Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide 2010 — Specifications

Sometimes it's called a bastard, squeezed between the opulent Electra Glide Ultra Classic and the stripped-down Road King. The 2010 Street Glide fully embraces its hybrid character. It's an American touring bike that has been to the gym, having traded some of its bulk for a sleeker line. Farewell to the top case and its bathtub profile, hello to a low seat and a shortened windshield that highlight these generous flanks, a signature of the range. It retains that large single headlight, a fixed and determined gaze, but sheds the aerodynamic appendages of its big sister. The result? A 368 kg machine that wants to be less intimidating and more agile on paper.

Don't be fooled, the comfort of long journeys remains its DNA. The Twin Cam 96 of 1584 cm3 is there, with its placid 71 horsepower and a torque of 127 Nm available from 3500 rpm, a deep music that rhythms long stretches of road. The six-speed transmission, although still typically Harley in its shifts, has become smoother. The real luxury is this information-rich cockpit and, above all, the Harman Kardon radio integrated into the helmet. For the rider who dreams of crossing Utah in a private concert, it's a massive argument. The rigid saddlebags are spacious, and the 22.7-liter tank promises significant intervals between gas stops.

But can we really talk about agility with such a build? The answer is nuanced. The revised chassis, with its new swingarm and 18-inch front wheel, offers undeniable road stability. In a straight line, it's a serene liner, insensitive to gusts. On the other hand, approach a sharp turn, and the footpegs will quickly scrape the asphalt, reminding you that the wheelbase of 1625 mm and the ground clearance of 125 mm have their limits. It's a motorcycle designed to devour distances, not to tickle the apex. The brakes, now equipped with ABS as standard, are sufficient without being sharp, perfectly in line with the relaxed cruising philosophy.

So, who does it appeal to? Clearly to the Harley touring rider who finds the Electra Glide too massive and the Road King too spartan. It's the ideal compromise for those who want the comfort, audio equipment, and custom look of a grand touring bike, without the "bus" feel of the Ultra Classic. At more than 22,000 euros new, the investment is significant, but you are buying a status and a unique sensation. It doesn't race, with its theoretical top speed of 160 km/h, but it dictates its own pace. The Street Glide is not a motorcycle you choose for its raw performance, but for the experience it offers: that of a first-class journey, to the sound of a V-Twin hammering the asphalt. A grand touring cruiser that has managed to retain its soul while modernizing subtly.