2014 Harley Davidson Ultra Limited Review

[@marvinsingletary3333]

This has gotta be the best review ever on the Ultra. I own a 2014, but your review really helped me to get to know it! Thanks!!!

[@bzf9lm]

+Marvin Singletary Thanks and I am glad you liked it. I have been tempted to make a follow up after having the bike for another summer. I have learned even more.

[@butchthomas7121]

Thanks! Great video. I have a 2015 Ultra Limited Low and am enjoying it more than any Harley I have owned so far.

[@Alfred_Goebels]

Just bought a used-One yesterday with 22,000 km at the odometer. Watched tons of So called ‚reviews‘ about the FLHTK to get as much as possible information about my new purchase. This one is outstanding and answers almost all of my question. Thx for sharing. Best wishes from Hanover/Germany. Ride safe Pat

[@semtech30]

Just bought one with 100,000 kms. on it. You'd never know it. Good as new.

[@bzf9lm]

My review of my Harley Davidson Ultra Limited.

[@stevenwessels7474]

Pat I just had a "Soft Brake" put on my 14 Ultra. It's awesome. I'm 6' 3" and have old knees and ankles like you and I've tried a couple of different things to be able to get my foot on the brake. I had a custom Corbin seat made and moved myself back 3". It still wasn't enough to use the rear brake comfortably. I had problems with the Soft Brake website too so I called them. They sent the brake lever that's ~1'" forward and ~1" lower and again I'll say - awesome. It's made all the difference in the world. Steve

[@bzf9lm]

Steven Wessels I am glad to hear from someone that is using the Softbrake and I am glad it is working for you. If you get a chance can you take a few pics of the seat and brake set up. Thanks Steven.

[@johnfargione5075]

Pat, I liked your review on this bike, I have the twin to this bike. it has around 10,000 miles on it now. My old bike was a 03 Ultra Classic with 80,000 plus miles on it, I absolutely loved my 03 and thought I would never have sold it. When the 2014's came out I fell in love with it. Every square inch of this bike is not better than my 03 was and I loved my 03 hundredth anniversary. I am 5 foot 9 so I ended up putting a lower windshield on because I do not like looking through the windshield I rather look over it. Have a good day and ride safe.

[@johnfargione5075]

JOHN F IS BETTER THAN MY OLD 03

[@semtech30]

65,000 mi on mine. No issues. compression test done. 190 each cylinder, even. Liking it.

[@hootiekai]

Wonderful review, commentary, and scenery. Thank You.

[@MrDrumm52]

I also have a 14 Limited, good review and well put together. i really enjoyed riding with you. Keep the shiny side up.

[@danielvasquez9073]

Great review I just got mine 3 days ago and you gave good information about a lot I did not know about thanks!

[@riderguevara3937]

Awesome narrative video!! Thanks for all the information. I'm about to purchase a 2015 at a Harley dealer in Sydney, Australia. Enjoy your ride and be safe!!

[@bzf9lm]

I am glad you enjoyed the video. I really still like the Ultra. It has been a very good and comfortable cruiser. Other than the couple of electrical snafus, I have had no issues the bike. I have 7500 miles on it not now. Good luck with the 2015. It is very similar to the 2014, no radical changes. You will love it.

[@bzf9lm]

Thanks for the compliment. Enjoy your bike and be safe.

[@sal2879]

Great review, I got a 17 limited about 6 weeks ago, have 3500 miles on it. It is heavy and taller than my old bike, (fat boy), but it is a dream to ride. The luggage that fits into the saddlebags and the tour pack are really great. I put on the footrests on the engine guard for extra protection against damage to the radiators in case it drops. I had my lights “flashed” to keep the fog lights on when using my high beam, that was a big help. The bike is agile and handles well. It could be quicker but it goes fast really well. I can’t wait to ride cross country this spring. I rode cross country several times on my Fatboy and it was really great too, but unpacking everything off and on each day was work. With the limited, everything will fit inside, and it all comes out with one trip. I have a Klock Works short windshield and it works great. I look over the windshield and it still gives protection all the way to the top of my helmet. It’s supposed to add down pressure to the front end at speed too. I added the wireless module and then had to get a harley Bluetooth even though a had a perfectly good Sena 10s. I got the garage door opener linked to my headlight switch, but it won’t work with my LiftMaster openers. I originally thought I wouldn’t get extras on this bike, that turned out to be wishful thinking. Well, I love my bike and I’m sure you love yours too. Thanks a lot, see ya on the road.

[@92Foxbody5.0]

Such a great review on this video that I juat had to subscribe. I just picked up a 2014 Limited myself!

[@bzf9lm]

Thanks Fred. I am glad you liked the review. I used a suction cup mount and put it on the front of windshield. I was little worried it might vibrate loose and then my Gopro would fall off and hit the road. So I just tethered the mount to the mirror with about 1 foot of slack. It never came off, but I would still tether it.

[@bzf9lm]

I am glad it helped you. I still have the bike and it has almost 23,000 miles. I haven't had any issues with the bike. Pat Crosbie

[@josephthorntoniv9779]

Thank you Pat for the review. It helped me greatly. I'm going to get the 2016 model and while your review is for the 2014 I learned a lot.

[@keithpreston1841]

Great review. I've had mine now for one year, having put 15K miles on it and would agree with everything you stated. I've made a few modifications that you may want to consider. First, I changed the windshield to a Freedom Shield that is one inch taller than stock. The recurve design and height changed all the wind buffeting mentioned in your review. Second, I added Screamin' Eagle Street Cannons and an Arlen Ness Derby Sucker air cleaner. The added giddyup is noticeable. Finally, a Vance & Hines FP3 fuel module. Now, the "Bear" is running like it should. Having moved to H-D from a Honda Goldwing, I will admit that there are some major differences. However, the H-D is something that gets inside you like no other ride. Keep the rubber side down.

[@derrickmarshall4511]

That's the way I felt I had an 2006 1800 goldwing But I took the time to ride A CV O Harley Davison limited And fell in love with the ride don't like the Top heavy feeling but I did feel alive and badd ass lol 😄 And much more Room for my legs 😁

[@stolnpckup]

I just picked up my new 2017 ultra limited a week ago. I only put about two hundred miles on it so far. But wait till i figure out what to csrry on a camping trip and i will be eating up the miles to get to the camp site.

[@ohalright39]

Thanks for a great review. Even though I've owned a 2016 Ultra Limited since January. I love the bike, it is truly the ultimate tourer saving only the Road Glide. There's tons of complaints about heat on this bike when the ambient temperature climbs north of 85 degrees. Vents are fine but the only true answer is to get ride of the catalytic converter and tune the bike to run a little richer. There will be a big difference of about 70% less heat.

[@ad8604]

Very nice video, and I enjoyed watching it. I have the same motorcycle after riding a Victory Vision and 3 GoldWings. I didn't think a HD could compare but this bike is great for taking those long touring trips.

[@gabbyastac]

I pick up my 2014 ultra tomorrow. Thank you for an excellent review. Yes I agree the bike is really heave, but she is beautiful.

[@boblafountaine9560]

Excellent comprehensive review but sure wish your sound was a little better. I had it turned up all the way but was still hard to hear.

[@skier259]

Great review. I have the same bike. I did a 4000 mile ride last summer and this year have a 7000 mile ride planned. I find your review spot on. A couple comments... My iphone connects via bluetooth as soon as I power up the infotainment system and the other is I am wanting for more in the GPS capabilities. I used a Garmin on my 2011 Ultra and it was so much more feature rich. But I am hoping they continue to come out with updates to ad some enhancement. Great job Pat!

[@eddiebenzz]

Hello Fred , Can u please comment on a concern I have ? Re: chain tensioner in the Primary. Some people are saying u got to check it out for wear every 30k or risk metal to metal shaving causing catastrophic engine failure ?? That the tensioner is made of Nylon. That sometimes it can give out sooner.

[@angelsuarez17]

Spot on review. I have the Dayton Blue and I'm sure to love it like you did. Thanks.

[@alfanumeric397]

Very nice video. Did you have any cooling or water pump issues? There seems to be some problems with the older version of the water pump.

[@Eli883]

Thank you very much for the wonderful review Pat, you have answered all the questions I had about the bike. Take care and ride safe ;)

[@skier259]

Forgot, I do have a questions for you... You said the gopro is mounted on the fairing with a suction cup. Can you give a little more detail? Is it behind the windshield or to the side?

[@exmon007]

WoW Thank You for an on point and excellent video. I am also 6 feet tall and ride a Road King with a Tallboy seat. I also have health issue which effects my ability to use my right leg for braking - I am good at trail braking and under certain conditions I do use my rear brake. Totally agree with your fairing analysis - the wings on the fairing resolve wind issues. I am a Certified Microsoft Computer Engineer albeit retired but you are spot on regarding your IPhone/Android analysis. People do not realize neither are the best, it depends on what you want to do, either maybe better suited for the task you want (Iphone standout feature is charge time - much better than Android). Listening to advise from people on the internet is definitely not bulletproof. Best thing to do is do your own research. .

[@ibtm]

Really good review---I am going to buy the 2017 CVO Ultra Limited in sliver. Very helpful.

[@tomcata1467]

Glad to hear someone has a biker's good sense of humor. :-)

[@Sarch7]

A great review. Very clear and helpful. Thanks!

[@Steve064]

Great Info and write up Thanks for the Video

[@Supermankev2001]

I have watched a ton of reviews I liked yours best I think this is the bike for me . I like the name "half ton " great job on the review . I also am a Honda ridder with a ton of ridding experience I currently ride a 2001 Honda Magna I have owned since new . I to am ready to get a big Harley and do some serious miles. I think the 2014 for all the rasons you have indicated is the right bike for me as well. Happy ridding and thanks for your review

[@marvinsingletary3333]

Please let me know if you do make another video. By the way my Ultra is the same color as yours.

[@bzf9lm]

Marvin, I just released a second review on my Ultra...after 18 months. Go to my channel to see it. PC

[@383dave]

Great video and information. Thank you ps That is my favourite colour Ultra glide

[@frednouvertne4216]

Nice review. However, I will never "get" bikes in this class. I started riding motorcycles with no windshield. Went up to a bikini fairing. Then up to a windscreen. Now I ride a naked bike. No windscreen or radio at all. I have two gauges and a clock. All analog. A few idiot lights. I really like being in the wind. Otherwise, I use my car. Oh well, maybe someday I will go this route. Great review.

[@eddiebenzz]

Thank you sir for a very informative and well put review. I only have one concern. Please input ...I rented the 2016 ultra limited for a 24 hr. period. just loved it 'cept for one thing , HEAT ! On the second day I decided to wear shorts ... after 5 hours continuous riding my right calf started catching too much heat. HOWEVER , I didn't know at the time there were lower vents I could have adjusted. Also , On the highway , it felt like I had lost some power, not the same acceleration as earlier in the day ... I attributed that also to the engine running very hot. have you experienced these two issues ?

[@bzf9lm]

+Eddie B. There is no doubt the engine generates a lot of heat on the Ultra. That is the reason HD added water cooled heads, fans and radiators. I always have used the vents located in the lowers next to the radiators. That keeps the air moving around you legs, but doesn't help much up on your torso. The first summer I had my Ultra, I was riding to Thunder in the Valley and it was around 95 degrees. It was very hot on the bike. When I got to Johnstown, PA I pulled into the parking lot next to lot of other Harleys and parked next to another 2014 Ultra. I looked over at the fairing of that Ultra and realized there are deflectors that can be adjusted so the air flow can be directed right into your body. WOW! Did that make a difference. It doesn't do much if you are crawling through traffic, but once you hit the open highway, it does a great job of keeping you cooler.

[@ejdutra2]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing!

[@noneofyodamnbidness6373]

Nice video…thanks for sharing.

[@tomcata1467]

Q: What is the favorite accessory for a HARLEY? A: A pickup truck.

[@bzf9lm]

Funny.😀. You sound just like my Goldwing buddies.. I haven't needed s pickup so far. But I only have 15,000 miles. It is hardly broke in. Thanks for watching.

[@vulcanman64]

+Pat Crosbie you have to excuse tomcat. He continually visits all Harley blogs and videos bashing the twin cam design. He mentions problems that were rectified years ago. He's a strange bird. Many things he says are signs of a paranoid delusional Harley hater. I'm worried about him. Hopefully he gets professional help as I believe that even assholes deserve mental health care. Good vid. I just bought a brand new road King but haven't driven it yet as the snow hasn't left. Here's hoping it's more comfortable than my softail slim for long road trips.

[@dr.phil-federalinspector6023]

Well, my 2016 Ultra Classic is my highway ride. I love the bike but hate the weight of it...put a Klockworks windshield on it..dumped the factory one. The handling, now is so much better. Biggest bitch now. Is the OEM seat..it is really of poor quality ..I mean...piss poor...my daughters red wagon rides as good...H-D..flat missed the boat on this..but that is how they market alot of their products...Hit a home run..then a foul ball...then a line drive..and then another curve ball...they are all over the field...like a bunch of chickens chasing grasshoppers....WTF...

[@lawrencekauderer4637]

I am sure it must be disappointing to make such an investment and you aren't happy with the product. Maybe you can trade " half ton" in and get a gold wing. Harley's only appeal to those who truly appreciate a premium bike and a premium brand. Harley Davidson made over one hundred modifications as a direct result of Project Rushmore. Know other motorcycle manufacturer has allowed the public to have direct input into the design and manufacturing of their product. Despite this fact, there will always be people who will complain. If "half ton" doesn't appeal to you, get something that does.

[@tomcata1467]

Q: Why are Harleys the safest bike in the world? A: They don't go fast enough to get hurt on one.

[@bzf9lm]

Why is the Blue Ridge Parkway the best 469 miles in the USA for a Harley? The speed limit is 45 MPH.

[@frankyounger231]

+Pat Crosbie hahaha blue ridge parkway ! I gotta find that one , I kind of like 45

[@tomcata1467]

I like your nice voice over, very relaxing to listen, too. Now, as to your review........if I spent the kind money you just did for this bike, my review would be much like yours, all positive, and peaches and cream. You mentioned the "high output" 103 TC engine, but, the only thing "high output" about all TWINKIES produced from 1999 to the present, including the MOUNT RUSHMORE bikes, is the extreme "high output", of heat that is produced by the TC engine. The stock oil pump is inadequate, too small and only pumps out, 3-8, psi close to zero, in my book, of oil pressure at idle, thus, HARLEY put a shut off sensor, to turn off the rear cylinder at idle, so, that the family jewels don't fry. And HARLEY TC 103s need not one but, two outboard radiators, plus, still a rear cylinder heat shield to keep your pant legs from potentially catching on fire. Look out for the first time you drop that half ton bike, as you will bust a radiator, cooling fan, maybe an electric water pump and certainly all that plumbing that attaches to the radiator and all that coolant that will eat your paint job off the bike. Unlike liquid cooled METRIC BIKES, which only use one radiator, neatly and discreetly placed between the down tubes, to cradle it and never break during a fall, these outboard radiators are just asking to hit the ground. Harley has already had many owners complain of coolant leak on these bikers, and H-D, refuses to fix or acknowledge they have a coolant leak problem. You also failed to mention or maybe you don't know that the crankshaft on this bike is only pressed together at the factory and not bolted together to ensure it will stay running in true. They are notorious for twisting out of true, meaning the pinion shaft, will exceed the max allowable, run out of 0.001" or less, of "wobble", and it will progressively worsen, and once it exceeds, 0.003" of wobble, damage will begin to all the engine bushing and bearings and eventual CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE will occur. The only solution to this problem is to tear the engine apart and to take the crankshaft to a performance specialty shop who deals with this HARLEY problem and they will tear down the crank shaft and check the connecting rods for roundness and re-hone them if the crank has already twisted, balance the components and but it back together and then dynamically true the crankcase and make sure the output and pinion shafts are back to spec, and then they will TIG weld both halves of the flywheel together, so it stays in true and problem solved. You may not also know about all the NYLON OR PLASTIC tensioners, inside this metal engine, in critical component parts. It has two silent chain drives, to operate the two cam shafts, and the PLASTIC shoes, rub against a METAL chain, and HARLEY designed them to wear out and to be periodically inspected for wear (at a cost) and to be periodically replaced (at a cost), Failure to replace a worn out tensioner, will result in the tensioner breaking into pieces inside the engine and then there will be METAL TO METAL CONTACT, between the tensioner holder and the METAL chain and it will produce metal shaving which are then inducted into the oil pump, crankcase and cylinders and IMMEDIATE CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE will occur and scratch one 103 engine, can't even be re-built, due to damage caused. There is also another PLASTIC tensioner on the primary drive side of the bike driving the primary chain and it too must be periodically inspected (at a cost) and replaced for wear (at a cost) at about 20,000 miles. There are more problems we can address with the TC engine, but, that is food for thought and will give you more information than you may have wanted to know as sometimes ignorance is bliss, or maybe you are only a low mileage rider, and will let this be someone else's headache when you sell the bike. ALL TWIN CAM ENGINES HAVE A FATALLY FLAWED DESIGN. To Harley purists, just the thought of a liquid/air cooled bike is anathema, and thought HARLEY would never go this route, but, it all stated with the V Rod and now the new 500cc and 750c bikes are all liquid cooled, and thus have lost that HARLEY SOUND due to the water jackets in the cylinders changing the sound.

[@dougfielding8215]

Ya, you ride a Harley. . .sure you do

[@tomcata1467]

You must forgive Vulcanman, a guy with more money than good sense.......buys a Roadking for premium dollars only to store it for the winter......instead of cruising on it hardcore.......just wants to say he is a real biker cause he has a Harley TC in storage in his garage........right a real biker alright......I am not a Harley hater, just don't like the junk TC engine. Love and owned several single cam Harleys, from Ironhead Sporties to EVOs the last true Harley well made, re-buildable engine........with no PLASTIC tensioners or a pressed together flywheel.....poor Vulcanman doesn't want to know the truth, that Harley has not corrected any of the basic problems with the TWINKIES, they run extremely hot as in heat output, due to an inadequate stock oil pump.....have a shut off sensor, still to turn of the rear cylinder at idle to not fry the family jewels, have rear cylinder heat shields, for protection against the heat......flywheels which can twist out of true and crater the engine.........and roller chain drive which can stretch and affect cam/valve timing......and those pesky PLASTIC cam chain tensioners are still in the engine and still a wear item........must be periodically inspected and replaced or crater the engine, when you get METAL TO METAL contact, from the hydraulic tension holder and the roller chain.......those are facts, which Vulcan man chooses to ignore.......but, since he doesn't ride much........his TWINKIE should last a lifetime.......the average rider on a H-D, only rides about 1,150 miles a year anyway........and for every rider who rides 10,000 miles a year, there are 8 newbies like Vulcanman who only ride 600 miles a year..........all facts, according to a study commissioned by THE MOTORC COMPANY itself........he is probably the guy who rides about 400 miles a year, so, being a no mileage "biker", he should experience no problem with his TWINKIE, as he sits on the saddle, in his garage and pretends he is cruising the open road...........he, he, LOL.

[@dr.phil-federalinspector6023]

Twinkies, well --- butter cup...everyone has issues..and everyone's not a Vulcan man fan...sooo... put that in your pipe, and smoke it...Peterpan man...

[@ackack612]

HOLY CRAP...rpm, RPM, RPM! There IS/ARE no RPM's. Think about it. Now say it out loud..."revolutions per minutes," HUH? How's that work, how many MINUTES might that be? What the fuck is printed on EVERY tachometer, ( X ) RPM. Find me one that says RPM's and I will apologize until we are both blue in the face.

[@keltingr]

This was not an accurate evaluation on the FATALLY FLAWED, DESIGN of the 103 and all TWIN CAM engines, produced since 1999 to the present.They obviously don't know that the flywheel assembly on this bike, are merely pressed together, at the factory, with a 400 ton press and there is nothing holding the two halves, of the flywheel assembly together, and the flywheel WILL come out of true, very quickly and will soon exceed the maximum allowable, run out on the sprocket shaft and pinion shaft, of 0.001" and as soon as the shafts wobble hits, 0.003", damage to the pinion shaft bearings and the oil pump rotor and cam support plate bearings, and the cam shaft bearings, will begin and eventual, CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WILL OCCUR. All previous, Harley, single cam engines, like the SHOVELHEAD, PANHEAD and EVOLUTION or BLOCKHEAD, engines, had there flywheels held together and in true with a crank pin bolt and nut, torqued to hold both halves in true, not so, with any TWIN CAM engines, whether they be 88, 96, 96B (for balanced), or the 103 or the 110 CVO.THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO TEAR THE ENGINE APART, WHEN NEW AND TO TAKE THE FLYWHEEL, ASSEMBLY TO A PERFORMANCE SPECIALTY SHOP TO HAVE IT DYNAMICALLY TRUED, BALANCEED, PLUGGED AND WELD THE TWO HALVES TOGETHER, AND GET A READING ON THE SPROCKET SHAFT AND PINION SHAFT OF NO MORE THAN 0.001" OR LESS, WITH A DIAL INDICATOR, SHOWING A SUCCESSFUL, PROCEDURE.Another major problem with Twinkies, are the fact that they have two silent chain drives, one to drive the oil pump and one to operate the two camshafts. Harley chose to use two small, thumb-sized, cam chain tensioners made of PLASTIC to rub against a METAL chain. They were designed to be periodically inspected for wear and to be replaced, when wear exceeds, 3/32" of wear or approximately, 50% of the original tensioner thickness. However, Harley no wear mentions in either the owner's manual or Service Manual, at what mileage interval, the inspection should be done. Most Harley owners are not even aware of these tensioners. Failure to inspect and replace a worn tensioner, will result in the remains of the tension to break apart and to be inducted into the oil pump and into the crankcase and cylinders, along with the Metal shaving from the fact that now you have METAL TO METAL contact on the silent chain and the shavings are also inducted into the oil pump and into the engine and IMMEDIATE AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WILL OCCUR.Imagine this happening at cruising speed with a locked up tranny and rear wheel and hot oil, 250+ degrees, spewing from the cratered oil pump splashing all over the rear wheel, what a thrill ride that will be till the crash occurs.Harley oil pumps are inadequate and only pump out 3-8 psi of oil pressure at idle which is close to 0 oil pressure and that is why all TWIN CAM engines, run extremely hot and the Mount Rushmore project was done. Harley had to use not one but two radiators, placed outboard along with a rear cylinder heat shield, which is clearly seen and still this engine runs very hot. Heat is an engine destroyer and an oil destroyer, too and oil is the lifeblood of any engine. Metric V Twins only need one radiator and it is located, safely tucked in between the two frame, down tubes, so if the bike is dropped, the radiator is not affected.Imagine the first time the bike is dropped on either side, scratch one radiator, a cooling fan, thermostat, and an electric water pump. These bikes are well know to have unfixable coolant leaks, too. Harley cannot or will not fix the inherent problem of coolant leaks, on this bike. Be out in the middle of nowhere with coolant everywhere and you calling a tow truck, to take it to the dealer.There are many more problems with this bike, like the location of the copper stator, being placed in the hottest part of the engine, right up against the left side crankcase, in the primary drive, where the heat is the greatest. Get ready to replace stators often. Also the location of the starter is right behind the hottest rear cylinder and catches a lot of heat, instead of being located forward of the engine, where it's the coolest location.Just giving the folks the rear lowdown on these FATALLY FLAWED, DESIGNED ENGINES.THERE ARE LOTS OF YOU TUBE VIDEOS ON THESE PROBLEMS AND MORE POSTED BY HARLEY OWNERS THEMSELVES.CAVEAT EMPTOR-LET THE BUYER BEWARE.

[@alangodin2090]

My father rides an early twin cam. He's put over 50k on that bike and the plastic chain tensioner still hasn't worn enough to be replaced. The flywheel has remained in true, and the hottest he says the engine has ever gotten was 210 degrees. Engine has been dead reliable, all that's been done is oil changes. I think all the hate just comes from people who dislike the Harley brand, nobody ever says anything about the plastic tensioner in the new Indian Thunderstroke engine now do they? I've never seen anyone talking about it, so if they are a problem, why don't I see these generic copy+paste comments on videos about Indians? It's all hype, a twin cam will go as long as you want it to, same as an Evo or any other motor.

[@silentstream8787]

Dude you are a trolling asshole why do you go on every single Harley review and spread your bullshit gospel fuck you I've got three Harley-Davidsons at haven't had any problems with them and I know many many people that have nothing but good luck with their engines you're just a fucked hard get over it and stop trolling