2000 eletra classic ultra
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,282
Likes: 3,687
From: backwoods
I am not 100% sold on newer frame. But i am sold post 2014 saddle bag latches. 2008 was bigger tank, old frame. One of year, not sure how it is for stuff like seats. Could probably look on some websites and see.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 859
From: B.C.
It would be good to see each bare frame side by side.
The new frame has less welding and is cheaper to manufacture.
It accommodates a wider rear tire, promoted as a selling feature.
The new frame has lazier steering geometry.
I have ridden both and prefer the older frame also.
I realize I am in the minority here, I dont mind.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,282
Likes: 3,687
From: backwoods
Maybe it is the seat, but I feel cramped a little.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,609
Likes: 1,601
From: Eastern Ohio
Never understood the wider tire. Its not a chopper. They had to go to a narrower belt around 2003, I have corbin touring seats on both, and my legs feel cramped on the new frame. I wouldn't mind having brake pedal out further because of.
Maybe it is the seat, but I feel cramped a little.
Maybe it is the seat, but I feel cramped a little.
They also took away the adjustment in the footboard mounts. I think the old frame offered 3 positions, where the new frame only offers 1.
Last edited by Buelligan666; Mar 19, 2024 at 08:02 PM.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 859
From: B.C.
Never understood the wider tire. Its not a chopper. They had to go to a narrower belt around 2003, I have corbin touring seats on both, and my legs feel cramped on the new frame. I wouldn't mind having brake pedal out further because of.
Maybe it is the seat, but I feel cramped a little.
Maybe it is the seat, but I feel cramped a little.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 1,903
From: East Coast, USA
I have no idea if there is less welding but it is robotically welded. Do you consider a frame that is cheaper to manufacture a disadvantage?
I assume you are referring to the increased frame rake. For a touring platform, do you consider the increased stability a disadvantage?
That's probably true.The new frame also has a higher load capacity and a much better/stronger system for mounting the tour-pak. The top support tube on the old frame design was a major weak point for the tour-pak. I've replaced that part due to it cracking (4) times on my 2004. I've never had to replace the similar piece on my 2011, and I have 3 times as many miles.
I assume you are referring to the increased frame rake. For a touring platform, do you consider the increased stability a disadvantage?
That's probably true.The new frame also has a higher load capacity and a much better/stronger system for mounting the tour-pak. The top support tube on the old frame design was a major weak point for the tour-pak. I've replaced that part due to it cracking (4) times on my 2004. I've never had to replace the similar piece on my 2011, and I have 3 times as many miles.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 859
From: B.C.
I have no idea if there is less welding but it is robotically welded. Do you consider a frame that is cheaper to manufacture a disadvantage?
In this case yes. Larger components are cast adding weight and bulk. Cheaper to manufacture is a plus for HD.
I assume you are referring to the increased frame rake. For a touring platform, do you consider the increased stability a disadvantage?
Yes it is a disadvantage. It is unresponsive for no good reason. Not a joy to ride when you physically have to use more effort for curves. (I know this makes me sound like a wuss, I can assure you I am not) Stability is not an issue on the old frame.
I am unaware of the older frame cracking at the tour pack mount. That certainly does not sound good. I am having trouble understanding this issue and not just because I have a Road King. Pictures would be nice.
In this case yes. Larger components are cast adding weight and bulk. Cheaper to manufacture is a plus for HD.
I assume you are referring to the increased frame rake. For a touring platform, do you consider the increased stability a disadvantage?
Yes it is a disadvantage. It is unresponsive for no good reason. Not a joy to ride when you physically have to use more effort for curves. (I know this makes me sound like a wuss, I can assure you I am not) Stability is not an issue on the old frame.
I am unaware of the older frame cracking at the tour pack mount. That certainly does not sound good. I am having trouble understanding this issue and not just because I have a Road King. Pictures would be nice.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 859
From: B.C.
I am not of a fan of ABS or self driving car type technology.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,282
Likes: 3,687
From: backwoods
I have no idea if there is less welding but it is robotically welded. Do you consider a frame that is cheaper to manufacture a disadvantage?
I assume you are referring to the increased frame rake. For a touring platform, do you consider the increased stability a disadvantage?
That's probably true.The new frame also has a higher load capacity and a much better/stronger system for mounting the tour-pak. The top support tube on the old frame design was a major weak point for the tour-pak. I've replaced that part due to it cracking (4) times on my 2004. I've never had to replace the similar piece on my 2011, and I have 3 times as many miles.
I assume you are referring to the increased frame rake. For a touring platform, do you consider the increased stability a disadvantage?
That's probably true.The new frame also has a higher load capacity and a much better/stronger system for mounting the tour-pak. The top support tube on the old frame design was a major weak point for the tour-pak. I've replaced that part due to it cracking (4) times on my 2004. I've never had to replace the similar piece on my 2011, and I have 3 times as many miles.
As for brake fluid, I noticed on my silicone based bike and buddies, it would loose pressure, I have gone way to many years without changing them on newer bikes. Last year I did flush them all. And intend to do ABS unit every other year. But 2007, I am embarrassed to say how many years I went.