Your video really speaks to my experience going from a 1999 Yamaha Royal Star Venture (RSV) to my 2003 Ultra Classic Electra Glide. I loved the RSV and put 88K miles on it until a fateful day while towing a camping trailer. I tried to find another RSV but also was looking at some Electra Glides at a local dealer. The 2003 I found in 2009 had only 8K miles on it and was in pristine condition with some tasteful extras. Lots of people warned me about the troubles I'd have with the Harley, but it was so beautiful in its Gunmetal Pearl paint, button-down seat, and Anniversary badging. I immutably added a GPS, trailer hitch, trunk rack, and cup holders to get the bike to be setup like my Venture. What I came to realize over the next year or so of ownership was that there was no part of the Harley that escaped the attention to detail that Harley lavished on this bike. From the switchgear that never failed in the rain, to the sturdiness of its bodywork. Truthfully, the bodywork on the Venture was flimsy, and the paint did not stand up to the miles I put on her. After riding in the rain, the cruise control and audio system became intermittent. I had no such problems with the Harley. Later on I replaced the 5 speed transmission with a Screaming Eagle 6 speed. The engine is the 88CI, not the 96, and I must say that waiting until 60 mph to shift into 6th is not a burden at all. It all feels natural to me, and the 88 does not feel overwhelmed by the extra gearing. Surely the 96 must feel at least as good. Now I've got 125,000 miles on the Harley and it has not been all euphoria. I had a cam bearing failure at 70K miles that resulted in having the engine replaced under Harley's Long Block program. I had several stater failures over the years, and now I upgraded to a 50 AMP 3 phase system made by Cycle Electric that puts it on par with the 2006 charging system. So that's the other thing, the amount of accessories and upgrades available for this bike is amazing. There was virtually nothing for the Venture. So like you, I found out that owning a Harley is not what some of my riding friends told me it would be. One actually said, "so you're going over to the dark side"! Say what you want about its having agricultural technology, it's really not true at all. The only thing you can say is that it has pushrods and air cooling (2003) I know that when I'm stopped in traffic and smell coolant, it's not coming from MY bike!. Aside from that, it's modern in every respect. Now remember, I'm speaking from the point of view of owning a 2003 machine. Today, there have been many "improvements", many of which would appeal to the haters out there, but they don't appeal to me. When I go on vacation, I tell my boss that I won't be available to take phone calls... and I'm not lying! Not so with a new bike! Your 2008 is one of the models that I would go for IF I were to upgrade a few years. But I'm happy with what I got. Ride on!
Howdy Cool bike. Like in your area it's awful flat out here where we live also. I started out in the early 80's on a 82 shovelhead super glide. Then on to a 05 88 cubic inch FLH. That was totaled last summer. When a clown pulled out right in front of me. Tore me up a little bit but am on a slow mend. Just recently purchased from an older couple a 08 Ultra Classic With 9000 miles on it last August...like yours! But in sunglow red! Got a little phobia about riding it after what happened on the 05. Planning on doing the conversation to do the quick detachable tour pack mode. Got all the hardware to do the job. But the time. Probably get a street glide seat also. So I can have the best of both worlds. Enjoy!
My Dad loved the 70s Japan motorcycles 🏍️. Especially Kawasaki. He always talked about the 900s he had. But he never could accept the fact Harley’s today are NOT 1970s shovelheads 😂. Never had anything good to say about my Harley’s despite the fact I had them for 20 years and never had any issue with them. Ever. Kept the oil changed, brakes, and tires good on them and they never let me down.
I'm glad you found the video inspiring! The Electra Glide really is a nice bike and has done a good job for me, I have enjoyed it and the changes it has brought to motorcycling for me!
appreciate the video man, ive always been anti Harley im in the uk and well they rust so quick and dealers after care is rubbish, ive just bought this exact same bike im coming from a honda blackbird listening to your opinion has set my mind at ease alot
Enjoy the bike. Took a 7000 mile lower 48 trip last year this year Florida to Alaska 10832 miles. Both trips on a 2010 Ultra Limited. Not my daily ride but great for the open road. FYI as a young man I was a KZ guy.
Great video and explanation! I'm also an "older japanese bike" kind of guy, but really considering an Electra Glide..looking at the '08-'13 years mostly. Currently riding a '74 CB550 (which is great around town, but my wife doesn't like being on it and it really isn't set up for even solo touring), and a '97 GL1500. The Goldwing is great for passenger comfort and we've done some trips on it, but it feels a little too much like a car if that makes sense. I've done a few rides on friends' Harleys, and I think it might really be the sweet spot of 2-up touring comfort/capability, while still feeling like a motorocycle. It was nice to hear your opinions "as a motorcyclist", and not just from the perspective of a traditional Harley guy. Ride safe!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I am in the 4th season with the Ultra and it remains a good touring bike, not without issues but a solid bike overall. I have been eyeballing the GL1800s as a replacement for it, just haven't got there yet!
I have the 2008 as well, I love it, six speed is great, mine has stage one and true dual headers and Vance & Hines exhaust, not loud like some and nice sound. One thing I would recommend is run a good synthetic in all 3 holes, I run Amsoil in mine, runs cooler and better shifting. I came from a Kawasaki Nomad. I want to get riders backrest, I see you got one, is it the HD one or another. Enjoyed the video.
I run Mobil 1 engine oil, I haven't changed the others yet, it's on the agenda for this winter! I am pretty sure the backrest is stock Harley. It works well, comfy and adjustable.
Thanks for the informative honest opinion and evaluation for You and the Ultra Classic, about to trade off a Super Low Mile BMW Convertible for this in Cream and Scarlet
@@sixfive0cycle guy who has it bought lighter bike because older and harder for him to handle it and I have at least 3-5 years before get close to that, Thanks, he bets sweet low mile E36 BMW Convertible
I’m looking to getting the same bike. I’m a little worried for size because I’m a small guy. 5’11’’ about 150lbs. Before I had a 2013 sportster 1200XLC. Any tips or things I should be worried about?
It's a heavy bike for sure - 800lbs+, if you do t have a passenger it's easily managed, add a passenger and and it takes some effort. Jerry Palidino Ride like a pro on RU-vid has some great riding tips for the bigger bikes!
Go for it, I'm 5'7 160lbs went from a 2012 ultra limited to a 2022 ultra limited. Yes it is a heavy bike, but very manageable. You will love it cruising around all 🇺🇸.
I have a 2003 Electra Glide Ultra and a Sportster. You have to think ahead a bit more with the Electra Glide. By this I'm mostly referring to slow speed handling. Once the Electra Glide is moving it is very sure footed. Practice acute angle turns from a stop sign onto the main road without crossing the center line. It can be done, although a lot of people fail here. I guess I'm saying that the bike can be mastered and that must be your attitude. Don't deny yourself the pleasure of this wonderful machine.
