Electra Glide

The next bike the CVO team uncovered was the Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic Electra Glide. The signature styling feature on this motorcycle is the leather covered Tour-Pak, with leather braiding and stitching, and a chrome luggage rack. It looks very trick. They've also lined the trunk and hard saddlebags with plush liners, and LEDs light up the interior of the trunk. While the standard passenger accommodations are very comfortable, the new seat set up allows for a one inch fore and aft adjustability to give the passenger a bit more room. The backrest has a lumbar support, and there is a special foam insert for the pillion pad to add comfort. The CVO Electra Glide also features standard dual control bun warmers. Now you got a great excuse for going out and buying one, "Honey, it's not for me-I just wanted you to be more comfortable on long trips."

The heart of this Ultra is the Screamin' Eagle 103-cubic-inch, fuel-injected Twin Cam motor, which is the largest powerplant offered by The Motor Company. The 103-inch motor features high-performance cams and cylinder heads. Screamin' Eagle Big Bore cylinders, a stroker flywheel assembly and new pistons increase bore and stroke from 3.75 x 4.00 inches to 3.87 x 4.37 inches.

What this all means is an increase in power of 20%. The extra boost in power is the most welcome on this model, now able to move the 885-pound luxo-tourer with the alacrity that it deserves thanks to a claimed 100 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. And, like its standard brother, the engine hits its sweet spot at about 3200 rpm, and feels strong right up to the 5200-rpm redline, so the power is right where you want it for every day cruising and passing maneuvers. The exhaust note is fairly low-key and perfect for droning along the highway. But when you crank it up, the growl says "Get the hell out of my way!" Remarkably, even when ridden hard, you can still expect over 40 miles for every 91-octane gallon of gas you buy.

The Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic also gets a high-performance hydraulic clutch to make each shift a bit easier on your left hand. The brake lever also has a lighter pull and the 4-piston calipers clamp down very effectively on the dual 292mm chrome floating front rotors. A single disc of the same size works with excellent feel out back.

The handling characteristics of the Screaming Eagle is about the same as on a standard Ultra, which means it's surprisingly competent. The bike is very well balanced so even slow speed maneuvers are handled well. The seat height has been lowered a bit, down to just over 27 inches with the rider onboard, so it's nice for short-legged riders.

Out on the road in long sweepers, the Ultra tracks well and will hold its line without mid-corner adjustments, and the extra grunt form the Big Bore motor means you can really power of each turn and go searching for the next one. And side to side transitions are handled with equal aplomb. Even though the rear suspension travel is a mere three inches, the Ultra had a fine ride quality on the highway, and even over broken pavement, so that long days in the saddle will be no problem for rider or passenger.

Luxury appointments are expected on every Electra Glide, but the Screamin' Eagle takes it to the next level. In addition to the dual heated seats, the new chrome and rubber handgrips from the Stealth Collection are also heated. (The Stealth Collection includes special passenger and rider floorboard inserts, brake pedal pad and shifter peg). There is a built-in garage door opener and receiver that you can program to operate when you flick the headlight high-beam switch in front of your garage door. The saddlebags and Tour-Pak have carryout liners to remove the contents when you stop on the road each night. Its fairing lowers have sliding vents to get more airflow on hot days, and there is a storage compartment in the upper portion of each one. There is a cigarette lighter and another power outlet to make it easy to plug in heated clothing, radar detector, GPS system, or any other electrical gizmo you have.

Of course music is a big thing with touring riders, and one of the best sound systems on any motorcycle (or even some cars) is standard on this Screamin' Eagle. The Harman/Kardon system was specifically designed for the bike and delivers excellent sound and has the ability to support a number of electronic accessories that will all operate seamlessly with the base radio controls and displays. The system includes an AM/FM/Weather Band/CB/Intercom, along with a single disc CD/MP3 player. And now for the first time, a 150 channel digital XM Satellite Radio is fitted, and every owner will get three months introductory service included. So no matter where you ride, you'll be able to take your favorite stations with you. And with a 40-watt-per-channel amplifier boosting the performance of the front and rear speakers, the surrounding traffic will also be able to enjoy the tunes along with you.

The Screaming Eagle Ultra Classic if finished in three two-toned custom color combinations: Black Candy Crimson and Charcoal Slate, Autumn Haze and Vivid Black, and Black Emerald and Majestic Green Pearl. Green is my least favorite color in the spectrum, but one look at the Black and Green Pearl paint job, had me hooked. It's stunning.