EG Ultra Classic Question
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Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
EG Ultra Classic Question
Thinking about purchasing an Electra Glide, Ultra Classic (will probably be a late model used).
Many motorcycles have their own individual quirks such as mechanical/electrical "issues" on certain year models. Are there any for the EG Ultra Classic?
Many motorcycles have their own individual quirks such as mechanical/electrical "issues" on certain year models. Are there any for the EG Ultra Classic?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,456
Likes: 57,014
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Quirks, Idiosyncrasies, Peculiarities ... Yes they do, and you can be sure that once they have been brought to your attention you'll be obsessive, compulsive, and consumed with the thought of avoiding each one. Scooters are just like women. ( that's a scary thought )
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 35
From: Southern Maryland
i haven't noticed any real problems with them. i had a 2010 Ultra classic that i rode problem free for 15000 miles then i traded for my 2013 Ultra Classic Limited and have only had two repairs in almost 45000 miles. I had to have the heated grips replaced and the voltage regulator replaced. the only other thing that is sometimes an irritant is the heat that comes off the right side of the bike in the summer. fans and shields can help with that.
Last edited by cass; Apr 15, 2016 at 09:53 AM.
Quirks and things are entirely dependent on whether or not the machine is stock. Every electrical add on presents the possibility of whether it was done correctly and if the add on is in good condition. Same with mechanical components. Mine had 50K on it when I bought it. But previous owner put a 103 in it at 40K so that changes a few things. I also found out that the indy shop that did the work didn't correctly remap everything, cost me $1200 to get it redone but totally worth it. Find one you like, hopefully they have a full history on it.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
ALL the touring series models are the same under the skin- the differences between models come down to the plastics, speakers and badges-think of them as trim levels.
other than that the Ultra is the same as the Road King is the same as the Road Glide is the same as the Street Glide ( which has 1" shorter rear shocks)
So an "issue" will likely be common across the entire touring line.
the are differences if the rider experience for the windscreen ( road king) batwing fairing ( Ultra) and sharknose ( road glide), which you can read ip on.
tes rides and kicking tires will help you find the right "fit"
Mike
other than that the Ultra is the same as the Road King is the same as the Road Glide is the same as the Street Glide ( which has 1" shorter rear shocks)
So an "issue" will likely be common across the entire touring line.
the are differences if the rider experience for the windscreen ( road king) batwing fairing ( Ultra) and sharknose ( road glide), which you can read ip on.
tes rides and kicking tires will help you find the right "fit"
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Apr 15, 2016 at 11:16 AM.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Texas
ALL the touring series models are the same under the skin- the differences between models come down to the plastics, speakers and badges-think of them as trim levels.
other than that the Ultra is the same as the Road King is the same as the Road Glide is the same as the Street Glide ( which has 1" shorter rear shocks)
So an "issue" will likely be common across the entire touring line.
other than that the Ultra is the same as the Road King is the same as the Road Glide is the same as the Street Glide ( which has 1" shorter rear shocks)
So an "issue" will likely be common across the entire touring line.
OK, thanks to all who responded with info.
I'm coming off of Honda sport-touring bikes so I'm not familiar with Harleys and any problems that certain years models might be known for, thus the question. Hoping to learn as much as I can before buying one.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
Harley doesn;t often just "introduce" a new model- changes are always slow..1 thing here, another there.
so an evolution over time.
there is a dealer intro doc which can be found by googling:
"Harley 20XX model year technical forum"
it will outline changes from year to year.
the frame and swingarm currently used dates to 2009
the emissions controls and ecm to 2010 ( tier II regs introduced) *many of us remove the catalytic convertor or buy a header without & add a hi flow intake a "stage 1" good for 10 HP
the front end dates to 2014
brembos have been in use since about 2008, the ABS is fantastic- make that a must have for a 900 pound bike
the 103 motor is std the past 5 years and was optional previous to that.
the 6 speed tranny goes back 9 years.
HD spits out about 40,000~60,000 touring models a year the past 15 years
there is no "bad year" but there are concerns which come up from time to time. as you narrow in on specific year/model you can get more specific questions/answers
the optimal use for one of these is hiway touring, a near stock bike will get plenty of trouble free miles.
a common "mistake" is trying to make the bike do more than the engineers designed- you can make the motor do 120 HP, but then there will be problems right through the drivetrain as components are stressed beyond design parameters.
something about HD's which I really like compared to other brands is that there is a strong aftermarket for parts and supplies and upgrades can be much less expensive that equivalents for other brands
Mike
so an evolution over time.
there is a dealer intro doc which can be found by googling:
"Harley 20XX model year technical forum"
it will outline changes from year to year.
the frame and swingarm currently used dates to 2009
the emissions controls and ecm to 2010 ( tier II regs introduced) *many of us remove the catalytic convertor or buy a header without & add a hi flow intake a "stage 1" good for 10 HP
the front end dates to 2014
brembos have been in use since about 2008, the ABS is fantastic- make that a must have for a 900 pound bike
the 103 motor is std the past 5 years and was optional previous to that.
the 6 speed tranny goes back 9 years.
HD spits out about 40,000~60,000 touring models a year the past 15 years
there is no "bad year" but there are concerns which come up from time to time. as you narrow in on specific year/model you can get more specific questions/answers
the optimal use for one of these is hiway touring, a near stock bike will get plenty of trouble free miles.
a common "mistake" is trying to make the bike do more than the engineers designed- you can make the motor do 120 HP, but then there will be problems right through the drivetrain as components are stressed beyond design parameters.
something about HD's which I really like compared to other brands is that there is a strong aftermarket for parts and supplies and upgrades can be much less expensive that equivalents for other brands
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Apr 16, 2016 at 11:24 AM.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 844
Likes: 91
From: San Diego
2010 ultras had a problem with the inner primary bearing and the compensator, and a recall for the rear brake switch. Other than that they are pretty reliable machines if you keep up on the basic maintenance, oils, lubes, Plugs and checking the torque on the critical fasteners.
65,000 relatively trouble free miles.
65,000 relatively trouble free miles.
