Touring Bikes Comparison - Long Rangers

Four Philosophies, One Purpose

Photography by Kevin Wing

2008 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide | Price: $20,695

Tech Spec
Engine type: a-c 45-deg. V-twinRake/trail: 26.0/6.2 in.
Valve train: OHV, 4vSeat height: 27.3 in.
Displacement: 1584ccWheelbase: 63.5 in.
Bore x stroke: 95.25 x 111.25mmFuel capacity: 6.0 gal.
Compression: 9.2:1Weight (tank full/empty): 860/824 lbs.
Fuel system: ESPFIMeasured horsepower: 58.1 bhp @ 5000 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plateMeasured torque: 70.9 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speedCorrected 1/4 mile: 14.20 sec. @ 91.07 mph
Frame: Steel square-section backbone with twin downtubesTop gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 12.23 sec
Front suspension: 43mm Showa forkFuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 45/34/37 mpg
Rear suspension: Twin Showa shocks, air-adjustable preloadColors: Numerous
Front brake: Dual Brembo four-piston calipers, 300mm discsAvailability: Now
Rear Brake: Single Brembo four-pison caliper, 300mm discWarranty: 24 mo./unlimited mi.
Front Tire: MT90B16 Dunlop 72HContact: www.harleydavidson.com
Rear Tire: MU85B16 Dunlop 77H
  • 2008 Harley Davidson Tech Spec
  • 2008 Harley Davidson Tech Spec Graph

Dyno
Classic to the core, the Electra Glide has admirable horsepower and torque curves, but dated engineering yields modest performance.

Ergos
A nearly 90-degree seating angle splays the rider out in classic La-Z-Boy fashion, perfectly suiting the leisurely cruising for which this tourer was intended.

2008 Honda Gold Wing | Price: $23,399

Tech Spec
Engine type: l-c opposed sixRake/trail: 29.2/4.3 in.
Valve train: SOHC, 12vSeat height: 29.1 in.
Displacement: 1832ccWheelbase: 66.5 in.
Bore x stroke: 74.0 x 71.0mmFuel capacity: 6.6 gal
Compression: 9.8:1Weight (tank full/empty): 898/858 lbs.
Fuel system: PGM-FIMeasured horsepower: 108.8 bhp @ 9000 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plateMeasured torque: 109.9 lb.-ft. @ 4250 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed with overdrive, electric reverseCorrected 1/4 mile: 12.78 sec. @ 103.3 mph
Frame: Twin-spar aluminum frameTop gear roll-on 60-80 mph: 5.9 sec
Front suspension: 45mm Showa fork with anti-diveFuel mileage (high/low/avg.): 40/32/36 mpg
Rear suspension: Single Showa shock with computer-controlled spring preloadColors: Metallic red, pearl white, titanium, black, dark red metallic
Front brake: Dual Nissin three-piston calipers, 296mm discs, linked, ABS optionalAvailability: Now
Rear Brake: Single Nissin three-piston caliper, 316mm disc, linked, ABS optionalWarranty: 3 yrs./unlimited mi.
Front Tire: 130/70-R18 Dunlop Elite 3Contact: www.powersports.honda.com
Rear Tire: 180/60-R16 Dunlop Elite 3
  • 2008 Honda Gold Wing Tech Spec
  • 2008 Honda Gold Wing Tech Spec Graph

Dyno
Torque comes on hard and remains strong while horsepower rises steeply, producing loads of usable power with buttery-smooth delivery.

Ergos
The Wing's luxurious accommodations provide the utmost in comfort for the upper body, but a restricted seat-to-peg distance may pain those with longer legs.

By Kevin Wing
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