Electra Glide is one of the most legendary Harley-Davidson motorcycle models. The touring model enjoys superior popularity because of its classic style and powerful engine.
Also, the latest models use Milwaukee Eight 107 engines. In the recent decade, the Street Glide motorcycle model has given the Electra Glide a tough fight. Although it shares many features with Electra Glide, Street Glide has a better infotainment system. Hence, the battle between Electra Glide vs. Street Glide becomes fierce.
Of course, both motorcycles offer brilliant touring experiences with powerful engines, great brakes, and control. Here, we will compare and contrast the Electra Glide Vs Street Glide, exploring their unique features, performance capabilities, and target audiences. Whether you are a seasoned rider or a curious enthusiast, this comprehensive analysis will help you understand the key factors that make these two bikes stand out in the Harley-Davidson family.
Electra Glide Vs Street Glide: The Key Comparisons
Harley Davidson introduced their Electra Glide models in 1965. So, it has been in the market for over 50 years. During this long period, Electra Glide has gone through many subtle changes. At first, it used the classic Panhead engines in 1965. Nowadays, the motorcycle is equipped with the latest Milwaukee eight 107 engines.
The bike was immediately hit in the motorcycle market thanks to its electric start facility. Electra Glide was the first Harley motorcycle equipped with an electric start. It was a revolutionary change in the motorcycle’s starting technology. Here are discussions on Electra Glide Vs Street Glide: The Key Comparisons.
Harley Davidson Electra Glide Top Features
Electra Glide is among the top-of-the-line Harley motorcycles. They have equipped the motorcycle with almost all of its top features. Once you start using the motorcycle, you will find it so amazing that you will never want to ride another motorcycle.
The bike also offers advanced technology features such as touchscreen infotainment systems and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to stay connected while on the road. With its powerful engine and smooth handling, the Electra Glide delivers a comfortable and enjoyable riding experience for those who prioritize comfort and convenience on their journeys.
Stylish Design And Appearance
One of the top features of Harley Davidson Electra Glide is its superior design. The bike is made mainly for the touring community. Since the model was released in the market, it has been the backbone for all touring models. Harley has used the Electra Glide as a standard for all of their later touring models.
Plus, the long-haul motorcycle features a two-up design. It is perfect for dealing with tough terrains and long highway rides. Whenever you look at the Electra Glide, you will find it represents the classic Harley design. Its aggressive look and stylish appearance make the bike truly classic yet contemporary.
Better Grip And Comfort
Electra Glide touring bikes are famous for their comfort and grip. When you ride the motorcycle, you will immediately feel its difference from the other motorcycles. Its widened saddle seat allows you to sit and ride the motorcycle smoothly.
On top of it, the seat has the iconic Two-Up design. It comes with a backrest. So, you will get rid of back pain even during the longest rides. Plus, having backrest support on both seats means even the pillion can sit comfortably. It improves your cross-country touring fun even more. Also, it is unique because not many Harleys have a backrest facility for both seats.
Improved Suspension System And Brakes
The Harley Davidson Electra Glide boasts several top features, including an improved suspension and brakes. The new suspension system provides a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and vibrations on the road, while the upgraded brakes offer superior stopping power.
Additionally, the Electra Glide comes with specially designed wheels that enhance stability and handling. Another notable feature is the comfortable passenger seat, providing an enjoyable riding experience for the rider and their companion.
Lastly, the Electra Glide offers superior throttle response, allowing quick acceleration and effortless manoeuvrability. These features contribute to the overall performance and comfort of the bike, making it a top choice for motorcycle enthusiasts.
Equips With A High-Performance And Reliable Engine
The latest Electra Glide model has a Milwaukee Eight 107 engine. The V-twin engine has enough power to accelerate the bike faster than you anticipate. Plus, Harley has used better heat-efficiency technology with the Milwaukee 107 engine.
Henceforth, the motorcycle doesn’t heat up massively even after 100 miles of a ride at a stretch. It is surely beneficial for long rides. However, it is useful during scorching days too. Last but not least, you will fall in love with the deep rumble sound from its engine through the exhaust system. It is one of the top attractions of Harley Electra Glide that Street Glide riders wish to have.
Improved Efficiency
Electra Glide has always been known for its efficiency. It is one of the best fuel-efficient motorcycles in Harley lineups. Also, its better suspension performance combines with the superior and improved throttle response to boost its efficiency.
It is one of the key segments where Harley Electra defeats the Street Glide model. Also, you will appreciate its better efficiency for long rides where fuel consumption is a key factor. The few extra miles that you can go with the same fuel can be a truly life-saving deal. It allows you to cover an additional tourist spot.
Pros Of Electra Glide
- Backrest available for both seats with armrest
- A better suspension system ensures less impact and shocks
- Enhanced grip for control and comfort
- E-linked combined brake ensures quick stops and brakes
- Excellent efficiency with brilliant throttle response
Cons
- The pricing of Electra Glide is abnormally high
- It has a basic infotainment system only
Top Features Of Harley Davidson Street Glide
Harley Davidson introduced the Street Glide version only in 2006. So, the motorcycle hasn’t been on the market for long. Yet, it has become a straightforward competitor of the 55-year-old Electra Glide, thanks to its sleeker design, powerful engine, and affordable pricing. When you go through the top features of Street Glide, you will realize why Harley users rate the amazing motorcycle so highly. Also, it will help you know the differences between Electra Glide vs. Street Glide.
A Classic And Aesthetic Appearance
One of the top features and most-selling points of Street Glide is its classic yet stylish appearance. The edge of the motorcycle is steeped down. Also, Harley Davidson has streamlined the design and kept the weight and overall length of the motorcycle almost identical to the Electra Glide. So, you won’t find many differences in their handling and controlling. Lastly, the Batwing Fairing design of the Street Glide gives it a unique look. So, you can easily differentiate the motorcycle from hundreds.
Powerful Engine And Consistent Performance
Street Glide motorcycles are equipped with a Milwaukee Eight V-Twin engine. It is similar to the Electra Glide model and delivers the same performance. The initial Milwaukee 107 and 114 engines had problems with oil sumping and power loss.
However, Harley has fixed these two issues by making the engine slightly bigger and replacing the old oil pump. Therefore, you can now easily take the motorcycle on long rides. It is important as Street Glide is one of Harley’s entry-level touring models. On top of it, the Milwaukee 8 engine of Street Glide is known for its sustained power. The revolution of the engine delivers high performance, too.
Reasonable Pricing
Many revered Harley Street Glide highly for its affordable pricing. You may get the Harley Street Glide model at around $21,289, making it one of the cheapest Harley Davidson motorcycles on the market. You will still get the most amazing features, which is a great benefit.
Despite being an entry-level Harley motorbike, Street Glide doesn’t compromise quality, longevity, and performance. So, you may count on the motorcycle for superior touring performance. The only setback of Street Glide is that it doesn’t include a tour pack like the Electra Glide version. So, you will need to buy the tour pack additionally.
Pros Of Street Glide
- Sleek design with a classic look
- Box 6.5 Infotainment systems are one of the best
- Easy to control in all terrains
- Boasts of consistent performance
- One of the most affordable Harley-Davidson motorcycles
Cons Of Street Glide
- The motorcycle doesn’t include any tour pack
- Not many versions are available on the market
Making A Choice: Which Harley-Davidson Is Right For You?
When choosing a Harley-Davidson, the Electra Glide is popular for many riders. It offers a range of top features that make it stand out from other models. One major difference is that it is often considered a “starter bike” for those new to riding motorcycles.
The Electra Glide is known for its Milwaukee-Eight engine, which provides a powerful and smooth ride. Overall, the Electra Glide is one of Harley-Davidson’s most iconic motorcycles, offering a combination of style, performance, and comfort that appeals to riders of all experience levels.
| Comparing Point | Electra Glide | Street Glide |
| Introduction to the market | Harley Introduced Electra Glide in the 1960s. It has been in the market for over 56 years now. | Street Glide came in 2006 as part of Harley’s touring mode expansion principle. |
| Engine | V-Twin Milwaukee engines since 20167 | V-Twin Milwaukee engines in the latest versions |
| Chassis Type | Mild tubular steel and has a welded backbone | Tubular frame with mild-steel design |
| Overall Length | 2400mm | 2425mm |
| Overall Height | 1400mm | 1335mm |
| Standard Warranty | Two years for unlimited kilometres | 2 years for unlimited kilometers |
| Odometer | Analog | Digital |
| Infotainment system | Basic entertainment system | Advanced Box 6.5 Infotainment systems |
| Tourpak | Yes | No |
Engine Specification And Performance
Regarding engine performance and consistency, both bikes perform neck to neck. They both use V-Twin Milwaukee engines. So, rest assured you will get superior performance. The older versions of Electra Glide used Harley Twin Cam and Evo engines, too. These engines delivered quite okay-ish performance.
Nowadays, they use the latest Milwaukee V-Twin engines. You will love their deep rumbling sound. It is soul-satisfying and increases your riding experience superbly. Next, you will find the throttle response more than satisfactory. So, these two motorcycles have excellent performance regarding the engine and their lifespan.
Tourpak Inclusion
The key difference between Electra Glide and Street Glide is their tourpak inclusion. The Tourpak has a rear trunk. It will be around the backrest with a wrap-around design. So, you may use it as storage space during long rides and adventures.
Street Glide doesn’t include any Tourpak for storage options. So, it provides a sleek seat with a steep-down design. On the other hand, Electra Glide has a Tourpak included in the package. It wraps around the sleek backrest of the motorcycle.
As a result, Electra Glide is a better choice for long-distance rides. Its tour pack will allow you to store necessary items quickly. Street Glide doesn’t have such a facility.
The Difference In Pricing
Another key difference between Street Glide and Electra Glide is in their pricing. We have already been told that at $21,289, Street Glide is an entry-level touring model from Harley Davidson. If you are on a tight budget and still want a reliable touring model, you can’t but choose Street Glide.
The price difference between the Electra Glide and the Street Glide is significant, making it worth considering which model suits your preferences and budget. Conversely, Electra Glide is priced way higher than Street Glide at $31,000. So, it is almost $ 10,000 more than Street Glide. You can choose the model only if you have enough money in your bank account. Also, this model requires more maintenance, which adds to its overall pricing.
Presence Of Chrome Material
Chrome material ensures better appearance and longevity where it is used. Therefore, the presence of chrome material is useful for the motorcycle’s better appearance. Electra Glide easily defeats Street Glide as it has a chrome finish and material in its engine and other parts.
There is a massive presence of chrome in the rear bags of your Electra Glide version. Plus, its trim presence is way more than Street Glide, where you will find chrome material.
So, Choose From The Worthy Options
When choosing between the Electra Glide and Street Glide, there are a few key factors to consider. The techs in both bikes make a huge difference in performance and comfort. If you have a question regarding seat heights, the Street Glide offers a lower seat for a more aggressive riding position.
On the other hand, the Electra Glide provides a higher seat for added comfort on long rides. Regarding speed, both bikes can deliver thrilling rides, but the Street Glide is known for its quicker acceleration.
Additionally, the Electra Glide offers shorter shocks, which contribute to a smoother ride over bumps and uneven surfaces. Lastly, if wind protection is your priority, the Electra Glide is equipped with a larger fairing, providing better wind protection at higher speeds. Choosing between these two worthy options comes from personal preferences and riding style.
Conclusion
The Harley Davidson Electra Glide Vs Street Glide is a motorcycle with a range of features that make it an excellent choice for riders who value classic design and modern design convenience. With its comfortable ride, uncompromising comfort, and a range of additional features, the Electra Glide stands out as one of the most popular models in the Harley Davidson lineup.
Whether you’re an experienced rider or new to motorcycles, this bike provides a smooth and enjoyable riding experience. Just remember to give it proper care and maintenance to ensure it continues to perform at its best. So, if you’re looking for a motorcycle that combines timeless style with modern technology, the Harley Davidson Electra Glide is definitely worth considering.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Road Glide And Electra Glide?
The Electra Glide features a traditional batwing fairing mounted to the handlebars and provides excellent wind protection for the rider. This fairing is fixed and does not move with the handlebars, resulting in a stable and smooth ride. On the other hand, the Road Glide boasts a unique shark-nose fairing attached to the motorcycle’s frame.
Does A Street Glide Sit Lower Than An Electra Glide?
Yes, the Street Glide sits lower than the Electra Glide, providing a more compact and sporty riding experience. While both bikes offer an exceptional riding experience, they do have some notable differences.
Why Do They Call It An Electra Glide?
The name “Electra Glide” was given to this model to emphasize its smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to the introduction of an electric starter in the 1965 Harley-Davidson lineup.
What’s Better, Road Glide Or Street Glide?
The better option between the Road Glide and Street Glide depends on personal preferences. The Road Glide offers better aerodynamics and wind protection, while the Street Glide is more compact and maneuverable for city riding.
Is The Electra Glide Comfortable?
Yes, the Electra Glide is known for its exceptional comfort. It typically features a plush seat, advanced suspension, and ergonomic design, providing a smooth and enjoyable riding experience over long distances.