I did it, '13 upgraded to '14
#1
08-28-2013 | 06:44 PM
I did it, '13 upgraded to '14
I only had my 2013 Street Glide for 2 months and already had logged nearly 6000 miles on it. BUT after reading all the specs on the 2014 and reading ALL the comments here at HDForums.com I decided to make the trip over to my local HD dealer and see for myself.
Needless to say the 23 mile test ride sold me on doing the upgrade. Being a repeat customer there I actually got full value for my 2013 plus a deep discount on the 2014 so I got a really good deal. I believe the upgrade to be well worth it. I now look at the 2013 as nothing more than a borrowed bike that I was able to do three big rides on, one being to Sturgis, and logged many miles at no cost to my bottom line.
Other than the extensive upgrades I did to the SG that the dealership is allowing me to remove to bring the '13 back to stock level this turned out the be a helluva no brainer upgrade.
Of course this is all my opinion and as we all know we all have our own. I been riding 30 years so I'm from the old school, but love technology and implementing into the '14 all these improvements made the decision easy enough for me. Might not be for many or anyone not interested in "testing" HD's new stuff. But for me I was game and the following led me to make this decision. To each his own and I would recommend seeing the bike(s) yourself and test riding them to see if that fits your needs, wants and desires as the '14 test ride did for me.
Why you may be asking would I trade in a 2 month old SG for a '14 "new" SG? I obviously ride as nearly 6000 miles in those two months can attest so there are things I was looking for and the posts here at HDForums.com gave me a list of what to look for on my visit at HD dealership today.
1. Well the hydraulic clutch feels like it activates easily and quickly no matter what speed nor what gear I am in. Feels solid.
2. The gears shown on the display are a nice plus, no more wondering what gear I am in if not 1st or 6th.
3. The useless air temperature and oil pressure no longer are in my face and annoying me as to their usefulness. Air was always off by 10-20 degrees while the oil pressure always made me wonder if there was a problem, even though one never existed. Still there in the infotainment center if you want to know but not in a gauge in your face as before. The voltage is nice if you have many accessories hooked up but I personally would rather have an engine temperature gauge as in Vegas the engines can overheat really quickly and for me that would be more valuable information. But again, to each his own, I can live with the voltage until I find an engine temp gauge instead, if there is even one available. That I don't know.
4. The upgrade to 49mm from 41mm on the front end makes the bike feel as nymble as my '09 Dyna Fat Bob felt. Now the bike doesn't feel like it wants to go down at slow speed, tight turns. The bike wants to actually feels 90%+ like my Dyna Fat Bob did, light and nimble. It's actually rather amazing and that was a huge selling factor.
5. The saddle bag latch upgrade is HUGE. So much easier to open and close the bags with a single hand and what I noticed most was the clips the pins fit into is now covered to eliminate the ability for a thief to quickly remove bags with nothing more than a screwdriver. Here in Vegas there was a rash of thefts of bags done in seconds because of this glaring oversight on HD's part. That cannot be done any longer at that clip for the pin is completely enclosed.
6. The model I bought is the FLHXS or Street Glide Special edition with the 6.5" infotainment center and the CVO shocks. No more hand pump needed to adjust the air pressure, it is simple hand dial behind the left side bag. I never bought the hand pump so I never adjusted nor even checked what the PSI was as it seemed to much a hassle, I actually was ready to buy a Legend Air ride to replace that antiquated method but glad now that I didn't. The **** adjustment is simple and effective. I was told that there is a compression and rebound adjustment like the Platinum Air Suspension but I did not see it so that will be a definite look into, if so that makes these shocks much, much better than simple PSI fillup.
7. The hand controls are a little to get used to but on top of the left hand grip is the odometer reset allowing for quick viewing of that data. No more reaching to the fairing to change the view.
8. The cruise on/off is on the left side so no more reaching over with my left hand to turn on/off the cruise nor activate the cruise which was simply a poor design. This is far more efficient and simple to use without removing hands from the bars.
9. The joy stick on both grips is easily usable with full gloves or fingerless, makes no difference. Anyone who has ever used a game console will find these simple to use and very useful. Nearly all functions that can be done on the screen can be done on these controls. Well thought out. Will take time for most to get used to but once you are it will be second nature.
10. Linked brakes are GREAT. Hitting front or back brakes evenly spreads the braking power between both brakes over 20mph. Tried it on the freeway with perfect results. No front end dip, no rear end lock or fish tail. This system is far more reliable and trustworthy than previous ABS as I always felt the ABS was just to sensitive. No more, this setup works great. Under 20mph then the linking is deactivated but at slow speeds I'm not sure if this is necessary yet, that will be seen as I begin to log the miles riding locally. But seems so far to be a well implemented ABS system.
11. The new fairing design definitely is an improvement. I will still upgrade to the Aire Flow lip design windshield for that extra push of air overhead. But overall on freeway riding the open channel did a fine job with the stock windshield. Placing hand over the opening you can feel the air movement really well. Closing the vent and all the air does begin buffeting the head as before but definitely not as bad as before. You'll rock around a bit but nothing that seems uncontrollable that forces you to install a higher windshield or the ones with the lip at top. This is a definite improvement. I will say though this plastic cover in front only looks good on the dark bikes. The lighter ones, it looks like chit. One draw back is no windshield bags will work on this fairing so I'll lose some storage but not a deal breaker. I had the 2 pouch on my '13 SG and only had sunglasses, pen, flashlight, and little misc. nothing that I can't drop in the saddlebags. So not big loss, plus I never cared for the look on bags there as they are always to big and bulky for what minimal usefulness they provided.
12. The seat seems deeper and I feel as if I'm in the '14 SG vs. on the bike on the '13 SG. Glad I did not buy an aftermarket seat as this seat was very comfortable, then again I logged nearly 6000 miles in last couple months on that stock seat and I may just be used to it now. But I feel lower center of gravity and more in control.
13. Handlebars are wider and noticeably more comfortable. I bought 16" apes with anticipation of upgrading my '13 SG but just haven't had time to break down the bike. Glad I did not install them as I might still install them on the '14 SG but after test riding the '14, I may not for a while to see how the new bars width and position grows on my.
14. MORE POWER. A buddy came to the dealership with me and on the test ride he pulled up next to me on the freeway. With the fairing at 65mph I was able to talk with him as the wind does move out of the way in that pocket, but when I refocused on the ride and opened it up I hit 85+ in seconds, literally blew him a away. I did not even realize I had sped up till I looked in mirror for him and he was about 20 car lengths behind. The gain in power in the FLHXS is significant. There is definitely get up and go for passing with much power to spare. At 85+ I felt like I was still only moving about 65 and was still in 5th gear. Hitting 100 on 6th will be easy if wanted, although I never cruise faster than 85, but nice to know its there when needed to get my the crazy truckers driving 80,000 lbs at 90mph on the freeway.
15. Infotainment. I bought the only 6.5" screen the dealership had. Their other 5 SG's were the smaller 4.3 unit. The small units do not have GPS so that would have been a deal breaker for me. Have to have GPS on all my vehicles, especially the Harley as that is more pleasure riding than business, although I do both on it. The 4.3 is a joke once you've played with the 6.5 as the 4.3 doesn't have touch screen nor GPS at least from playing with them while I was there. Maybe that's an upgrade but the screen is so small, why bother and the cost difference for the major differences was only $1k so why not.
16. The GPS was really nice. My Garmins allow me to choose Faster or Shortest route, the HD one adds in Twisty's and Scenic routes as well. That is special
I had the scenic route set to get back to the dealership to see how well the instructions were and it wanted to take me throughout Vegas to see the scenery on the way back to the dealership. That is a nice feature for us that like to just ride to nowhere in particular then see what the area has to offer. Very nicely done. BTW all HD dealerships are built in as well so if you have a problem a quick look up to the nearest will get you there and provide phone numbers. That is useful for the long trips when the inevitable problem arises or like me if you like to drop in on dealerships to pick up a dealer pin for my collection. Simple to use and built for a biker. I'll use the hell out the the GPS. I will say though need to find out how to lower the voice of the guidance as it was so loud that in town at slow speed you could hear it a block away on the freeway it was loud enough to be crystal clear as if I had on a full face helmet and speakers in my ears. Nice and loud but obnoxious at slow speed. I will have to figure that out quick.
17. Sound was clear and loud even at freeway speeds of 85mph. Won't have to upgrade these speakers, add an amp or replace the console as I did on the '13 SG, it's that good.
Overall the '14 SG is a HUGE improvement over the '13 SG. Sure I know I am a guinea pig by testing out the "new" setup but I'm sure there will be many aftermarket options available within the next year, even a new infotainment system I'm sure if I find it lacking.
For my style of riding and love for technology and the improvements in so many areas that were made so glaringly obvious in only a 23 mile test ride it was a simple decision to make the plunge.
Needless to say the 23 mile test ride sold me on doing the upgrade. Being a repeat customer there I actually got full value for my 2013 plus a deep discount on the 2014 so I got a really good deal. I believe the upgrade to be well worth it. I now look at the 2013 as nothing more than a borrowed bike that I was able to do three big rides on, one being to Sturgis, and logged many miles at no cost to my bottom line.
Other than the extensive upgrades I did to the SG that the dealership is allowing me to remove to bring the '13 back to stock level this turned out the be a helluva no brainer upgrade.
Of course this is all my opinion and as we all know we all have our own. I been riding 30 years so I'm from the old school, but love technology and implementing into the '14 all these improvements made the decision easy enough for me. Might not be for many or anyone not interested in "testing" HD's new stuff. But for me I was game and the following led me to make this decision. To each his own and I would recommend seeing the bike(s) yourself and test riding them to see if that fits your needs, wants and desires as the '14 test ride did for me.
Why you may be asking would I trade in a 2 month old SG for a '14 "new" SG? I obviously ride as nearly 6000 miles in those two months can attest so there are things I was looking for and the posts here at HDForums.com gave me a list of what to look for on my visit at HD dealership today.
1. Well the hydraulic clutch feels like it activates easily and quickly no matter what speed nor what gear I am in. Feels solid.
2. The gears shown on the display are a nice plus, no more wondering what gear I am in if not 1st or 6th.
3. The useless air temperature and oil pressure no longer are in my face and annoying me as to their usefulness. Air was always off by 10-20 degrees while the oil pressure always made me wonder if there was a problem, even though one never existed. Still there in the infotainment center if you want to know but not in a gauge in your face as before. The voltage is nice if you have many accessories hooked up but I personally would rather have an engine temperature gauge as in Vegas the engines can overheat really quickly and for me that would be more valuable information. But again, to each his own, I can live with the voltage until I find an engine temp gauge instead, if there is even one available. That I don't know.
4. The upgrade to 49mm from 41mm on the front end makes the bike feel as nymble as my '09 Dyna Fat Bob felt. Now the bike doesn't feel like it wants to go down at slow speed, tight turns. The bike wants to actually feels 90%+ like my Dyna Fat Bob did, light and nimble. It's actually rather amazing and that was a huge selling factor.
5. The saddle bag latch upgrade is HUGE. So much easier to open and close the bags with a single hand and what I noticed most was the clips the pins fit into is now covered to eliminate the ability for a thief to quickly remove bags with nothing more than a screwdriver. Here in Vegas there was a rash of thefts of bags done in seconds because of this glaring oversight on HD's part. That cannot be done any longer at that clip for the pin is completely enclosed.
6. The model I bought is the FLHXS or Street Glide Special edition with the 6.5" infotainment center and the CVO shocks. No more hand pump needed to adjust the air pressure, it is simple hand dial behind the left side bag. I never bought the hand pump so I never adjusted nor even checked what the PSI was as it seemed to much a hassle, I actually was ready to buy a Legend Air ride to replace that antiquated method but glad now that I didn't. The **** adjustment is simple and effective. I was told that there is a compression and rebound adjustment like the Platinum Air Suspension but I did not see it so that will be a definite look into, if so that makes these shocks much, much better than simple PSI fillup.
7. The hand controls are a little to get used to but on top of the left hand grip is the odometer reset allowing for quick viewing of that data. No more reaching to the fairing to change the view.
8. The cruise on/off is on the left side so no more reaching over with my left hand to turn on/off the cruise nor activate the cruise which was simply a poor design. This is far more efficient and simple to use without removing hands from the bars.
9. The joy stick on both grips is easily usable with full gloves or fingerless, makes no difference. Anyone who has ever used a game console will find these simple to use and very useful. Nearly all functions that can be done on the screen can be done on these controls. Well thought out. Will take time for most to get used to but once you are it will be second nature.
10. Linked brakes are GREAT. Hitting front or back brakes evenly spreads the braking power between both brakes over 20mph. Tried it on the freeway with perfect results. No front end dip, no rear end lock or fish tail. This system is far more reliable and trustworthy than previous ABS as I always felt the ABS was just to sensitive. No more, this setup works great. Under 20mph then the linking is deactivated but at slow speeds I'm not sure if this is necessary yet, that will be seen as I begin to log the miles riding locally. But seems so far to be a well implemented ABS system.
11. The new fairing design definitely is an improvement. I will still upgrade to the Aire Flow lip design windshield for that extra push of air overhead. But overall on freeway riding the open channel did a fine job with the stock windshield. Placing hand over the opening you can feel the air movement really well. Closing the vent and all the air does begin buffeting the head as before but definitely not as bad as before. You'll rock around a bit but nothing that seems uncontrollable that forces you to install a higher windshield or the ones with the lip at top. This is a definite improvement. I will say though this plastic cover in front only looks good on the dark bikes. The lighter ones, it looks like chit. One draw back is no windshield bags will work on this fairing so I'll lose some storage but not a deal breaker. I had the 2 pouch on my '13 SG and only had sunglasses, pen, flashlight, and little misc. nothing that I can't drop in the saddlebags. So not big loss, plus I never cared for the look on bags there as they are always to big and bulky for what minimal usefulness they provided.
12. The seat seems deeper and I feel as if I'm in the '14 SG vs. on the bike on the '13 SG. Glad I did not buy an aftermarket seat as this seat was very comfortable, then again I logged nearly 6000 miles in last couple months on that stock seat and I may just be used to it now. But I feel lower center of gravity and more in control.
13. Handlebars are wider and noticeably more comfortable. I bought 16" apes with anticipation of upgrading my '13 SG but just haven't had time to break down the bike. Glad I did not install them as I might still install them on the '14 SG but after test riding the '14, I may not for a while to see how the new bars width and position grows on my.
14. MORE POWER. A buddy came to the dealership with me and on the test ride he pulled up next to me on the freeway. With the fairing at 65mph I was able to talk with him as the wind does move out of the way in that pocket, but when I refocused on the ride and opened it up I hit 85+ in seconds, literally blew him a away. I did not even realize I had sped up till I looked in mirror for him and he was about 20 car lengths behind. The gain in power in the FLHXS is significant. There is definitely get up and go for passing with much power to spare. At 85+ I felt like I was still only moving about 65 and was still in 5th gear. Hitting 100 on 6th will be easy if wanted, although I never cruise faster than 85, but nice to know its there when needed to get my the crazy truckers driving 80,000 lbs at 90mph on the freeway.
15. Infotainment. I bought the only 6.5" screen the dealership had. Their other 5 SG's were the smaller 4.3 unit. The small units do not have GPS so that would have been a deal breaker for me. Have to have GPS on all my vehicles, especially the Harley as that is more pleasure riding than business, although I do both on it. The 4.3 is a joke once you've played with the 6.5 as the 4.3 doesn't have touch screen nor GPS at least from playing with them while I was there. Maybe that's an upgrade but the screen is so small, why bother and the cost difference for the major differences was only $1k so why not.
16. The GPS was really nice. My Garmins allow me to choose Faster or Shortest route, the HD one adds in Twisty's and Scenic routes as well. That is special
I had the scenic route set to get back to the dealership to see how well the instructions were and it wanted to take me throughout Vegas to see the scenery on the way back to the dealership. That is a nice feature for us that like to just ride to nowhere in particular then see what the area has to offer. Very nicely done. BTW all HD dealerships are built in as well so if you have a problem a quick look up to the nearest will get you there and provide phone numbers. That is useful for the long trips when the inevitable problem arises or like me if you like to drop in on dealerships to pick up a dealer pin for my collection. Simple to use and built for a biker. I'll use the hell out the the GPS. I will say though need to find out how to lower the voice of the guidance as it was so loud that in town at slow speed you could hear it a block away on the freeway it was loud enough to be crystal clear as if I had on a full face helmet and speakers in my ears. Nice and loud but obnoxious at slow speed. I will have to figure that out quick.17. Sound was clear and loud even at freeway speeds of 85mph. Won't have to upgrade these speakers, add an amp or replace the console as I did on the '13 SG, it's that good.
Overall the '14 SG is a HUGE improvement over the '13 SG. Sure I know I am a guinea pig by testing out the "new" setup but I'm sure there will be many aftermarket options available within the next year, even a new infotainment system I'm sure if I find it lacking.
For my style of riding and love for technology and the improvements in so many areas that were made so glaringly obvious in only a 23 mile test ride it was a simple decision to make the plunge.
#6
08-28-2013 | 07:19 PM
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 16
From: San Jose
Congrats on the new ride. I really like the SG Special, I think its a great Bike.
On the Info center when you read oil and air temp, can you read the volts there also?
When you say you want to monitor engine temp, do you mean cyl head temp or oil temp? I'm wondering if you can add an oil temp sensor and read the temp in the info center?
On the Info center when you read oil and air temp, can you read the volts there also?
When you say you want to monitor engine temp, do you mean cyl head temp or oil temp? I'm wondering if you can add an oil temp sensor and read the temp in the info center?
#7
08-28-2013 | 07:20 PM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 377
From: Lansing mi
