Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited 2010 — Specifications

When discussing American grand touring, one name stands out as the archetype of the genre. In 2010, the Milwaukee firm pushed the concept to its peak with this machine, a statement of intent on two wheels that carries its weight, both literally and figuratively. With its 400 kilograms dry weight and a full 22-liter tank, the machine displays a monumental presence. But it’s to better house a cruise ship level of comfort and a philosophy of travel where the arrival matters less than the journey itself.

The heart of the beast is the famous Twin Cam 103, boosted to 1690 cm³. The figures, 81 horsepower and 136 Nm of torque, might elicit a smile from a Japanese enthusiast, but they don’t tell the story. Here, the music counts more than the score. The torque, massive and available from 3500 rpm, is the key element. It propels this imposing mass with a disconcerting nonchalance, transforming long, straight stretches into a moment of pure tranquility. The six-speed gearbox, with its fifth-gear helical pinion, ensures smooth acceleration and a soothing hum. It’s a mechanical system designed for longevity, to devour the kilometers without raising its voice, even if the thermometer can rise around the legs in hot weather.

Facing increasingly technical and nimble European competition, this Harley stands on its own ground. It doesn't target the hurried rider but the contemplative traveler. The 74.5 cm seat height, the wheelbase of over one meter sixty, and the air-adjustable rear suspension ensure royal support. The equipment is a catalog of total travel. ABS, cruise control, heated grips, and especially the Harman-Kardon audio system, transform the cockpit into a rolling lounge. The Premium saddlebags and the Tour-Pak top case, with their double closures and waterproof bottoms, are cathedrals of storage. Everything is designed for the duo setting off for the week.

So, who can still acquire such a machine today? The used market is probably the ideal hunting ground for this model. A used Harley-Davidson FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited represents an interesting opportunity to access this touring myth without breaking the bank. You have to love the approach, accept the philosophy of weight and ultimate stability, and not seek to scrape the knees in corners. It’s a motorcycle for those who see travel as a goal, a sensory experience where the sound of the V-twin and the passing horizon are worth all the lap times in the world. For the modern rider seeking pure efficiency, it will be anachronistic. For the devotee of the road as a ritual, it remains an absolute reference, a monument of softness and autonomy.