From its introduction in 2006 to date, Harley Street Glide provides something best and unique every year to its riders. However, some of the models do not meet the needs of riders.
If you are looking for the best year to buy a street glide and cannot make a decision, don’t worry. I have researched and compared all the models of street glide.
I will explain in this article what are the best years for street glide and also give you the reason why they are better than the other models.
Let’s dive in.
Which is the best year for street glide?
The best years for the Street Glide are 2008, 2014 and 2017 due to several reasons. In these years Harley-Davidson introduce a lot of modern features.
1. Street Glide 2008
The Street Glide 2008 comes with a 95 cubic inch (1573cc) air-cooled Twin Cam 96 engine, which delivers power and torque smoothly and consistently.
This engine is paired with an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), which ensures good fuel economy and improved engine efficiency.
It also features an Automatic Compression Release system that allows instant starts even when cold or hot, as well as a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission for smooth shifts between gears.
It also comes equipped with H-D Smart Security System, which includes an alarm and immobilizer to protect against theft.
Harley introduced the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to ensure better safety while braking on wet or slippery roads.
What’s new in Street Glide 2008?
1. ABS (Anti Braking System)
Street Glide 2008 introduced new Brembo brakes with an ABS brake system for safety and control. ABS, or Anti-lock Braking System, prevents wheel lock-up during braking, especially in emergencies.
Its sensors monitor wheel speed, and if it detects a potential lock-up, it modulates brake pressure for smooth and controlled braking.
2. Fuel Tank Capacity
Street Glide introduced a larger fuel tank than its previous models in 2008.
Previous models have only a 5-gallon fuel tank capacity, and in 2008, Street Glide was launched with a 6-gallon tank for fuel.
3. Electronic Throttle Control
Street Glide 2008 added Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), which provides enhanced control. ETC is a computer-controlled actuator that controls the amount of fuel and air entering the engine.
It provides greater power delivery while reducing excess fuel consumption and emissions. Furthermore, ETC allows for cruise control that allows you hands-free riding on long trips at a constant speed.
4. Operational Smart Security System
The smart security system provides high security and peace of mind since it can detect shocks, motion, and vibrations that might indicate a break-in or attempted theft.
It also had a built-in engine immobilizer, preventing the motorcycle from being started without an authorized key. If stolen easily, you can enable the location tracking feature to find your bike.
Why is the Street Glide 2008 Best? (Comparison with previous models)
The Street Glide 2008 offers several improvements over the 2007 model, including the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), which helps improve braking performance.
Furthermore, it has partially integrated cruise control. Street Glide 2008 also offers a larger tank capacity of 6 gallons than the 5 gallons in the Street Glide 2007 model.
Street Glide 2007 comes with the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 96 V2 engine, producing 80 ft/lbs of torque and up to 66 horsepower.
But the 2008 model comes with an upgrade to the more powerful Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 103 V2 engine, which generates up to 86 ft/lbs of torque and 82 horsepower.
Street Glide 2008 model features a 6-speed transmission for smoother shifting and better fuel economy, but the previous model was a 5-speed.
Street Glide 2008 has an upgraded 103 cubic inch motor that produces 96 hp and 99 ft-lbs of torque compared to 2006, with a 96 cubic inch motor producing 88 hp and 91 ft-lbs of torque.
2. Street Glide 2014
The Street Glide 2014 is powered by a High Output Twin Cam 103 engine, which produces up to 98 horsepower and 113 ft-lbs of torque.
It features Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), which improves refinement and performance.
The chassis is designed with advanced air suspension, offering exceptional comfort during long rides.
Furthermore, its dual disc braking system ensures strong power when needed most.
The Street Glide also has many convenience features such as cruise control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic cruise control, 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, heated hand grips, LED turn signals, and additional storage solutions.
What’s new in Street Glide 2014?
1. More Powerful Engine
It featured a new High Output Twin Cam 103 engine with an output of up to 98 horsepower and 113 ft-lbs of torque. It also includes an improved 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission for smoother shifting.
Related: Worst Year for Street Glide
With its fuel injection system, the engine offers smooth and responsive throttle control, ensuring a thrilling riding experience.
2. 6 Cruise Transmission
The Harley-Davidson Street Glide of 2014 offers a smooth and comfortable ride with its 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission.
It provides a wide range of gear ratios that allow you to maintain a steady cruising speed while also having the power to accelerate quickly to keep up with traffic.
The six-speed Cruise Drive system also offered improved fuel efficiency and lower engine revolutions per minute (rpm) at highway speeds compared to five-speed transmissions.
Furthermore, it was designed to handle higher engine torque loads without sacrificing performance or durability.
3. Boom!™ Box 6.5 GT infotainment system
The 2014 model was notable for its inclusion of the Boom!™ Box 6.5 GT infotainment system improves the performance of previous models with an expanded range of features.
It offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to connect their smartphones and audio devices to the sound system on their bike and GPS navigation to find their way around town. This system can control the vehicle settings via a convenient touchscreen interface.
4. Comparison with Previous Models
Both 2013 and 2014 models feature a powerful V-Twin engine, comfortable seating positions, and a range of modern technologies.
The 2013 model offers an air-cooled High Output 103 Twin Cam motor with 6 speeds, while the 2014 model features a 107ci Milwaukee-Eight engine featuring 4 valves per cylinder and improved fuel economy.
Both engines can produce strong torque at low revs, but the 104ci version provides more power – up to 73 lb-ft of torque compared to the 60 lb-ft offered by the 107ci version.
The 2013 Street Glide features a classic teardrop fuel tank with chrome trim, while the 2014 model has an updated tank design slightly longer than its predecessor.
The 2014 model has LED headlamps for increased visibility at night.
The 2014 Street Glide is equipped with Showa Dual Bending Valve forks that provide extra suspension control and improved braking performance over its predecessor.
When we compare the Glide 2012 and 2014 models, the 2012 model has a powerful engine with 103 cubic inches of displacement. This engine produced up to 96 lb-ft of torque, giving it plenty of power.
On the other hand, 2014 is a stronger Street Glide with extensive redesigns and improvements over previous years’ models.
While featuring 103 cubic inches of displacement, this model increased torque output to up to 97 lb-ft, increasing its power capabilities without sacrificing fuel efficiency. Other notable changes included:
- Air ride suspension.
- Allowing riders to customize their ride based on their preferences.
- Improved brakes for quicker stopping power.
3. Street Glide 2017
The Harley-Davidson Street Glide 2017 has an iconic bat-wing fairing, a tall windscreen, and a distinctive V-twin engine.
It has a 6-speed cruise drive transmission for easy shifting and effortless power delivery. The high-performance air cooling system and low centre of gravity make riding comfortable in any weather conditions.
It also features a High Output Twin Cam 103 engine, Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), and Reflex reflex-linked brakes with ABS.
This combination of features ensures excellent acceleration, superior handling, and reliable braking power. It also includes modern touches like Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free phone use.
At the same time, riding, Electronic Cruise Control for maintaining speed over long distances, and Daymaker Reflector LED Headlamp provides superior night visibility.
What’s new in Street Glide 2017?
1. Milwaukee-Eight Engine
The 2017 model is powered by Harley-Davidson’s Milwaukee-Eight engine, a high-performance V-twin engine.
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It specifically introduced the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, offering improved power, torque, and fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors.
2. Touring Chassis
The Street Glide is built on a Touring chassis, designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for long-distance touring. It features a single-spar rigid backbone frame, a dual-bending valve front suspension, and an easily adjustable rear suspension.
3. Batwing Fairing
One of the iconic features of the Street Glide is its Batwing fairing. This large front fairing provides wind protection to you and an infotainment system. It also features a split stream vent to reduce head buffeting.
4. Reflex-linked brakes with ABS
The Street Glide incorporates Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) in the 2017 model. This advanced braking system provides confident stopping power, and the ABS helps prevent wheel lock-up in emergencies, enhancing safety.
5. Cruise Control
You can be more comfortable with the Street Glide’s cruise control feature if you are a long rider. It allows you to set a desired cruising speed, reducing fatigue on extended journeys.
Comparison with Previous Models
Several factors must be considered when choosing between the Street Glide 2015 and Street Glide 2017 models.
The Street Glide 2015 has a High Output Twin Cam 103 engine that provides 103 cubic inches of displacement and 1690 cubic centimetres of power.
It also has Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) technology for more efficient fuel delivery and better overall performance.
The Street Glide 2017 includes an even bigger upgrade – the all-new Milwaukee Eight 107 engine that provides 107 cubic inches of displacement and 1745 cubic centimetres of power.
This larger motor delivers improved throttle response, acceleration, and fuel economy compared to its predecessor. The 2017 model also features optional cruise control and ABS brakes for added safety on the road.
When we compare the Street Glide 2016 and 2017 models, then, the 2016 Street Glide features a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine with a displacement of 107 cubic inches, providing more power than ever. It also has an adjustable air suspension system, allowing riders to adjust the ride height.
The 2017 Street Glide comes with the updated Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, which provides even more power than the previous version.
It also includes a fully adjustable rear air suspension system for greater control over the ride quality.
It has been equipped with Daymaker LED headlamps and fog lamps that offer superior visibility while riding in low-light situations.
Ahtsham Younas is a passionate blogger and content writer. He loves to ride motorcycles and learn the mechanical process behind the motorcycles.
He has been writing articles in the motorcycle industry since 2019 and has learned many things about motorbike niches.
