Gliding through the Streets

Harley-Davidson Street Glide

If you are a seasoned highway tourer or an H-D enthusiast who reckon that Harleys should always be ‘the bigger the better', you would not be far-off considering Street Glide as your daily commuter and highway scratcher.

Slotted neatly between the Harley-Davidson Ultra and Roadking range of hardbag tourers, the Street Glide features the full blown cobra like wide fairing of the Ultra without the additional frills, such as passing lamps, engine guard fairing and rear luggage rack (found on the Ultra). In fact the Street Glide looks like minimalist Roadking Standard with an Ultra fairing fitted instead of the standard see through plexi glass windshield.

And like its name suggest, the Street Glide's overall slim profile allows it to roam around both city streets and highways at ease; adding a plus point to Harley enthusiasts.

The 1,584cc 96 cubic inches twin cam engine is by far one of the best engine from the H-D factory. It has enough ponies to pull your chariot on any long tour without causing much stress above the legal speed limit. The noticeable response from the new throttle by wire system proved me right as I opened throttle on my sixth gear. H-D's best improvement of addressing to their brakes - Brembo ABS brakes, which is currently the standard on newer models gave me a sense of comfort.

The gauges mounted behind the windshield create convenient visibility for riders; old-school silver analogue outlook of readouts, resemble the nostalgic heritage look of the H-D. Volt, oil and air ratio gives the rider an estimated indication of the engine's performance.

An iPod function single-disc player and two powerful speakers are designed to entertain the tourer during long journeys. Another major bonus of the Street Glide is its factory-fitted cruise control setting which has the resume switch within reach.

While the engine and most accessories, except for the cruise control and ABS, may appear similar for the '08 models, the latest Street Glide has had massive changes, in particular to its frame. H-D redesigned the frame and swingarm to make Street Glide stiffer and stronger, enabling it to carry heavier load than the before. The current design has reduced engine vibration by mounting on the engine separately. The swingarm appears slightly wider and rigid, while the new two-piece frame is no longer hand-welded.

Although there was nothing wrong with the previous frame, demand for the perfect touring model has increased dramatically; this explains the new frame's designed being more robust with improvements on handling for all sorts of riding situations.
According to a sales executive at the Harley-Davison Dealership (Singapore), the popularity of the Street Glide since it has been introduced in our shores is unquestionable. The absence of secondhand Street Glides in the market indicates enthusiasts' unwillingness to trade this bike in.

In my perspective a proper touring H-D model would still be the Ultra range. Although many riders adore touring, the younger generation will prefer a smaller and more agile bike. In other words, the Street Glide is basically a clean and shaven version of the Ultra.
Fitted with a 17-inch front wheel ('09 model only) allows a lower profile tyre while the rear wheel is now much wider to accommodate a 180 size tyre. The new two in one into two exhaust is definitely a pulling factor for the younger generation of tourers. The front windshield finalises the touring package and many tourers will thank H-D for this as it plays an integral role in buffering the wind.

In conclusion, although the Street Glide may not have as many compartments as the Ultra Classic, it remains as a true touring machine with only the necessities. H-D introduced the Street Glide as a bike which allows you to tour in style with head turning abilities.
I took one last glance at the Glide under the sun, where the factory red-hot sunglow colour cut a very sexy look despite being next to the lineup of other touring and street models. However, do not be fooled by its sexiness, the Street Glide is one tough cookie that will bring you to places well beyond our borders.

MCA Yellow Box

Motor Shiok! (What we like)
• It's a lean mean sleek ‘bagger' machine. Best of both worlds? You bet.
• Capable tourer equipped with ABS, audio system and hardbags!
• More optional "travel" accessories like backrest, luggage rack, iPod plug and play facility...wow!

Motor Aiyoh! (What you must consider)
• You will need to get used to the rather huge front windshield.
• What? No coffee mug-holder?
• Nothing much if touring is in your agenda.

This article was contributed by Motor Culture.

For more information on the Harley-Davidson Street Glide, contact Harley-Davidson of Singapore at (65) 6475 0123.

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