Best year and model for Electra Glide
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Stage II
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Curitiba, Parana
Best year and model for Electra Glide
Hey guys. I know this topic isn't new, but i could not find any new updated info about it, so here we go again...
I am looking to purchase a Harley Electra, i own a 2008 Road King Classic and here in Brazil mine Road King is about the same price as the Electra Ultra Glide Classic, same year, that's why im looking to jump to an Electra.
Wich year and model is the best?
I don't know te difference between Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic and the Electra Ultra Glide Classic.
I'm looking to make long trips and listen to good music, so a Electra with tour pack with speakers and that rack to carry more luggage is better to do that kind of trips.
Ive heard about to buy newer than 2009, but i don't know exactly why.
I rode a 2017 Road Glide and a 2015 Electra Ultra Limited, and didn't find any trouble to ride, it's not that harder than my Road King, i know that the project rushmore harleys is better, but it is too expensive, im looking for a good one before 2014, with key fob and cruise control if possible.
I owned a 2015 Sportster that had that key fob and i find it the best thing on that Harley, very practical and the cruise control is the better way to do some long trips.
Im looking for opinions and information about the models and what i need to know before jump to a Electra. What i need to look when chosing and buying one. Thank You!!!
I am looking to purchase a Harley Electra, i own a 2008 Road King Classic and here in Brazil mine Road King is about the same price as the Electra Ultra Glide Classic, same year, that's why im looking to jump to an Electra.
Wich year and model is the best?
I don't know te difference between Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic and the Electra Ultra Glide Classic.
I'm looking to make long trips and listen to good music, so a Electra with tour pack with speakers and that rack to carry more luggage is better to do that kind of trips.
Ive heard about to buy newer than 2009, but i don't know exactly why.
I rode a 2017 Road Glide and a 2015 Electra Ultra Limited, and didn't find any trouble to ride, it's not that harder than my Road King, i know that the project rushmore harleys is better, but it is too expensive, im looking for a good one before 2014, with key fob and cruise control if possible.
I owned a 2015 Sportster that had that key fob and i find it the best thing on that Harley, very practical and the cruise control is the better way to do some long trips.
Im looking for opinions and information about the models and what i need to know before jump to a Electra. What i need to look when chosing and buying one. Thank You!!!
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 773
Likes: 124
From: Between purgatory and retirement
Everything you wanted to know
Welcome to the Forum.
Well, from what you have stated you do not want an Electra Glide, nor an Electra Glide Classic.
2009 introduced a new frame, wider rear wheel, redesigned exhaust system, etc. which was used for all the years you are looking at (2009-2013) which is what I will discuss.
Electra Glide (FLHT): no lower fairings, no tour-pak, no radio (not available after 2010 until 2020)
Electra Glide Classic (FLHTC): no lower fairings, no rear speakers, has tour-pak, has radio, some added chrome (engine and saddle bag rails, fender rail, etc.)
Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLTHCU): standard tour-pak, radio, rear speakers, lower fairings, CB, Intercom, lots of added chrome over the FLHTC.
Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK): when debuted in 2010 came with 103 motor standard, similar to FLHTCU though removed fender rails, saddle bag rails, etc., but included such things as heated grips, luggage rack, chrome wheels, etc.
The Security system you referred to was optional on all those years, except on the FLHTK where it was standard. (note: for some years the ABS and Security System were bundled as a package.)
The 2009 and 2010 bikes had a compensator were the spring-pack was incorporated into the rotor. (the same as your 2008.)
That changed with the 2011 bikes where they changed to the SE type compensators.
The FLHTCU came with the 96 cubic inch motor in 2009-2011, then changed to the 103 motor (the 103 was optional in 2011.)
Hope this helps.
.
Well, from what you have stated you do not want an Electra Glide, nor an Electra Glide Classic.
2009 introduced a new frame, wider rear wheel, redesigned exhaust system, etc. which was used for all the years you are looking at (2009-2013) which is what I will discuss.
Electra Glide (FLHT): no lower fairings, no tour-pak, no radio (not available after 2010 until 2020)
Electra Glide Classic (FLHTC): no lower fairings, no rear speakers, has tour-pak, has radio, some added chrome (engine and saddle bag rails, fender rail, etc.)
Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLTHCU): standard tour-pak, radio, rear speakers, lower fairings, CB, Intercom, lots of added chrome over the FLHTC.
Electra Glide Ultra Limited (FLHTK): when debuted in 2010 came with 103 motor standard, similar to FLHTCU though removed fender rails, saddle bag rails, etc., but included such things as heated grips, luggage rack, chrome wheels, etc.
The Security system you referred to was optional on all those years, except on the FLHTK where it was standard. (note: for some years the ABS and Security System were bundled as a package.)
The 2009 and 2010 bikes had a compensator were the spring-pack was incorporated into the rotor. (the same as your 2008.)
That changed with the 2011 bikes where they changed to the SE type compensators.
The FLHTCU came with the 96 cubic inch motor in 2009-2011, then changed to the 103 motor (the 103 was optional in 2011.)
Hope this helps.
.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
for a reliable bike that anyone can work on without a ton of $$$ tied up in software the last "good" year would be 2013
Once you go past 2013, you are at the mercy of the MoCo, Dealers, and software licenses.
My HD guru swears 2002 was the last good year though.
Cripes on the newer bikes you can't even add speakers to the factory radio without manufacturer software,
Once you go past 2013, you are at the mercy of the MoCo, Dealers, and software licenses.
My HD guru swears 2002 was the last good year though.
Cripes on the newer bikes you can't even add speakers to the factory radio without manufacturer software,
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
Likes: 4,780
From: Sandpoint, Idaho
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
Totally agree that 2002 was the absolute best year for a Twin Cam engine-drive train. My 2013 Road Glide was a very good bike. I would suggest a 2013 Ultra Classic for platform maturity and simplicity - your choice Road Glide or Electra Glide or Road King.
The new M8 platform is really good, I had a 2017 Road Glide and now have a 2019 Ultra Classic that’s been an amazingly great bike.
If you can swing it a 2019 or 2020 M8 are excellent choices.
The new M8 platform is really good, I had a 2017 Road Glide and now have a 2019 Ultra Classic that’s been an amazingly great bike.
If you can swing it a 2019 or 2020 M8 are excellent choices.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,558
Likes: 280
From: Russellville, Arkansas
Theres not really any bad years or years to prefer. Its all about what you like and are comfortable with.
The older EVO bikes were great....certainly not dealer tied and they are super simple to deal repair.
The early Twin Cams has their issues....but thats been 20 years ago. Those issues have long been fixed by now for the most part.
The latest M8 bikes are super nice. Great bikes all around. Time will tell with engine wise. Everything else.....too dealer tied. I personally believe these bikes have evolved to have too many electronics installed in them. Very costly to repair.
I would go for a Twin Cam with a carburetor. Not too old and still modern....yet super simple with the carburetor.
The older EVO bikes were great....certainly not dealer tied and they are super simple to deal repair.
The early Twin Cams has their issues....but thats been 20 years ago. Those issues have long been fixed by now for the most part.
The latest M8 bikes are super nice. Great bikes all around. Time will tell with engine wise. Everything else.....too dealer tied. I personally believe these bikes have evolved to have too many electronics installed in them. Very costly to repair.
I would go for a Twin Cam with a carburetor. Not too old and still modern....yet super simple with the carburetor.
