Not too firm, not to soft… about right is MCN’s view of the Wide Glide after our first ride in America. The ride is good considering the skinny 21in front wheel, raked out forks, 1715mm wheelbase all nailed to the ground with 295kg of weight (claimed dry figure). Half a point is deducted because the ‘Tommy Gun’ exhaust arrangement scrapes the road far, far too early – about the same time as the footpeg touches.
The motor is the common across the range TwinCam 96 (1584cc) air-cooled 45° lump, rubber mounted in a stiffer frame. It doesn’t lack torque and because of this the engine is real easy to use – from the moment the clutch bites the engine is so tractable in all riding conditions. Precise fuel injection and timing helps here. Power is not a key ingredient for this machine because cred and looks is what the Wide Glide is about.
Quality and reliability are two things Harley-Davidson have been riveting into its production lines for several years now. As an everyday hack it’s chrome and general plating will need a fair amount of elbow grease to keep it all mint. However, the Wide Glide uses a known engine with modern running gear around it and we know of no associated vices.
A thoroughbred Harley-Davidson custom with big gutsy motor for £10k… value indeed if you want a Harley in your life. To be fair it is a class act. Find a Harley-Davidson Dyna Glide for sale.
Insurance group: 14 of 17 – compare motorcycle insurance quotes now.
Equipment is hard to quantify on a Harley, especially on a Wide Glide where chromed parts and shiny paint, sissy bar, drag-style handlebars and black wire-spoked wheels are what make a Wide and are obviously included in the bike’s genetic make up… and price.