Harley-Davidson Street Glide Test 2024 - mighty future!

After the Pan America 1250, which was essentially redesigned from scratch, Harley-Davidson has shown its ability to implement completely new concepts. The next advancement in the Grand American Touring series comes in the form of the new Harley-Davidson Tourer, specifically the Street Glide. While not as radical as the Pan America, the Street Glide still makes a significant statement that will greatly benefit the end customer. Essentially, the new Street Glide, along with its counterpart the Road Glide, are refined versions of the previous CVO models, representing the pinnacle of Harley-Davidson's current offerings. For a detailed review of the new Harley Road Glide, click here.

The new Harley-Davidson Tourer, specifically the Street Glide, boasts the impressive Milwaukee Eight V-twin engine in the 117cc version, previously only found in CVO models and now exclusive to the two Glides. Producing 109 hp at 5020 rpm and a whopping 175 Newton meters of torque at 3500 rpm, this powerhouse of a 1923 cubic meter 45° twin cylinder is not the only highlight of this evolution. The refined electronics tuning allows the engine to deliver power smoothly, with that familiar kick in the backside that riders love. The control is almost playful, making it a joy to ride. The harmonious operation of the nearly one-liter cylinders is remarkable, eliminating any unpleasant shaking at low revs. Even in 6th gear, there is no jerking from 1500 rpm onwards, with the engine pulling steadily.

A new addition to the Street Glide is the partial water cooling system, complementing the air-cooled engine. The radiator behind the front wheel is now part of the liquid cooling system, enhancing thermal performance and ensuring a more comfortable ride for the rider, especially on hot days in traffic. The Harley-Davidson Tourer is truly a blend of power, control, and comfort, setting a new standard in touring motorcycles.

And this leads us to the test ride we were able to conduct in France, in the twisty roads between Marseille and Montpellier, with the new Harley-Davidson Tourer. In my opinion, it was a bold choice for Harley-Davidson to showcase the new Street Glide in this setting, as narrow roads are not typically the main terrain for this Grand American Tourer. However, this only goes to show that the new Tourers are definitely up to par with the CVOs, if not surpassing them in some aspects. The extensive array of assistance systems is impressive. Alongside cornering ABS and traction control, the engine drag torque now adjusts based on lean angle, leaving little room for complaints. During our ride, we encountered challenging roads, some even wet from rain, yet there were no slips or jolts, proving that the Dunlop tires in 130/60-19 at the front and 180/55-18 at the rear deserve recognition despite criticism of their durability-focused rubber compound. Additionally, there are now four different performance modes to choose from. While the Rain mode didn't seem necessary even in wet conditions, the Road mode provided a balanced ride. The Sport mode felt a bit too aggressive for me in the rain, but in dry conditions, the full power of the 117 engine was delivered excellently. For those who prefer to customize their ride, the custom mode allows for personalized parameter settings.

Is it all smooth sailing? Well, not quite. There are some inconsistencies in the chassis that Harley-Davidson could have improved upon. The non-adjustable front fat 49er fork and the rear shock absorbers, which can only be adjusted for preload, leave something to be desired. While generally acceptable, the damping struggles on uneven French roads, causing the bike to push outward and bounce noticeably on tighter turns. However, the assistance systems help alleviate any concerns in such situations. Even if you decide to push the limits, like our guide did to demonstrate the capabilities of the new Harley-Davidson Tourer, weighing in at an impressive 369 kilos, you'll find it surprisingly easy to handle.

The riding position on the Harley-Davidson Tourer is extremely comfortable, with the new saddle providing excellent padding. The upright riding position strikes a balance between comfort and agility. It is worth noting that the Tourer's sibling, the Road Glide, excels in terms of dynamics. The Tourer, equipped with a handlebar-mounted Batwing fairing, offers excellent wind protection for the hands and adequate protection for the legs. Riders should be cautious when choosing a helmet, as a jet helmet may not be the most suitable option for high speeds and low temperatures due to the Tourer's low windshield. Riders may have to prioritize between style and comfort in such conditions.

Harley-Davidson has made a significant leap into the future with the controls and, most importantly, the displays on their Tourer model. Featuring a 12.3-inch color TFT touchscreen, Harley-Davidson now boasts one of the largest standard screens on the market - and it is utilized exceptionally well. Riders can easily switch between three different display modes: Classic, which resembles traditional displays, Sport, which streamlines information to the essentials, and Tour, providing ample space for the navigation system, which can be accessed through Apple Carplay on the display. Harley-Davidson has integrated all necessary controls on the right-hand side, minimizing the need for additional work with the throttle hand. The frustration of this setup quickly dissipates when the powerful 200-watt system delivers high-quality sound to the rider.

As mentioned earlier, the Harley-Davidson Tourer stays true to its roots while incorporating modern features, albeit at a premium price. In Germany, the entry-level price for the Tourer starts at just under 32,000 euros, in Austria it exceeds 38,000 euros due to additional taxes, and in Switzerland it's around 31,000 francs. Opting for a different color than the standard Gunmetal Gray and choosing a black finish over chrome-plated parts will increase the price by almost 2,000 euros, pushing the cost in Austria beyond the 40,000 euro mark. However, as the saying goes at Harley-Davidson: when you buy a Harley, you're not just purchasing a motorcycle, you're embracing a way of life.

While the Street Glide and Road Glide models share the same engine, chassis, suspension, tires, and electronics, they offer unique riding experiences due to the distinct positioning of their handlebars. The Street Glide features handlebars tucked behind the Batwing fairing, providing excellent wind protection. In contrast, the Road Glide's handlebars sit higher, offering better front wheel feedback and control, despite slightly reduced wind protection. Surprisingly, the Road Glide's additional weight of nearly 12 kilograms, mainly from its larger fairing, does not hinder its performance. The Road Glide's fairing is chassis-mounted, enhancing stability compared to the Street Glide's fork-mounted fairing. Both models excel in Grand American Touring, with the choice between them ultimately coming down to personal preference and aesthetics.