When Harley-Davidson launches a new range, in most cases it is more evolution than revolution. This year is slightly different as the changes in the 2014 touring range are as a result of the largest-ever Harley-Davidson customer-oriented feedback project that ran all over the world. After all the data was collected form Harley customers, it was the job of the engineering and styling department to make changes to the iconic range. As an example, the main changes included in the new 2014 Electra Glide Ultra Limited are as follows:
- Headlamps changed to LED Daymaker technology for increased lighting capability;
- Aerodynamic fairing changes including an air vent to lessen wind buffeting at speed;
- Electronic linking of the brake system – front and rear to increase stopping power;
- Water cooling added to the cylinder heads to cool exhaust valves (engine now water and air cooled). With other hardware changes, this allowed a power and torque increase of about 5%;
- The infotainment system is now best in class (Bluetooth, USB, touchscreen);
- The handlebar controls have been simplified and ergonomically improved;
- Improving seat comfort;
- Changing the latches on the panniers so that opening and closing is now a one-touch operation;
- The suspension-damping settings have been revised to give better control;
Watch Nicol Louw, CAR’s technical editor, show some of the details on the 2014 Electra Glide below during the recent launch in Mpumalanga.
