Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Road Glide Limited with VVT

Early in the year, when many bikes are still waiting for the season to kick off, Harley-Davidson invited us to Málaga. Sun, cool mornings, wet asphalt, wind – exactly the conditions where a true touring bike has to prove itself. This wasn't a fair-weather run, but a real-world test.

At the heart of both Grand American Touring Limited Models is the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117. With 1,923 cc, 109 hp, and 175 Nm, Harley-Davidson intentionally keeps the raw numbers conservative. The key difference isn't in peak power but in the variable valve timing, making its debut in the Limited touring models. The result is a smoother, more harmonious power delivery across the entire rev range—particularly noticeable when cruising lazily, overtaking with a full load, or gliding effortlessly on the highway.

Additionally, the revamped cylinder head cooling system provides better thermal stability, especially at low speeds and high temperatures. Despite the top case, full touring gear, and considerable weight, the fuel consumption remains at 5.9 liters/100 kilometers, matching the level of previous models without VVT.

The Road Glide Limited firmly establishes itself as a classic long-distance tourer. It emphasizes less on sporty aspirations and more on maximum stability, tranquility, and efficiency—especially for riders who spend a lot of time on the road, often with a passenger.

Visually and technically, the frame-mounted Sharknose fairing is defining. It decouples the fairing's weight from the steering, providing noticeably more stability at higher speeds. On highway stretches or through sweeping curves, the Road Glide remains incredibly steady, almost stoic on the road. The aerodynamics have been further optimized in the wind tunnel, enhancing both wind protection and fuel efficiency. A standout feature is the new Grand Tour-Pak. The top case offers 68 liters of volume, integrated speakers, a passenger backrest, luggage rack, 12-volt power supply, and a seamlessly integrated LED light. Combined with the saddlebags, there's a total of 144 liters of storage available without making the bike feel sluggish in its dynamics.

With a seat height of 740 mm, a wheelbase of 1,625 mm, and a 22.7-liter fuel tank, the Road Glide is clearly designed for range and comfort. The ready-to-ride weight of 417 kg demands attention and some strength when maneuvering—there's no reverse gear. However, once on the move, the weight quickly becomes less noticeable.

The Showa suspension is consistently tuned for comfort and stability. It absorbs bumps with ease, particularly shining on rough roads or long stretches. At the rear, Showa emulsion shocks are used, with preload adjustment that is hydraulic and tool-free. The fork is non-adjustable but well-matched to the rear, providing a cohesive, balanced ride without nervousness or bottoming out. With a maximum lean angle of around 31 degrees, the Road Glide Limited handles corners better than its appearance and weight might suggest—it's not sporty, but it is predictable and stable.

The ergonomics are clearly geared for touring: wide, tall handlebars, a relaxed knee angle, and spacious footboards. Heated grips, heated rider and passenger seats, as well as standard highway pegs, emphasize the long-distance intent. The large TFT touchscreen display with Skyline OS is easy to read and appears very spacious due to its forward positioning. The controls are logical, though extensive—there simply wasn't enough time for a short test to explore every submenu in detail.

Acoustically, the Road Glide Limited remains subdued. It's unobtrusive at idle, and during the ride, it delivers a deep, pleasant V-twin sound. Present but never intrusive, perfectly matching the bike's character.

Overall, the Road Glide Limited rides calmly, stably, and with confidence. The brakes are strong and well-modulated, and the saddlebags and top case have little negative impact on handling. It impresses more with its composure than with emotion.

The Road Glide Limited is available in seven different colors with either a silver or black engine finish. MSRP starts at 35,600 Euros in Germany, 42,900 Euros in Austria, and 33,900 CHF in Switzerland.

The Street Glide Limited stays true to the classic touring concept but offers a slightly different riding experience. The main difference from the Road Glide is the fork-mounted Batwing fairing and the lower, sportier handlebars.

Technically, the Street Glide Limited is nearly identical: same engine, same performance specs, same suspension, same electronics, same fuel consumption. Here too, the new Grand Tour-Pak provides a total of 144 liters of storage space. With a seat height of 740 mm and identical geometry, it also offers a relaxed seating position and secure footing. The ready-to-ride weight is 405 kg—about 12 kilograms less than the Road Glide Limited. This difference may seem small on paper, but it is quite noticeable in actual riding.

The Batwing fairing makes the Street Glide feel more direct and agile, particularly at low speeds and in switchback curves. The cockpit is positioned closer to the rider, the handlebars provide more feedback, and the whole motorcycle feels a bit more compact.

The engine behaves identically: strong pull from low revs, smooth throttle response, with no aggressive character. The Showa suspension offers plenty of comfort here as well. Thanks to the hydraulic preload adjustment, you can carry up to 45 kg more luggage or a passenger without needing tools for adjustment or having to remove the saddlebags.

Available in seven colors and two engine finishes, the Street Glide Limited is priced like the Road Glide Limited, starting at 35,600 Euros in Germany, 42,900 Euros in Austria, and 33,900 CHF in Switzerland.

The test day in Málaga was overall fantastic, though the weather wasn't perfect—but that's exactly what a true touring test should encompass. Both the Road Glide Limited and Street Glide Limited impressed with high confidence, stability, and a remarkably relaxed riding experience over long stretches and dry roads. The engine, suspension, ergonomics, and assistance systems work together harmoniously as a complete package, just as one would expect from Grand American Touring.

The Road Glide Limited is clearly targeted at riders seeking maximum tranquility, stability, and long-distance comfort. Those who rack up many highway miles, often ride two-up, and prioritize a composed, laid-back riding feel will find this to be the most consistent tourer in comparison. It particularly shines at higher speeds, on long straightaways, and in sweeping curves.

The Street Glide Limited, on the other hand, appeals to riders who appreciate comfort along with a more direct, agile riding feel. Thanks to the fork-mounted Batwing fairing, lower handlebars, and lighter weight, it feels more compact and playful—especially on winding country roads and at lower speeds. It's the better compromise for those who want to cover long distances but don't want to miss out on a more classic motorcycle feel.

A critical point is the heat buildup in both models when stationary. The warmth around the lower legs becomes noticeable—enough that you need to be careful not to get burned. This can be uncomfortable, particularly in city traffic or when maneuvering, and might be an issue for more sensitive riders.

The biggest genuine criticism of both Limited models is the stock tires. They come equipped with Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series diagonal tires, which showed two very different faces during testing.

In dry conditions in the afternoon, the diagonal tires performed much better than expected. Even on poorly maintained, storm-dirtied roads around Málaga, they offered decent grip, a lot of stability, and allowed for surprisingly sporty riding.

However, in rain and cooler temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, the situation changed completely. Traction, feedback, and the sense of security dropped significantly—confidence was hard to come by. For touring riders who travel in all weather or in regions with such conditions, this is a clear weak point.

Whether it’s an inherent wet-weather weakness of the Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series or an unfavorable combination with the rain-soaked, bitumen-rich roads around Málaga is unclear. The fact remains: the stock tires are a point of criticism that should be noted—and potentially optimized before embarking on a major journey.