Harley-Davidson has had a plethora of motorcycle models since its inception in 1903. But, with riding habits always changing and evolving on a daily basis, one thing has remained consistent in the company's customer base: people love touring bikes. They are big, loud, comfortable, muscular, diverse, open to unlimited customization options, and you can hold onto them for a long time before upgrading to a newer one. And, if you see one riding around town or on the highway, chances are likely it is one of three models: the Road King, the Street Glide, or the Road Glide. While there are full-dresser touring models like the Ultra Limited and the Road Glide Limited, we are going to concentrate on the features, appeal, and pros and cons of these three primary models.
Here's How The Harley-Davidson Road King Stacks Up
Big, lean, and simple in its design, the Road King is the foundation of the touring class. A favorite among Harley enthusiasts, beginner riders, and police departments, Road Kings embody everything a touring motorcycle needs, and nothing it doesn't. Built around Harley-Davidson's large touring frame with comfort being the center focus, this bike is like riding a couch. Accompanied by a large touring seat with room for two, a six-gallon fuel tank, floorboards, engine guard, detachable windshield, and a pair of hard saddlebags, this bike is the embodiment of cross-country road trips. Riders are able to comfortably roll down the highway for hours on end and not get tired. But if that's not your thing, and you're more comfortable going on small-to-medium-sized rides around your community, this bike can do that do.
This bike is also a high-ranked model in terms of performance as well. While it looks big, has some of the best handling in the game. In the right hands, it is extremely maneuverable to the point where they make it look easy. The newer standard models come equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic-inch engine, while the Road King Specials are treated with the blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic-inch engine that provides riders that little extra kick on the takeoff. 2014 marked the year when Road King's standard braking system was upgraded to include ABS, and even the newer Road King Specials come with the hill-assist feature as part of the built-in Reflexive Defensive Rider System (RDRS).
Pros: Simple. Affordable. Comfortable. Well-rounded for long cross-country rides and shorter local rides.
Cons: No radio or speaker system. Riding without a windshield can get tiresome from the wind, as well as make you a target for bugs.
The Harley-Davidson Street Glide Has A Lot To Offer, Too
The Street Glide is another very popular touring model with many loyal Harley aficionados. On top of the Road King's appeal regarding comfort and well-rounded riding uses, the Street Glide has a few other bells and whistles that make it attractive to the right rider. The most recognizable feature of the Street Glide would be its signature batwing fairing. Especially useful when keeping the wind (and bugs) off of your body, hands, and head, the batwing is ergonomically designed to provide a more comfortable ride, especially during cold weather conditions. Its ability to ride through the wind has also been proven to improve the bike's fuel economy. It's also no coincidence why the Electra Glide (the Street Glide's simplified cousin) is the bike of choice among many highway patrol units.
The other feature that makes the Street Glide a very popular touring model is its built-in stereo and touch-screen infotainment system. Lots of people simply need music for when they ride because the silence, or just the noise of the road will drive them crazy. Thankfully all Street Glide owners have to do is tune in to their favorite radio station, or connect to their mobile device via Bluetooth, and they've got the soundtrack to adventure ready to go! Aside from music, the infotainment system is also useful for planning long rides with the built-in GPS. So if you're planning the fastest route, the most direct route, or the scenic route, or you just want to get lost, you've got a safety net at your disposal.
Pros: Great for protection against wind, debris, and cold weather. Houses a very attractive stereo and infotainment system. Touch-screen is arm's reach from the saddle.
Cons: Riding at high speeds (80+ mph) can create buffering and vibrations to the handlebars.
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide Commands Respect And Attention
If you are a Street Glide person, then Road Glide people are like the Yankees to your Red Sox. There is still a level of comradery and respect among Road Glide riders and Street Glide riders, as it is with any Harley-Davidson owner. But when it comes to whose fairing is superior, that's where the rivalry still stands. What many Road Glide users will attest to why this model is such an appealing alternative to the Street Glide is its recognizable shark-nose fairing. While it, much like Street Glide's batwing fairing, provides optimal wind resistance, protection against debris, and houses the stereo and infotainment system, it has one extra unique trick up its sleeve. Unlike the batwing, the shark nose fairing isn't bound to the motorcycle's forks. What this means is unlike the Street Glide, no matter which way you turn the Road Glide, the fairing will always be facing forward.
While Street Glide riders enjoy moving their bike's headlamp in the direction in which they are turning, many Road Glide riders favor the wide range of light cast by the twin headlamps. The other useful function that has won the hearts and minds of many Road Glide fans is how well it handles wind while riding at high speeds. Because, unlike the Street Glide, the shark nose fairing is fixed to the engine guard, rather than the forks. What this means is even if you are traveling at a high speed, the fairing won't be sending any shakiness into the handlebars. So no matter what speed you are going, the Road Glide stands by its name by making every ride a smooth one.
Pros: Fairing is very effective against wind and debris. It Houses Bluetooth stereo and a touch-screen infotainment system.
Cons: Fixed fairing can be a bit disorienting for newer riders. The fairing can feel bulky and awkward at a resting position. Touch-screen can be out of reach.