The Harley-Davidson Classic Electra Glide - Fulfilling Bike

The Harley-Davidson Classic Electra Glide, personally I didn't like to test the Harley, but once I'd got my head round the baffling switchgear I realized I was wrong. So, at early hour in the morning as I set off fully laden with Bird on board to Nongkhai, I had nothing to worry about.

First thing to strike me was how roomy and comfortable the Harley-David Classic Electra Glide is; next was the weight. The Harley-Davidson is a heavy bike which saps confidence at low speed. But, like any bike, once you're rolling it gets lighter.

The road in our neighborhood was wet, and is known to be slippery when wet, keeping speeds down – just as well because although Harley-Davidson have made their bikes more civilized (gearboxes, lighter controls..etc) in recent years you don't get the handling of a Honda GoldWing or BMW. Crude suspension, cruiser steering geometry, limited ground clearance and minimal tire grip make hustling the Harley-Davidson Classic Electra Glide risky – you can't relax because the handling limitations will suddenly become very clear. For example, I got a bit adventurous on a wet corner; with the running boards on the deck showering sparks, the front tucked. The bars went to full lock, the Harley slid for a moment, then got back on two wheels. Phew. Wouldn't happen on a Honda GoldWing.

To start with I thought the big V-Twin could do with a bit more grunt – it's not exactly fast – but another moment (heavy braking on the motorway to avoid slicing a Toyota pickup in half) made me realize the Harley-Davidson isn't about bonkers power or servo brakes or super grippy tires. You just slow down and enjoy the ride. Especially with a stereo that shames any other touring motorcycle. I could hear the radio at 160km/h perfectly well and possible that in a radius of 5 kilometer everybody else also where listening in to my radio.

SO the Harley-Davidson Classic Electra Glide may not be as refined as a Honda GoldWing, or BMW touring bike, but it offers a different – and equally fulfilling – way of biking.