Harley-Davidson Street Glide review, test ride

The 2014 Street Glide gets Harley-Davidson’s latest ‘high output’, 1690cc, V-twin, air-cooled and twin camshaft engine. The new powerplant is good for 14.07kgm of peak torque, delivered at 3500rpm and is tuned for strong bottom end, having experienced which we can vouch for. Overtaking is a breeze at virtually any speed, with only minor throttle inputs called for. The new 103 engine comes with a revised air-box as well. The Street Glide uses a Harley typical, slightly clunky 6-speed gearbox, shifted in a one-down and five-up pattern. Harley-Davidson has done away a cable operated clutch, replacing it with a superior hydraulic unit. We seldom required the clutch on the highway, cruising effortlessly along in sixth, however did note, like all Harley’s the Street Glide clutch feels heavy. The Street Glide can cruise at 120kph slotted in top-gear all day long, providing its rider a thoroughly smooth, vibe and strain free ride. On long straight highways, when sporadically pushing harder, we found the bike easily capable of breaching 160kph in fifth, with plenty in reserve. The Street Glide accelerates with gusto, never requiring for the rider to rev the long stroke engine hard. 

 

The brawny Street Glide is held together by a rigid backbone frame and weighs in at a hefty 372kg. There’s 49mm inverted fork suspension in front, with a set of adjustable shock absorbers at the rear. The motorcycle seat is large and accommodating for both, rider and pillion. The Street Glide panniers are located lower and further behind so as not to interfere with the pillion. The Street Glide rider sits in a laid back riding position, arms extending out to the handlebars, and feet set close to the front wheel, just right for long hours in the saddle. Good ride quality is a given, ironing out all road undulations. Meanwhile, the Street Glide does handle well for a cruiser, offering decent manoeuvrability and a rock solid stability when flying around corners. The Street Glide uses good tyres that offered ample grip throughout our ride. Powerful twin brake discs in front are linked to the rear brake system, enabling balanced braking at all times. The system also incorporates ABS, that worked well throughout our experience. 

 

The Street Glide feels an exotic, thoroughbred touring bike from the word go and performs well in this sphere. The big new Harley is getting set to enter Indian showrooms sometime in November 2013, coming to us via the more expensive CBU route, so really expect premium pricing. 

 

Comprehensive review of the Street Glide coming-up in Autocar India’s Nov 2013 magazine.