Harley-Davidson Street Glide

At 2.41 m long, 975 mm wide and 368 kg ready to ride, the Street Glide obviously does not go unnoticed. Its new design nonetheless preserves the model’s identity perfectly. The Batwing fairing has been redrawn using aerodynamic simulations to improve airflow around the rider and reduce turbulence at helmet level. That is particularly relevant work on a machine intended to cover long distances. The plastic side cases reinforce its rugged look and underline its vocation for journeys of any length. The all-LED lighting now blends more harmoniously into the bodywork, while the cast aluminium wheels visually lighten the whole. The main change, though, sits in front of the rider. The traditional instruments give way to a 312 mm TFT screen, or 12.3 inches. Integrated into the fairing, it brings together riding information, navigation, multimedia and the various settings of the motorcycle. The Skyline OS system supports Bluetooth connection and the use of Apple CarPlay. All these functions are easy to reach thanks to the controls on either side of the handlebar, which makes them simple to use on the move. The touchscreen completes the ergonomics, offering intuitive and rapid navigation between menus.

A Milwaukee-Eight 117 built for torque

The Street Glide remains faithful to the legendary 45-degree V-twin, but now adopts the new 1,923 cc Milwaukee-Eight 117. With a bore of 103.5 mm and a stroke of 114.3 mm, this long-stroke architecture naturally favours low and mid-range torque over high-revving power. That choice fits the machine’s Grand Touring vocation perfectly. The V-twin develops 107 hp at 5,020 rpm and, above all, an impressive 175 Nm available from 3,500 rpm. Given the 368 kg on the scales, that mechanical availability is a genuine asset. Pick-up is decisive, overtaking takes no effort and the engine pulls with remarkable ease, even loaded or two-up. Its smoothness also allows you to ride on a whiff of throttle at very low revs, in complete serenity.

The Milwaukee-Eight 117 features sequential electronic fuel injection and a compression ratio of 10.3:1. One of the major developments concerns liquid cooling of the cylinder heads. This technology improves temperature control around the combustion chambers, guaranteeing more consistent performance under heavy demand while optimising efficiency and the rider’s thermal comfort. Transmission is handled by a carefully spaced six-speed gearbox. The top ratios keep engine speed down on the motorway, reducing vibration, noise levels and fuel consumption. Harley-Davidson quotes an average of 6.0 l/100 km on the homologation cycle. During our week-long test we even recorded consumption of just 5.0 l/100 km, a particularly remarkable figure for a motorcycle of this capacity and size. Combined with the 22.7-litre tank, that frugality allows a range comfortably beyond 400 kilometres, an undeniable asset on long journeys.

Finally, it is impossible not to mention this V-twin’s sound signature. Our test bike was fitted with a Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde valved exhaust, which enhances the characteristic beat of the Milwaukee-Eight. Deep, full and perfectly controlled, that sound delivers real emotion with every acceleration and contributes fully to the unique character of the Street Glide.

A chassis sized for travel

With a wheelbase of 1,625 mm, 170 mm of trail and a rake of 26 degrees, the Street Glide naturally prioritises stability. The 19-inch front wheel carries a 130/60R19 tyre, while the rear runs a 180/55R18. Front suspension is by a 49 mm fork with dual-bending valves. At the rear, the two emulsion shock absorbers offer preload adjustment and 76.2 mm of travel. That is an important feature on a touring machine, where the load can vary considerably between riding solo and travelling two-up with luggage.

Braking is handled by two floating discs at the front with four-piston calipers, and a single rear disc. The package is completed by particularly well-developed electronics.

The Street Glide benefits from the latest Cornering rider aids, able to adapt their operation when the motorcycle is leaned over in a bend. Cornering ABS (C-ABS) optimises ABS intervention according to lean angle in order to preserve stability under braking. Cornering Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB) automatically distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels to deliver more balanced stopping, while the Cornering Traction Control System (C-TCS) adjusts traction control to limit rear wheel spin under acceleration. Finally, the Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS) intervenes when decelerating or downshifting, regulating engine braking to prevent the rear wheel locking or losing grip.

On the road, the weight is soon forgotten

The first manoeuvres are an immediate reminder of the machine’s 368 kg. At low speed you have to anticipate and avoid abrupt inputs. The seat, set 715 mm from the ground, nonetheless makes manoeuvring easier and allows you to build confidence quickly. Once under way, the Street Glide changes character completely. Its wheelbase and low centre of gravity give it excellent stability, particularly on the motorway. The weight then becomes almost secondary and the bike proves surprisingly natural to steer.

The Milwaukee-Eight 117 contributes a great deal to that impression. There is no need to chase revs: the engine delivers its torque forcefully from mid-range. A simple twist of the throttle is enough to drive the machine on effectively. On winding roads, the Street Glide demands more anticipation than a lighter motorcycle, but it remains precise and predictable. Its territory is clearly not the sporting charge, but rather a brisk and comfortable pace over long distances. It is on the motorway that its imposing fairing makes complete sense. The aerodynamic work reduces turbulence and protects the rider effectively. The riding position and general comfort make it possible to string kilometres together without excessive fatigue.

A Harley still true to itself

The new Street Glide ultimately pulls off a delicate exercise: modernising a motorcycle thoroughly without losing its identity. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 retains the character of the big American V-twin, while liquid cooling improves its thermal control. The chassis remains geared towards travel, but benefits from more sophisticated suspension and electronics. And facing the rider, the enormous TFT screen brings an entirely new technological dimension.

With 107 hp, 175 Nm and a 22.7-litre tank, the Street Glide is not a machine designed to break records. It is built to travel, for a long time and in comfort, with that unique blend of presence, torque and sound that characterises Harley-Davidson. The recipe evolves, then, but the essentials remain. The Street Glide is still a true American Grand Touring machine, simply more modern, more comfortable and above all far more technological. The Harley-Davidson Street Glide 2026 is available from €32,195.