Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide 2013

MY MOTORCYCLE

Harley-Davidson has been surprising its fans and not only them lately. New models of bikes, which no longer have the features of conservatism - to which the designers and constructors of the brand were attached - are more modern technologies. They even decided to produce an electric motorcycle. This is surprising. One of these modern unusual motorcycles for fans of the company was the Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited, which will be discussed later.

Harley fans have long gotten used to the fact that the company did not produce particularly new modified models - it only slightly changed or tuned the old ones (which became an opportunity for competitors to rise to their feet), thereby showing an example of frugality and the most decent attitude towards their own traditions. Official representatives of Harley-Davidson sometimes proudly announced the restyling of a particular model, although all the design efforts did not really amount to adding some new chrome detail, reflectors, footrests or new seat upholstery to the already bright body kit. For people uninitiated in the atmosphere of Harley clubs, such innovations might seem ridiculous, but true fans of the brand took such restyling quite seriously. Or they got so used to it that it seemed quite adequate and right for them. Everything changes and everyone and everything needs changes.

However, the step that Harley-Davidson took quite recently could have shocked both of them: the latest modernization of the company’s model range turned out to be much more serious than all the previous ones. The work done and its results are impressive: it turns out that over the past four years, in an atmosphere of strict secrecy, a special focus group was formed that met with fans of the brand, shared long miles of road with them and asked what they would like to change in their iron horses. These specialists accurately recorded all wishes and grievances, collecting and grouping the information received. The company's top management, based on these data, set the task for designers to modernize the model range taking into account new requirements. This turned out to be not so simple, given that many of the company’s models began to be produced more than one or two decades ago.

With such overwhelming collective support, this study of biker opinion became a special Rushmore project - a source of new technical and design ideas that made it possible to improve the platforms of existing models. Thanks to this work, the Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide bike has been radically changed: firstly, it has acquired a new Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 power unit with increased cubic capacity and traction characteristics. The maximum power and maximum torque of this engine have been increased by more than 10 percent, but the main thing is its updated cooling system. The engineers moved away from the usual air circuit, the effectiveness of which was nullified as soon as the motorcycle got into even a small traffic jam, and used an air-liquid type of cooling of the power unit.

In addition, a new hydraulic drive and stiffer clutch springs were installed, and the brakes received an anti-lock braking system and electronics that distribute braking forces between the front and rear wheels. The front suspension was also improved, in particular, more powerful forks with a diameter of 49 mm and stiffer yokes were used.

The design of the motorcycle has changed even more. Upon first inspection of the updated Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide, you will notice the updated side and central Tour-Pak case, which opens using the one-touch principle. The shape of the wings and the lateral support of the passenger seat have changed slightly, and the wheels are made of lightweight aluminum alloy.

However, the most significant changes occur at the front - the head fairing now features a Daymaker LED headlight, a shorter windshield and a new ventilation system, the air intake of which allows you to adjust the air pressure behind the fairing. By the way, the aerodynamics of the new Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide were calculated not only on paper - the model was repeatedly tested in a wind tunnel and as a result, the designers received a minimum air resistance coefficient.

In addition to all the listed technologies, the updated Harley received a good sound system with an on-board Boom Box infotainment center, equipped with a color screen, a speech recognition system, a navigator and even a walkie-talkie - all in one module.

However, despite all the engineers’ tricks in terms of handling, the updated Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide retained the features so inherent to American choppers and cruisers. It is literally heavy to lift - getting started on a motorcycle weighing 413 kilograms requires some skill, especially when it comes to dense city traffic. A high center of gravity forces the driver to constantly seek balance at low speeds, and this unstable state can only be overcome by accelerating above 40 km/h, which, however, is easy to do by fully using the potential of the 1690 cc engine. The cruising speed of the Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide is 120-140 km/h. If desired, you can accelerate to higher speeds, but the motorcycle suspension is clearly not designed for such feats.

By the way, if we delve into the shortcomings of the “electric train,” there are a lot of them - this bike does not like sharp turns, is completely unsuited to overcome city congestion, is heavy and sometimes clumsy. But at the same time, it is a purebred American, with a characteristic Harley exhaust sound. And fans of the brand consider these two factors to be key and are ready to forgive anything for them.

Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide, technical specifications:

motorcycle strangers

So, Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide... 2009.

The difference between this device is that it has a completely redesigned rigid frame and an aluminum rear swingarm. New wheels, new tire model (the rear one is 180 mm wide). New exhaust system (to avoid burning the passenger's right leg, the exhaust has a different shape) Engine - TC96.

Personally I liked:

1. Anti-peck system. Almost no nose-dive when braking.

2. Availability of large panniers, especially the rear tour pack.

3. Powerful light. Far away, as easy as from a diesel locomotive. The fog lights also shine very well.

4. It comes stock with a nice exhaust (assuming the bike is made for America). As soon as you “unscrew” the handle a little, a loud RRR ROAR comes out... Forward flow is clearly unnecessary for this motorcycle. Perhaps screaming street legal needles is the golden mean.

5. Good wind and rain protection. After driving about 100 km in the rain, I remained almost dry. Even my boots hardly got wet.

6. Powerful and high-quality sound from the radio. There was no mode so that I could not hear. The sound is made louder or quieter automatically, depending on the noise and speed. I was pleased with the presence of CD, MP3, and also a CB radio station (a very useful thing in long-range shooting)…

7. The brakes are beyond praise. Stops really well.

8. Controllability. It steers very well. After the Electric Train, the feeling is that the softail is going straight. This is due to the “reverse” stem of the fork.

9. Cruising speed is 120-130 km/h, while engine speed will be around 3000 rpm.

10. Standard glass is very convenient in clear weather. But if it rains, I have to really stretch my neck. Installing a lower glass resulted in the air starting to “ruffle” the helmet a lot. I carry it in the case of rain in the case, fortunately, to change it, I only unscrew 3 bolts.

11. The pendants are very comfortable. However, the rear shock absorbers require attention; the pressure in them must be checked weekly and, if necessary, pumped up. It is better to do this with a special pump ($100 in Moscow branded X-D). Sometimes the rear shock absorbers still break through.

12. If your train is white, then the drivers think that it is the police and let you pass. Or it’s just a powerful high beam :))).

13. Cruise control. A very useful thing, as it turned out. Set the speed and you can relax. Up the hill, she adds gas herself, and from the hill, accordingly, reduces it. Just don't fall asleep!

14. The tank lasts for 200-250 miles with smooth, non-fussy driving. Consumption also depends on the wind.

15. PATHOS. Surrounding attention will be clearly increased. Cars slow down, roll down their windows, stare, then drive by. On the 3rd transport, it's generally fucked up. Like in an aquarium. But I decided to write this as a plus...

16. In Novorossiysk, on one of the climbs, I rushed about when entering an intersection and could not hold the train with my wife sitting on it. The motorcycle slowly but surely began to lean to the left. Although I moved my leg, it was already too late, and I could no longer hold the “ladies” dear to my heart in my arms. As a result, the motorcycle ended up on its side. The wife didn’t really have time to understand anything, her feet remained on the platforms :))). He dug her out from under the Electric Train, then put his white beauty on her “legs.” He lifted with his back turned, holding the arches with his hands, pushing with his legs. It was difficult only near the ground, then it was easier. I examined both of them. Wife without loss. As for the motorcycle, I remembered the admiration of journalists for Moto-rev from Victory, whose everything is calculated in such a way that nothing breaks if it falls. So, tested empirically, Elektrichka is also completely fine with this. As a result, I couldn’t even find a kotsak on the arches, not to mention the fact that everything else didn’t meet the asphalt at all. Respect and respect to the engineers from MOKO X-D for this...

17. Very comfortable seat, both driver and passenger.

What I didn't like:

1. No reverse. I placed it on the lookout specifically so as not to push it back. Goldwing stood in front. The owner asked to drive back to let him out. All I could tell him was: “Sorry, there’s no reverse, I can’t…” You should have seen the satisfied smile of Goldwinger, who condescendingly made simple maneuvers and drove off VICTORIOUSLY...

2. The front glass is a bit high, if you are below 175 it will be difficult to look over the glass.

3. The spendthrift is heavy. To stand confidently, it is better to spread your legs farther to the sides. When starting from a stop, the “open” passenger platforms greatly interfere (i.e., with a passenger, the platforms rest heavily on the back of the knees).

4. The rear case “sounds”. That is, the plastic lid knocks on the case. Unpleasant. At speed it is almost inaudible.

5. The right leg really gets burned by the heat from the muffler. In general, it is quite hot in traffic jams.

6. The motor is rather weak for such a carcass IMHO.

7. Large windage.

8. It's very scary in the rain. There may be a problem with the Dunlop tires. I caught a sausage in a truck rut at a speed of 50 miles. It shook with an amplitude of approximately 30-40 cm. As the thrust decreased, the amplitude and speed began to increase. The only thing that saved me was that I opened the gas and jumped out of the rut. When driving over patches, the ass also starts to move.

9. The battery compartment, fuses and other brains are located under the seat, and tend to collect dirt, dust, and in the rain - moisture, with all the resulting consequences.

10. Once, after a trip in the rain, the next morning I discovered a puddle under the train. It was water. Rainy. Water dripped from the pendulum. How it gets there is a separate, unexplored question, but for its drainage there is a special hole in the pendulum. However, due to a technical error by MOSO, it is covered on top with a plastic belt protection. To fix it, you need to drill a hole in the same plastic protection, after which you can forget about the problem of “peeing yourself”. To calm the drainage, you can pour WD-40.

11. It will be a bit cramped for tall people; installing stems on the bars is highly recommended, since the fit is almost classic

Elcasador

Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide 2013

A motorcycle is not just a piece of hardware with wheels. This is primarily the personification of freedom. And this freedom has only one name - Harley-Davidson. In fact, for many motor vehicle connoisseurs, the word “freedom” evokes associations directly related to this brand. In honor of the 110th anniversary of the company, Harley-Davidson released one new copy of each of its subfamily. And the 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide is no exception. Let's take a closer look at this model.

Engine

The 2013 Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide is a motorcycle equipped with a Screaming Eagle touring-class V-twin engine with two cylinders. Engine capacity is 1803 cubic centimeters. There is an air cooling function. It gives the advantage of this model in that it directly concerns the transportation of passengers and cargo, overtaking other vehicles, maneuverability in turns, and overcoming hills.

Dimensions

The length of the presented model is 2510 mm and weighs 423 kilograms. Wheelbase 1613 mm. Seat height 706 mm. Fuel tank capacity is 22.70 liters. Fuel consumption is quite economical - 5.70 liters per 100 kilometers.

Transmission

Six gears, manual gearbox, chain drive type.

Chassis

Rear and front brakes are disc. The wheels are of course chrome plated, the same Chisel. Front tires: 130 /80-R-17, rear 180 /65-R-16. The starter is electric, which invariably adds advantages to this brand.

The motorcycle is equipped with many useful standard equipment. The Tour-Pak case is a living example of this.

And of course, for connoisseurs of exclusives from Harley-Davidson, there is a good selection of colors: extravagant Electric Orange, classic Black Diamond, enchanting Crystal Citron, mysterious Diamond Dust, sophisticated Wicked Sapphire and delicate Stardust Silver. Each owner of a Harley anniversary edition motorcycle will be able to express their individuality by choosing their Harley-Davidson CVO Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

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Disadvantages of the model

1. Rough operation of the gearbox.
2. Heavy weight.
3. The abundance of indicators on the dashboard and its compact size impair the ability to quickly read information.
4. A high center of gravity reduces handling at low speeds.
5. The wind protection is designed for medium weight, which causes some inconvenience for tall people.

HD's Electra Glide is one of the best motorcycles in the luxury tourer class. However, it was created specifically for comfortable movement across the American expanses. When driving on serpentine European and Russian roads, it is not possible to fully demonstrate your characteristics, since the abundance of turns does not allow you to fully experience the speed limit.

This is where the uniqueness of the tourer manifests itself. One thing is clear: in the city the Harley Davidson Eltra Glide feels constrained and constrained. Bad roads are also not for him due to the softness of the suspension. A motorcycle is an ideal option for those who like a leisurely ride to admire the scenery and enjoy the music.

Today we will not talk about Africa or even enduro. Traschik and I spent part of the May holidays like real motorcycle rich people - in the saddle of the brand new 2015 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited. Over the course of a few days, the odometer somehow imperceptibly accumulated a little over 1,000 km: I drove around the city a little, and we also went for a day from Moscow to Velikiye Luki.

To tell something new about the Electra Glide, in my opinion, is simply impossible - about this motorcycle has already been written and rewritten, said and retold. After all, it’s practically a Harley-Davidson calling card. On the other hand, after riding even a little, you get a full range of impressions - from “damn it, I’m riding a Harley!” to “oh, how it hit me in the ass, I thought the bump was very small...”. In general, in order not to be boring and not to describe for the hundredth time “the number of revolutions in fifth gear,” let me briefly describe to you my impressions of the motorcycle, like Ilyich, in theses.

• The first thing I remember is the mass. No, not like that - MASS! My Africa is not a very light motorbike, but compared to the Electra Glide she is just fluff. Harley weighs more than 400 kg! By the way, maybe that’s why I didn’t fall every hundred meters at the Viking Rally?..

• The weight is, of course, impressive, but overall the tourer is not difficult to handle. The weight on the move is practically not felt, the motorcycle steers adequately, the center of gravity is low and all that. However, there is a feature known to many chopper riders - when cornering, the motorcycle itself tends to lean deeper, and the pilot needs to be prepared for this. I, remembering my long-ago trips on the Virage, seemed to be there, but, as it turned out, not completely. Having decided to show off a little in front of my beloved mother, I taxied into the courtyard of my father’s house and began to park. I push the Harley backwards, somehow carelessly turn the steering wheel at a large angle, the green carcass tilts... and I understand that I can no longer straighten the motorcycle. In general, he fell safely onto the arches, I got out of the motorcycle and, as YouTube taught, I lifted him with my back, without much strain. Mom didn’t see this shame, and that’s great.

• In the city, Elektrichka is doing well. Yes, she is big and damn heavy, but she manages to sneak around and maneuver between the rows quite tolerably. Largely also because it can be heard and seen, and most drivers don’t mind moving to look at a big iron motorcycle. The main ambush begins in serious traffic jams, when there is nowhere for cars to move. You can’t jump on the curb, you can’t jump on the bumpy side of the road. You have to diligently stand with everyone, shake with the huge V-shape and listen to the music.

• Yes, the engine is shaking. But only at idle. As soon as you start driving or just slightly turn the throttle, all vibrations disappear. There is no tremor in the mirrors at any speed.

• The engine is now equipped with water-cooled heads, so it doesn’t fry the thighs as intensely as the old 100% air vents. But it still cooks. Because he is not 100% dropsy.

• The clutch is tight. And this is another reason why you should avoid traffic jams. By the way, Fatboy and Dyna, which I once rode on, also had tight brakes, but not here, everything is completely different. The system is combined (to be honest, I didn’t even touch the wide rear brake pedal), the effort on the lever is low, loading the motorcycle does not affect the intensity of deceleration, in a word, it’s pure pleasure.

• Suspension, mmm, road. As long as there is good asphalt under the wheels, Electra Glide gives you premium yachting chic and comfort. Patches, tram tracks, removed asphalt – tolerable, but it’s already bringing things back to earth. But if there are potholes, sharp joints or holes with sharp edges ahead, you better brake! It was only later that smart people told me that the rear suspension can be adjusted...

• The seat is a blast! After 450 km, the fifth point only began to remind itself slightly, despite the fact that in Africa it asks for mercy after 200. However, for some reason I felt discomfort in my back in the lumbar region, which is not observed in Africa. Perhaps these are features of different landings with different inclinations of the legs.

• Special personal thanks to the creators of cruise control. I almost never use this thing on a car; on a Harley I turned it on as soon as I left the Moscow Ring Road.

• I almost never got used to the separate turn signals. But I can’t say for sure which is more convenient, with one button or two.

• Of course, he slid onto the ground. I can’t say anything special - an ordinary heavy road bike on tires without tread, which feels like a moving massive sofa. The main thing is to remember the clearance, and then you will certainly be able to drive up to the river in dry weather. I remember somewhere on the net there was a report from a man who traveled on Electra Glide almost along goat trails in Apatity. So, I don't know how he managed to do it.

• Three spacious, sealed cases are great! I had already forgotten that you don’t have to divide your luggage into those that are afraid of water and those that aren’t, you don’t have to wrap your clothes in three layers of cellophane, but just put a bunch of things inside, and then, after a heavy rain, get everything out dry!

• By the way, about the rain. It is believed that a developed windshield and fairings in the leg area will completely (up to a certain point, of course) protect the rider from bad weather. To test this, I selflessly did not take my raincoat with me. And you know, it's almost true. Almost - because when it rained, water immediately began to fall on the only place not covered by plastic - the knees, and from there it slowly penetrated along the lower side of the thighs to the most intimate part, the loin. In this case, for example, not a drop fell on the boots, but the jacket only became damp.

• I don’t want to say anything bad, but in 1000+ km, Harley still broke down once! The lamp in the turn signal has burned out. I had to buy a special inch one at the nearest gas station. No, the oil level remained the same as it was at the beginning of the trip.

• You can't just pick up and go on a trip on a Harley. Before the trip, you need to carefully select the music. Because if Justin Timberlake suddenly plays from your speakers at a traffic light, believe me, you will definitely feel awkward. It’s best to make a separate folder with AC/DC, ZZ Top and Def Leppard on your favorite flash drive.

• You also need to choose a wardrobe. Because in a dirty endurist jacket I felt about the same as if Timberlake was playing on the speakers.

• In the capital, few people will be surprised by a Harley. I was asked the well-known questions only a few times in a couple of days, at car washes and gas stations. The most popular one was, of course, about price. In the region everything is somewhat different. Here you are a cross between an ecstatic rock star and a brave astronaut.

• Literally 500 meters to ride a person who has dreamed of riding a real Harley all his life, and then see genuine happiness in his eyes - priceless!