Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide - Rode Test
Maverick - Sep 7, 2007

Looks, performance and comfort! That’s what the Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide is all about. This motorcycle is designed for miles of enjoyment and performance, rain or shine. The Twin Cam 110 engine with 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, increased fuel range, Anti-Lock Braking System, Ultra King Tour Pak, and dual control heated seats will take you and your passenger anywhere touring bikes are able to go…in style!

 

The Screamin’ Eagle Ultra is a trophy! You walk to the side of this bike and it is an experience to visualize the abundance of features designed to enhance the appearance. Styling features include a Granite finished powertrain, floating front brake rotors, front brake calipers with CVO inserts and an extended reach billet brake lever that are covered in chrome, the Ironside collection of chrome and rubber hand grips, footboards for rider and passenger (adjustable), highway pegs, shift pegs and brake pedal pad, and instruments with spun-aluminum metal faces mounted below a custom black-leather inner fairing pad with chrome trim. In addition, the voltage regulator, billet timer cover, front axle covers, fork sliders and upper fork covers, clutch and brake master cylinders, switch housings and hand levers, and more are chrome.

 

New internally-wired handlebar with electronic throttle control and clear-coated, braided stainless steel front brake and clutch lines add to the customized look. 

This motorcycle is designed to not only attract attention, but to give the owner/operation year after year of pride and enjoyment.  

 

The ride is equally stunning. After checking all systems, you are ready to ride. 

Transitioning to the roadway is smooth due to the power of the 110-cid (1800cc) Twin Cam 110 V-Twin engine and the high-performance clutch with hydraulic actuation. The sensation is similar to rolling from a pier in a 40’ yacht rather that balancing 800 lbs. on 2 wheels. It is a very deliberate and controlled action. 

 

I had the same feeling Moses must have had when he parted the Red Sea. I guess all other vehicle operators were also impressed with the bike’s appearance and allowed space sufficient to drive an 18 wheeler. This is a good thing when riding a motorcycle, and apparently, a byproduct of the extraordinary design of this motorcycle. At least, it is not reflected in the marketing literature.

My objectives when riding the Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide were to assess starting  and moving the bike into and out of traffic, routine riding performance and handling in traffic, and stopping.

 

So, while on the highway, it was important to travel at various speeds including the range from 75 to 100 mph. Don’t ask me why…it just was! The Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide has power and handling characteristics sufficient to move in and out of tight spots while in traffic, overtake and pass other vehicles, slow quickly to flow with traffic, and ascend mountain roadways aggressively.

 

Deceleration was as quickly and efficiently as acceleration. The Brembo front and rear brakes set in an anti-lock braking system result in slowing and stopping that is immediate. I quickly gained confidence in the Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide’s responsiveness when braking. 

 

Much of my comfort on a motorcycle is a function of confidence in performance and handling characteristics, and the Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide is second to none. But there are several features that add to hours of comfort for operator and passenger on this model. 

 

Long hours in the saddle are compensated with comfortable padding on seat and backrests for both operator and passenger. The passenger has adjustable footboards, and the seats and hand grips are heated.

Controls are easy to access and instruments easy to read day or night. Instrument color and contrast provide information readily, so visual time required to capture important information while off the road ahead is a fraction of a second. 

 

In addition to the vented lower fairings, Harley-Davidson has included adjustable air deflectors on the fairing allowing the operator to direct air over the engine to the operator and passenger. This can be easily achieved while in motion. When riding in temperatures in the 95 to 100+ degree temperature range, this feature is a welcomed addition. 

 

As a long distance rider, the extra fuel capacity (six-gallon fuel tank) means greater distance between stops and more adventure.

 

For those who enjoy the ambiance of background music to add to the experience, this model has 40-watt CD/AM/FM/WB/MP3 Advanced Audio System by Harman-Kardon, CB and intercom, and passenger audio with controls, cruise control, plus standard XM Radio and integrated navigation system.  The latter comes in handy for those longer remote adventures. 

 

Much more could be said about the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide’s features, accessories, performance and handling. The only way to really know if this bike is for you is to ride it. If you’re inclination is toward a first class touring motorcycle, don’t hesitate to take a ride on a Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

 

We are interested in your comments about this road test. Click on “Comment” at the end of this article. 

 

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