I was absolutely ready to buy a new 2020 HD Electra Glide std or the Street glide and couldn't wait to sample the bikes, with all of their improvements over my last 1991 EG, that I owned and loved from 1991 until 1997, when I bought my first new---OMG 1997 Goldwing.

A few days ago, at the local dealer where I bought my last new Harley in 2010, I saddled up and rode both for about 10 miles each on some nice Rural roads, with some straights and lots of curves!

I was impressed by the smoothness of the M8 107 and the 6 speed trans and loved the low RPM's exhibited that makes the EG so relaxing to operate. Comfort was fantastic and the linked ABS brakes were confident inspiring!

I switched between the 2 bikes and noticed something disconcerting about the Street Glide: The overall ride was much worse than the EG std and I felt most all of the imperfections in the road as compared to the EG std that just 'glided' over the same area. (pun intended) The forks weren't as smooth on the Street Glide either, by a long shot.

We took the bikes and parked them in front of their Service entrance so their 'Master tech,' could check a few things out as in maybe the tires had 80 lbs of pressure in them or whatever. Tires were within spec but the rear shock (if you can call 2.1 inches a shock) was set at the very lowest pre-load while the EG Std I rode was set in the middle area.

I rode the Street Glide again and although better with the rear shock adjusted, it still felt harsh.

I think it is probably do to the 19 inch front rim and tire on the Street Glide---Maybe???

I had my check book out but The EG std seemed to me as better over all than the Street Glide, especially for the money. The salesman assure me that the Street Glide would be put on the lift immediately to see what the problem was, if any!

I left the dealer and called back the next morning to find out the results and was told that the EG had been stolen right from in front where we parked it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was very upset as they don't have another one now! The Street Glide is available but I'm not sure if I want it, at least the one I rode.

What say you????

Sam

 

I am sure it is mostly the 19 inch wheel. I put the front wheel front an electra glide on my SG when I first bought it 5 years ago. Huge difference

 

The EG is lighter, cheaper and will always ride better by virtue of higher profile tires. ( taller sidewall BOTH front & rear)

 

The Streetglide is lower than the Electraglides. And it all comes out of the suspension. The EGlide is close to double the suspension travel. So better ride

 

That takes brass ones to steal a bike like that. Hope they got the jerk on camera- oh hell it's probably parted out by now. Try to take another SG for a ride and see if theres a difference. The good part is you've learned which bike you DONT want.

 

If comfort is more important than looks then get the one with 13 inch shocks. I’m much happier with my 19 RGU over my old 15 RGS. Not as “cool” but much more comfy.

 

Go with the Electra Glide. That's the bike you want if you want a smooth ride.
Street Glides are lowered with lower profile tires. Rougher ride.
I'm sure they can get you another Electra Glide in ASAP if you are ready to buy.

 

the reason is not so much the 19inch front tire, but more that the street glide has 12 inch shocks standard, while the eg has 13 inch shocks standard. a lot of people will upgrade their street glide shocks with 13 inch aftermarket. with the sag set properly, you can actually get equal or lower seat height as the harley 12 inch shocks, but with a much improved ride.

 

I have a 19 SGS with the shock set toward the soft end of the scale. Stock suspension, and it rides just fine for me. A good seat, Corbin in my case, may be what makes the difference. I don't find the ride harsh at all.

 

Do they have a Roadglide in stock? Get that instead...