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Difference Between Road Glide and Street Glide

  • Post last modified:March 15, 2023
  • Reading time:11 mins read
  • Post category:Technology
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Contents hide
  1. 1. Explanation of the Road Glide and Street Glide
  2. 2. Brief history of Road Glide and Street Glide
  3. 3. Difference between Road Glide and Street Glide
    1. 3.1. Design
    2. 3.2. Performance
    3. 3.3. Customization
    4. 3.4. Price and Value
    5. 3.5. Reference Link
    6. 3.6. Reference Books

Explanation of the Road Glide and Street Glide

Road Glide and Street Glide are two popular touring motorcycles produced by Harley-Davidson. They are both part of the company’s iconic “Glide” family, which has been a staple of the Harley-Davidson lineup for several decades.

The Road Glide is a motorcycle designed for long-distance touring, and it is known for its distinctive shark-nose fairing, which provides excellent wind protection and a unique appearance. The fairing is mounted to the frame of the motorcycle rather than the fork, which helps to isolate the rider and passenger from vibrations and wind turbulence. The Road Glide also features a frame-mounted front suspension and a fixed rear suspension, which contribute to its smooth ride and handling.

The Street Glide is another touring motorcycle that is designed to be more streamlined and sporty than the Road Glide. It features a batwing fairing, which is mounted to the fork and provides less wind protection than the Road Glide’s shark-nose fairing.

The Street Glide has a lower profile than the Road Glide, which makes it more maneuverable in urban areas and easier to handle at lower speeds. The Street Glide also has a rear suspension that can be adjusted for different riding styles and loads.

Both motorcycles are powered by Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight engine, which is available in a variety of sizes and configurations. The engine is known for its smooth power delivery and torque, which make it well-suited for touring and long-distance riding. The Road Glide and Street Glide are also equipped with a range of features and accessories, such as heated grips, navigation systems, and audio systems, which can enhance the riding experience and make long trips more comfortable and enjoyable.

Brief history of Road Glide and Street Glide

The Road Glide and Street Glide were both introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2006 as part of the company’s touring motorcycle lineup. However, their origins can be traced back to earlier Harley-Davidson models.

The Road Glide was inspired by the company’s FLTR motorcycle, which was first introduced in 1998. The FLTR featured a frame-mounted fairing that was designed to reduce wind turbulence and provide better aerodynamics. The Road Glide was an updated version of the FLTR, featuring a shark-nose fairing that further improved the motorcycle’s wind protection and appearance.

The Street Glide, on the other hand, was based on the company’s FLHX motorcycle, which was introduced in 2006. The FLHX featured a batwing fairing that was designed to provide better wind protection and a more streamlined appearance. The Street Glide was essentially an upgraded version of the FLHX, featuring a lower profile and a more sporty design.

Since their introduction, the Road Glide and Street Glide have become two of Harley-Davidson’s most popular motorcycles. They have undergone several updates and improvements over the years, including the introduction of Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight engine in 2017.

Today, the Road Glide and Street Glide continue to be popular choices for touring motorcycle enthusiasts who value comfort, performance, and style.

Difference between Road Glide and Street Glide

Design

The design of the Road Glide and Street Glide differs significantly, particularly in terms of their fairings, headlights, and front-end design. Additionally, the two motorcycles offer different levels of rider and passenger comfort.

Fairing:

  • The Road Glide features a shark-nose fairing that is mounted to the frame of the motorcycle, rather than the fork.
  • The Street Glide features a batwing fairing that is mounted to the fork.

Headlights:

  • The Road Glide features dual headlights that are integrated into the fairing, providing better visibility and a unique appearance.
  • The Street Glide features a single headlight that is mounted on the front of the fairing.

Front-End Design:

  • The Road Glide features a fixed front fender and a frame-mounted front suspension, which contributes to its smooth ride and handling.
  • The Street Glide features a fork-mounted front fender and a conventional front suspension, which provides a more sporty appearance and better maneuverability at lower speeds.

Comfort:

  • The Road Glide’s frame-mounted fairing and suspension system help to isolate the rider and passenger from wind turbulence and vibrations, providing a more comfortable ride over long distances.
  • The Street Glide’s batwing fairing provides less wind protection than the Road Glide’s shark-nose fairing, but it offers a lower profile and better visibility. The Street Glide also features a rear suspension that can be adjusted for different riding styles and loads.

The Road Glide is designed to provide maximum comfort and stability on long-distance tours, while the Street Glide is designed to be more maneuverable and sporty, with a lower profile and better handling at lower speeds.

Performance

The performance of the Road Glide and Street Glide can be compared in terms of their engines, handling, maneuverability, suspension, and braking systems.

Engines:

  • Both motorcycles are equipped with Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight engine, which is available in a variety of sizes and configurations.
  • The Road Glide is available with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 or 114 engine, which provides ample torque and power for long-distance touring.
  • The Street Glide is available with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 or 114 engine, as well as a more powerful Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, which delivers even more torque and acceleration.

Handling and Maneuverability:

  • The Road Glide’s frame-mounted fairing and suspension system provide a smooth ride and stable handling at high speeds.
  • The Street Glide’s lower profile and fork-mounted fairing provide better handling and maneuverability at lower speeds, particularly in urban areas.

Suspension:

  • The Road Glide features a fixed rear suspension and a frame-mounted front suspension, which contribute to its stability and smooth ride.
  • The Street Glide features a rear suspension that can be adjusted for different riding styles and loads, which allows for greater flexibility and customization.

Braking:

  • Both motorcycles are equipped with a range of braking features, including ABS and Brembo brakes.
  • The Road Glide features a dual-disc front brake system, which provides better stopping power and control.
  • The Street Glide features a single-disc front brake system, which is more compact and provides better handling at lower speeds.

The Road Glide is designed for stability and comfort on long-distance tours, while the Street Glide is designed for better handling and maneuverability at lower speeds, particularly in urban areas. Both motorcycles offer ample power and torque, as well as advanced suspension and braking systems to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.

Customization

Both the Road Glide and Street Glide are popular motorcycles for customization, and Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of accessories and options for both models. Here are some common customization options for both motorcycles:

  • Paint and Graphics: Harley-Davidson offers a range of custom paint and graphic options for both the Road Glide and Street Glide, allowing riders to personalize the look of their motorcycle.
  • Exhaust Systems: Upgrading the exhaust system can improve the sound and performance of the motorcycle. There are many options available, from slip-on mufflers to full exhaust systems.
  • Handlebars: Swapping out the stock handlebars for aftermarket ones can improve rider comfort and ergonomics. There are many options available, from ape hangers to beach bars.
  • Seats: Upgrading the seat can improve rider and passenger comfort on long rides. Harley-Davidson offers a range of options, from touring seats to custom solo seats.
  • Lighting: Upgrading the lighting system can improve visibility and add a custom look to the motorcycle. There are many options available, including LED headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
  • Wheels and Tires: Custom wheels and tires can improve the look and performance of the motorcycle. Harley-Davidson offers a range of options, from chrome-spoked wheels to performance-oriented tires.
  • Engine Performance: Upgrading the engine performance can increase horsepower and torque, and improve the overall performance of the motorcycle. There are many options available, from air intake kits to high-performance exhaust systems.

Both the Road Glide and Street Glide offer plenty of customization options for riders who want to personalize their motorcycle. From cosmetic upgrades to performance enhancements, Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of accessories and options for both models.

Price and Value

Price and value are important considerations for anyone looking to purchase a motorcycle, and the Road Glide and Street Glide are no exception. Here is a comparison of their price and value:

  1. Price: The Road Glide and Street Glide are both premium motorcycles, and their price reflects that. The base price for a 2022 Road Glide starts at around $22,000, while the base price for a 2022 Street Glide starts at around $21,000. However, the price can vary depending on the model, engine size, and customization options.
  2. Value: Both the Road Glide and Street Glide offer excellent value for their price. They are both high-quality motorcycles that are built to last and offer excellent performance, comfort, and style. In addition, Harley-Davidson offers a range of warranty options and after-sales support to ensure that owners get the most value out of their motorcycle.
  3. Resale Value: Harley-Davidson motorcycles are known for their high resale value, and both the Road Glide and Street Glide are no exception. They hold their value well, making them a good investment for those who plan to sell or trade in their motorcycle in the future.
  4. Total Cost of Ownership: The total cost of ownership for a motorcycle includes factors such as fuel efficiency, maintenance, and insurance costs. Both the Road Glide and Street Glide are relatively fuel-efficient for their size and offer low maintenance costs. Insurance costs can vary depending on the rider’s age, location, and driving history, but Harley-Davidson offers competitive insurance rates for its motorcycles.

The Road Glide and Street Glide offer excellent value for their price, with high-quality construction, performance, and style. While they are premium motorcycles, they are built to last and hold their value well, making them a good investment for those who value quality and performance.

Conclusion

The Road Glide and Street Glide are two of the most popular touring motorcycles offered by Harley-Davidson, each with its own unique design, performance, customization options, and value. The Road Glide is designed for stability and comfort on long-distance tours, with a frame-mounted fairing and suspension system, while the Street Glide is designed for better handling and maneuverability at lower speeds, with a fork-mounted fairing and adjustable rear suspension.

Both motorcycles are equipped with Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight engine, which delivers ample torque and power for any riding style. Additionally, Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of customization options for both motorcycles, allowing riders to personalize their ride to their own unique style and needs.

While they are premium motorcycles with a relatively high price point, they offer excellent value in terms of quality, performance, and resale value, making them a good investment for those who want a high-end touring motorcycle that will last for years to come.

Reference Link

Reference Books

Here are some reference books on Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the Road Glide and Street Glide:

  1. “Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT Twin Cam 88 & 103 1999-2005” by Clymer Publications: This book provides a comprehensive guide to maintaining and repairing Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT Twin Cam motorcycles, including the Road Glide and Street Glide.
  2. “Harley-Davidson Touring: 1999-2010” by Clymer Publications: This book covers all Harley-Davidson Touring models, including the Road Glide and Street Glide, from 1999 to 2010, providing detailed information on maintenance, repair, and customization.
  3. “Harley-Davidson Touring Models: 2006-2008 Service Manual” by Harley-Davidson Motor Company: This is an official service manual from Harley-Davidson, covering all Touring models, including the Road Glide and Street Glide, from 2006 to 2008.
  4. “Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT Touring Series 2006-2009” by Haynes Publishing: This book provides step-by-step instructions for maintaining and repairing Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT Touring Series motorcycles, including the Road Glide and Street Glide, from 2006 to 2009.
  5. “Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT Touring Series 2010-2013” by Haynes Publishing: This book provides detailed instructions for maintaining and repairing Harley-Davidson FLH/FLT Touring Series motorcycles, including the Road Glide and Street Glide, from 2010 to 2013.