HD ElectraGLide Test Ride

[crazyman]

Here's something to consider. Yesterday I went to the HD dealer to get some cleaner supplies. Just for the heck of it I showed some interest in the Electra Glide Classic. The salesman offered to let me take it for a ride ! I said sure why not.

After riding that thing, I'm glad I don't really want one. Vibrates like mad, even at 50mph. Not too smooth. Oh and in stock form, sluggish acceleration. Oh and did I mention the vibration ? That's why they refer to the "shake and bake". The bike looks nice. But for the ride quality, I just don't get why the HD folks are so adamant about the ride. I wasn't too impressed.

I'm saving my pennies for the R3T. That's the ride I want.

 

[Lester532]

I road a 2008 Road King for about 15 miles a couple of months back. I just don't see the appeal, $6000 more and half the performance of the Rocket.??

 

[KingOfFleece]

Most of my riding buds ride 'Kings. Pity they are too cool to want real performance! After every set of twisties we need to pull over and wait for 'em!

 

[TxRIIIRider]

I can't bash Harleys too much. Their fit and finish is probably the ultimate of all bikes. Very seldom to you see a Harley with chrome rusting, even if it's left outside all the time. The paint is always high quality and very durable. And despite what is said about them running, I've found them nothing but reliable. With hydraulic lifters, there's no need to worry about valve clearance checks. No water cooling to worry about leaking. Just change the oils and filter(primary, transmission, and engine oil, depending on the model) and keep her clean and ride.

They're definitely not Rockets though.. That's why I only owned my Road Glide for 6 months.. lol. It was a beautiful silver and chrome bike and really had some pretty good punch for a Harley. The rubber mounted motor would shake around at idle, but once underway, all smoothed out.. but it just wasn't the hot rod I was really wanting..

 

[Jamie]

Agree in terms of fit and finish. What one should expect at such a stratospheric price level, given the obsolete technology. But the thing (I test rode a 2008 demo, which the dealer had pimped with Screaming Eagle cans and a stage one injection kit) is IMO pathetically under-powered. Jamie

 

[TxRIIIRider]

Oh yes.. I agree with the Screamin' Beagle package.. That's just rediculous. People must buy them, but there's no sense in having a "performance" package for anything but the V-Rod..

I don't know what the dollar per horse power gain is with that package, but I'm pretty sure you can but one of Blowme's supercharger kits on a Rocket and get a MUCH better value..