 140 km/h, the bike holds the road superbly, and side gusts of wind do not blow it off the given trajectory. The dashboard is designed like a car and is in front of your eyes: a quick glance and you get all the necessary information. The only thing that I personally lacked at high speeds (maximum speed is about 180 km/h) was an adjustable windshield to completely hide from the oncoming air currents.
The Batwing's new vented fairing actually reduces the pressure of oncoming airflow on the head of the driver and passenger.
TRI GLIDE ULTRA CLASSIC
From the front wheel to the rear seat, the trike is identical to the Electra Glide: the fork, controls, instrument panel, engine, brake system are all the same. But then the differences begin. The luggage compartment is one and a half times larger. There is an electronic rear transmission and a foot-operated parking brake.
The Tri Glide doesn't handle like a motorcycle at all: it's impossible to corner, and when cornering at low speeds it handles like a car—where you turn the steering wheel, that's where it goes. This allows the driver to make mistakes with impunity that the motorcycle would definitely not forgive. But as soon as the speed becomes noticeable - from about 60 km/h - during sharp maneuvering and cornering, the steering wheel is no longer easy to turn, and the device can only be controlled by shifting the weight towards the turn, like on a snowmobile or ATV.
It's a little strange to see such wiring on a luxury motorcycle.
Those who choose a motorcycle specifically for traveling should pay attention to the Tri Glide, because in the city you will be stuck in traffic jams just like in a car, only without a roof and air conditioning. When traveling, easy control, three-wheel stability and a comfortable “interior” save the strength and nerves of passengers, and the spacious luggage compartment allows you to go far and for a long time.
At speed the trike handles more like a snowmobile
All updated HD tourers are equipped with a combined brake system with Reflex ABS, hydraulic clutch, cruise control and LED optics
CVO ROAD KING
Compared to the touring cars described above, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road King looks modest: minimal body kit, small windshield, laconic dashboard. But minimalism does not mean discomfort: the King of the Road's seat is very comfortable, the rear suspension is soft, and the fork is stiff enough to hold its trajectory.
While driving, you understand that the windshield is not a fashion accessory, but a real shield from the headwind with very good aerodynamics. When controlling the motorcycle systems (lights, turn signals, cruise control), everything is simple and convenient: without taking your eyes off the road, you intuitively find the desired switch with your fingers.
The instrument panel is simple at first glance, but in fact it is quite functional and shows all the necessary information, and the 6th gear indicator is placed separately on the speedometer dial: the new Twin Cam 110 engine (1801 cm3) pulls well both at the bottom and at the top, allowing you to calmly drive in top gear at both 60 and 160 km/h. In fact, this is an old 103 engine without water cooling of the cylinder heads, retuned, bored out to 1.8 liters and added 17 more “horses” to its “herd”. The result is powerful acceleration and smooth torque over a wide rev range.
The tidy is stylishly illuminated in the dark
Of these three tourers, the Harley-Davidson CVO Road King is, in my old-school opinion, the most versatile: fairly compact, relatively lightweight, dynamic, built in the classic Harley tradition. You can use it to move around the city and safely go on trips. The only thing that is alarming is the cost: the abbreviation CVO implies exclusivity, limited edition, manual assembly and, as a result, a very high price.
CVO is hand-built, unique accessories and the most powerful engines in the HD line
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Electra Glide Revival design
Design features of the Electra Glide Revival also include a black-and-white single seat with a chrome handle , mounted on an adjustable spring suspension with shock absorber - a reference to the Harley Davidson FL models of the 60s, equipped with this comfortable feature. Chrome steel-spoke wheels with wide white rubber sidewalls add a nostalgic touch to the exterior, as do bright chrome trim on the front fender and saddlebags, front fender skirt, Ventilator air cleaner cover, fork guards and additional headlights. Old school has never looked so good!
Harley Davidson Electra Glide Revival 2021
Electra Glide Specifications
| Engine volume, cm3 | 1690 |
| Power, hp | 119 |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Number of cycles | 4 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 223 |
| Gasoline consumption, l | 6.0 l/100 km |
| Tank volume, l | 18,9 |
| Transmission | Mechanics, 6 gears |
| Dimensions d/w/h, mm | 2410/1021/1161 |
The powerful V-twin engine has two cylinders. The Twin Cam 88BT engine has proven itself well on other HD motorcycle models. Fuel injection is electronically controlled. An air cooling system is used, so when driving in a traffic jam at slow speeds, the engine begins to heat up. Since 2009, a liquid cooling system has been used. The engine is started using an electric starter.
Gear shifts are quite harsh. The suspension is sensitive to longitudinal irregularities. The soft suspension ensures high ride comfort at speeds no higher than 120-140 km/h. At higher speeds, the suspension lacks rigidity and handling deteriorates significantly. The front suspension is a telescopic fork located at an angle of 29°. The rear is a powerful steel swingarm with adjustable shock absorbers. The disc brake system is characterized by its reliability. The front features two floating discs with four-piston calipers. The rear uses a single disc with a four-piston caliper.
Details
The merit in this is not only the new chassis, but also the fairing. Its feature is the Splitstream ventilation system. The air intake located under the windshield allows you to regulate the air pressure behind the fairing and significantly reduces the wind load acting on the driver. The system really works! And I’ll just keep silent about the on-board musical organ, because words cannot describe this miracle. Class in sound and functions!
And only the new ABS brakes are still recognizable as Harley. There are no delights here, although they are the best that have ever been on motorcycles of the American brand. But in comparison with their competitors, they are, alas, still playing catch-up...
TEXT: LIU WASEDA
Features of Harley Davidson touring models
The Electra Glide Revival looks like a classic motorcycle, but structurally and technologically it is a completely modern model. It is based on a single-spar Touring series frame with a rigid spine that can easily withstand engine power and the weight of the rider with luggage. The entire chassis is designed for long trips: the hydraulic spring preload adjuster for the gas-oil shock absorbers of the rear suspension makes it easy to adjust them to the load in one movement. 49er fork with Dual Bending Valves technology provides linear compression response and a smooth ride.
The most characteristic feature of the model, the classic batwing fairing, is equipped with a high transparent windshield with a divided flow - an additional air duct, a small air flow through which deflects the oncoming flow and prevents the helmet from shaking with turbulent turbulence. Electronic cruise control maintains your selected speed, allowing your right wrist to rest on long journeys, while the halogen headlight and incandescent auxiliary light provide excellent illumination and add a touch of nostalgia to the Revival.
On-board system Boom! The Box GTS features a color touchscreen that outputs audio through the Batwing's two built-in speakers and provides advanced navigation, manual and voice controls (with a compatible intercom), and support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Advantages of the model
- The reliable engine is easy to maintain.
- Comfortable suspension.
- Reliable informative brakes with the ABS system increase the level of driving safety.
- Wide comfortable seat, comfortable steering wheel.
- Mirrors provide good visibility.
- Excellent factory audio system.
- Spacious trunks.
- The footpegs are positioned high. This reduces the likelihood of reaching the asphalt when negotiating turns, when it is necessary to lean the bike as much as possible.
COWL
Developed in a wind tunnel.
And you can feel it right away . I admit, I was once again pleasantly surprised by how a very small modification to the suspension (more powerful front fork stays and increased rigidity traverses) so dramatically changed the driving character of the “electric train”. Our group moved quite zealously along the picturesque highways, and the high pace only testified to the fact that the handling of these “suitcases” was truly top-notch - no one lagged behind, no one broke off the trajectories in the turns, and on the bends everyone tumbled their motorcycles together. almost to the point of the footpegs grinding on the asphalt.
Finally, the feeling of flimsiness in the frame has disappeared, the motorcycle no longer spins when hitting an uneven corner, and imperfections in the road surface are absorbed by the shock absorbers even when the vehicle is heavily loaded. But the most amazing thing is that now the motorcycle is not scary to pilot at high speeds. It follows a trajectory - as if on rails!
2021 Electra Glide Revival Engine
The Electra Glide Revival features a 114 cubic inch (1868cc) Milwaukee-Eight engine with classic design and sound, but modern performance and build quality.
Milwaukee-Eight 114 Features:
- Displacement: 114 cubic inches (1868cc)
- Maximum torque: Torque: 160Nm at 3250rpm
- Four valves per cylinder
- Two spark plugs per cylinder
- Six-speed Cruise Drive transmission.
