Market Position:
The FLHTCUI Ultra Classic Electra Glide was Harley-Davidson's flagship touring motorcycle, positioned as the ultimate long-distance cruiser for riders seeking comfort, amenities, and a premium experience.
Competitors:
Competed against other high-end touring motorcycles from brands like Honda (Gold Wing series), BMW (K-series touring), and potentially early American V-twin competitors in the luxury touring segment.
Key Features:
Full fairings, ample storage (saddlebags, tour-pak), comfortable seating for rider and passenger, powerful V-twin engine, advanced touring features for its era, substantial rider comfort for extended journeys.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Fuel System, Ignition System, Transmission, Drive System, Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Electrical System, Bodywork, Fairings, Accessories, Troubleshooting, Maintenance
Page Count:
Approximately 700-900 pages (typical for complete workshop manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair of cylinders, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train (including timing procedures), oil pump, oil passages.
Fuel System:
Carburetor (Keihin CV), fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel tank, fuel filter, idle speed adjustment, mixture control.
Ignition System:
Ignition module, spark plugs, ignition timing, sensors (e.g., crankshaft position sensor), wiring.
Transmission:
Clutch assembly, transmission case, gears, bearings, shift mechanism, primary drive, final drive (belt drive) inspection and repair.
Chassis And Suspension:
Frame, steering head, front fork (including fork seal replacement, oil levels), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, wheel bearings.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, brake pads, rotor inspection, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), lighting system (headlights, taillights, turn signals), starting system, starter motor, solenoid, wiring diagrams for all circuits, accessory wiring, audio system.
Bodywork And Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, seat, saddlebags, tour-pak (trunk), mounting hardware, trim pieces, fenders.
Maintenance:
Routine service checks, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, drive belt tensioning and inspection, brake pad inspection and replacement, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for common problems related to engine performance, electrical systems, starting issues, braking, and other operational faults.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, reassembly, and adjustment for all major systems.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing electrical faults, engine performance issues, and mechanical problems, often referencing diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the era.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications for fasteners, engine build clearances, fluid capacities, tire pressures, electrical component resistance values.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive coverage suitable for both experienced technicians and dedicated DIY enthusiasts, encompassing from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, OHV, 45-degree V-twin
Engine Displacement:
1450cc (88 cubic inches)
Engine Bore X Stroke:
3.75 in. x 4.00 in. (95.25 mm x 101.6 mm)
Engine Compression Ratio:
8.8:1
Horsepower:
Approximately 65-70 HP (estimated, as factory figures were often not prominently advertised)
Torque:
Approximately 85-90 ft-lbs (estimated)
Fuel Delivery:
Carbureted (Keihin CV 40mm)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 87 octane
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson 20W-50 or equivalent motorcycle-specific oil
Oil Capacity:
4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change
Transmission Type:
5-speed constant mesh, helical gears
Primary Drive:
Duplex chain, hydraulic tensioner
Final Drive:
Carbon reinforced belt, 140 tooth, 0.5 inch pitch
Clutch Type:
Wet, multi-plate, diaphragm spring
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant or equivalent
Initial Service:
First service typically at 1,000 miles (1600 km) - includes oil and filter change, checking all fasteners, clutch adjustment, primary chain tension.
Subsequent Service:
Regular service intervals generally every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first. This includes engine oil and filter change, transmission and primary fluid checks/changes, spark plug replacement, air filter inspection/replacement, brake inspection, drive belt inspection.
Engine Oil Spec:
Harley-Davidson Syn3 20W-50 Synthetic, or Harley-Davidson 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil, or other quality motorcycle-specific 20W-50. Check manual for exact specifications.
Transmission Primary Fluid Spec:
Harley-Davidson Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant (Formula+), or an equivalent V-twin specific primary lubricant. Capacity for primary is typically 2.8 US quarts (2.6 L).
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (check manual for specific Harley-Davidson recommendation)
Fork Oil Spec:
Harley-Davidson Type 'E' Fork Oil or equivalent (viscosity may vary by specific fork application within the model line).
Common Issues 2001 Flhtcui:
While generally robust, common issues for this era can include cam chain tensioner wear (especially on earlier Twin Cam models before the hydraulic tensioner upgrades became standard), starter solenoid issues, exhaust leaks, occasional carburetor tuning quirks, and aging electrical connectors. The manual will address these and provide solutions.
Maintenance Highlights:
Regularly check and adjust the drive belt tension, ensure proper cooling of the engine by keeping cooling fins clean, and perform timely fluid changes for optimal component longevity.
Brand Heritage:
Harley-Davidson boasts a long and storied history dating back to 1903, renowned for its iconic V-twin engines, cruiser styling, and strong rider community.
Model Evolution:
The Electra Glide line, introduced in 1965, evolved into the premier touring platform for Harley-Davidson. The Ultra Classic designation signifies the fully-loaded touring version, progressively adding comfort and convenience features over the decades, culminating in the feature-rich 2001 FLHTCUI.
Production Era:
The 2001 model year falls within the 'Evolution' engine era (1984-2006) for Harley-Davidson Big Twins, preceding the introduction of the 'Twin Cam 88' engine variants in later models, though the 1450cc Twin Cam 88 was already in production for 1999-2000. The FLHTCUI signifies a significant refinement of the touring platform for this period.