This touring flagship represents the Twin Cam 103 era of Harley-Davidson’s long-running Ultra Classic Electra Glide. The base Electra Glide Ultra Classic nameplate dates back to 1989, but the 103-powered version was introduced for the 2012 model year, giving the heavyweight touring platform a larger-displacement engine while preserving its familiar batwing fairing, hard saddlebags, Tour-Pak luggage and two-up long-distance mission. For riders, it marked the point where the Ultra Classic combined traditional Harley touring styling with the stronger passing and highway performance associated with the 103 engine.
The model received a major Touring-family update during the Project RUSHMORE era for 2014, when Harley-Davidson refreshed the chassis, braking and touring amenities while keeping the Ultra Classic’s core identity intact. Through 2015 and 2016, the 103-powered Ultra Classic remained one of the brand’s most established full-dress touring motorcycles, aimed at riders who wanted maximum comfort and long-haul capability without stepping up to the newer Ultra Limited. For 2017, Harley-Davidson moved the Ultra Classic line to the Milwaukee-Eight engine family, which brought the 103-powered version’s production run to a close.