Harley-Davidson CVO SE Electra Glide Ultra Limited [2014-2016]: A Timeless Touring Powerhouse
Introduction
The Harley-Davidson CVO SE Electra Glide Ultra Limited isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a statement. As part of Harley’s Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO) lineup, this machine represents the pinnacle of touring luxury, blending Milwaukee’s iconic V-twin brawn with cutting-edge technology and hand-finished craftsmanship. Built between 2014 and 2016, this generation remains a benchmark for riders who demand exclusivity, comfort, and relentless power. After spending days in the saddle, it’s clear: this isn’t just a bike for eating miles—it’s for savoring them.
Design & Aesthetics: Where Art Meets Muscle
The CVO Electra Glide Ultra Limited commands attention with its imposing silhouette and meticulous detailing. The Batwing fairing, a Harley touring hallmark, was redesigned during this generation to reduce head buffeting while retaining its iconic shape. But it’s the paint that steals the show. Each model year featured three exclusive color schemes, like Carbon Dust/Electrical Red Pearl or Jupiter Blue/Wicked Sapphire, layered with hand-painted “Thunderblade” graphics. These aren’t decals—they’re automotive-grade artistry, finished with glass flakes and metallic accents that shimmer in sunlight.
Chrome dominates the landscape, from the dual exhausts with 4-inch mufflers to the Mirror Chrome Slicer wheels. Yet Harley avoided gaudiness; every element feels purposeful. The bullet turn signals and wraparound LED taillight blend modern minimalism with classic flair. Even the saddlebags and Tour-Pak® case received a sleek redesign, featuring One-Touch latches that open with a gloved hand—a small detail that epitomizes the bike’s rider-first philosophy.
Performance: Twin Cam Thunder
Engine & Transmission
At the heart of the CVO Limited lies the Twin-Cooled™ Twin Cam 110™ engine, a 1,801cc (110 cubic inch) V-twin that’s liquid-cooled for sustained performance. With 156 Nm (115.1 ft-lbs) of torque peaking at 3,750 RPM, this engine doesn’t just pull—it lunges. Rolling on the throttle in any gear delivers a surge of acceleration, accompanied by a baritone exhaust note that’s equal parts refinement and rebellion.
The 6-speed Cruise Drive® transmission is butter-smooth, with a tall sixth gear that keeps RPMs low at highway speeds. Combined with the Isolated Drive System, vibrations are minimized, making long rides less fatiguing. Fuel efficiency sits at 5.6 L/100 km (42 mpg), impressive for a beast this size.
Handling & Braking
Weighing 433 kg (954 lbs) wet, the CVO Limited feels surprisingly agile for a full-dress tourer. The 49mm front forks and stiffened steering head provide confidence in corners, while the air-adjustable rear suspension soaks up bumps. Harley’s Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS are a revelation. The system balances braking force between wheels, and the dual 300mm front discs with 4-piston Brembo® calipers deliver stoppage power that belies the bike’s heft.
Technology & Features: Touring in the 21st Century
The CVO Limited was among the first Harleys to embrace modern tech without sacrificing analog soul. The Boom!™ Box 6.5GT Infotainment System anchors the dashboard, featuring a 6.5-inch touchscreen with GPS, Bluetooth, and a 75-watt-per-channel amplifier. Four Bagger speakers pump out crisp audio, even at 110 km/h (68 mph). SiriusXM® satellite radio comes standard, ensuring your playlist never fades in the boonies.
Daymaker™ LED lighting illuminates the road with 2,136 lumens, while heated grips and a dual-control heated seat (with perforated leather) pamper rider and passenger. The security system includes a factory alarm and immobilizer—critical for a bike that’s as much a target for thieves as it is for admirers.
Comfort: The Long-Haul Lounge
Harley’s “Project RUSHMORE” overhaul transformed the touring experience. The rider’s seat sits at 740 mm (29.1 inches), offering a plush, suspended design that acts as a secondary shock absorber. Passengers gain an extra inch of seat space and legroom, plus an adjustable backrest with lumbar support.
The fairing’s Splitstream vent reduces helmet buffeting, and the vented lowers can be opened to direct airflow in summer. Storage is king here: the Tour-Pak® holds two full-face helmets, and the saddlebags include removable liners. With 22.7L (6 gallons) of fuel capacity, stops are infrequent—and with this much comfort, unwelcome.
Competition: How Does the CVO Limited Stack Up?
The CVO Limited’s prime rivals in the premium touring segment include:
- Honda Gold Wing: Smoother with its flat-six engine and superior cornering, but lacks the Harley’s character and audio prowess.
- BMW K 1600 GTL: A tech powerhouse with a 1,649cc inline-six, but its clinical precision can’t match the CVO’s soulful V-twin thunder.
- Indian Roadmaster: Closest in heritage, with comparable comfort and a potent Thunder Stroke 111 engine. However, Indian’s infotainment lags behind Boom!™ Box.
The CVO Limited stands apart with its custom-exclusive finishes and auditory theater—both from the engine and the speakers. It’s for riders who want to feel their motorcycle, not just ride it.
Maintenance: Keeping the Legend Alive
Owning a CVO Limited is a commitment, but maintenance is straightforward for a bike this complex:
- Oil Changes: The Twin Cam 110 requires fresh 3.8L (4 quarts) of synthetic oil every 5,000 km (3,100 miles). Watch for minor leaks—common in air-cooled V-twins.
- Belt Drive: Inspect the final drive belt for cracks and tension. Replace every 50,000 km (31,000 miles).
- Cooling System: Check coolant levels in the Twin-Cooled™ system annually.
- Brakes: Brembo® components are durable, but flush fluid every two years.
- Suspension: Lubricate the rear shock linkages annually to prevent squeaks.
For DIY enthusiasts, MOTOPARTS.store offers OEM-grade aftermarket parts, from Daymaker™ LED bulbs to Screamin’ Eagle® performance kits. Trust us—upgrading the air filter or adding chrome accents will only deepen your bond with this masterpiece.
Final Thoughts
The CVO SE Electra Glide Ultra Limited isn’t just a relic of the mid-2010s—it’s a timeless icon. It balances old-school charm with modern convenience, offering a riding experience that’s as visceral as it is luxurious. Whether you’re carving mountain passes or dominating interstates, this Harley reminds you why we ride: for the thrill, the freedom, and the unshakable knowledge that you’re piloting something extraordinary.
Ride hard, ride long, and let MOTOPARTS.store keep your CVO roaring for the next 100,000 miles.
Specifications sheet
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Stroke: | Four-stroke |
| Max power: | 71 kW | 95.0 hp |
| Max torque: | 156 Nm |
| Fuel system: | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Max power @: | 5000 rpm |
| Displacement: | 1802 ccm |
| Max torque @: | 3750 rpm |
| Bore x stroke: | 101.6 x 111.1 mm (4.0 x 4.4 in) |
| Configuration: | V |
| Cooling system: | Twin-Cooled™ (air/oil and liquid-cooled heads) |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Lubrication system: | Dry sump |
| Number of cylinders: | 2 |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Wheels: | Mirror Chrome Custom Wheels (style varies by year) |
| Comfort: | Dual-control heated seat, cruise control, wind-tunnel optimized fairing, One-Touch storage compartments |
| Security: | Factory Security System |
| Electronics: | Reflex™ Linked ABS, Boom!™ Box 6.5GT infotainment with GPS, SiriusXM® satellite radio, LED Daymaker® lighting |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase: | 1625 mm (64.0 in) |
| Dry weight: | 416 |
| Wet weight: | 433 |
| Seat height: | 695–740 mm (27.3–29.1 in) |
| Overall length: | 2600 mm (102.4 in) |
| Ground clearance: | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 22.7 L (6.0 US gal) |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Final drive: | belt |
| Gear ratios: | 1st 9.593, 2nd 6.650, 3rd 4.938, 4th 4.000, 5th 3.407, 6th 2.875:1 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed Cruise Drive® |
| Maintainance | |
|---|---|
| Engine oil: | 20W-50 (synthetic recommended) |
| Break fluid: | DOT 4 |
| Spark plugs: | NGK CR8E or NGK CR8EIX |
| Coolant capacity: | 2.5 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 |
| Engine oil change interval: | Every 5000 km or annually |
| Final drive fluid capacity: | 0.2 L (0.21 US qt) |
| Transmission fluid capacity: | 1.2 L (1.27 US qt) |
| Valve clearance check interval: | Self-adjusting hydraulic lifters |
| Primary chaincase fluid capacity: | 1.0 L (1.06 US qt) |
| Chassis and Suspension | |
|---|---|
| Rake: | 26° |
| Frame: | Mild steel tubular frame with single-spar rigid backbone |
| Trail: | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Rear tire: | 180/65-16 |
| Front tire: | 130/80-17 |
| Rear brakes: | Single 300 mm disc, 4-piston Brembo® caliper (ABS) |
| Front brakes: | Dual 300 mm discs, 4-piston Brembo® calipers (ABS) |
| Rear suspension: | Air-adjustable shocks |
| Front suspension: | 49 mm telescopic fork |
