1997 Harley Davidson Flht Electra Glide Motorcycle Cruiser Review

Remember the FLHS?

Harley-Davidson never really discontinued the Electra-Glide Sport, they just created two models from one. Beginning came the Road Male monarch, a stunning model resplendant in chrome and classic styling touches. Now we've got our easily on the second spawn from the Sport's demise, Harley'due south FLHT, or Electra Glide Standard.

The FLHT is less expensive than its Route King cousin, for information technology lacks that model's actress chrome and optional fuel injection. But if y'all're worried that your Electra Glide might come up up short when compared to The Male monarch, fear non - for this bike is much more just an Elvis impersonator.

Differences get-go at the forepart where our Standard wears a wide touring fairing in place of the Sport's smaller windscreen. Instruments take moved from the original tank-mounted location and are now fairing-mounted. Our only complaint with the layout was a gaping pigsty left in the nuance where a stereo should be. We don't accept a problem with Harley lowering its price by non fitting a stereo, but surely they could place a little plastic door over the area so owners might go some actress storage space for pocket-size items.

Besides the stereo, other toll-cutting areas include chrome. While some FLHs have chrome engine covers and saddlebag trim, an Electra Glide does without and instead relies on the appeal of its bones blackness paint and existent steel.

Merely while y'all don't get fancy chrome or a stereo, you practice get that wonderful 80 cubic inch lump of Milwaukee fe. I'm certain lab tests would show that rumblings from a Large Twin transport alpha waves directly to your brain and cause the release of endorphins.

Normally we lean heavily towards bikes that lean heavily, but when we rode the Electra Glide, we always found ourselves taking the long way habitation or getting up just a little earlier on Sunday to go for some wandering day trip. This bike has a style of doing that to y'all.

Contributing to that relaxed experience is a frame that has been redesigned for all '97 FLHs. Seat height has been lowered to just 28 inches, about a full inch lower than previous models. That lower, and heavier braced, frame enabled Harley designers to create a seat that was narrower at its front end, meaning your legs don't have to splay every bit broad to attain the footing. Other advantages of the new frame include a repositioned fuse console and larger battery. Previously there was footling room under the seat, so fuses were stored in the fairing. Now they've found a home under the left panel, where they can be accessed without tools. Increased under-seat room has besides meant an increase in battery size, with amp-hours jumping 50% from 20 to 30. A final bonus is that just eleven fasteners are now used to agree the baggage and rear fender assembly together, as opposed to the older design's circuitous array of nuts and bolts.

One toll-cut measure out that we don't treat is the lack of fuel injection. Harley impressed us with their injected Road King and Electra Glide Ultra Archetype and their easy starting and clean response. The only downside was that FI chips weren't programmable for riders who wanted to make modifications, something that has been changed this year. We'd like to see fuel injection offered equally an option.

Fuel injection or not, our Electra Glide started easily and shortly settled into that familiar its-gonna-stall idle. Vibration is almost non-existent thanks to the safety-mounted engine and floorboards. Power is just what you'd expect - piles of torque and lesser-stop grunt. Hell, you can exit traffic lights in 5th gear if you want. That same stump-pulling torque makes for easy cruising around town and on the highways. There's power everywhere, so shifting is an option rather than a necessity. Merely roll on the throttle and permit the engine exercise the balance.

Despite its portly 742-pound (336kg) dry out weight, corners can really exist enjoyed. Ground clearance is respectable for a heavyweight, although grinding floorboards is still like shooting fish in a barrel. The new frame's lower heart of gravity makes parking lot manouevering easier than you'd look. Soft intermission allows some wallowing in quicker corners, only not so much equally to put you in a panic. Our only complaint came from the interruption's lack of response to larger bumps, which rock the wheel hard. Removing the correct saddlebag and adding air to both front and rear suspension is easy and helps somewhat, simply rough pavement will still jolt you.

When you get away from torn upwardly urban pavement the Electra Glide's soft springs make for a comfortable cruise. Highway miles roll by with no complaints of buffeting, crappy seats or tiring vibration. Simply click information technology into top gear, twist the pollex-operated friction cruise-command and enjoy the view. Yet, in cooler weather you might desire to wear chaps or at least heavy pants as the Electra Glide leaves your knees in the breeze.

On crowded 2-lane highways, the lack of passing ability is a trouble. This engine clearly doesn't savour speeds over 85mph, although it will huff and puff its manner to 90. Another complaint is saddlebags that await neat and remove rapidly (but ii Dzus fasteners), but aren't practical for carrying once off the bike. Optional pull-out liners would be a wise buy.

Riding a Harley, peculiarly a Big Twin, is somehow different than other bikes. No, we're not falling victim to all the marketing hype that says "Things are different on a Harley." Your life won't alter, at least not dramatically. Your dog is yet stupid and your cereal will still get soggy. What you volition go when you purchase a Harley is a truly satisfying bike that holds its value. An Electra Glide Standard has everything that makes Harleys great: Archetype styling, a torquey motor and easy maintainence. At $12,495, it'due south almost $2,000 cheaper than a Route Male monarch and a whopping $5,255 less than Harley's Ultra Classic. With those extra bucks you could have a lot of fun customizing an Electra Glide to fit your ain touring personality. Merely even if you leave information technology as is from the manufactory, this Harley is anything but standard.

Specifications

Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Model: 1997 FLHT Electra Glide Std. Price: $12,495 Engine: V-twin OHV Evolution Bore and Stroke: 3.498 past 4.250 in. Displacement: 1340cc Carburetion: 40mm CV Keihin Manual: 5-speed abiding mesh Wheelbase: 63.v in. Seat Height: 25.25 in. Fuel Chapters: 5 gallon/.ix reserve (18.95 litres) Claimed Dry Weight: 742 lbs (336.57 kg)

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Source: https://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/harley-davidson/1997-harleydavidson-electra-glide-standard-13146.html

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