Harley-Davidson’s Street Glide has been a popular touring motorcycle option since its debut in 2006.
But some model years of the Street Glide have more issues than others due to faulty parts or poor design and manufacturing choices.
It can help you decide when buying a used Harley-Davidson Street Glide which model years are considered the worst for this bike.
I will explain the reasons for the worst-year street glide models.
Let’s dive into:
Which is the Worst Year for Street Glide?
Harley started its street glide journey in 2006, trying to give you something better than the previous model, but some of its models have issues, as complained by the riders, and also, some years have recalls.
Street glide 2009, 2014, 2016, and 2018 are the worst years, and here I will discuss each model with reasons.
Related: Street Glide Tire Pressure
Street Glide 2009
Street Glide 2009 was overall a good model due to its new features like a new 2-1-2 exhaust system, engine isolation system, Dunlop tires, and ABS brakes. Still, this model has several problems.
Saddlebag Problem
The 2009 Street Glide was a popular touring motorcycle with several issues, especially related to its saddle bags.
Riders reported that the saddle bags had problems such as poor fitting, sloppy latches, and easily damaged paint. Lids seal was so poor and caused water leakage into the storage compartments and damaged items stored inside.
Somethis model bikes face the fender’s separation from the rear wheel due to faulty mounting points.
This problem is frustrating because replacing any defective parts could cost up to $1,000 or more due to the high price tag of Harley spare parts.
Brakes Problem
A recall notice was given by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that water could enter and corrode the brake lines, resulting in reduced braking performance or failure.
Riders reported hearing an audible “hissing” sound from the rear brakes when first engaging them. Some riders experienced reduced rear braking power at highway speeds and a spongy feel during operation.
Harley Davidson responded to this isby freely replacing all affected brake lines on any models built between August 2008 and September 2009.
Fuel Gauge Problem
Street Glide 2009 also has fuel gauge issues which result in inaccurate readings or complete failure of the fuel gauge system. That is so frustrating for you to determine the amount of fuel left in the tank accurately.
It can lead to unexpected fuel shortages, leaving you stranded or causing you to refill the tank as a precautionary measure constantly.
While the exact cause of this problem may vary from bike to bike, it is often attributed to faulty sensors, wiring issues, or problems with the gauge itself.
Troubleshooting and repairing the fuel gauge problem in a Street Glide 2009 may require professional assistance or the replacement of faulty components.
Street Glide 2014
Street Glide introduced Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS; Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system, gloss black inner fairing, and CVO-styled hand-adjustable rear suspensions in the 2014 model. But this model also has several problems with it.
Electrical System Malfunctions
Some riders have reported issues with the bike’s electrical system, such as intermittent power loss, malfunctioning gauges, or non-functional lights. Loose or corroded wiring connections, faulty switches or relays, or a malfunctioning battery could cause these problems.
Clutch Slippage
Clutch slippage was the biggest problem in the street glide 2014 model, where the clutch does not engage properly and causes a loss of power transmission. Worn-out clutch plates, improper clutch cable adjustment, or insufficient lubrication could cause this problem.
Front Suspension Issues
Many riders have reported problems with the front suspension, such as excessive bouncing, a harsh ride, or instability during turns. These issues could be attributed to worn-out fork seals, inadequate suspension fluid, improper suspension settings, or damaged components.
Transmission Noise or Gear Shifting Difficulties
Some owners have reported abnormal noise from the transmission or difficulties in shifting gears smoothly. These issues could be related to low transmission fluid levels, worn-out clutch or transmission components, or problems with the shift linkage.
Street Glide 2016
The street glide 2014 model 2016 has some problems. Let’s discuss these problems in detail.
Clutch Fault
The Harley-Davidson Street Glide model from 2016 has yet to be widely reported with specific clutch issues.
The clutch does not fully disengage when the lever is pulled, leading to difficulty in shifting gears or the bike creeping forward even when the clutch lever is fully engaged.
This issue can make it challenging to come to a complete stop.
It was occurring due to the clutch master cylinder, which has not have enough ability to disengage the gear.
To resolve the issue, you have to contact a Harley-certified technician. You may also contact NHTSA.
Bluetooth Issues
Riders are also facing difficulties with Bluetooth connectivity. Here are some Bluetooth connectivity problems that Street Glide may encounter.
You may experience difficulties pairing your smartphone or device with the motorcycle’s Bluetooth system. This can be due to compatibility issues, incorrect pairing procedures, or software glitches. Bluetooth connectivity may drop or become unstable, interrupting audio streaming or phone connectivity.
In some cases, the Bluetooth system on the Street Glide 2016 may have limited compatibility with certain smartphones or devices. This can result in issues such as inability to pair, lack of functionality, or reduced audio quality.
Street Glide 2018
Street Glide 2018 is also one of the upgraded touring bikes offered by Harley Davidson, but this bike also has brakes and clutch issues like previous models.
Brakes Issues
The 2016 model year, in particular, has seen some brake-related problems, causing many riders to suffer from several performance and safety issues.
The primary issue with the brakes of the 2016 Street Glide is poor caliper performance and frequent seizing up.
This has been primarily attributed to cheap caliper design and inferior manufacturing quality. Many riders have reported experiencing warped or cracked brake rotors due to excessive heat from faulty calipers.
This can cause severe vibration during braking, making it difficult to stop quickly or safely in an emergencyreplacingOne option is to replace the faulty calipers with higher-supermarket parts specifically built for better perforInspectingy.
Inspecting and replacing worn brads and rotors can keep them functioning correctly for extended periods.
Clutch Problem
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Glide experienced significant clutch problems, primarily focused around the clutch master cylinder.
The master cylinder provides hydraulic pressure to disengage the clutch and allow the bike to shift.
Due to a design flaw, many riders had difficulty shifting. In some cases, riders couldn’t even get their bikes into gear after being parked for an extended period.
This led to numerous complaints from owners and ultimately resulted in Harley-Davidson issuing a recall on the model in 2016, and it was the fourth recall.
The issue was a manufacturing defect with the internal seal of the master cylinder, which led to a build-up of air pressure within the system and prevented it from functioning correctly.
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.
