Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited Low [2021-2022]: The Pinnacle of American Touring Refined

Introduction

The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited Low represents the zenith of American touring motorcycles, blending brute-force V-twin power with luxury amenities that redefine long-distance comfort. Designed for riders who demand both presence and practicality, this machine isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a rolling sanctuary. Having spent a week navigating mountain passes and interstate highways aboard the Ultra Limited Low, I’ve come to appreciate its ability to shrink continents while coddling its rider in a way only Harley can. Let’s dissect what makes this two-wheeled flagship so compelling.

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Design & Aesthetics

Harley’s design team struck gold with the Ultra Limited Low’s imposing yet elegant profile. The batwing fairing dominates the front end, housing a Daymaker Adaptive LED headlight that pierces through night rides with surgical precision. For 2021–2022, Harley introduced bold color palettes like Royal Purple/Royal Black Fade and Snake Venom Green—colors that shift subtly in sunlight, ensuring you’ll never blend into a parking lot.

The 22.7-liter (6.0-gallon) fuel tank flows seamlessly into a seat height of just 699–704 mm (27.5–27.7 inches), making this behemoth surprisingly accessible for shorter riders. Chrome accents adorn the exhaust tips, mirrors, and wheels (Gloss Black/Smoked Satin Tomahawk options), while standard hard saddlebags and a top box offer 4.7 cubic feet of storage—enough for a weekend trip or a Costco haul.

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Performance: Milwaukee-Eight Muscle Meets Refinement

Engine & Transmission

At the heart of the Ultra Limited Low lies the Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 (1923cc) in CVO trim or the 114 (1868cc) in standard models. My test bike’s 117 V-twin delivered 169.5 Nm (125 ft-lbs) of torque at 3500 RPM—a sledgehammer of low-end grunt that lunges forward with a twist of the throttle. Yet, Harley’s engineers have tamed the beast: vibrations are muted thanks to internal counterbalancers, and the six-speed transmission shifts with a satisfying, rifle-bolt precision.

Fuel efficiency? Don’t expect Prius numbers. The 117 averaged 5.74 L/100 km (40.98 mpg) during mixed riding, while the 114 fared slightly better at 5.47 L/100 km (43 mpg). But let’s be honest—you’re here for the soundtrack, not frugality. The dual exhausts emit a baritone growl at idle that mellows into a purr at cruising speeds, never crossing into obnoxious territory.

Handling & Braking

Despite its 428 kg (944 lbs) wet weight, the Ultra Limited Low feels improbably agile. The 26-degree rake and 1625 mm (64-inch) wheelbase lend stability at speed, while the Showa Dual Bending Valve front suspension and adjustable rear shocks absorb potholes like a luxury sedan.

Braking is handled by dual 320mm front discs with four-piston calipers and a single rear disc. Harley’s Cornering-Enhanced ABS (C-ABS) intervenes seamlessly, even when leaned mid-corner. During an emergency stop from 100 km/h (62 mph), the bike remained composed, with no unsettling chassis wobble.

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Technology: Touring’s Cutting Edge

Harley’s Boom! Box GTS infotainment system is the crown jewel here. The 6.5-inch touchscreen integrates Apple CarPlay, navigation, and a 300-watt quad-speaker audio system that’s audible even at 130 km/h (80 mph). But the real star is the RDRS (Refined Drag Reduction System) suite:

• Cornering-Linked ABS/Traction Control: Adjusts braking and throttle response based on lean angle.
• Drag-Torque Slip Control: Prevents rear-wheel lockups during aggressive downshifts.
• Vehicle Hold Control: Acts as a hill-start assist—a godsend on San Francisco’s inclines.

The system isn’t intrusive; it’s more like a discreet co-pilot nudging you away from trouble.

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Comfort: First-Class Ergonomics

Harley’s “Ultra” moniker isn’t hyperbole. The heated grips and seats (rider and passenger) turned a 5°C (41°F) morning ride into a cozy experience. The floorboards offer multiple foot positions, and the windscreen adjusts manually to direct airflow over my helmet.

Passengers get their own throne—a plush seat with backrest and integrated armrests. My pillion noted zero buffeting even at 110 km/h (68 mph), thanks to the fairing’s aerodynamic tweaks.

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Competition: How It Stacks Up

1. Indian Roadmaster

The Roadmaster counters with a smoother 116ci Thunder Stroke engine and adaptive air suspension. However, its 7-inch touchscreen feels dated next to Harley’s Boom! Box, and the Indian lacks the Ultra Limited’s cornering-aware safety tech.

2. BMW K 1600 Grand America

BMW’s inline-six delivers 160 HP and buttery refinement, but it’s 15% pricier. The K 1600’s sportier handling comes at the cost of Harley’s laid-back ergonomics—a dealbreaker for riders prioritizing comfort over pace.

3. Honda Gold Wing Tour

The Gold Wing’s dual-clutch transmission and Apple CarPlay integration are class-leading. Yet, Honda’s 1833cc flat-six lacks the Harley’s character, sounding more appliance than orchestra.

Verdict: The Ultra Limited Low dominates for riders valuing tradition-infused tech and low-speed maneuverability.

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Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive

Ownership demands diligence but rewards with reliability. Key considerations:

1. Oil Changes: The 4.7L (5-quart) Milwaukee-Eight requires synthetic 20W-50 every 8,000 km (5,000 miles). Consider MOTOPARTS.store’s premium oil kits with OEM-spec filters.
2. Belt Drive: Inspect every 16,000 km (10,000 miles) for cracks. Our store stocks genuine Harley belts for seamless swaps.
3. Brake Pads: The four-piston calipers chew through pads during spirited riding. Upgrade to sintered pads for longer life.
4. Tire Pressure Monitoring: The factory TPMS sensors are fragile. Replace them with our reinforced units if switching to aftermarket wheels.

Pro Tip: The Milwaukee-Eight runs hot in traffic. Install our auxiliary oil cooler kit ($249) to reduce thermal stress.

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Conclusion

The Electra Glide Ultra Limited Low isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. From the Royal Purple paint that shimmers like liquid metal to the RDRS tech that forgives mid-corner mistakes, this Harley redefines what a touring bike can be. Yes, it’s heavy. Yes, it’s thirsty. But when you’re devouring 800 km (500 miles) in a day while your passenger naps against the backrest, you’ll understand why this machine has cult-like devotees.

For those seeking to personalize their Ultra Limited, MOTOPARTS.store offers everything from performance camshafts to custom luggage liners. Because even perfection can be tweaked.

Ride far. Ride loud. Ride yours.

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Specifications sheet

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