HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE (2017 - on) Review
Highlights
- Proper bagger for touring in style
- One of Harley's best-sellers
- Great V-twin soundtrack
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £290 |
| Power: | 88 bhp |
| Seat height: | Low (27.0 in / 685 mm) |
| Weight: | High (829 lbs / 376 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Harley-Davidson Street Glide is a definitive ‘bagger’, with panniers and Plexiglas screen. H-D’s best-selling model gets what Harley call a major upgrade for 2017 with the introduction of the all-new, partially oil-cooled and four-valve ‘Milwaukee-Eight’ motor along with some subtle suspension tweaks.
- Latest news: 2021 Harley-Davidson models unveiled
It’s a welcome improvement and will no doubt keep the Harley faithful happy but non-devotees will struggle to notice much of a difference. Still probably THE Harley to have, though…
This bike replaced the 2010-2016 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.
During 2017 MCN ran a Harley-Davidson Street Glide on the long-term test fleet. We covered thousands of miles on it, learning about its comfort and also how easy it is to pick a bike of this size up off the floor.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineNew for 2017 were ‘big piston’ Showa forks which are claimed to deliver improved damping with both rear shocks now adjustable via a single knob on the left-hand unit. The result, again, is not radically different, but definitely more refined, assuredly plush, seemingly in control and pleasingly more easily adjustable than ever – but don’t expect a big difference.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityNow badged the ‘Milwaukee-Eight’, Harley’s traditional 45º V-twin is bigger (1745cc from 1690cc) and gets new heads featuring four-valves and either oil (as here) or liquid (on the full dressers) cooling. Torque is up a claimed 11%, power is boosted and it’s also smoother and more economical. It is punchier, smoother and better sounding, but not by as much as you might expect.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe design may be conservative and some of the engineering slightly, er, rustic (although now it’s much better than most realise) but the quality in terms of thick chrome and beautiful paint etc is as good as ever. With the new engine there has to be a slight question mark over reliability, but we’ve no reason otherwise to anticipate any concerns.
Our Harley-Davidson Street Glide owners' reviews show a happy buyer who wishes the screen was taller due to turbulence.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentHarley ownership never comes cheap and with prices starting at over £20K – or over £1000 more than the old Harley-Davidson Street Glide – that’s certainly not changed here. On a positive note, however, running costs are more affordable, the economy of the new engine is claimed to be improved and residual values are the envy of the whole motorcycle industry so what goes around comes around…
Equipment
Apart from the suspension and engine, the rest of the Street Glide is unchanged. That said, most of it was completely overhauled under the Project Rushmore revisions to Harley’s touring range in 2014 and all of it – new bodywork, uprated Brembo brakes and suspension, LED lights, and, on some models, Harley’s impressive, new touchscreen ‘Infotainment’ system – was, despite only subtly changed styling which gives an impression of status quo, a genuinely big leap forward, and the same is true now.
Specs |
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| Engine size | 1745cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | 45º pushrod V-twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel double cradle |
| Fuel capacity | 22.7 litres |
| Seat height | 685mm |
| Bike weight | 376kg |
| Front suspension | Showa big piston forks, no adjust. |
| Rear suspension | Twin rear shocks adjustable for preload. |
| Front brake | Twin discs with four-piston Brembo calipers. ABS |
| Rear brake | Single disc with twin-piston Brembo caliper. ABS |
| Front tyre size | 130/60 x 19 |
| Rear tyre size | 180/65 x 16 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £290 |
| New price | £20,695 |
| Used price | £19,900 - £20,000 |
| Insurance group |
17 of 17 How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | Two years |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 88 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 111 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 110 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
2017: New Milwaukee-Eight’ powered version introduced
Other versions
CVO special
MCN Long term test reports
MCN Fleet: Metzeler ME888s transform the Street Glide
One of my big criticisms about the Street Glide was the tyres. In the dry they were fine and if I wanted to do thousands of miles, I’m sure they’d have managed it but in the rain they were pants. The torque of that big twin meant that once it started spitting, the rear tyre would light up at a mere …
Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE (2017 - on)
2 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE (2017 - 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 STREET GLIDE (2017 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £290 |
Version: 107 Anniversary
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £299
Long range comfort (with an adjustable riders back rest, heated grips, extended screen, leg fairings and side fairings being fitted) is probably its best strength, let down by suspension which really shouldn't be on a bike of this value. Fitting Ohlins suspension sorted that out, but shouldn't have been required in my opinion.
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.
Buying experience: Bought through M&P's Swansea Dealership, I can only say I would return without equivocation. The bike is serviced through their Cardiff dealership as its much closer. I would recommend the dealerships.
Version: Standard Street Glide
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £279
Its almost necessary to change the screen to prevent as much turbulence as possible from the short standard 5" screen. Screens should be optional when a bike costs this much.
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.
Buying experience: Purchased from our local H-D dealer in Swansea - Top class experience and would recommend anyone to do likewise.
