2008 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic Review
While it seems like the Ultra Classic has been around forever, it's only a relatively new model within the Harley-Davidson lineup, first introduced in 1989. Back then, the Ultra Classic was aimed directly at Honda's Gold Wing, as much of a star in the luxury touring field back then as it is now. Essentially a more touring-oriented version of the FLHT Electra Glide, the FLHTCU added more storage capacity, better rider and pillion accommodation, additional fairings and more bling. The first FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic came with such touring-friendly features as cruise control, a top box (called the Tour Pak in H-D literature), hard panniers, a deeper fairing with extra storage pockets, wind wings, self-cancelling indicators and a greatly-improved stereo/CB system. The 80ci Evolution V-twin engine was arguably the Ultra Classic's weak point when new, its capacity too small for all the extra beef that the Ultra-spec tourer added. That has changed over the years, though, from the 88ci Twin Cam of 1999, through to the 96ci Twin Cam, which debuted with 2007 model year Harleys.
For the 2008 model year, the basic mechanical specs remained largely unchanged, with the only notable inclusions being electronic throttle control and a new isolated drive system (IDS). Electronic throttle control eliminated the need for actual cables, with the wiring running inside the handlebars for a neater appearance. IDS stopped the "rattling" transmission noise that was a criticism of the 2006-07 96ci-powered Harleys when in high gears. IDS actually comprised a redesigned rear wheel pulley that absorbed the shock transmitted through the driveline from the longer-stroked 96ci engine. Altered gear ratios (which debuted with the 2007 models) meant a lower top gear (that is, highway speed) rpm, which meant less throttle movement for greater rider comfort. The retuned exhaust system was also carried over from the 2007 model.
The introduction of optional ABS across selected models was the big news for the 2008 Harley-Davidson range, one which was ideally suited to the Electra Glide tourers. This took the form of a manual system, which provided lever feedback in the event of potential wheel lock-up, essentially allowing rider control over the amount of braking applied. The brakes themselves were redesigned Brembo discs front and rear. While optional for most Touring and VRSC models for 2008, the Harley-Davidson ABS system was fitted as standard to the limited edition "105th Anniversary" model FLHTCU. With a view to longer range touring, a larger, six gallon (22.7lt) fuel tank replaced the five gallon (19lt) unit that had been with the Ultra Classic since its debut. The Tour Pak had been redesigned for the 2007 models to offer more room for pillion passengers, as had the seat, which was a single-piece unit contoured to fit rider and pillion. Height-adjustable rider and passenger footboards fitted as standard added to the comfort factor. The sound system was an 80-watt Harman/Kardon 'Advanced Audio System' CD/AM/FM/WB/CD-MP3 with front and rear speakers. The comprehensive dash surrounding the Harman/Kardon audio system contained ambient air temperature, fuel, speedo, tacho, volt and oil pressure gauges. Cruise control was still standard on the FLHTCUs, but optional on standard Electra Glides.
Load it up with luggage and a pillion and the Ultra Classic still handles as well as you'd expect for a bike of its size. Triple Circuit Damping (TDC) front forks and air adjustable rear suspension was standard and worked well, while the high screen eliminated wind buffeting for all bar the tallest riders. The lower fairings were vented for comfort and included a small glovebox on each side. Battery access was improved on 2008 models, while the Harley-Davidson remote security system remained available as an option.
While the optional ABS was a draw for the mechanically-minded, the 'eye-candy' of the 2008 Electra Glide range was undoubtedly the 105th Anniversary limited edition FLHTCU. Six different solid and six different two-tone colours were available on FLHTCUs. Eight of these were new for 2008, including the 'Anniversary Copper and Vivid Black' two-tone, a combination only available on 105th Anniversary models. Choosing the Anniversary colour scheme brought with it copper-coloured inserts on the timing cover and air cleaner, a unique tank badge that wasn't available on other 2008 Ultra Classics, and an individually-numbered plaque on the top of the tank. Black cast aluminium 9-spoke wheels were standard across all 2008 Ultra Classics, with chrome wire wheels an option. 105th Anniversary models received exclusive gloss black 9-spoke wheels.
More than capable of handling the demands of modern long distance travel, the Electra Glide Ultra Classic is a good choice for the serious long distance tourer. Improvements and upgrades to things like the braking, engine and driveline make the 2008 models more attractive than those of previous years, too. There are competitors out there, like the aforementioned Gold Wing, Honda's other big tourer - the ST1300, as well as the impressive K Series BMWs and the striking Victory Vision Tour, which is an all-new take on the big tourer concept. The FLHTCU has a presence and style all its own though, one that has seen the model endure for more than 20 years. ABS aside, the 2008 105th Anniversary FLHTCU is primarily a décor package, albeit a visually stunning one that's likely to hold its value better and for longer than the regular Ultra Classic. In terms of touring ability, performance and comfort, the 2008 FLHTCU is an impressive machine.
Specifications - 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic
Engine: 1584cc (96ci) Twin Cam V-twin 4 stroke
Bore/Stroke: 95.25 x 111.25mm (3.75" x 4.38")
Compression: 9.2:1
Power/Torque: N/A / 122.31Nm@3400rpm
Fuel system: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Cooling system: Air
Transmission/Drive: 6 speed 'Cruise Drive' manual/belt drive
Electrics: 12V
Front Suspension: 41mm telescopic forks
Rear Suspension: Air adjustable shocks
Front Brake: 32mm Brembo 4 piston twin ventilated disc
Rear Brake: 32mm Brembo 4 piston single ventilated disc
(optional H-D ABS)
Front Wheel: 3" x 16" 9 spoke cast aluminium
w/MT90B16 72H Dunlop H-D tyre
Rear Wheel: 3" x 16" 9 spoke cast aluminium
w/MT85B16 77H Dunlop H-D tyre
(optional chrome wire wheels)
Dry Weight: 369kg
Seat Height: 780mm (unladen)
Length: 2497mm
Ground Clearance: 130mm
Fuel Capacity: 22.7-lt (6 gal)
TRIVIA
Early FLHTCU fairings where known as "rhino" fairings, but by the arrival of the 2008 model, a more aerodynamic "bat wing" fairing had become the norm, which featured adjustable air deflectors on the 2008 FLHTCU.
A feature on the 105th Anniversary Harleys was a 'cloisonne' bar and shield logo tank badge, which is an enamel-style badge. Special cloisonne tank badges were also used on 100th Anniversary Harley-Davidsons.
With an understanding of the ever-evolving nature of audio technology, Harley-Davidson offered software updates to suit the Harman/Kardon audio system used in 2008 Electra Glide tourers and other models.
