HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1994 - on) Review

Item: HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE
Rating: 4
Author: MCN Staff

MCN rating 4 out of 5 (4/5)

Owners' rating 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)

Harley-Davidson FXD/FXDI Dyna Super Glide motorcycle review - Riding

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£300
Power:	65 bhp
Seat height:	Low (27.1 in / 689 mm)
Weight:	High (639 lbs / 290 kg)

Prices

New £12,195

Used £6,800 - £11,000

View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes

4 out of 5 (4/5)

The Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide has long been the basic, entry level ‘Big Twin’ in Harley-Davidson's motorcycle range whether that be in 1340, 1450 or in the latest 1584, fuel-injected (the I bit) guise. As such the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is honest, straight forward and, arguably, the best value motorcycle of the bunch. Just don’t expect any frills.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine

3 out of 5 (3/5)

The Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide has a pared-down, straight-forward steel twin loop cradle with twin shock (hence the Dyna bit) rear end. Suspension and tyre sizes have been beefed up on very recent model Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glides but its still basic, old school motorcycling. It’s a predicatable, pleasant roadster motorcycle with reasonable round town comfort. No more, no less.

Engine

Next up: Reliability

3 out of 5 (3/5)

For 2007 the characteristic big old aircooled Milwaukee V-twin in the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super-Glide has been boosted to 1584cc but it’s also long been familiar in first 1340cc (1985-1998) then 1450cc (1998 to 1996) guises. It’s a thudding, flexible, heavyweight unit that reminds more of a dump truck than a motorcycle, but for many, that’s the appeal of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value

4 out of 5 (4/5)

Modern Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a reputation for being so solid it’s as if they’re made out of cast iron and with super-thick paint and metal finished – and it’s well deserved. Harley’s last forever, don’t go wrong, don’t become obsolete or depreciate, don’t go out of fashion and, with the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide, there’s even less that can go wrong in the first place…

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment

3 out of 5 (3/5)

Harley-Davidsons are never cheap, but the base model Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is better value, in our book, than most. It’s by far the cheapest of the Big Twin and find one you like, with accessories to your taste, and you won’t go wrong. Find a Harley-Davidson Super Glide for sale.

Equipment

1 out of 5 (1/5)

As the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is a base model, there’s not much to speak of. The whole idea with the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is to use it as a blank canvas for whichever Harley-Davidson accessories (and there are lots) take your personal fancy. Two wheels, an engine, a speedo and that’s about it.

Specs
Engine size	1584cc
Engine type	4v air-cooled V-twin, 5 gears
Frame type	Steel twin double cradle
Fuel capacity	18 litres
Seat height	689mm
Bike weight	290kg
Front suspension	None
Rear suspension	Preload
Front brake	Single 292mm disc
Rear brake	Single 292mm disc
Front tyre size	100/90 x 19
Rear tyre size	140/70 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance
Average fuel consumption	35 mpg
Annual road tax	£117
Annual service cost	£300
New price	£12,195
Used price	£6,800 - £11,000
Insurance group	15 of 17 How much to insure?
Warranty term	Two year unlimited mileage

Top speed & performance
Max power	65 bhp
Max torque	81 ft-lb
Top speed	115 mph
1/4 mile acceleration	13.5 secs
Tank range	135 miles

Model history & versions

Model history

1994: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide introduced.
1995: New switchgear, new frame with lopwer seat and new wire wheels.
1996: New battery box.
1997: New 9-plate clutch.
1998: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide gets new 1450cc ‘Twin Cam’ engine.
1999: Uprated brakes.
2000: Immobiliser as standard. New longer swing arm.
2001: New bullet style indicators.
2004: Replaced by new fuel injected Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide FXDI version.
2006: 35th anniversary model Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide introduced.
2006: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide gets new 1584cc engine.

Other versions

None

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1994 - on)

7 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1994 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1994 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews
Overall rating:	4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Ride quality & brakes:	3.6 out of 5 (3.6/5)
Engine:	4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality:	4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals:	4 out of 5 (4/5)
Equipment:	3.9 out of 5 (3.9/5)
Annual servicing cost:	£300

4 out of 5 harley davidson superglide

25 March 2024 by rodney spencer

Version: custom

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £200

you need to make an effort to be on top of maintenance

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

crap on are crap roads

Engine 5 out of 5

so easy to ride serious mid range

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

depends how your mechanical knowledge is

Equipment 4 out of 5

none you make your own superglide

Buying experience: got from a great shop in melton mowbray fast track cheers lads

4 out of 5 Gliding along on my Street Glide.

20 November 2020 by Harleyboy

Version: 107 Anniversary

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £400

Very comfortable long distance cruiser with a host of standard equipment, sadly let down by suspension which is more often changed by all owners.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I replaced all my suspension with Ohlins and it made a vast improvement to the ride along with Michelin Radial tyres.

Engine 5 out of 5

Fabulously torquey engine, there is no question its a heavy bike but then again it can make good progress at a speed others are amazed at, in total safety and comfort. It also has excellent economy, often in the low 50's and high 40's when pushing it.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Nothing has broken or failed in any respect.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Its not cheap, but the most cost is made up of labour.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Fantastic standard equipment provided.

Buying experience: Supplied through my local H-D dealer at Swansea, its my second from them and both times you were made to feel special with the friendliness and professionalism of the staff.

4 out of 5 Smooth relaxing comfortable Tourer

25 April 2020 by harleyboy

Year: 2019

Annual servicing cost: £297

If you could tailor make the wind resistance via the windscreen to suit your size at the dealership prior to sale to avoid costs after purchasing this motorcycle, it would be perfect.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Suspension is not up to the poor standards of our roads, not the fault of the manufacturer, but it would be nice if they catered for differing standards of bitumen in each country. On a smooth motorway, its absolutely fine.

Engine 5 out of 5

Grunt by the bucket load, its like driving a large diesel engine, ride the torque.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

It pays if you are able to wield a set of spanners yourself.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Buying experience: Bought at Swansea Harley Davidson, excellent service by knowledgeable staff who go out of their way to cater for your needs.

4 out of 5 FXDX REVIEW

19 September 2016 by RON RAWSON

Year: 2004

BIKE IS TOP HEAVY AND WILL FALL ON YOU IF TURNING TOO SHARP AT LOW SPEEDS

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

BIKE HANDLES WELL ON HIGHWAY AND DECENT IN THE CITY, YOU CAN RIDE ALL DAY IN RELATIVE COMFORT AND CRUSES WELL AT 65-70

Engine 4 out of 5

ENGINE IS EXCELLENT, TWIN CAMS MAKE IT PERFORM WELL AT ACCELERATION.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

EXCELLENT ENGINE , NO ENGINE NOISES WITH 39,000 MILES

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

NOT GREAT ON GAS

Equipment 4 out of 5

FAVORITE FEATURE IS THE GAS GAUGE. I PUT RIDER PEGS ON BIKE AND MINI FLOORBOARD PEGS, MAKES RIDING MORE COMFORTABLE

Buying experience: I BOUGHT BIKE FOR $5,000 WITH 5000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT FROM AN INDIVIDUAL.

5 out of 5 Great Custom Cruiser

21 May 2016 by Paddy

Version: FXDC

Year: 2014

Annual servicing cost: £230

Pros: Always a head turner with the general public. The sound is awesome. It's a Harley! Come on what's not to love. Could pull a train it has that much torque. Endless modification and custom options. Holds value better than most other bikes. Cons: Low standard pipes grind easy. Petrol stations will know you on a first name basis. Not really accustomed to British weather for all-year-round riding, you just need to keep on top of cleaning and drying after lots of rain or they look very scruffy very quick.

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Front brake doesn't inspire confidence, but then it is a Harley and you can upgrade to dual discs on the front by using Fatbob parts and a little modification. It makes you stay awake in the wet.. which you should be any way. Rear brake excellent. 2014 ABS model.

Engine 5 out of 5

Pulls like a train. It's no slouch of traffic lights with the 103cu, though the stage 1 helps.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Fuel costs are high, but then I do have stage 1 tune and fuel map 3 on a 1690 103cu

Equipment 5 out of 5

Endless options. Definitely aim for a Stage 1 tuned model, with open air filter, after market pipes (Vance and Hines) and Fuel Pack 3 (V+H also) to squeeze plenty of suck and bang, other than that it's all personal preference (and your budget)

Buying experience: Bought second-hand from a dealer for £10,000. Came with lots of extras. It was very easy to get used to riding. I came from a 750 to this and it felt more natural than a lot of Japanese models that I have ridden.

4 out of 5 My fxdc

25 June 2015 by Max slatter

Version: Super glide custom

Year: 2007

Annual servicing cost: £350

Such a great cruising kick back and ride bike, although the brakes aren't to great

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Very smooth, the brakes arent great.

Engine 4 out of 5

Nice and smooth fairly responsive, even better once the stage 1 was complete.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Most of the standars bolts and exhaust brackets have gained rust, i have found this the only problem.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Very resonable £16 to fill and gets around 150miles

Equipment 1 out of 5

Standard harley savidson dunlopes are aweful. I find them rpck hard and very hard to warm up and softern. A straight swap to avon venoms and the bike handles and grips as well as i feel it can

Buying experience: Brought from black bear newmarket for £9000 absolute pleasure to deal with and over the moon woth the bike.

5 out of 5 Worries born agains!

18 January 2008 by moorepitz

My second Harley. I've returned to traditional looks agai after a few years of GSX, GSF, Triumph 900 bikes. The Harley does it All! It may not have 120+ top speed but the accelleration can still catch out a few folk. The Handling is fine, just be prepared to leave lots of sparks and metal if you use it all. I've haf my Glide one and a half years, I've done 14000 miles. It still looks good & had no problems. It just needs a bit of care when used in the winter (Lots of FS365 does the trick) I'll be keeping this for years.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Engine 5 out of 5

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Equipment 3 out of 5