Harley-Davdison Ultra Limited: Neither ultra nor limited

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Among certain touring riders, Harley-Davidsons enjoy cult-like reverence, although they are not even the most comfortable luxury bikes for long distances with the most dignified equipment. Honda's[ ]Gold[ ]Wing (test) and BMW's[ ]K[ ]1600 have even more to offer when in doubt. But everything revolves around the gigantic 45-degree V2 with the brand from Milwaukee. When it roars underneath you and casually shovels its crazy torque onto the crankshaft, all is right with the world for Harley fans.

Batwing more aesthetic

Within the "Grand American Touring" model family, there are no fewer than eight models whose basis is quite similar, but some of the details differ significantly from one another. The layman can roughly divide them into two categories based on their cladding: Batwing (bat wing) and Sharknose (shark nose). The latter is a monster of a disguise and its aesthetic value is debatable. The handlebar-mounted Batwing fairing is a little more visually sophisticated. Okay, it's not exactly slender either, but ultimately, it is designed to protect the rider and pillion passenger as well as possible from wind and weather.

Perhaps the most successful model in the range is the Ultra Limited. It quotes the classic lines of the Tourer more skillfully than the others. However, the name Ultra Limited is relatively irritating, as it does not represent the ultimate in Harley-Davidson in any respect, nor is it limited in terms of numbers – unlike the CVO models.

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Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited (7 Bilder)

Three round headlights

The three round headlights are particularly successful, a large one in the middle, flanked by two smaller ones, all fitted with LEDs. Underneath, a voluminous mudguard arches over the 18  inch front wheel. The two side fairings, which look a bit like shin guards, are striking. In fact, they actually have this function, they are designed to protect the rider's legs. The tank of the Ultra Limited has a teardrop shape. Seating comfort is significant to Harley-Davidson on its tourers. Accordingly, you sit on the handlebars at a height of 740 mm on a very comfortable seat cushion with a pronounced hollow. The pillion passenger even sits on their own throne one level higher to enjoy the view. The comfortable backrest supports the upper body. A large top case is mounted behind it, which easily accommodates two jet helmets. There is also a luggage rack on top.

Infotainment as standard

The rider and passenger hardly have to worry about storage space at all. The two standard panniers are adapted to the contours of the Ultra Limited and painted in the vehicle color. Today, infotainment is part and parcel of the motorcycle luxury class, but here too Harley combines the past with modernity. Two classic, analog round instruments display speed and revs. To the side, two small round instruments are responsible for the fuel level and battery voltage. However, there is also a 165 mm TFT display with touchscreen and navigation system.

Four loudspeakers

No Harley tourer without a boom box: four loudspeakers provide music enjoyment while riding. Although the Ultra Limited also offers a Bluetooth connection to the smartphone as standard, there is also a USB port for SD card or flash memory. What will irritate spoiled natures is that the windshield cannot be extended. It cannot even be mechanically adjusted in height.

Instead, the Ultra Limited has a whole range of electronic assistance systems: cornering ABS, electronic brake force distribution, cornering slip control, drag torque control, hill start assist and a tire pressure monitoring system. With the gigantic kerb weight of 416 kg, the assistance systems are also urgently needed. Unfortunately, Harley-Davidson could not bring itself to install a reverse gear, which would be very helpful when maneuvering.

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Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited (8 Bilder)

166 Nm torque

On the other hand, the 1868 cm3 Milwaukee-Eight V2 has no trouble getting the masses moving. Although it only produces 88 hp at 5020 rpm, the more interesting figure is the torque: here the Ultra Limited can produce 160 Nm at 2750 rpm. In principle, it is almost irrelevant which of the six gears is currently engaged when accelerating, the engine marches forward with vehemence. With a wheelbase of 1625 mm, a trail of 170 mm and a steering head angle of 61 degrees, there is no need to emphasize that this giant tourer is no paragon of maneuverability. The tire dimensions of 130/70-18 at the front and 180/55-18 at the rear do not exactly help to improve agility either. The lean angles are limited to just 32  degrees until the Ultra Limited touches down with an ugly scrape. The beast is stopped by two four-piston brake calipers with 300 mm brake discs at the front, while the single brake at the rear also takes a 300 mm disc into its clutches.

Matt black instead of chrome

Unfortunately, the 2024 model year completely dispenses with the chrome that Harley-Davidson had previously lavished on the Ultra Limited. Instead, the frame, forks, handlebars, rims, headlights, engine and exhaust system are clad in a dull matt black. It doesn't really match the appearance of the Ultra Limited, which wants to be a prestigious calling card for the owner. Fortunately, Harley-Davidson at least offers it in six different paint finishes. But beware, the manufacturer charges a considerable surcharge for some colors. For the already lavish base price of 33,695 euros, the Ultra Limited is only available in gray. The black or white painted machine costs an extra 595  euros each, as does the matt blue. In the "Red Rock/Vivid Black" color scheme, it is an additional 1190 Euro and in "Tobacco Fade" an incredible 3570 Euro more.