Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited 2014 — Specifications

Can a motorcycle weighing close to 420 kilograms fully loaded truly break free from limitations? That’s the bold bet of the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited, especially in its 2014 version marked by the Rushmore project. We’re no longer talking about a simple custom, but a land-based cruise ship designed to devour asphalt for hundreds of kilometers without a hint of fatigue. For a little over €28,000 at the time, you’re sold the idea of absolute Grand Touring, a machine where passenger comfort is as crucial as that of the rider. And it must be recognized, Harley pulled out all the stops with this generation.

The heart of the beast remains the famous Twin Cam 103 V-twin engine of 1690 cm3, but it has undergone a discreet yet effective rejuvenation. The major novelty is the arrival of liquid cooling… but only on the cylinder heads. An ingenious compromise to calm the engine's heat in traffic jams without betraying the air-cooled soul dear to purists. Coupled with a compression ratio increased to 10.1:1 and a new camshaft, the result is tangible: 86 horsepower and 137 Nm of torque. The raw figures won't shake a sportbike engine, but the essence lies elsewhere. The surge is massive, available from low RPM, and it propels this behemoth with a serene authority. The six-speed gearbox and belt drive do the rest, in mechanical silence typical of the brand.

Where the Rushmore project really scores points is in the onboard experience. Harley listened to its customers and redesigned everything for long-distance travel. The timeless Batwing fairing has been redesigned, with an adjustable air intake to reduce turbulence. The luggage, Tour-Pak trunk and saddlebags, gain volume while opening with a simple press. And then there’s the BOOM Box 6.5 GT multimedia system. With its touchscreen, integrated GPS and Bluetooth connectivity, it transforms the cockpit into a high-tech command center. It’s a world away from the simple radio-CD of yesteryear, and it perfectly meets the expectations of modern road warriors. Passenger comfort is also enhanced by a more generous seat and a better-designed backrest.

On the chassis, the evolutions are just as pragmatic. The 49 mm fork, stiffer wheels and reworked suspension bring a touch of precision to the handling of this giant. The braking system, with its two 300 mm front discs, gains sophistication with the Reflex system linked to ABS, which intelligently manages brake distribution above 40 km/h. Lighting switches to Daymaker LEDs, offering welcome nighttime visibility. Ultimately, this 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Limited doesn't revolutionize its appearance, but it accumulates relevant improvements. It is aimed at the demanding traveler who wants everything, immediately: iconic style, unparalleled comfort, modern technology and the feeling of relaxed power. Faced with competitors like the Gold Wing, more aseptic, or the BMW K 1600, more technical, it bets everything on emotion and the ultimate cruising experience. It’s a monument of the road, imperfect, temperamental, but terribly endearing to those who accept its codes and its weight. Finding a used Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited of this generation is offering yourself one of the most accomplished versions of this asphalt myth.