'08 Harley FLHX Street Glide review (yes, seriously)

[chornbe]

Bike Review - 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHX Streetglide

I recently purchased a new HD FLHX Streetglide. The reasons are varied and many, but let me just say it was not due to any negative points about my FJR. I can't really say anything negative about that bike at all, other than that much power can be addictive and dangerous My reasons were a mix of pillion peace of mind (not "perchy"), simplicity, dealer and aftermarket support, low seat height (I'm short) and hey... I just like Harleys. This leaves two very distinct, very different and very good machines for different purposes in my garage: the Streetglide for 2-up, touring and general riding, and the CBR600F4i for weekend trips with the riding buddies, blasting the twisties and commuting(?).

I won't bother attempting to compare the 'Glide to the FJR nor to the CBR. That's like comparing apples and lasers, or like sticking an elevator in an outhouse. I might make the occasional comparison to the Shadow Sabre I used to have. I rode most of what was available in Harley's lineup a few years ago ('03 and '04) when I was shopping pretty seriously for my first new bike. Some of my memories of those rides were re-affirmed, some changed or shattered.

The expected
------------
Yes, the engine shakes enough to rattle your teeth at idle. Once you come off idle the bike becomes a very smooth, very stable and responsive machine. The engine is torquey without any real peaks in power. It delivers its modest but very adequate power in a smooth, predictable linear fashion. The bike pulls hard from just off idle to near red-line at 5500RPM. Those with sport bike experience will giggle and say "That's just when my bike starts to develop power". Yes, that's true. This engine redlines when I4s and triples are just starting to come awake. But the bike is geared to actually use the power the engine develops, so by the time I've run thru' the gears, I'm loping along at 80 at about 2500 RPM if I used the 6th gear.

Yes, the bike has a "big bike" feel to it, but not lumbering and certainly not cumbersome. In fact, inside of just a few moments on the bike, I was doing circles and figure-8s in the dealership parking lot before the ride home. The bike carries its weight almost perfectly dead center in the chassis and low. In fact, the only bike I've ever been on that *feels* like it's got a lower CoG is the GL1800, but at almost 200lbs heavier, the 'Wing still feels a little heavy in comparison. That's not a dig on the 'Wing at all, just a reflection of the facts; I love the 'Wing. It helps that the Streetglide is lowered a bit from the rest of the Electraglide family. It's considered the "Hot Rod" version of the 'Glide.

The features
------------
The bike comes equipped with the famous, wind tunnel tested, patented "bat wing" fairing. In the fairing's console ride the normal array of gauges, the Harmon-Kardon stereo system, integrated fairing mounted mirrors and the shortie, smoke-tinted windshield. There are plenty of features on the Ultra that are missing on the stangard 'Glide, the Glide Classic and the Street Glide. In features and creature comforts, the Street Glide sits between the Electraglide Standard and the Classic. It contains much of the creature comfort for the rider at the expense of those same comforts for the pillion.

The good
------------
The bike pulls like the typical example of a freight train. The FJR outpulled it, but c'mon... the FJR is a whole other category of "powerful" (honest, that's the last FJR comparison, really). The Sabre I used to own will beat this bike off the line, but once in motion, I think this bike would top-end the Sabre with little difficulty. That may be largely a matter of gearing; for a 600+ cruiser, the Sabre pulled off the line well enough to surprise more than a few people. The bike pulls, shifts smoothly and confidently, and the heavy-flywheel effect keeps the engine where the power is as you release the (relatively) feather weight clutch into the next gear. Clutch effort is drastically reduced from earlier models, thankfully. Had this been as tough as earlier models, I would have either bought something else or paid extra for the hydraulic clutch conversion. Yeah, they can be *that* tough on some models.

I know I might sound like a fan-boy or someone who drank the reverend's KoolAid, but the bike handles far, far better than most will expect, and better than many who haven't ridden one will ever believe. The chassis and suspension does have something of an "industrial" feel to it, but even a well-built truck can handle better than most cars if it's designed properly. This bike does not corner as tightly or quite as quickly as other machines I've owned and ridden, but it is very, very stable in the turns, it will lean quite a ways before dragging flexible parts and considerably further even then before hitting dangerous hard parts. Yes, I have dragged the kickstand and floorboards, but the amount of pivot in each provide a warning rather than being dangerous.

The now-standard Brembo brakes are very interesting, incorporating a flexible solid disc design, rather than button-affixed floating rotors. The rotors still have some suspension & flex in them between the hub and friction surfaces, but remain a simple, proven single-piece design. The calipers are multi-pot and incorporate integrated dust shields. The bike stops. Impressively so, given all the factors. I thought my Sabre handled and stops well for a cruiser. This bike beats it in both categories hands down.

Rider comfort is somewhere between good and superb, owing much of that comfort to the rare and surprising GOOD OEM seat. The seat is constructed, near as I can tell, from multiple layers of foam at different densities. The outer layers are soft and you sink in, only to be met with a firmer inner layer. This gives the feeling of being cradled into the seat without it being a bucket design. The seat, however, is small. The stock Electraglide seat is larger and more comfortable. I have ordered a better seat, mostly for pillion happiness. I could make do with the stock seat just fine, I believe.

The rider floorboards are of a sprung, cushioned design where the foot decking floats in the housing. This helps to eliminate engine vibrations being transmitted into the rider's legs, as well as giving a fairly luxurious feeling. Like squishy carpet. It's really quite nice. I wish the Cobra floorboards that I overpaid for on the Sabre were half this nice.

Aftermarket and Harley-Davidson accessory support is, of course, amazingly rich and varied. I spent roughly half for a Harley-branded "Sundowner" seat that I paid for the Mustang seat for my Sabre. Dealer support is also amazing, including loaner bikes for service, free HOG membership, complete owner's documentation and some technical documentation, a book filled with all the documentation available, tech-specs on the electrical system and lighting, etc. The new-owner experience has completely blown away any of the Japanese and multi-line dealers I've ever dealt with in the past.

This particular bike is painted in the White-Gold Pearl. This color is amazing. In pictures it just looks white. But in person, it's a pearl-coated white that also contains flecks that shine with gold, green and blue depending on lighting. On a bright, sunny day, it's just amazing.


The bad
------------
The shortie windshield sucks. If I was taller or shorter in the torso, it would likely be fine. As it is, at 5'6" with a 29.5" inseam, the top of helmet resides in a tulmut of turbulence and "dirty" air at speeds above 65 or so. This same turbulence hits the passenger helmet at about the same height. I've got a 9" windshield on order for the bike. The stock Electraglide 14" 'shield puts the top edge of the 'shield directly in the middle of my vision. So, it's the 9" or nothing I suppose. I feel pretty good about the 9" 'shield fixing me up. Otherwise, I'll explore the aftermarket a bit more.

The pillion does not get native back support or floorboards on the Street Glide. Both of these features are standard on the Classic and Ultra. I corrected this by ordering stock passenger floorboards (again, about half of what the aftermarket demands for my old Honda) and the Chopped Tour Pack from Harley Davidson directly. It's a pricey but feature-complete, purpose-built option. Aside from providing the "wrap around" back rest like the Standard and Ultra, it also provides tons of additional storage. The Chopped version slopes down in the back and maintains the lowered, "hot rod" appearance of the Street Glide.

The standard stereo installation does not include the intercom or CB modules. These are both addons that are modular plug-ins to the Harmon-Kardon stereo. While it would have been nice to include them in the package, at less than $100 per, it's probably worth it for buyers to add them as desired. For me, it's fine that they're not included as I'm a Chatterbox user for bike-to-bike and intercom duties.

To get the Harley-branded bag liners for the hard saddle bags, you have to buy the Ultra. I may order them; they're $49 for the pair.

In conclusion
------------
I have zero hard complaints about the bike beyond the windshield (an easy fix). It's smooth at speed. It's powerful enough. It handles well enough. It stops better than one would think. It's ridiculously easy to ride in slow-speed an parking lot maneuvers. It's comfortable and spacious for rider and passenger both. The hard saddle bags hold LOTS of stuff (as will the on-order tour pack). The color is fan-freaking-tastic. Yes, the bike is considerably more expensive than some of the competing, similar models, but given the great trade-in I got on the FJR and the Burgman, I'm not sorry. The parts are all quality and in most cases, are made from actual steel where competitors might use plastic. The bike is simple, using an air-cooled engine with no-maintenance hydraulic lifters, simple belt drive, bolt-on transmission, fuel injection and cast wheels. This is exactly what I wanted when I agreed on this bike; simple, purpose-built, and solid and reliable. I have no regrets.

[atypical1]

Congrats. I tested one of those at a bike show a couple of years back and agree about the quality of it. No doubt it will be fun for touring and for anything involving a pillion.

Don't sell your CBR though...


 

james

[kendenton]

Great write-up!  I agree, these bikes handle better than most folks would believe.  I can almost see one in my future one day....

[1KPerDay]

 

I'd rather have the un-lowered ground clearance and passing lights, but that's a cool bike. Congrats!

[jude]

Tats, chaps and tassels?   

Seriously, you'll enjoy that ride.  I liked my Road King, too. In fact, when my Sport-Touring days come to an end, I'm getting the Road Glide - and tats.  Lot's of tats.

[Johnny Monsoon]

Great review!  HDs offer a lot (not the least of which is that amazing paint; I had the same paint on my Sporty).  It'll make a nice addition to your stable!

[chornbe]

Thanks all. It's a great machine. I'm having tons of fun (tho' I did ride the CBR to work today).

[rzims]

We jsut did a 4 day ride with a bunch of cruisers and s-t types....one of the guys had a new street glide in black cherry or somesuch color...that bike was gorgeous.
Someday I'd love to have one.

[Willie G]

Congrats!

A well-thought-out decision!      

[Indy Raven YZF]

I actually rode my Dad's Road King over the summer and was somewhat shocked.  It wasn't near as bad as I thought.  I hated the brakes, but I'm really picky about brakes (my YZF had awesome brakes, the Z750, not bad, the Harley, not even close). Maybe new pads and lines would help it.  My god was it comfortable though.  And behind the windscreen it wasn't noisy at all (had Dad's half helmet on as he needed my full-face to ride my bike).  All in all, if I could have 2 bikes and could afford one, I'd consider it, but I'd have to have a sporty bike for those days when I wanted to go really fast.  

So you pretty much have the best of both worlds, congrats.

[919Maniac]

Great write up and it sounds like a nice bike for the purpose.  A question for you - do you plan to wear full gear while riding this thing or do you feel obligated to wear the pirate costume.  I would imagine many HD faithful would razz an ATGATT gear selection - not that it matters to anyone past 3rd grade but you know what I mean.

[chornbe]

Great write up and it sounds like a nice bike for the purpose.  A question for you - do you plan to wear full gear while riding this thing or do you feel obligated to wear the pirate costume.  I would imagine many HD faithful would razz an ATGATT gear selection - not that it matters to anyone past 3rd grade but you know what I mean.

Ya know, it's funny. The day I went in to finish up my shopping (pretty much the 9th time I was in test sitting, talking, looking over, etc), they offered me a test ride on a few machines. Of course, I obliged and helped them burn off the excess fuel. They tossed me a helmet, and I rode off in sneakers and jeans and a t-shirt.

When I went to pick it up, I wore my scorpion helmet, mesh jacket and gloves, but still jeans and sneakers.

I stopped in a few days later wearing my 'stich and riding boots, etc., and I got all kinds of looks from all the HD-ophiles and employees. I chuckled. Silly pirates

[thatguy]

Wow.You didn't even mention the fly-by-wire throttle.Harley did that good of a job with it.I've been waiting for someone who wasn't a Harley regular to say something about the '08 baggers.If you need help installing accessories lemme know I'm PHD certified and wouldn't mind at all.Oh and they still lookat me funny when I show up at work on the Tuono or the RZ wearing the Darien.

[Nitro]

Nice bike!  
 And you did it right  with the sportbike still in the shed!

 I'd love one for my cruising 2 up and  some long trips! Got to ride my buddies this summer and really enjoyed the new engine and the 6 speed. Did find it funny they all complained it was  geared to high and had no power in 6th tho! hahaa  I think they are now just finding out what its like to have to gear down from overdrive to make it go, ....something new!!  Nice package I figured!

I also liked the louder stock pipes this year, sounded much nicer than the usuall stockers and not obnoxious like most open pipes(like I had).

I did  own a 02 flht   and loved it for a time, One thing I found out the hard way after owning numerous japanese cruisers ansd thinking they were the greatest was that  the Harley is so much superior! First time I rode a  glide after owning my meanstreak i really couldnt believe it! yrs of making fun went down the drain instantly. I would love to have one in the garage with my vfr. Would much rather a streetglide than a fjr or a st for my 2 up riding as  I  know how the cruiser thing makes me slow down and enjoy the trip in a totally different way!

Not that i will ever give up my vfr for the zoom zoom, but  I do want me a FATBOB or a Streetglide in the garage!!  
Going to H demo days next week..will see..

One other thing..when you do tire of it you wont take the beating on it  the rest of us are used to. I did find that with the 02 flht I owned..sure a nice surprise!

Plus Now you can do the black leather thing instead of the shiny plastic hockey equipment thing and you don't have to pretend to be a racer!  just ride!

Hey..one thing..On mine i found going to the shorter shield 4" made it perfect! better for me at 5'9 than the tall one was!.I could look over it and it had no buffetting, just nice airflow..

anyway..nice report.
Enjoy the bike!

[2006FJR]

I am also an FJR guy and I have also considered a Harley in my near future. I am looking at the Road King. Time will tell and thanks for the great post.  

[olderigetfasteriam]

Nice write up.

I take a trip with my brother every year and I look forward to swapping bikes with him (2005 Electra Glide Standard). It is a nice change of pace from my Concours (which he likes to ride as well). It handles decent and I love the powerband. Best part is buying beer, you could get a keg in the trunk!

We like to have a good laugh at the end of the day at the Harley riders trying to wave at him and then hurry to get their hands down before I pass. Although many don't like to wave at him as he wears a full face Shoei.

I may consider one in my future but alas my wife says I look silly dressed like a pirate. Arrrrggghhh.

[Giaka]

Congrats and more photos please.

[R Doug]

Wow, that's quite the nice resume of bikes owned you're accumulating there.  Nice report!

[chornbe]

Wow.You didn't even mention the fly-by-wire throttle.Harley did that good of a job with it.I've been waiting for someone who wasn't a Harley regular to say something about the '08 baggers.If you need help installing accessories lemme know I'm PHD certified and wouldn't mind at all.Oh and they still lookat me funny when I show up at work on the Tuono or the RZ wearing the Darien.

Ya know... I never gave the throttle a moment's notice. That means it's done right. The bike just works.

[chornbe]

Hey..one thing..On mine i found going to the shorter shield 4" made it perfect! better for me at 5'9 than the tall one was!.I could look over it and it had no buffetting, just nice airflow..

anyway..nice report.
Enjoy the bike!

Yeah, I know that if I was taller, the buffeting would be gone and I'd just be in a nice stream of air. But alas... I'm little

Nice write up.

I take a trip with my brother every year and I look forward to swapping bikes with him (2005 Electra Glide Standard). It is a nice change of pace from my Concours (which he likes to ride as well). It handles decent and I love the powerband. Best part is buying beer, you could get a keg in the trunk!

We like to have a good laugh at the end of the day at the Harley riders trying to wave at him and then hurry to get their hands down before I pass. Although many don't like to wave at him as he wears a full face Shoei.

I may consider one in my future but alas my wife says I look silly dressed like a pirate. Arrrrggghhh.

I think I'd like a bumper sticker that says "You never wave when I'm on my metric, why start now?"  

[chornbe]

Congrats and more photos please.

I was tinkering around out front of the house doing circles and figure 8s. My daughter surprised me by snapping a few

Wow, that's quite the nice stable you're accumulating there.  Nice report!

Well, sort of. The FJR and the Burgman were the trade-in & down-payment. They offered me good $$$ for both, so it made the decision a lot easier. I couldn't have done the deal at full price. I'm down to 2 bikes (from three) but there's less overlap in function and intent and that makes me happy.

And again... this wasn't because the FJR wasn't a great, fantastic... bike. It is. This was about my wants and passenger comfort & confidence.

[Galo]

Nice going, chornbee......you're not banned..........

Seriously now, the bike that got me back into bike riding was my nephew's '03 Fat Boy, whicch I had for a whole winter when he went off to Antartica on the annual, Polar Star Mc Murdo Station replenishment expedition -a bike I loved for around town riding....

Long trips -no way did I like the bad wind protection and noise of the Fat Boy, but the overall competence of the bike FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSE was very fine indeed. And, I can see where the FLHX could indeed be a comfy, uncomplicated, long-distance road eater...

Okay now, I was kidding...you are banned....just a little
 

[chornbe]

Ya know, just because most (ok, all) Harleys look basically alike, doesn't mean they're built the same, or for the same purpose. They're able to deliver some vastly different bikes (handling characteristics, power delivery, general feel, pillion comfort, performance, etc) while remaining true to the style. Whether or not you like that style, you gotta tip your hat; they do what they do pretty darned well.

[Galo]

Yeap, they do.
Now, one last thing: please do wave, cuz NOTHING pisses me off more than a pirate on a Sportster with two-foot ape hangers that ignores my civil, honest hands-low wave.....
 

[killerST6]

Well written write up as always chornbe

Sounds like you put a lot of thought into it and that means you got what you wanted and that always makes deals better. enjoy your ride bud, just don't forget us.

[budah1]

If you need a differnent windshield check out Clearview http://www.clearviewshields.com/  a lot of options and oustanding quality

[Johnny Busa]

Nice bike.  

[jed]

Congrats! Put a few black accent stripes on that and maybe a res sticker or two and you'll have people pulling over left and right!

I was surprised to see you trade the FJR but I'm astounded you threw the Burgman in to boot!  

How does the Street Glide stack up as a commuter for your route?

[Giaka]

I was tinkering around out front of the house doing circles and figure 8s. My daughter surprised me by snapping a few

I like it, I could see myself on one if I wasn't so cheap.    A full dressed HD is on my list but its just not on the short list mainly because of the cost. There are several other options for me at this time I would rather pursue (GL1800, Big BMW).  How does the Yamaha Royal Venture or what ever its called stack up against other fully loaded cruisers? That one has caught my eye when I stroll through the toy store.

[robrm250]

I just sold my 06 street glide on ebay tonight,I am going back to a fjr.I had a 03 fjr got a little agravated with the wind pushing me forward but they say the 06 and above are nicer.I liked the street glide to ride with my wife but she is burnt out on riding so I plan on getting 06-07 fjr.I do have a detachable king tour pac with backrest pad,sundowner highway seat,and all hardware to install I will sell you for less than half price.

[cbsnbiker]

Best wishes for that new bike.

I'm still waiting for H-D to drop the Revolution engine into a sport-touring bike. But I'm not holding my breath....

[chornbe]

Budah, thanks for the tip on the ClearViews. Hadn't heard of them before.  

Jed, the bike handles the roads I typically ride just fine. I have to take the occasional turn a little slower here and there, but I can still run it at a "spirited" clip if I choose. I'll take the bike to work today and thru' the rest of the week.

I think I'll use it for the Parks class this weekend. Last year I took it on my yellow F4i, so doing it again on the blue F4i might not net me as much as doing on the 'Glide. We'll see.

I've wanted a Harley (touring frame - Road King, 'Glide, ultra, etc) for years. Finally decided it was time. With some of the other factors mixed it, it became a no-brainer decision.

[BobW]

Big +1 on all the Congrats!

Your comment on the touring frame is spot on as to why the bike handles so well (surprisingly to many folks). It is a well thought out platform with an intended use. Watch and enjoy any of the videos showing the police motor officers doing close order drill on them. The observation about a good handling pickup truck is a fair comparison too (a positive thing IMHO) . It is a much better choice than the soft tail bikes when loading up passengers and a lot of gear.

It's great to sample different bikes over the years as our "needs", desires and finances change. I've enjoyed many. You are to be congratulated for the opportunity. I chuckle when folks apologize for taking a new ride into the stable and wonder about those that truly drink the Kool Aid and "dis" the change of "loyalty".  Not so much on a multi brand board like STN or Adv, but some single OEM boards... WOW.

You look good on her, cool the family is part of the enjoyment as passengers, photographers and overall support. Seems like you re in a good place in your life!

[JGreb]

Bike Review - 2008 Harley-Davidson FLHX Streetglide


The bad
------------
The shortie windshield sucks. If I was taller or shorter in the torso, it would likely be fine. As it is, at 5'6" with a 29.5" inseam, the top of helmet resides in a tulmut of turbulence and "dirty" air at speeds above 65 or so. This same turbulence hits the passenger helmet at about the same height. I've got a 9" windshield on order for the bike. The stock Electraglide 14" 'shield puts the top edge of the 'shield directly in the middle of my vision. So, it's the 9" or nothing I suppose. I feel pretty good about the 9" 'shield fixing me up. Otherwise, I'll explore the aftermarket a bit more.

I own an 06, 8,000 miles due to spending half my life in Iraq, but no problems with the bike other than I can't ride it enough. I am here on this forum however to look at the FJR, BMW RT/GT for potential purchase when I get back, How ironic. I need more power, I have had problems actually being able to pass safely with the TC 88, you on the other hand with the TC 96 may have not have that problem, six gear is a plus also.

As for the windshield you need to check out www.fastaire.com, great selection of windshields at amazingly low prices, great customer service, super fast shipping. Just an amazing value, I have several different heights, tinted, non-tinted, whatever I am feeling like that day. Check them out and enjoy your glide.

[Snowbird]

I was tinkering around out front of the house doing circles and figure 8s. My daughter surprised me by snapping a few

Jeeze, Chornbe... you look like a Roman Catholic priest on that thing.       

Seriously... a nice bike. One of my riding friends rides one and the thing pretty much hauls ass. I have to pay attention at intersections or he's gone and I have to dip into the FJR's power to catch him.

This bike does not corner as tightly or quite as quickly as other machines I've owned and ridden, but it is very, very stable in the turns

One thing I noticed when following my above mentioned friend in a high speed sweeper is that the bike will oscillate frighteningly.... not that it's ever tossed him off, but I wouldn't want to be aboard it. Talking speeds approaching 100 mph here. There is an aftermarket device that will cure that problem by bolting under the tranny. You should check it out. CW did a review a couple of years ago. My friend should check it out, too-- if there's ever been anyone who rides Harleys fast, it's him.

The other thing I've noticed is at intersections with acute angles, he'll often be over the centerline completing his turn. That's a product of the very long wheelbase, so beware.

Lastly, someone mentioned Harley's paint finish which puts ALL other manufacturers to sahme and it is one of the few things I don't think highly of on the FJR... it's finish is sucky. Piss poor.    Shameful.

I've looked a t the FL series, but I think I'd get the Classic. Last year when I looked, the price was only, what, $21300? Cheap for such a nice tourer.

Ah... the quandry of buying the perfect bike. One bike to do everything.....

[ray6576]

Congratulations on the new bike. I had to move to an Electra Glide due to back surgery last year. I have been very pleased with my bike and it does what it does very well.

[chornbe]

Thank you. That's a great post.

I may bitch about work and may occasionally get a little cranky, but yeah... I'm in a great place right now. Financially, career-wise, family, marriage. There have been some seriously bumpy roads in nearly every phase of that, but I guess that lends credence to the whole "what doesn't kill you..." frame of mind.

Life is good. Motorcycling is a true passion. The bikes are just tools, and occasionally once must seek a different tool to do the job. It's *riding* I love; the bike is the tool. Having had the opportunities to sample, borrow, rent and own a variety of different bikes has not only been a pretty good thing for the experiences and such, but has ultimately made me a better rider.

Big +1 on all the Congrats!

Your comment on the touring frame is spot on as to why the bike handles so well (surprisingly to many folks). It is a well thought out platform with an intended use. Watch and enjoy any of the videos showing the police motor officers doing close order drill on them. The observation about a good handling pickup truck is a fair comparison too (a positive thing IMHO) . It is a much better choice than the soft tail bikes when loading up passengers and a lot of gear.

It's great to sample different bikes over the years as our "needs", desires and finances change. I've enjoyed many. You are to be congratulated for the opportunity. I chuckle when folks apologize for taking a new ride into the stable and wonder about those that truly drink the Kool Aid and "dis" the change of "loyalty".  Not so much on a multi brand board like STN or Adv, but some single OEM boards... WOW.

You look good on her, cool the family is part of the enjoyment as passengers, photographers and overall support. Seems like you re in a good place in your life!

[chornbe]

Lastly, someone mentioned Harley's paint finish which puts ALL other manufacturers to sahme and it is one of the few things I don't think highly of on the FJR... it's finish is sucky. Piss poor.   Shameful.

If I could come up with only one *true* complaint about anything quality-related on the FJR, it's that the paint is so THIN. My 'Stich rubbed the paint nearly off in several places. Otherwise, I still think it's one of the best all-around bikes out there.

[lilwing]

Well, Chris I think that this is one of the rare times I can relate and agree with your thoughts on the HD...(remember the old C.O.G. board discussions?  )  I have many of the same observations about my '02 Road King, but I have to admit - a friend recently bought an '08 Street Glide and I really had to do a double take!  The engine with more cubes is great but the 6 speed tranny and the lowered look is what really got my attention.  I may have to ride up to the local HD boutique this weekend to see what is on the floor...

[1KPerDay]

I'm still waiting for H-D to drop the Revolution engine into a sport-touring bike. But I'm not holding my breath....

*cough*street rod*cough*

[Snowbird]

*cough*street rod*cough*

Trouble with the Street Rod is that there's no wind protection or included hard bags... and those damn footpegs are right where you don't want them when you're stopped-- can't put your feet ahead or behind them comfortably.

I'm expecting Buell to step up with the new 1125cc bike before Harley ever will.

[crispiegee1]

Chornbe,

Great bike and a very well written review.  Your reasoning behind buying it (including simple & reliable pushrod/aircooled engine, sturdy construction and excellent build quality) are very sound.

I tend to be critical of guys who think there's "only one brand of bike to own," but when somebody who's ridden/owned several brands says, this particular bike meets my needs for reasons X, Y and Z, it makes much more sense to me.

The bike looks good, although I never liked those shorty windshields.  Glad you're replacing that.    I also like the look of the spotlights on the Electra-Glide... have you thought about adding those or is night riding less of a consideration?  Maybe you could put some flashing red ones on it.  

Seeing those pictures of you doing the tight turns makes me want to try one out some day.  There are many other bikes on my list to own long before an FLH, but whenever I see the cops doing those police bike competitions, I always think it would be a hoot to ride one.

Congrats and good luck!

Chris

[Fourstring]

SQUID!!!

Nice bike.  A Harley still isn't for me, but I can see the appeal of them sans the pirate lifestyle.

[blueridgerider]

 Chris,

Congrats on the new bike.

It was an interesting review, though it still did not convince me to go the HD route.  I've tried that route and I am not physically comfortable on any HD I've tried.  Baggers and non-baggers - but that is a personal thing.

I guess the only thing left is to open up the pool on how long you're going to keep this one.

I'll take 2 years and 7 months.

[chornbe]

Yeah, well... this purchase came with a "open in case of urge to buy another bike" envelope containing divorce and child-support papers  

Thanks all. I'm having a blast on it.

[sfarson]

Congrats.  A legendary make, a top shelf bike.

[Snowbird]

I'll tell you one thing, though: I wouldn't waste my time waving to anyone on lesser brand.  

[lilwing]

I'll tell you one thing, though: I wouldn't waste my time waving to anyone on lesser brand.  

 

[Willie G]

Holy Smokes!    Wandered over to the HD parts section of their website - there are 37 seat choices for these touring models!  83 for all Harley models together.  Sheesh!  

[chornbe]

One might think a guy named "Willie G" would know that  









PS... and yes, feature for feature, they're cheaper than Mustang and Corbin equivalents.  

[Willie G]

One might think a guy named "Willie G" would know that  



It's just that I lose count sometimes....    





PS... and yes, feature for feature, they're cheaper than Mustang and Corbin equivalents.  

[Skydakine]

Your write-up on the Street Glide just pushed me a little closer to buying THE American motorcycle.
Coming from a background of road and dirt bike racing at club level events, I would NEVER consider buying a Harley. Right? Wrong!
What strange thing happened to make me reconsider?
My GD body started creaking and aching and low and behold, I'm renting Streetglides, Electraglides, Roadkings, and LOVING them. I still take the corners the same as before, only at the square root of the speed I normally ride them.
But the funny thing is, now I don't sweat the speed traps. I actually see the countryside where I'm riding. And, when I get off the HOG I don't take ten minutes to stand up straight again from atrophied muscles.
I'm seriously thinking of buying one of the HD "Glides" because of the comfortable seat, fairing/windshield protection, floor boards and hard bag storage.
Should the beast break down, I'm sure I could find a spare part just about anywhere on this planet, and not have to wait for FedEx to ship it to me from Asia or Europe.
But I haven't gone completely soft, yet. I'm still riding my Triumph Speed Triple for romps around town and I'll most likely never sell it.

[Snowbird]

Your write-up on the Street Glide just pushed me a little closer to buying THE American motorcycle.
Coming from a background of road and dirt bike racing at club level events, I would NEVER consider buying a Harley. Right? Wrong!
What strange thing happened to make me reconsider?
My GD body started creaking and aching and low and behold, I'm renting Streetglides, Electraglides, Roadkings, and LOVING them. I still take the corners the same as before, only at the square root of the speed I normally ride them.
But the funny thing is, now I don't sweat the speed traps. I actually see the countryside where I'm riding. And, when I get off the HOG I don't take ten minutes to stand up straight again from atrophied muscles.
I'm seriously thinking of buying one of the HD "Glides" because of the comfortable seat, fairing/windshield protection, floor boards and hard bag storage.
Should the beast break down, I'm sure I could find a spare part just about anywhere on this planet, and not have to wait for FedEx to ship it to me from Asia or Europe.
But I haven't gone completely soft, yet. I'm still riding my Triumph Speed Triple for romps around town and I'll most likely never sell it.

I think that's pretty cool. There's more to motorcycling than riding fast all the time. Smelling the daisies along the way rocks too.  

[chornbe]

Skydakine,

I just got home from a two-day, 800-mile weekend (bike has 2400 miles on it now). Two back-to-back days riding back roads and some *serious* twisties between Philly(area) and Lake George, NY. Trust me, when you want to wick it up and crank out the turns at a rapid pace, the 'Glide series will do it just fine. And, after spending 10+ hours both days in the saddle (lunch, gas & pee-breaks of course), I feel great. Having low-back disc issues, a questionable shoulder and a post-surgical ACL knee issue - well, I worry about long days of riding.

This bike is just what the doctor ordered!  

[Outlaw]

Tats, chaps and tassels?   

Seriously, you'll enjoy that ride.  I liked my Road King, too. In fact, when my Sport-Touring days come to an end, I'm getting the Road Glide - and tats.  Lot's of tats.

Congrats on the bike....

I'm looking at the Glide also maybe in a couple of years +  I already have lots of Tats.......

[BobW]

Pretty country to ride. Glad she's treating you as good as expected/hoped for! Did you go solo or did SWMBO join you for the "first tour"? The white is sharp in that picture, it's not that common to see and shows her lines nicely.

Cheers!

[chornbe]

Pretty country to ride. Glad she's treating you as good as expected/hoped for! Did you go solo or did SWMBO join you for the "first tour"? The white is sharp in that picture, it's not that common to see and shows her lines nicely.

Cheers!

Thanks. That color is amazing in the sunlight, even as god-awful filthy as mine is right now (I think I'm getting kicked out of the HOG club because of how dirty my bike is right now). There's a haze of gold to it (It's called White-Gold Pearl) with hints of green and blue.

This was solo (on the bike) with 3 other bikes: Gen-1 FZ-I, Gen-II FJR and a Gen-V VFR. (the wife will take weekend trips with me after I get the tour pack on) They're members on this forum and can gladly post whether or not they were holding back waiting for the old guy on the Harley   I don't think I'm exaggerating saying we kept the same pace we'd have kept if I were on my FJR or CBR, with some adjustments for the *really* tight twisties. Yes, there was some scraping, but there is a WHOLE LOT of buffer between when the floorboards hit and when you really gotta worry. Plus, I didn't add any extra air into the rear shocks and I was packing heavy - this was a practice run for next year's coast-to-coast trip. We purposely did long-day riding fully packed with gear to sort out the bikes and make sure our old creaky bones can do it

We did hit this WILD set of uphill, 5-mph corkscrew turns that probably made a 200-300 foot elevation change. I wrung out first gear going up that. That was cool. When you're riding an 800lb bike up something like that, you don't take time to shift  

And a special note to current and future Harley owners... seriously, you can rev the things. I bounced mine off the rev-limiter a few times at about 6k, but the thing pulls like a rocket above 4k. 4th gear between 4k and 5k is just freaking amazing. And smooth. And contributory to performance awards. Don't be afraid to twist it now and then. You won't break it. Promise.   And with the gearing, you've got a whole lot of MPH changes between the 2k and 6K rev-range. I am still amazed when I hear people short-shift these things at 3500 RPM when clearly trying to actually get the bike moving. Most people ride them like they're made of glass. They're made just a tad tougher than that  

I'll be doing my customary "2000 miles with..." write up later today.

[Skydakine]

Skydakine,

I just got home from a two-day, 800-mile weekend (bike has 2400 miles on it now). Two back-to-back days riding back roads and some *serious* twisties between Philly(area) and Lake George, NY. Trust me, when you want to wick it up and crank out the turns at a rapid pace, the 'Glide series will do it just fine. And, after spending 10+ hours both days in the saddle (lunch, gas & pee-breaks of course), I feel great. Having low-back disc issues, a questionable shoulder and a post-surgical ACL knee issue - well, I worry about long days of riding.

This bike is just what the doctor ordered!  

Thanks for the ride report. I'm beginning to realize if I'm going to see a lot of country, it's not going to be with my legs tucked under me, my chin on the tank, and my tires on the limit of adhesion. I'm keeping my eyes open for a good low mileage "glide". Just about any model in the touring series will be a good choice. I appreciate your feedback. Watch out for black ice.