HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE (2017 - on) Review

As noted, the stock Dunlop tires are too squirrelly for my taste. Have Pirelli Night Dragons on order. Dunlops wearing well, but not sticky enough. The suspension is good, not exceptional. Easy adjust on both ends. I never ride two-up. Would like a bit firmer springs and is another change I'm considering. No issue with the brakes. I trust them at all speeds. Traction control and cornering ABS are standard. Stops short with NO drama.

Over the years, I've owned 103s, 107s a V-Rod and god knows what. The 117 is the best I've had. Torque, instant response, zero vibration anywhere - even in triple digits - and NO heat. Love it.

In two years and two epic road trips, not a glitch or hitch. Starts every time, everything works. Paint is flawless. Saddle bags don't leak. Handle bar buttons all work and the heated grips kick tush. Chrome is very good. Not a sport of rust - though the bike is garaged, but not pampered.

This bike with a $41,000 sticker price - you read that right - is $600-a-year less to insure than my 2019 Hayabusa. Harley's get good insurance rates in the USA.

This bike - a CVO - comes from the factory with everything and it's all top shelf. For this price tag, I'd like the electronic windscreen and suspension from my Beemer K1200GT. The fairing does a good job protecting you from the elements, but your feet get soaked.

Having replaced the front cartridges and rear units with Ohlins, the ride quality is much better but shows up the frame for its deficiencies, Having said that it surprises folk more than it doesn't for its overall performance. The brakes are up to the task, especially the rear pedal which is a linked system and used more often than the front brake when cruising as it keeps the bike level and balanced when riding smoothly. The front brake feels spongy, but brings the bike which is of considerable weight to a halt without alarm. The ABS system is faultless.

The M8 107 cu in is a great workhorse, oodles of torque and a matched power delivery to equal relaxed motorway cruising along with satisfactory acceleration, given its all up weight. Good economy all considered, (48mpg from new to date). Reliable with power where its needed, rather than the 114 which has more top end power and slightly at odds with its purpose.

You cant fault the quality from the factory, especially the paintwork which is stunning quality. I've had no corrosion anywhere, although it has been protected from new. Nothing has broken, failed or given a hint of concern.

This isn't a cheap bike to run or buy additional parts for.

Other than not having heated grips as standard on this bike (It now is on new 2021 models) its got a wealth of kit as standard which neither detracts or enhances the bike as a purchase, but is appreciated more when living with the bike. The standard Sound/Sat Nav/Media system is faultless and a great enhancement for long distances bar you have to create a ride on the Sat Nav in order to get your performance readout. It would be nice if the system actually gave you a readout after or during every ride.

Brakes are very good and cross linked front to rear. Suspension is adequate but really could be better on a bike this expensive.

Grunt, lots of lovely relaxing grunt. Perfect for touring.

Fabulously over engineered, finish is top drawer, I find it incredibly comfortable being able to do large mileages without any aches or pains. Nothing has broken, rusted or shown signs of early wear.

Its annoying you empty your wallet even more when you purchase the bike as the accessories are overpriced, over taxed on arrival in the UK and of course the dreaded VAT over the counter......£Ouch. However the bike does come with a good standard of equipment, everything works well and its reasonably thought out bar the separate indicators.....Left is Ok, but right can be a right royal pain being your throttle control as well.