Ride-enhancing technology is always around us, and if you’re constantly on the go, chances are you’re familiar with it. One such technology that has revolutionized the world of road riding is cruise control.
It has become a must-have feature for road bikes today. However, many don’t know that Road Glide Vs. Street Glide Motorcycles are two distinct types of motorcycles that differ in performance and features. So, before making a choice, it’d be ideal to understand the difference between the two.
Both road glide and street glide are popular choices in the market today. The difference between them comes down to their performance specifications and price tags. But before understanding the difference between road glide and street glide, let’s understand what cruise control is and how it helps make riding a road glide easy.
Road Glide Vs. Street Glide Motorcycles: Which One Is Better For Touring
Road Glide Vs. Street Glide Motorcycles Glide offer excellent safety, performance, and infotainment features, making them great choices for touring. The Street Glide has more accessories than the Road Glide, such as cruise control and heated handgrips. The Road Glide is more affordable, with a power windshield and anti-lock brakes.
This makes it easier to mount and dismount than the street glide, making it a great option for riders with difficulty getting on and off their bike. Both bikes offer advanced features to keep riders safe while touring motorcycles, such as electronic shifting and powerful disc brakes. So regardless of which bike you choose, you can be confident that you’re getting a high-quality ride capable of handling any type of riding situation.
Choosing a road or street glide will ultimately depend on your preferences and requirements. If you want a smooth ride with plenty of rider fatigue, comfort and style, go for the road glide. If you’re looking for something more robust and capable of tackling any terrain life throws at it, then opt for the street glide. It’s up to you to decide what kind of bike you want.
Road Glide Vs. Street Glidekey Features
The two motorcycle Special models share some similarities, but certain features distinguish them. The Road Glide and the Street Glide have advanced features to keep riders safe and secure, such as power-adjustable-saddle height, cruise control, and heated hand grips.
The Harley-Davidson Street Glide has accessories like heated passenger seats and a power-dome hood. Meanwhile, the Road Glide is slightly more affordable, with features like a power windshield and anti-lock brakes. The Road Glide starts at $19,999, while the Street Glide starts at $20,699. These two motorcycle popular models offer similar riding experiences for riders of all skill levels.
Cruise Control
Road Glides have a cruise control feature, which helps maintain the vehicle’s speed. Cruise control can be helpful for long-distance drivers who want to save time and energy while on the road. Cruise control automatically slows the vehicle when it reaches its desired speed or if it approaches a speed limit. A switch on the handlebar can also activate it.
Cruise control is useful for making long trips more comfortable and convenient. It allows drivers to focus on navigation and steering without worrying about constantly shifting gears or maintaining constant speeds. Cruise control can help make driving safer and more efficient.
Reflex™ Linked Brembo Brakes With ABS
Road Glide is equipped with Reflex™ Linked Brembo Brakes with ABS, which provides extra safety features to manage the bike. The Boom! Box 4.3 infotainment system comes standard with two 5.25-inch speakers and Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone capability for easy communication. Air resistance is a crucial factor when comparing the performance of Road Glide and Street Glide motorcycles.
Other features include voice recognition and text-to-speech capabilities, an SD card slot for storing music, a flash drive, and an MP3-via-USB connection for playing music from your phone or USB device. Additionally, road glide is equipped with the Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS) to improve riding traction and safety. This system includes anti-lock brakes, electronic-linked braking, and other safety features to ensure a safe ride.
Boom!™ Box 4.3 Infotainment System
The Boom! Box 4.3 Infotainment system comes standard on both the road glide and street glide models and includes two 5.25-inch speakers and Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone capabilities. This makes streaming music from your phone or a radio station from your ride’s media system easy.
Additionally, riders can upgrade to the GTS version of the Boom Box 4.3 system if they want additional features such as voice recognition and text-to-speech options. With the Boom Box 4.3 system, riders can access their favorite music without a smartphone or other device, making it a perfect match for long-distance riding or riding solo. It also includes presets for popular channels such as SiriusXM, allowing riders to listen to their favorite shows and songs without searching for them.
Mobile Phone Connections
The Road Glide and Street Glide can connect to a mobile phone via Bluetooth. Also, the Road Glide has an in-dash audio/infotainment system, allowing for hands-free phone calls or music streaming from the rider’s mobile phone. The Road Glide is available in a sleek black finish, giving it a bold and commanding presence on the road.
The Street Glide also has an in-dash audio/infotainment system but with a more advanced system that allows for easier navigation, music streaming, and a USB port for charging the rider’s mobile phone. The street glide offers more storage space and safety features than the road glide.
The Street Glide has several safety features, such as ABS, front and rear traction control, and electronic stability control, all designed to make riding safer and more comfortable. Besides these safety features, the street glide has a larger fairing design, providing additional protection from wind and road debris. This street glide can handle various riding conditions and provide flexibility for any riding activity.
Road Glide Vs. Street Glide Performance Specs
The 2020 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide both feature performance-oriented riding experiences, with the Road Glide having slightly lighter specifications. The Road Glide is powered by a 645-cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine that produces 67 horsepower and 62-foot pounds of torque.
This makes it a capable street motorcycle, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and easily handling curves. The Street Glide features a 645-cc liquid-cooled parallel twin engine with 115 horsepower, and 110 floorboard foot controls pounds of torque. This gives it superb power delivery on the street, making it a capable road bike for riders who enjoy riding fast.
Price Comparison – Road Glide Vs. Street Glide
The Road Glide starts at $19,999 and goes up to $25,499, while the Street Glide starts at $20,699 and goes up to $28,899. The Street Glide has standard accessories like ABS brakes, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a digital instrument panel.
Meanwhile, the Road Glide is an options model with features like electric seat warmers and cruise control. The Road Glide is lighter, weighing 796 pounds compared to 821 pounds for the Street Glide. This gives it a better upright riding position and a more elegant feel on the road.
Finally, the seat height of 26.1 inches for the Road Glide is lower than 29.5 inches for the Street Glide. This gives riders more legroom when riding longer distances. Overall, the Street Glide is a great option for riders seeking more comfort and refinement in their motorcycle riding experience.
Differences Between Road Glide And Street Glide
A few dbiggest differences between road glide and street glide can influence your decision. Road glides are more comfortable and luxurious, thanks to wider tires and suspension. These models also tend to be more nimble and agile, making them a great choice for cruising around the city.
On the other hand, street glides have larger rims and tires, which give them a more rugged look and feel. This can be useful if you want to tackle off-road terrain or don’t mind getting a bit dirtier. Here are the Differences Between Road Glide And Street Glide:
- The Street Glide has a higher-level top case and trunk with lockable latches for safe storage. The Road Glide features covered saddlebags for safety from any items that might spill out.
- The Street Glide features fender-mounted turn signal mirrors, while the Road Glide features a rider’s backrest for additional comfort.
- The Street Glide features cruise control and heated handgrips, while the Road Glide features a power windshield and anti-lock brakes.
- The Street Glide offers more passenger space and a wider seat, making riding more comfortable.
- Besides, the street glide has better handling, a larger rear wheel, and lower seat height, making it easier to handle when riding on roadways.
Measurements And Dimensions – Road Glide Vs. Street Glide
Regarding road and street, glides are two distinct types of vehicles that serve different purposes. Fuel economies play a significant role in comparing Road Glide and Street Glide motorcycles. The Road Glide motorcycle has a generous gallon fuel capacity, allowing riders to go on long, uninterrupted journeys without worrying about refuelling frequently.
While a road glide is designed for long-distance travel, a street glide focuses more on short-distance commuting and recreational use. Here are the Measurements And Dimensions – Road Glide Vs. Street Glide:
- The Road Glide has a frame-mounted fairing, while the Street Glide has a fork-mounted fairing which may affect the angle of wind protection.
- The Road Glide is lighter and more agile, making it an ideal choice for road riding.
- However, the Street Glide is a good option if you prefer the Street Glide’s extra wind protection and stability.
- The Street Glide is about 25 pounds lighter than the Road Glide, with a seat height of 26.1 inches compared to 29.5 inches.
- A lighter bike increases your power-to-lighter weight ratio and may give an acceleration advantage.
- Regarding height, the larger Road Glide may be more comfortable, with more space between the handlebars and the seat.
- Overall, road glides are great for riding any type of road. They’re lightweight and agile, making them great for road riding. However, the Street Glide is a good option if you prefer street glides’ extra wind protection and stability.
Is A Street Glide Suitable For Touring?
The Street Glide is suitable for touring due to its comfortable riding position, large storage cubic feet of luggage capacity, and smooth handling. It features a fairing-mounted windscreen to provide protection from wind and weather, making long rides more enjoyable. The Street Glide also offers ample legroom and a spacious seat for the rider and passenger, ensuring a comfortable experience during extended trips.
Additionally, it has a powerful engine and advanced suspension system that provide a smooth and stable ride, even with added luggage or a passenger. Overall, the Street Glide is popular for riders who want a touring motorcycle without compromising style and performance.
Should You Choose The Road Glide Or The Street Glide?
The road and street glides are popular for their responsive riding experience and street-friendly design. The road glide is $300 cheaper than the street glide, has a lower seat height, and is 25 pounds lighter. Both bikes have advanced safety features, including rear suspension seat posts, disc brakes, front and rear racks, and Shimano 6-speed gears.
If you want to ride like a pro without breaking the bank, there’s no better choice than a road glide. However, the choice between the two bikes depends on size, weight, and budget preference. A test ride would help you know which bike suits you best. The gas tank on the Road Glide motorcycle is larger, allowing for longer rides without refuelling.
Conclusion
A road glide is well-suited for long-distance touring due to its low centre of gravity and nimble handling characteristics. On the other hand, a street glide has closed-style fairing and horizontal stabilizers that grant stability at high speeds. It may be more suitable for those who plan to travel on highways or backcountry roads.
Both road glide and street glide are great bikes for riding. It depends on your preferences which one is better for you. Test ride both bikes to find out which one suits you best. While road glide works well on highways and city roads, street glide performs better on winding mountain roads.
Road glide offers a smooth and spacious ride with ample space for rear-seat riders, while street glide has a sportier riding position and enhanced handling abilities. So, compare Road glide vs. street glide motorcycles to pick your favorite and enjoy the ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What Is The Difference Between A Harley Road Glide And A Street Glide?
Ans: The main difference between a Harley Road Glide and a Street Glide is their front fairing design. The Road Glide features a fixed fairing mounted to the frame, providing better stability and wind protection.
2.Do Street Glide And Road Glide Have The Same Frame?
Ans: No, the Street Glide and Road Glide do not have the same frame. They are both motorcycle models produced by Harley-Davidson, but they have different frame designs.
3.Which Harley Has The Smoothest Ride?
Ans: The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is often regarded as having the smoothest ride among Harley models. Its large batwing fairing, comfortable seating, and advanced suspension system provide a smooth and stable ride, even on longer journeys.
4.Which Is Lighter Street Glide Or Road Glide?
Ans: The Road Glide is lighter than the Street Glide. This superior lightweight construction has been achieved through thoughtful design and innovative engineering.
5.Why Is The Street Glide So Popular?
Ans: The Street Glide is popular due to its combination of style, comfort, and performance. Its sleek and aggressive design appeals to taller riders looking for a bold, eye-catching motorcycle.