First I would like to thank you for letting me into your forum. It is greately appreciated. Last year I purchased a motorcycle, my first in 35 years. It is just a beginner bike, a 900 as a matter of fact. I will drive it this summer, and at the end of the summer I will be purchasing a new Harley Davidson motorcycle. I am leaning towards the Electra Glide touring bike. I want something that is comfortable for myself and my wife. I was wonder what the difference is between these three:

1. Electra Glide Standard
2. Electra Glide Classic
3. Ultra Classic Electra Glide

Some things I would like to know:

1. Is the Ultra Classic Electra Glide an all around better bike than the other two.
2. Is it worth the extra money to purchase the Ultra Classic Electra Glide over the other two.
3. Does one have better gas mileage than the rest.
4. Is handling the same on all three.
5. Would it be to my benefit to purchase a bike in the U.S. rather that Canada where I live.

These are just five things that I can think of. If you have any more info to add, please do. I am saying a new bike at the end of the summer, it all depends how I get along on this one. Tks in advance for you replies.

Safe rideing everyone.

 

All three are the same basic bike. The difference is the number of "bells and whistles." I would suggest you go to the H-D site, compare the standard equipment of each, and decide for yourself which will best fit your needs and budget.

Welcome Aboard!

P.S.- I'm only guessing, but I'd think that your customs duties would negate any savings you might see if you bought your bike in the US.

 

1. Is the Ultra Classic Electra Glide an all around better bike than the other two.
Definitely Yes !. All the bells and whistles you'll need, but it may not be for everyone.

2. Is it worth the extra money to purchase the Ultra Classic Electra Glide over the other two.
Definitely Yes !. Unless you don't want the bell and whistles then go for Electra Glide Standard w/o radio and Tour Pack.

3. Does one have better gas mileage than the rest.
No. They're all about the same.

4. Is handling the same on all three.
Read elsewhere on this site if you do not have the tour-pack on...Handles lighter and nice.

5. Would it be to my benefit to purchase a bike in the U.S. rather that Canada where I live.
No. Why go through all the hassle when it comes to Customs ?. JMO, You're better off buying where you live and drive off the dealer lot sporting a smile on your face.

Like someone said, "Go on the HD site, compare the three in thier own differences according to your budget and ask yourself several questions such as Am I going to be using the bike for work or traveling purposes ?, Can I afford the payments ?, on and on....

Had a '06 Road King Classic and loved the bike so much. However, I find myself needing more luggage after 3 years so I decided to go for the maximum which happens to be the Ultra Classic. Not one sorry guy these days as I'm smiling every time I hop on the bike and ride whether it's to go for Ice Cream, Work or Travel.

Good Luck,

Thorey

 

My first Harley was a Road King, I loved the bike, great handling, good looks etc....but my wife did not feel safe on the back even with a back rest. So I propped up an Ultra at the dealer one day and she got on the back. She liked the feeling of the tour pak behind her and being a little more surronded by the seat. Short story, we bought an Ultra the next day. The Classic and Ultra Classic are for all practical purposes the same. The Ultra has four speakers instead of two, which is a better sound, and has the lower fairings, which in south Texas, I remove most of the time anyway. We are now on our second Ultra, the 09s are a big improvement. The mileage will be about the same on either, I currently get about 35-37 in town and 40 +or- on the highway. You can't go wrong with either one.

 

$hit at your age, im surprised you can figure out the new computer technology. Just had to lighten up this thread a little. So WELCOME to HDF.You will be from now on considered a HDFer!!!!! I bought a standard to save a few dollars but to also make(add) the options i wanted. If you want a bike ready for travel in comfort go right to the classic...not that the standard isnt ready, but the radio and tour pack SURE are nice options!!! Once again WELCOME .......... R.W.

 

Hey Reboot, welcome aboard. As a fellow Canuck I can tell you, looking at used US bikes can save you a lot of money if you find the right deal. As for a new bike, buy in Canada, with the dollar exchange the prices are about the same now a days. Besides US dealers can’t sell you a new bike, unless you have a US address. Customs is a piece of cake when bringing a used bike into Canada. Stop at US customs to verify the VIN, stop at Canadian customs to pay lots of tax, go to Canadian Tire for a Canadian safety inspection, go to motor vehicle and get your registration. Just like any other purchase “Buyer Beware”.
Mine is an 05 standard, imported from the states, great bike!!!

 

I got a 08 standard, Didn't want the radio or tour pack. Put on cruise control, a rider back rest and removable luggage rack. Perfect for me. If you want a Standard the word is out that 09 will be the last year for them. This may be right or wrong but just sayin!

 

My suggestion would be, go to the dealer and see for yourself what the differences are. The web site is a good place to start too. Only thing is, if you start looking now, you'll never make it through the summer on that 900, you'll be on a new Harley.

 

welcome to the forum =D well the three bikes you have picked are all a matter of bells and whistles to chose from. you had asked for any other info so here it is, in 2007 hd stroked they're 88 motor to a 96 and due to strict epa regulations this set up runs hot. the moco has made some changes trying to deal with the heat due to customer complaints here are a few examples of what they have done. 1st the rear cylinder will shut down at a stop light if they program it for you to do so. 2nd mid frame air deflectors. 3rd a new exhaust in 2009. 4th little wings that attatch to the fairing that help direct air towards the rider when rididng. that is just a few things they have done since 2007 most of these changes came in 2009. they all should have been addressed in 2007 when they put this wood burning stove in the frame. many folks will say just put an aftermarket computer and pipes on it and richen the fuel up that will cool it down and yes to an extent it will but not by much especially if you have a fairing. i would seriously take a test ride on a fairing equipped bike on a decent warm day, and not for 10 minutes either. there have been many posts on here about the excessive heat just google harley heat issues and you will see what im talking about. i have also seen many posts here and on other forums about the rear pipe glowing red. i recently spoke to 2 different mechanics about the heat issue and was willing to pay to have new heads and cams installed to get rid of the heat and both said it is the nature of this motor to run hot and that the heat is due to the stroke. now both of these guys could have sold me the parts and labor but they chose to be honest rather then just make some money off me. the heat does come from the exhaust and you got to really richen it up to lose the heat and that can lead to alot of problems carbon build up loss of mpg and more. i will probably catch alot of grief for this but oh well, i do not recommend anyone to buy a bike with the 96 motor and until the moco puts a new design in i will not recommend the product. i am not saying the motor is not reliable. i am saying it runs hot, very hot and the heat comes from the exhaust and the fairing amplifies it. google harley heat issues and you will see. sorry if i bummed anyone out but just giving my 2 cents.

 

A big welcome to you and congrats on your return to the world of 2 wheels. This is an awesome forum and you'll learn all you could ever want to learn about H-D and your own model if you hang out here regularly.

As to your questions...

1. Electra Glide Standard
2. Electra Glide Classic
3. Ultra Classic Electra Glide

These three are the same bike with progressively more and more accessories. To me the Classic is the best deal for the money. You get the tourpack (a very expensive item to add later on if you decide you want one) and full gauges/instruments. The Ultra gives you a CB and intercom (if you and wife tour alot this would probably be nice for you). Ultra also has lower fairings. I personally don't like the lowers but many here obviously do like them. Personal preference again there.

Some things I would like to know:

1. Is the Ultra Classic Electra Glide an all around better bike than the other two.
Probably but the Classic has almost all the important accessories and is less $$$
2. Is it worth the extra money to purchase the Ultra Classic Electra Glide over the other two.
For me no, but depends what YOUR needs are.
3. Does one have better gas mileage than the rest.
No, same pretty much.
4. Is handling the same on all three.
Pretty much the same, but the tourpack adds about 50lbs (not including gear when it's loaded for a trip) to the top end of the bike. The Classic I had handled very nicely, not cumbersome or unwieldly once you get used to it.
5. Would it be to my benefit to purchase a bike in the U.S. rather that Canada where I live.
Don't know about that, you'll have to get that info from someone else.