Rider Review: 2002 Electra Glide Classic FI

I rented a Harley's flagship touring bike and reluctantly turned it in after 24 hours. It was an all black Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic FI. What a nice bike that was! This one had a factory alarm in addition to the standard hardbags/trunk, front fairing w/AM/FM/Cassette/Weather Info, spot lamps, full size engine guard, floorboards and heel/toe shifter.

First things first, the weight. It must be twice what I'm used to, 750 pounds dry (no doubt at least 850 wet). So it ain't no canyon carver. It has a mind of its own in a parking lot with a passenger onboard. Fortunately the riding stance was perfect for me, it fits me just as well as my Shadow VLX. It's the only modern touring bike I've been able to flat foot at a stop (and even able to bend my knees!). Once I got over that, the controls took a little getting used to: lots of 'em around the grips. But it quickly became second nature using them.

As an additional note, this thing was a real sight at night time, it really lights up. The black powder coated engine flanked with chrome covers, the velvet black paint, and the all-over lighting on these rigs really made a statement.

The Engine:

Power was okay, but then again it's not a drag racer either. None of that arm-stiffening butt-relocating acceleration, but it does roll up to speed quickly and smoothly. Harley does offer the 95ci/1550cc upgrade if that's what you're after...I did manage a fair rolling burnout more than once, letting off as the back end started to go squirrelly. The big TC-88 fires right up with a push of the button, no additional turning or winding ever occured, even after a stall. The motor only shakes at idle, once you start moving it becomes smooth as silk. the 88ci motor winds up to 5500 RPM but I never really took it that far, the exhaust is quiet but the throbbing cadence is ever present. The FI was no doubt a great addition to this finely sculptured machine, the trip up into the mountains involving a 6500' elevation change was effortless.

The Freeway Experience:

What more can I say? This bike handles better at 90mph than other bikes do at 60. Riding the legal speed limit was effortless, and I had to check my speedo often to make sure I wasn't breaking any posted limits as the motor runs so smooth at 65-75mph. I didn't try to max out the speedo. Tracking was straight as an arrow at all times.

Brakes:

The brakes on this bike are incredible! I never expected a huge leviathan to slow down so quickly. The back tire will lock up before the front though, and I had a couple instances where the rear would start moving sideways so you can't get on the back brake too hard. Still, for all the hairy situations that get thrown in your path during commutes I prefer my lighter mid-sized machine for the daily grind.

Shifting:

The gear changes were swift and solid, and you not only felt the gears engage but there is an audible clunk during each shift. Neutral is a chore to find, I'm sure there is some trick to it that eluded me. Sometimes I could stick it in neutral without a thought and other times it took some serious effort and balance with one foot holding the brute upright. The clutch lever was like any big twin Harley: stiff and long in reach. After a few hours of city riding I found myself grabbing at it with my entire hand rather than my fingers. But then again this particular bike is intended for long distance top gear cruising so for it's role I can't condemn the clutch. Fortunately there are mods out there to help nulify this.

Twisties:

The bike was a bit of a bear when the straight lines began to sweep sharper. I had to wrestle the hulk a few times to get it pointed in the right direction. Still, the bike didn't shift or shudder in the rougher and tighter turns. I didn't try to scrape the boards, wasn't sure if they would contact the ground first before the solid wide guard. The stiff clutch made the frequent pre-curve downshifting precarious. Therefore, no break-neck velocities were attained in this event.

Storage Space:

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it. I didn't like the styling of the trunk, I would have wanted to remove it right away and sell it off. Then I filled it, and filled it, and after that I filled it some more. 62 quart capacity, it's almost twice that of the Valkyrie Interstate trunk! Just over 15 milk jugs' worth of space. The sidebags were spacious as well, I believe they're rated at 28-32 quarts (can't remember) and the lids removed easily and conveniently out of the way, nothing to obstruct loading/unloading. So the trunk's a keeper; yeah...I'd still remove it for city slickin' but to head out of town I'd slap it right back on!

photo from www.harleydavidson.com gallery

Passenger Accomodation:

My wife loved the rear seat, and didn't have any complaints of the footing position either. Grab rails are located on either side of the seat cushion, and that backrest was very inviting and offered plenty of support.

Overall, I give the bike a high rating, especially for the role it was intended for. Comfort, capacity, and sheer style and grace on the open road. This is definitely my choice for the next big bike, unless someone comes out with something better in the next few years this is the one they all have to stack up to.

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