In-House Faceoff: Harley-Davidson Street Glide vs. Road Glide
Best add the Sharknose or Batwing debate to topics not allowed at the dinner table.
Popularity Contest
Which is it, Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide or a FLTR Road Glide? For most, there is no hesitation when choosing a side. Detractors call the Road Glide ugly, while critics say Street Glides are a dime-a-dozen. Short of looks and a popularity contest, what are the actual differences, and is there a third option?
Photos courtesy of Cycle World
Mounting Point
It may be redundant but the main difference between the Street Glide and the Road Glide are the fairings and how they are mounted. Road Glides have a frame-mounted fairing, meaning that the fairing does not turn with the frontend, whereas Street Glides have a fork-mounted fairing. It is a small distinction that adds up to a huge difference.
Negligible Difference
Mechanically, the two models are identical, with a few slight shifts in dimensions. For 2019, the Motor Company lists the Street Glide's length at 95.5 inches, as opposed to the Road Glide's 95.7 inches, yet the actual wheelbase stays the same at 64 inches. There is also a negligible difference in stock seat height at 26.1 inches for the Street Glide, and 25.9 inches for the Road Glide.
Clearance Difference
There is also a minute difference in ground clearance and weight. Street Glides clear the pavement at 4.9 inches compared to 5.5 inches on the Road Glide. There is also a four-pound difference in the shipped weight with the Street Glide tipping the scales at 798 lbs, compared to the Road Glide's 802 lbs. Road Glides also have dual headlights.
Battle of Looks
With virtually no difference in the mechanical platform, preference comes down to looks, wind protection, and handling. Road Glides are known for better stability in cross-wind buffeting, whereas Street Glides offer more wind protection due to the upright position of the fairing. Road Glides have a slight advantage with slow-speed handling because of the unburdened forks, but this would pose no challenge to an experienced Street Glide rider.
Personal Ride
In the 'who came first' competition, the Road Glide wins — well, almost. The Road Glide was introduced in 1998, and the Street Glide followed eight years later in 2006. Despite almost a decade apart in release dates, both machines share the same origin — the Electra Glide. Street Glides retain the distinction of being designed by Willie G. Davidson as his personal ride before they were added to the regular touring lineup.
Electra Glide Genes
Nicknamed 'Sharknose' for its distinct fairing, the Road Glide is a descendent of the FLT Tour Glide — first introduced in 1979. The Tour Glide was based on the FLHT Electra Glide, but had a larger frame, a rubber-mounted engine, and the new fixed fairing. In 1983, the Electra Glide received the Tour Glide's frame, but continued to use the fork-mounted fairing that was first introduced in 1969.
Road King Resolve
There are many old threads on the HD Forums about the Street Glide vs. Road Glide debate, such as this extensive pros and cons discussion from 2016. Still, the general consensus is to try both models before you buy. If you want the unfettered approach, the Road King is always an option. It has the same touring chassis, but it does not come with a fairing, or a stereo — problem solved.
For help with the service of your bike, check out the how-to section of HDForums.com.
