Pleasant surprise... Harley Street Glide

[CajunRider]

So, back in about 2004, I rode a Harley (rubber mounted 88 engine).  The engine was vibey... the suspension was horrible... the handling sucked... my feet worked better than the brakes for stopping the thing...

To say the least, I HATED it. And thusly haven't touched a Harley since... until yesterday.    

Yep... I done did it.  I test rode a 2014 Street Glide with the 103 engine.  A friend at work just bought one and twisted my arm to go take it for a run.  I mean he REALLY twisted my arm!! He went so far as to offer once and hand me the key when I calmly said "OK"!!   

All I can say is HOLEY CRAP!!!  What a difference!!!  I don't know what HD did, but EVERYTHING about the bike was FAR better than the 2004! 

Seating & Handling:

From the start, it's just comfortable.  The floor boards are a bit forward, but no so much that you feel like you're sitting in a gyno chair.  They are actually in a pretty good position.  The big wide bars make handling quite easy while the factory position makes for a nice upright seating position. 

Once moving (anything above 10 or 15 mph), the handling gets nice and smooth (except for the rattle can engine    More on that later).  Now... Louisiana doesn't exactly have any canyon roads, but I did follow a Bayou road for a few miles to find a curve or two.  Being that it wasn't mine, I didn't want to dig into turns too much, but for easy riding it handled the curves fine.  I would have to push it much harder to see if it can stand up to the Valk. 

Transitions (left/right/left/etc...) were easy enough.  Much better than expected from a Harley.  It was almost as easy as the Valkyrie!  I'd expect the weight distribution is a slight hindrance there. 

The ABS brakes were nice.  I'm not sure if they were linked or not, but I felt comfortable dragging the rear brake while making slow speed maneuvers.  Of course, the V-Twin engine is a bit more top heavy, so I had to be a bit more mindful during slow speeds, but over-all it wasn't bad when compared to other V-Twins. 

The Engine (BIG surprise here):

Being an FI system, the engine sprang to life quite quickly and easily with that standard Harley Shake & Rattle.  This is one area where I always cringe... and that shake & rattle at speed always drove me nuts.  However, get those two big lumps of pistons moving faster than 2000 RPM and the engine smooths out, almost completely.    

Yes... I'm telling the truth here... I promise... Cross my heart...     

Between 2000 & 3000 RPM the engine is actually REALLY smooth!!!  And since the 6-speed transmission puts that range at about 60-80 mph in top gear, MOST of you riding will be in the sweet spot.  A little bit of vibe comes back into play at higher RPMs, but that doesn't get annoying since it's only a short time.  Unfortunately, at some point you have to slow down and stop.  Then you're back at idle with the shaking.  But, as long as you're not stuck in a traffic jam this probably won't be too bad.

Power was pretty decent.  I still think the Valkyrie revs out much better, but the 105 does have gobs of torque across the entire RPM range.  It almost has a diesel like pull... not arm ripping, but a hard, steady pull.  Plenty of power for touring or cruising with the added benefit of being a very relaxed feel. 

Conclusion:

It's no Valkyrie, but it IS a very nice bike... MUCH better than what I remembered 10 years ago.  If you've ever wanted a Harley, it may well be worth a test ride. 

In fact, I'm gonna let the wife sit on the passenger seat one day to see if she likes it.  She's been hinting at wanting a luxury tourer instead of the Valk standard for cross country duty. 

I now return you to your standard programming....   

[Bighead]

Not gonna argue with anything you said I HAD  a 2010 Street Glide and liked it. My only problem with it is it was a tad underpowered (compared to what I have grown accustom) and traveling two up with my wife just a bit cramped. When riding solo it was great handled very well and enough room.

[mike4sho]

They look really good too.  My favorite Harley, but don't think I'd spend the $$ for one.  I rented one in Hawaii back in 2012.  Couldn't really go fast since the island didn't really have any freeways.  It was fun, but it didn't 'wow' me.  Thanks for sharing your experience.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

DO no let the wife set on that Harley.

You will be forking out some dough.

They don't call them Milwaukee Vibrators for nothing.

In 2010 they installed a thing in the primary called Turbo Gear Ratio.

You will not find this in Harley parts manual.

American Iron put it in one small article. This is so even smaller than some V-Twins, it will pull

harder in any Gear. My 2013 has this and I can lug the beast all the way down to 45mph in 6th and

now

with this advantage, just roll on the throttle. With no objection from the motor at all.

I have modified mine a little, just a little bit. Cost was a pair of slip on mufflers and Lucky 13 doing

some

welding on the header.

It no longer feels like a V-Twin on the Interstate and Highways.

[CajunRider]

DO no let the wife set on that Harley.

You will be forking out some dough.

She sat on one today.  She did like it. 

Then she saw the price and said "Damn, let's just get a Goldwing".    

I think I'm gonna try to talk her into the F6B... we'll see what info we can get at the Honda dealer next week. 

[T-Bird]

I was at the local harley store today, and looked at the new street glides. I liked everything about them, but that $27K price. 
If I buy a new bike it would be the new valk or F6B

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I was at the local harley store today, and looked at the new street glides. I liked everything about them, but that $27K price. 
If I buy a new bike it would be the new valk or F6B

Same here Terry if it didn't come with payments I'd have a nice F6B already and I must add the new Valkyrie is kinda growing on me.

[WNGD]

Not sure if the SG ergos have changed since last year but they are entirely too cramped for anyone over 5'11" imo. I prefer the Valk or VTX 1800

[Tropic traveler]

DO no let the wife set on that Harley.

You will be forking out some dough.

She sat on one today.  She did like it. 

Then she saw the price and said "Damn, let's just get a Goldwing".    

I think I'm gonna try to talk her into the F6B... we'll see what info we can get at the Honda dealer next week. 

I second the motion to try out the F6B.
I have a feeling all thoughts of the Harley will be gone given your flat six experiences! 

[SANDMAN5]

I rode a Heritage with the 103. Ok engine, MUCH better than the 88!! Didn't
like the bike overall. Felt like a toy. Wouln't trade my Valk for one.
(It's already been in the shop once...electrical problems)

[Skinhead]

I rented an ultrglide classic a few years ago in NM and rode it through Colorado.  The things I liked were the stereo, the gas mileage, and the storage.  I didn't like the price, required premium, too small, too slow.  But it was fun and a nice change.  I'd love to get one of my Valks out west for a month or two.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

20,399, Starting Price on the Street Glide. MSRP which can be beat easily due to Obama's Economy.

Too small for me as well, Just Slap a Harley Tall Boy, seat on it. For 275$.

Harley is one of the most hated and misunderstood motorcycles in the world.

Also a top seller, go figure.

The link will give you the real price, and Black Bear Harley in Wytheville, Virginia will give you a much

better price.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/motorcycles/2014-motorcycles/touring/street-glide.html

Here is the Dealer.

http://www.blackbearhd.com/

[shortleg]

   I have 2007 Street Glide, and have to tell you that for what it is I love it.
Being only 5 foot 6 inches it fits me fine.
   The cruise control and the way it fits my small self are great.
That being said the new Valk F6b with cruse control would have both the
old Valk and the Haley gone in the wind.
          Shortleg[Dave]

[Jess Tolbirt]

I rode a Heritage with the 103. Ok engine, MUCH better than the 88!! Didn't
like the bike overall. Felt like a toy. Wouln't trade my Valk for one.
(It's already been in the shop once...electrical problems)

you wouldnt trade your 6000 dollar valk for an 18,000 dollar heritage? you could sell the harley and buy 3 valks,,

[signart]

20,399, Starting Price on the Street Glide. MSRP which can be beat easily due to Obama's Economy.

Too small for me as well, Just Slap a Harley Tall Boy, seat on it. For 275$.

Harley is one of the most hated and misunderstood motorcycles in the world.

Also a top seller, go figure.

The link will give you the real price, and Black Bear Harley in Wytheville, Virginia will give you a much

better price.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/content/h-d/en_US/home/motorcycles/2014-motorcycles/touring/street-glide.html

Here is the Dealer.

http://www.blackbearhd.com/

Top Seller? Got any proof of that? Didn't think so. Not even in the top ten.

[Jess Tolbirt]

In America, Honda also does quite well with 153,000 bikes sold.
http://www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com/news/read-more-news/the-worlds-best-selling-motorcycle-company-is


Top-Selling Motorcycles in US in 2013: Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special and Breakout
http://blog.motorcycle.com/2014/04/22/manufacturers/harley-davidson/top-selling-motorcycles-us-2013-harley-davidson-street-glide-special-breakout/

[signart]

Worldwide, Honda sold 15.5 million in 2012. The most in the world. Harley sold about a 190,000 the same year, not close.
Biggest selling motorcycle in the world is Honda Super Cub, over 60 million and counting.

[Jess Tolbirt]

Worldwide, Honda sold 15.5 million in 2012. The most in the world. Harley sold about a 190,000 the same year, not close.
Biggest selling motorcycle in the world is Honda Super Cub, over 60 million and counting.

honda sold 153 thousand in the USA.. the rest were sold over seas...
guess what? we dont live over seas...

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Worldwide, Honda sold 15.5 million in 2012. The most in the world. Harley sold about a 190,000 the same year, not close.
Biggest selling motorcycle in the world is Honda Super Cub, over 60 million and counting.

If you are talking Mo-Peds then you are probably right.

I don't consider mo-peds touring bikes.

Do you?

So Harley does out sale according to Jess's Data.

You are wrong Signart. But Hell what does it matter. Just a fact Jack.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Facts usually trip up those with prejudice in the their heart.

Sorry, we all have a little.

Prejudice that is. Just the way the Good Lord made us.

We get to choose what we love.

He will not choose it for us.

Thanks.

[Willow]

...
Harley is one of the most hated and misunderstood motorcycles in the world.

Also a top seller, go figure.
...

Al, I'm pretty sure you referenced the world there and didn't say anything about touring bikes.

Facts are often misrepresented and often the misrepresenatations involve an intellectual flaw.

My observation is that people who speak most often of prejudice are those who are awash in their own version of it.

[SANDMAN5]

you wouldnt trade your 6000 dollar valk for an 18,000 dollar heritage? you could sell the harley and buy 3 valks,,

While that is true, I meant (and should have said) I wouldn't make that trade
from a riding perspective. I've said many times that if someone gave me a
harley, the first thing I'd put on it is a For Sale sign. Some people like'em and
that's fine. I'm not one of those people.

[Bighead]

Why does this always become a pissing contest? I don't get it ride what you like if you don't like what what the other guy rides fine but don't judge a person by who rides what.  If you do you may need to take a look at what stares back at you in the mirror.

[signart]

I think this is a motorcycle thread, didn't see anyone judging anybody. Can't judge motorcycles here of all things? Just a discussion on facts and differences of how they are presented or perceived.
That's a nice lookin' Harley right there!

Kidding aside, I love it.

[jimmytee]

Harley is one of the most hated and misunderstood motorcycles in the world.

Just how do you qualify that statement? I mean really? Most Hated and Maligned?  Anyone who has ridden anything anything other than Harley , especially any from the big four Japanese Companies, have put up with crap for decades. If you want and like Harleys that's fine, but until they make something other than a V twin ( they won't) they bore the hell out of me. Hey look at me, I  overspent and only got two cylinders , but I've got matching clothes and fit into the "Rebel" crowd.   I bit my tongue just yesterday listening to some guys BS about "Real" motorcycles are HD. Give me a break. The idea that Harleys are SO misunderstood and hated is just plain silly. IMNSHO

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Answering all questions with this.

The Poster talked about a Street Glide a TOURING motorcycle.

The root of the Post was a Street Glide Harley. One poster inflated the price by 7,500 at least.

Another question was looked at, a top seller, Jess established as an American Brand, Street Glide  

and

one other Harley, sold the most in America in 2013. That pretty much proves that.

Prejudice, meaning it is preferred over all others, as I like Blue People the Best. I would be putting

Blue People above all others as my favorite. SO I would be  blue bigoted.

What you lean toward as a judge could be prejudiced towards the defendant and that would be

wrong.

SO what you prefer you will defend. Or in other words prejudiced towards Honda.

I like Honda's the best. All others suck, so you would be a Honda Bigot.

Simple. My facts were right, Ya'll are from your experiences Prejudiced against Harleys in the

fact If I gave you a Harley you don't like it so you would be inclined to sell it 1st thing.

Don't ever leave out a chance for bashing your board members.

Such as From Willow above. A quote.

Facts are often misrepresented and often the misrepresenatations involve an intellectual flaw.

By the way you misspelled misrepresentation.


Harley is one of the most hated and misunderstood motorcycles in the world.

Yes World was mentioned, but I did not say best seller in the world.

Never been talked to by a white man like this before. He sure is a lucky man, as I like ole Willow.

Really I like everybody, that kind of throws people off their game of how the world works. As

most people want vengeance when they are wronged. Not me I understand the world.

Don't trade Curse for Curse and you will win the Lord's favor in doing that.

Curse returns to the Curser. Spiritual battles are won in this fashion. Live and learn.

[Bighead]

I think this is a motorcycle thread, didn't see anyone judging anybody. Can't judge motorcycles here of all things? Just a discussion on facts and differences of how they are presented or perceived.
That's a nice lookin' Harley right there!

Kidding aside, I love it.

The folks down talking each other's bike is judging! I can post some pics of my Harley if you want me to. The only thing that is getting me here is some won't accept a man and his choice to ride and believe what he wants. What do sales facts or anything else sated in this thread have to do with a mans experience riding a Street Glide for the first time?
IMHO if you only have a negative about someone's choice or another brand of MC keep it to yourself.
Same thing applies with the New Valkyrie some will not accept it even though it is made by the same that made our beloved phat girls,that said some like it some don't and never will but does that make it an inferior machine? NO sez I. To each his own.
Nearly everyone I ride with ride Harley's and I too have ridden Harley's with them but none have ever had anything negative to say when I ride my valk in the pack, don't know whether they know I will stay in the saddle longer than them or what but other than friendly joking never has been an issue and if it becomes one their loss.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

As the owner of 9 new motorcycles in the last 9 and 1/2 years.

As I bought a Tourer with 2700 miles on it and sold it with 10,000.

As I bought a Interstate with 57,000 on it and sold it with 68,000 on it.

I have found what I want to ride for good most likely.

Did not arrive at it without much thought and reflection.

I like the Valkyrie, have lots of friends that ride them, I ride with them often.

No problems from me. I get all kinds of questions from non-Harley owners, I like being able

to answer most of them. Without Google.

But a Good Harley bashing I love to get involved in. I will apologize for that. But that is all.

[Bighead]

My post wasn't directed at you Al but to both sides that hate on the other side. I could give a tinkers damn whether anyone likes what I ride! I paid for it and will ride  it with head held high(and that goes for the Street Glide I had) I love to ride period

[Popeye]

Bikers have enough to contend with from the 4 wheel crowd.    Like someone  else said, I don't give a damn what you ride, just ride.

Thank you Cajunrider for your post. 

[Big Al of Tennessee]

My post wasn't directed at you Al but to both sides that hate on the other side. I could give a tinkers damn whether anyone likes what I ride! I paid for it and will ride  it with head held high(and that goes for the Street Glide I had) I love to ride period

I know that, your post was General.

I was staking out my position of I like to answer the Harley side of the debate.

I mean no harm. This is just a fun board to be on. I like it here.

Tried to leave. Just came back, it is addictive man.

Help I need Help. Not Really.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

I care what you ride.

If I am riding around you, I want your bike to be in good mechanical shape.

If you have this going for you, it's a big plus.

[Bighead]

Bikers have enough to contend with from the 4 wheel crowd.    Like someone  else said, I don't give a damn what you ride, just ride.

Thank you Cajunrider for your post. 

Yeah that was me
Al I can't wait til we can share some wind

[signart]

I think this is a motorcycle thread, didn't see anyone judging anybody. Can't judge motorcycles here of all things? Just a discussion on facts and differences of how they are presented or perceived.
That's a nice lookin' Harley right there!

Kidding aside, I love it.

The folks down talking each other's bike is judging! I can post some pics of my Harley if you want me to. The only thing that is getting me here is some won't accept a man and his choice to ride and believe what he wants. What do sales facts or anything else sated in this thread have to do with a mans experience riding a Street Glide for the first time?
IMHO if you only have a negative about someone's choice or another brand of MC keep it to yourself.
Same thing applies with the New Valkyrie some will not accept it even though it is made by the same that made our beloved phat girls,that said some like it some don't and never will but does that make it an inferior machine? NO sez I. To each his own.
Nearly everyone I ride with ride Harley's and I too have ridden Harley's with them but none have ever had anything negative to say when I ride my valk in the pack, don't know whether they know I will stay in the saddle longer than them or what but other than friendly joking never has been an issue and if it becomes one their loss.

Original poster make a judgment on their experience with a motorcycle. Someone else makes a generalized claim about worldwide sales of a particular brand. Try to keep up with what my original response was actually referring to. Then you chimed in claiming someone was judging another person for what they ride, which no one did. Next you say someone said something about someone's choice of motorcycle, which no one did. This thread started about judging motorcycles period.  Most of the talk on this forum is about judging the merits good or bad about motorcycles, other than politics. If your motorcycle or anybody else's motorcycle is actually offended, looks like someone is just looking for pissing contest as you put it.
I didn't talk down anyone else's bike in this thread, nor did I ever talk down anybody here.
Some people just look for something to be offended about, where there is none. I agree 100%. ride what you want. For me, I'll just ride the best.

[Bighead]

Ok sounds like you just want to argue about something. I won't go there , when all folks say something negative about some one else's bike or brand yes they are judging and I won't respond again.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Answering all questions with this.

The Poster talked about a Street Glide a TOURING motorcycle.

The root of the Post was a Street Glide Harley. One poster inflated the price by 7,500 at least.

Another question was looked at, a top seller, Jess established as an American Brand, Street Glide  

and

one other Harley, sold the most in America in 2013. That pretty much proves that.

Prejudice, meaning it is preferred over all others, as I like Blue People the Best. I would be putting

Blue People above all others as my favorite. SO I would be  blue bigoted.

What you lean toward as a judge could be prejudiced towards the defendant and that would be

wrong.

SO what you prefer you will defend. Or in other words prejudiced towards Honda.

I like Honda's the best. All others suck, so you would be a Honda Bigot.

Simple. My facts were right, Ya'll are from your experiences Prejudiced against Harleys in the

fact If I gave you a Harley you don't like it so you would be inclined to sell it 1st thing.

Don't ever leave out a chance for bashing your board members.

Such as From Willow above. A quote.

Facts are often misrepresented and often the misrepresenatations involve an intellectual flaw.

By the way you misspelled misrepresentation.


Harley is one of the most hated and misunderstood motorcycles in the world.

Yes World was mentioned, but I did not say best seller in the world.

Never been talked to by a white man like this before. He sure is a lucky man, as I like ole Willow.

Really I like everybody, that kind of throws people off their game of how the world works. As

most people want vengeance when they are wronged. Not me I understand the world.

Don't trade Curse for Curse and you will win the Lord's favor in doing that.

Curse returns to the Curser. Spiritual battles are won in this fashion. Live and learn.

Al I don't worry about your love of different motorcycles .But I'm curious about your statement that you've never been talked to like that by a white man. Does that mean black men talk to you like that? And do you feel disrespected because he pointed out some discrepancies in your statements?

[Jess Tolbirt]

hold on guys!!! gotta go make some pop corn..

[signart]

Ok sounds like you just want to argue about something. I won't go there , when all folks say something negative about some one else's bike or brand yes they are judging and I won't respond again.

This will be all from me too: I did not have sex with that wo... No wait.
I did not say anything negative about anyone's brand or anyone's motorcycle.

I just pointed out the fact that Honda is the biggest selling motorcycle in the world. Everyone already knows that.

If it makes everyone offended by that feel better, I offer this: Honda is NOT the biggest selling motorcycle in the world, Harley Davidson is. I wish I had a Harley so I didn't have to ride an old Honda. Now I have to go over to my SOHC 750 forum and let them know. 

That's the best apology I can offer for something I did not do.

[Ghost]

Why does this always become a pissing contest? I don't get it ride what you like if you don't like what what the other guy rides fine but don't judge a person by who rides what.  If you do you may need to take a look at what stares back at you in the mirror.

[jdp]

well well well,i am a harley tech for the presidential motor unit and this is all i have to say,you cant beat the look of the harleys and they really know how to brain wash the public but as far as building a bike that will last 200-300 thousand miles well its not there yet, and if you really knew how the inside of the motors are  you probaly wont want to go very far, up to 2013  big twin models they have a 2 part crank that the run out is so bad that the cam shoes were wearing out quick,and there are alot of other issues the public doesnt know about but should anyway its all in what you want,like,or can afford, look at the HD dealers open all the time always are having an open house with entertainment and food then look at the other type dealers,most of them look closed most of the time, i like and own all types bikes but i never have enjoyed riding as much as i do sence i got the valkyrie almost 100 thousand miles with no problems at all it is i think the best bike out there along with that ugly thing you call a goldwing (just joking, dont get pissed you wingers)the  new HD that are water cooled only cools the head,wait a few years and they will get it together but until then ride on my brothers no matter what is