2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
Review of 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special
The 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special stands out as a quintessential touring motorcycle that expertly blends classic design with modern technology. With its iconic batwing fairing and commanding presence on the road, the Street Glide Special offers an unmistakable aesthetic that resonates with both seasoned bikers and newcomers alike. Equipped with the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, it delivers impressive torque and acceleration, making it a joy to ride whether cruising down the highway or navigating city streets. The bike's refined suspension system enhances ride comfort, while the responsive brakes instill confidence in various riding conditions. In addition to its performance capabilities, the Street Glide Special excels in rider convenience and connectivity. The inclusion of the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system provides an intuitive interface for navigation, music, and communication, ensuring that riders stay connected on their journeys. With ample storage provided by the saddlebags and an array of customizable options, the Street Glide Special caters to individual preferences and touring needs. Overall, this motorcycle represents a remarkable fusion of heritage and innovation, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a versatile, stylish, and powerful touring machine that exemplifies the spirit of the open road.
Advantages
- Powerful Performance: The Street Glide Special is equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, providing robust torque and horsepower that enhance both highway cruising and city riding.
- Comfortable Touring Design: With its ergonomic seating position, high handlebars, and forward controls, the Street Glide Special offers a comfortable ride for long distances, making it ideal for touring enthusiasts.
- Advanced Infotainment System: The motorcycle features the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, which includes a touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation, providing riders with modern technology for communication and entertainment.
- Stylish Aesthetics: The Street Glide Special boasts a sleek and aggressive design, characterized by its distinctive batwing fairing and various color options, allowing riders to express their personal style.
- Customizable Options: Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of accessories and customization options for the Street Glide Special, enabling owners to tailor their bikes to fit their preferences and enhance performance or aesthetics.
Disadvantages
- Weight and Handling: The Street Glide Special is quite heavy, which can make it cumbersome for inexperienced riders or during low-speed maneuvers. The weight can be a drawback in tight spaces or heavy traffic.
- Fuel Economy: While the bike delivers a powerful performance, its fuel economy is not particularly impressive compared to some competitors in the touring segment. Riders may find themselves stopping for fuel more frequently on long trips.
- Price Point: The Street Glide Special comes with a premium price tag, which may be a barrier for some potential buyers. The cost of accessories and customization can also add up, making it a significant investment.
- Vibration and Comfort: Although the bike is designed for long-distance riding, some riders may find the vibrations from the engine noticeable, especially on longer journeys. This can lead to discomfort over extended periods.
- Limited Cornering Clearance: The design of the Street Glide Special prioritizes style and comfort over aggressive handling. As a result, the bike has limited cornering clearance, which may restrict performance during spirited riding on twisty roads. These factors can influence a rider's decision, so it's essential to weigh them against the bike's many strengths.
Alternatives
- Indian Chieftain Limited: The Chieftain Limited offers a classic American cruiser experience with modern technology. It features a powerful Thunder Stroke 116 engine, a comfortable riding position, and a full suite of infotainment options, including a large touchscreen display. Its distinctive style and premium finishing make it a strong competitor in the touring segment.
- Honda Gold Wing: Known for its exceptional comfort and touring capabilities, the Honda Gold Wing is equipped with a powerful flat-six engine and advanced features such as adaptive cruise control and a premium sound system. Its lightweight design and excellent handling make it a favorite among long-distance riders, while the sophisticated technology enhances the overall riding experience.
- Yamaha Star Eluder: The Star Eluder blends style and performance with its sleek design and powerful 113-cubic inch V-twin engine. It comes with ample storage, a comfortable seat for long rides, and modern tech features like Bluetooth connectivity and an integrated sound system. Its aggressive styling and responsive handling offer a unique alternative to traditional touring bikes.
- Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero: The Vulcan Vaquero combines classic cruiser aesthetics with performance-oriented features. Its 1700cc V-twin engine provides plenty of torque, while the full fairing and hard saddlebags enhance its touring capabilities. The bike also offers adjustable windscreen and a comfortable riding position, making it suitable for long journeys.
- BMW K1600B: The BMW K1600B is a luxury touring bike that offers a smooth ride with its inline-six engine and advanced suspension system. It features a low-slung appearance and a comfortable seat, making it ideal for long-distance cruising. With cutting-edge technology like navigation, heated grips, and a premium audio system, the K1600B is perfect for riders seeking performance and comfort. Each of these motorcycles offers its own unique blend of features and performance, making them worthy alternatives to the Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special.
Comments & Discussion