Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited 2016 — Specifications

The Electra Glide Ultra Limited is the pinnacle of the Harley lineup, just before the CVO models. It's an expression of Grand Touring that wants to break free from limitations. And the Rushmore project delivered a wealth of improvements in 2014. Four years of listening to customers, gathering feedback and ideas, and ultimately, a subtle leap forward in every respect. The 2016 Electra Limited "generation 2" won't appear drastically different, still as delicious as ever, but its performance is of a different caliber. What's new?

Well, it starts with a journey into the heart of the Twin Cam 103. You look at it, from near and far, and see no difference, if not for its majesty. Yet, if you knew what Harley put inside... a whole lot! Liquid cooling, hoses, radiators. Everything that could make purists howl. But the manufacturer worked hard not to offend anyone. The V-twin is still predominantly air-cooled; only the cylinder heads are refreshed by water. The coolant is routed through the cylinder heads in the area surrounding the exhaust valves. As for the heat exchangers, they are remarkably well hidden in the lower fairings. The compression ratio has been increased to 10.1:1 from 9.6:1 previously. The airbox offers increased airflow, and an improved camshaft optimizes low-end torque. Everyone benefits: less heat in traffic jams, 10.6% more power, and a 10.7% gain in torque. The Twin Cooled High Output, with its 1688 cm³, now delivers 14 mkg of torque at 3,750 rpm. An improvement of almost half a mkg compared to the previous Twin Cam 103. Far from the 10.7% announced, which led us to expect 15 mkg in total. Well, those are just numbers. We all know where the essence of this engine lies. More anecdotally, the clutch springs are firmer, but the hydraulic clutch command allows for the same lever effort.

A touch of watering in the engine, and a scalpel stroke in the fairing. Harley also dares to modify its timeless "Batwing" headlamp fairing. After 3000 trials, a central air intake is carved under the windshield, to equalize air pressure and reduce turbulence around the rider's helmet. It opens and closes with a simple press of a control. Then, a cocktail of practicality and style subtly modifies the peripherals of the Limited. The Tour Pak trunk, more compact, still offers 4% additional capacity. The more streamlined saddlebags also provide more storage space. These luggage elements open with a single press. Furthermore, they are lockable thanks to a One-Touch button, as is the fuel tank lid, the Jukebox unit, and the glove boxes.

Is that all? No, far from it. The Rushmore project takes Harley into a new dimension of entertainment. The CD MP3 "moto-radio" gives way to a multimedia system worthy of an Audi. On the Electra Limited, it's called the BOOM Box 6.5 GT and includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen, GPS with over 35 features, 25 watts per channel, voice recognition, Bluetooth; and with the Jukebox unit, you can connect your iPod, USB drive, or SD card. Your tastes combine with Harley style to take you as far as the horizon. Staying within the framework of the on-board life to discover how comfort evolves. For the rider, we've seen, beautiful and complete instrumentation, heated grips, and cruise control. It's on the passenger side that the gain is felt. Longer and wider seat by 2.5 cm, saddlebag protectors lowered, backrest revised in height, width, angle, and shape for better comfort, speakers repositioned, and armrests adjusted. With that, it’s impossible not to please madam.

The year of change almost warranted changing the name of this Touring from Limited to Unlimited. Having optimized the engine, comfort, and entertainment, Harley also focused on the chassis. Lighter and stiffer wheels, certainly. A 49 mm fork, so be it. Refined suspension, OK. And to encompass braking, the Reflex system combined with ABS. Simply put, the front and rear brakes operate independently below 40 km/h. Above that, linked braking activates and electronic management distributes braking between the front and rear. Lighting also evolves, with a Daymaker LED headlight supplemented by halogen turn signals. Not only offering more brightness, Daymaker technology also brings a surprisingly modern touch visually. Overall, these eyes distribute 2136 lumens to pierce the darkness. Do those numbers mean anything to you? Neither do I. The 2016 Ultra Limited 1690 "phase 2" also adopts controls with remote functions on the handlebar, a new front fender, new medallions, more visible instrumentation, and a new wiring harness for battery charging. While retaining as much style that defines the pride of the Electra, this hymn to the road now offers much more for a minimal inflation. Increase is almost transparent given the sum required to have the right to cruise on a vessel like this. Seated on the 103 High Output Electra Glide Ultra Limited Rushmore, you have no excuse not to enjoy yourself for thousands of km.