Harley-Davidson 1745 ULTRA LIMITED 115eme Anniversaire FLHTK 2018 — Specifications

Who can claim to embody the American touring experience better than the Ultra Limited? In the Harley-Davidson lineup, this FLHTK sits at the top of the Touring family, just below the outrageous CVO models. And when Milwaukee decides to celebrate its 115 years of existence, it's only natural that this grand tourer receives one of the most generous commemorative treatments, with 3,700 units produced — the largest contingent among the nine anniversary models.

Beneath the full fairing beats the Milwaukee-Eight 107, a 45° V-twin displacing 1746 cc that produces 90 hp at 5,450 rpm. The figure looks modest on paper, especially against a Gold Wing and its 126 hp. But at Harley, the philosophy reads differently: 152 Nm of torque from just 3,250 rpm. This strong, low-end thrust turns every acceleration into a relaxed cruise. The six-speed gearbox and belt drive do the rest, delivering a smoothness of operation perfectly suited to the machine's purpose. Top speed caps out at 170 km/h, and nobody will complain — this motorcycle has never claimed to be a sportbike.

At 413 kg fully fueled with a 22.7-liter tank, the Ultra Limited makes its ambitions crystal clear. This is a machine designed to devour miles with a passenger and luggage, not to weave through city traffic. The seat height of 740 mm reassures average-sized riders, while the steel double cradle frame and 49 mm fork soak up road imperfections with 117 mm of travel up front. The twin rear shocks, firmer with their 76 mm of travel, serve as a reminder that the chassis must cope with a substantial load. Braking relies on three 300 mm discs clamped by four-piston calipers — a setup necessary to bring this ocean liner to a confident stop.

The 115th Anniversary edition stands out with its Legend Blue and Vivid Black livery, a combination that gives the machine an immediate visual presence. The exclusive finishes are meticulously crafted: blue stitching on the seat stamped with the HDMC logo, specific badges on the engine crankcase and air filter cover, and a serial number engraved on the tank. The crowning touch is a metal medallion depicting the Bar & Shield carried by an eagle — a detail that will appeal to collectors and brand enthusiasts alike. This level of customization partly justifies the price tag of 31,190 euros, steep but consistent for a limited edition packed with standard equipment.

Then there's the question of the target audience. The Ultra Limited 115th Anniversary is aimed at long-distance tourers — those who plan multi-day crossings without worrying about weight or bulk. Against the BMW K 1600 GTL, more powerful and more technologically advanced, or the Honda Gold Wing, more agile despite its flat-six, the Harley plays a different card. It sells an image, a lifestyle, a sense of belonging. And for collectors who feel that 3,700 units is still too common, Milwaukee has prepared the CVO Limited 115th Anniversary — an even more exclusive version priced accordingly. Excess has always been Harley-Davidson's favorite fuel.