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Wake-Up Call
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2006 Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Ultra Classic
Neale Bayly
10/01/2005
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Tom Riles and Brian J. Nelson
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The Custom Vehicle Operations
team used the venerable Electra Glide platform—which dates to 1965—and applied
its customizing talents to extract serious real-world performance from the
magical Screamin’ Eagle 103 cu in powerplant. This larger engine yields a 20
percent power increase over the stock 1,450cc Twin Cam ’88 unit, which is
apparent as soon as you drop the hydraulic clutch lever. Minimalist and elegant,
the silver powder-coated engine makes tasteful use of chrome.
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Pulling away
from rest with relaxed authority, the big twin accelerates strongly and smoothly
until the rev limiter shuts everything down at 5,800 rpm. As with the standard
engine, the big V-twin is lively on idle, energetically moving around in the
frame as its bigger pistons thump up and down in their longer stroke. Speed them
up to a little over 2,000 rpm and the engine turns smoothly, with barely any
vibration noticeable through the bars or floorboards until approaching redline.
On the open road, 70 mph comes up at 3,500 rpm in fourth gear; clicking up
into top gear drops the tachometer needle by 500 rpm, for a more relaxed feel.
At these speeds, overtaking requires only a twist of the light throttle—although
in fast maneuver, dropping a gear is always entertaining. Whichever route you
take, the fuel injected V-twin performs perfectly. It takes only a few miles to
become addicted to the big Screamin’ Eagle engine.
The Ultra Classic has
extremely light steering and good handling for a heavy cruiser. Despite useful
amounts of ground clearance, hard parts will still touch down, but only when the
pace gets spirited. As with all Harleys, the brakes do leave something to be
desired, but a strong pull on the lever and full use of the strong rear unit
will reward the rider with adequate stopping power.
Blessed with unique style
and character, the Ultra Classic responds readily to the call of the open road.
Along the way you will appreciate such accoutrements as a quality sound system
with a satellite radio and a CD player, a passenger-to-passenger intercom, and a
CB radio, in addition to cruise control, a heated seat, and heated handlebar
grips. All you need is a distant horizon. And, of course, the time to go and
chase it. www.harley-davidson.com
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