[scott61610]

After owning a 2006 softail standard and putting on about 30,000 miles the bike has always been dependable and a joy to ride!!!

Now I want to move up to a new 2012 electraglide classic and have a few worries, I hope you guys can help me with.
I like stock bikes and am not looking to do any modifications to a new bike!!!!
After doing some research and reading some complaints these are my concerns.

1. Heat problems with the bikes, sounds like alot of the problem is from the cat but do I really need to take it out ? knowing that harleys get hot sitting in summer traffic do they have a heat problem in normal riding situations ?

2 Throttle by wire, I don't know alot about them but it sounds like some people are un-happy with them, are they a problem?

3. Bikes going into limp mode,merging in traffic and going into limp mode does not sound fun, is it a problem ?

This is quite alot of money for me to spend on a bike, I take other owners problems and complaints serious. I also understand that some people like to complain about everything.
Anyway hope you guys can help me make a decision by telling me your good and bad experiances with you 2010-2012 bikes, thanks in advance.

 

[hdmikeyb]

Go for it! The only problem that I or any of several of my riding buddys who have 08 on up touring bikes have had was on my old 2010 FLHTK Ultra Limited. I experienced a lack of performance while at high altitude in the mountains of Wyoming. This happened twice and never experienced any problems once reaching lower altitudes. I have a 2011 FLHXSE2 CVO Street Glide now with only about 3500 miles on it but have not experienced any problems yet. I do plan on installing Vance & Hinds Power Duals head pipe to elliminated the catalytic convertor/possible heat problem. Have 10-12 riding buddies with 08 & up bikes with TBW and none have experienced problems with them. Most any problems that I have ever heard of are usually a result of someone screwing something up while making modifications with bars, grips, etc.. The newer touring bikes handle well and will probably make you not miss your old scoot! Not to mention the better brakes and ride. I've had the ABS brakes save me at least once. As you said some people would complain if you hung them with a new rope. I beleive alot of people get sour atitudes due to bad experiences with their HD dealer. If you have a good dealer as I do it makes owning the bike a pleasurable experience. When and if you maike your purchase choose your dealer wisely. My opinion is pull the trigger and get the Glide!

 

[Bigfoot Ultra]

I have a 2012 Electra Glide Limited that is stock.

The rumored heat has just never been an issue for me. I don't spend a lot of time idling in traffic so your results may differ if you do. Riding down the road it's never been a problem. Riding in Colorado this past January and February I was actually placing my hands down by the jugs LOOKING for some heat.-

The throttle by wire system has been very robust and has caused me no problems at all. The technology has been around for quite a while and really isn't that new.

I've never had my bike go into limp home mode, nor have any of the other 2009 and up touring models we ride with. I don't know how common this is. My dealer says he knows of none either, but then again, he's a dealer.

The new touring models with the new frame, 103TC engine and six speed tranny are very good bikes and I've never regreted moving up.

 

[DanDee]

I have 2010 Road King Classic. TBW..no problems. SE breather FuelMoto head pipe (bye bye cat) SERT tune runs GREAT!
I live in Georgia...it gets HOT here...no problems.
Dan

 

[DeluxeAl]

Have a 2012 SG. Put on the Fule moto header pipes, 4 inch Rineharts and
Power Commander. No heat problems, no problems with TBW. Like someone said TBW has been around a long time. Like the bigger Brembo brakes.

 

[Nik00117]

1. Heat problems with the bikes, sounds like alot of the problem is from the cat but do I really need to take it out ? knowing that harleys get hot sitting in summer traffic do they have a heat problem in normal riding situations ?

2 Throttle by wire, I don't know alot about them but it sounds like some people are un-happy with them, are they a problem?

3. Bikes going into limp mode,merging in traffic and going into limp mode does not sound fun, is it a problem ?

1. I've experinced the heat problem it sucks but is only an issue in heavy traffic over an extended period of time.
2. Some people are old school
3. Never had my bike go into limp mode, in fact place Iheard of it was here.

 

[John Klad]

I wouldn't worry about things. Yes, Harleys do get hot in the summer, but thats just part of owning one, as you already know.
Throttle by wire...I bought my 09 Ultra new, and have never had a single issue with it.
Limp mode - has never happened.

Get it and enjoy it!

 

[WEINERDOGBONE]

I have an 09 Street Glide. It is warm when sitting in traffic in the Summer. On the bright side, it warms you up at stops in the Winter.

The TBW is a non-issue in my opinion. It feels a little different to me but, I got used to it. TBW has been around for years. It's only new to HD.

I ride with about 10 guys that all have the newer touring bikes and none of us has ever had to limp home.

 

[Lost Hippie]

I have seen people setting their bikes into parade mode by twisting the throttle forward and not knowing what that can do.. LOL.. I have seen two bikes come into the shop for TBW issues that were wire chafing related. Both were 2011 Road Glides. I would not say the TBW is a problem. I will say that security and the owners ignorance of the security fob battery life is an issue. I have seen no less than five bikes either come in on a trailer or we have rescued them from their road trip due to the battery on their fob being dead, and I have taken countless calls from owners saying their security is broken and won't let them start their bikes. Security FOB batteries are $2.00 at any dealership (dealership price is the cheapest you will find...). REPLACE THEM YEARLY!!!! And MEMORIZE THE CODE TO DISABLE YOUR SECURITY!!!! Radio frequency interference can be an issue..

 

[1L243]

I have a 2009 Ultra. When HD put the heat deflectors on the 2009 Ultras I thinked that helped alot for frying your inner thighs. My buddy really had a problem with the heat on his 2008 Ultra ( he came from a wing) we put the heat deflectors on it and he was happy. I don't have any complaint at all about the heat. Never been in limp mode. TBW is great no problems. I would get ABS. I have not needed it yet on this bike after 30k miles but I could have used it on earlier bikes. Passive system you need it, it's there. Practic with your ABS, in emergency you have to brake hard with ABS, not threashold braking. Something to think about. My bike is stock don't have any problems with power. More than what I need. I would replace the air temp gauge with a oil temp gauge.

Good luck