Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide - 2009 Motorcycle Review

I traded in my 2003 Ultra Classic (42,000 miles) in August on a new 2009 Ultra Classic. The dealership I bought from was making deals too good to refuse. They even beat a different dealers offer, on a 2008 model no less, by $3000 ! Mine is the new for 2009 Flame Blue Pearl color. It has  turquoise pin-striping as well. So far, having ridden about 2,500 miles, and in 2 other states, I am LOVING it ! It rides smoother and firmer than the "03 did. I attribute this to the new,wider rear tire/wheel. I have still not gotten accustomed to the 6 speed tranny, versus the 5 speed on the '03. It runs quite comfortably up to 70mph in 5th gear. I did not get the ABS brakes, so I can not comment on that option.

The new, bigger 96 CI engine provides plenty of power and smooth acceleration and shifting. I am presently getting around 40 miles per gallon.The stereo system is much more powerful and clear than the older one I had. I also like how they re-routed the pipes and added a "heat deflector" to keep the heat off your right inner thigh. The tinted,adjustable lower fairing "wings" seem more like a novelty than functional. BUT, I haven't made it back to the Mojave desert on it yet. Same story for the adjustable louvers in the fairing lowers. I haven't been in a hot or cold enough situation yet to notice any appreciable effect from either of them.I generally ride year around, barring snow & ice, so expect I'll find out all too soon how well they work.

Although the bike comes well equipped off the floor, I found it necessary to add another $1,000 in items to make it "mine". I don't expect this to ever change, however, since I would imagine HD makes as much on after market parts and "add-ons" as they do on the bikes themselves.

First thing many owners will want on their bike is different pipes. The aforementioned stereo would drown out the bikes engine, even at Interstate speeds.