In 2019, Harley-Davidson revealed its 2021 Electra Glide Standard - a full-on tourer that managed to slip under the $27,489.98 mark by removing many of the features regularly associated with high-end H-Ds.
This bike is still far from cheap, but according to Bennetts' website, it is $5,000 (£4,000) less than you will pay for the company's Ultra Limited, which shares the same simple building blocks.
Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson's Vice President of Styling & Design, told Bennetts at the time that: 'To express the stripped-back essence of the Electra Glide Standard, we focused on finishes that were simple, timeless, and fundamental to the Harley-Davidson's touring line.'
He added that chrome was added to key components, and that the rocker, cam, and derby covers are finished with chrome to emphasize the V-Twin shape of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine.
For those who remember previous Electra Glide models, there is a dose of nostalgia on its design that will excite many Harley-Davidson fans.
Harley-Davidson's marketing department were very clever with the way they presented the Electra Glide Standard's lack of touchscreen interfaces and loud stereos as a unique selling point. It allows riders to enjoy using it, they explained at the time.
What else do we love about this incredible bike? Let us find out!
What We Love About The 2021 Electra Glide Standard's Engine And Performance
With such a powerful engine, the Electra Glide Standard's Milwaukee-Eight 107 produces 111 lb-ft of torque that peaks at an amazingly low 3,250 rpm. According to Top Speed, it delivers almost the strongest roll-on you can get from a Milwaukee engine. Indeed, if anyone riding this bike does 50 mph in fourth gear and the throttle bleeps for a few seconds, it zooms to 80 mph. There really is no time to catch your breath!
Harley made a very sensible decision two years ago to ditch the much-maligned Twin Cam engine in favor of the Mil-Eight, and since they reverted to a single-cam valvetrain the nosecone area appears more like a traditional H-D.
The 45-degree V-Twin boasts a 100mm bore and a 111mm stroke to provide it with a 1,746 CC (107 cubic-inch) displacement with a 10-to-1 compression ratio. You will discover an inconspicuous oil cooler that adds another layer of thermal protection for the engine. An electronic throttle body manages the induction with sequential-port fuel injection to deliver the fluid.
A chain-type primary drive delivers power through a standard wet clutch to the six-speed transmission before it travels to the rear via a strong, carbon-reinforced belt drive. The Electra Glide Standard's top speed is 100 mph. As Total Motorcycle claims, the engine is powerful, smooth-running and has a crisp throttle response, and a pure, soul-satisfying rumble. Therefore, what is not to like about this bike's engine?
What Else Do We Love About The 2021 Electra Glide Standard?
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The Harley-Davidson Touring frame was designed for the long haul, with a rigid backbone design to sustain the weight of passengers and luggage, and to support current engine power.
As Total Motorcycle explains, what you will find on the model includes:
- Front suspension with dual bending valve internal technology for linear damping performance.
- Emulsion technology rear shocks are calibrated for touring and include a single-knob pre-load adjustment that does not need tools or maintenance.
- Lowered rear suspension gives Special models a slammed stance.
- Prodigy cast-aluminium wheels (19-inch front, 18-inch rear) are exclusive to Special models.
- Standard Reflex Linked Brembo Brakes with ABS (Antilock Braking System) is intended to help prevent the tires from locking under braking to help the rider maintain control when braking in a straight line. ABS operates independently on front and rear brakes to thwart uncontrolled wheel lock in drastic situations.
- Optional RDRS Safety Enhancements - a collection of technologies intended to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration and braking. Linked braking, ABS, traction control, drag-torque slip control, a tire pressure monitoring system, and vehicle hold control are all included.
Regarding its design, there are wide, skirted forks, a tank console, and hard bags. A rather full front flender runs with high sides that leave the front wheel visible. Chrome Beercan skirts provide a bit of bling on what is an unassuming visage, and they join many other bright bits about the engine and blackout treatment to deliver an almost entirely achromatic look. The only hint of color on the entire bike can be located in the crimson Bar-and-Shield on each side of the tank. Nice.
There is so much to love about this bike. Get an Electra Glide Standard while you still can!