Harley-Davidson Sport Glide 2024 — Specifications

Harley-Davidson returns to the realm of transformable motorcycles with the Sport Glide. A motorcycle aiming to combine the joys and precepts of several worlds, with the sound of a powerful, torquey engine. The concept of a "convertible machine" is not new at Harley-Davidson. For a long time, models that can be transformed at will have appeared from time to time. The purpose of customizing, you might say? Not quite. It’s important to clarify:

Difference between adding accessories and configuring a convertible model

A motorcycle can be accessorized. Within the limits of homologation and the imagination of accessory manufacturers, it is possible to add or remove certain elements. And sometimes, the result in terms of aesthetics, leaves something to be desired. Doubt it? Take a look at a Street Bob with a windshield: effective but not very harmonious... The concept of a convertible pushes this to the extreme by offering an opposite alternative: instead of starting with an accessory to be added to the motorcycle, one manufactures a motorcycle that can perfectly integrate various accessories. The goal? There are three: to be able to transform your motorcycle at will, to maintain a fluid and acceptable line with or without these accessories, and to access great versatility.

In summary, to create something useful and not ugly when unsightly appendages are added, while retaining the advantages of each configuration offered. A real headache, isn't it?

Ah, the Touring models from Harley... With the carrying capacity of an ocean liner and the ability to devour kilometers like an elephant. You settle into the living room armchair, put on some music, and let yourself glide along the grand ribbon. The superlatives are there. But...

But here's the thing: to go get your bread on Sunday or tackle a pass, that's really a hassle. The monster shows its limits. So, take a Softail? Maybe, but it’s the distance traveled that will bring you back to reality. The wind in your face, the firm seat, the total lack of protection, and the feeling after two hundred miles on the highway that an A380 has taken off in your helmet. And that’s without mentioning the fact that you couldn’t take your rain gear due to lack of space and had to endure a downpour worthy of the name! Personally, I like it, but it must be admitted that when you return, with ringing ears, cramps in your neck, and a mashed-up backside, you need a little time to adapt before you can discuss with your peers. Some will say that after all, it’s an extension of tranquility. The debate is launched! But let's return to the Sport Glide.

For this machine, it seems that the engineers took the opposite approach: not to start with a Dyna and put it in a Softail sauce, but to start with a Softail base and put it in a... Softail sauce! And yes, because the Dyna frame has disappeared, you can no longer adorn it with that term. Nevertheless, one can easily guess the touch of the new "Dyna" despite the presence of the Softail frame.

So, we take the playful side of the latest frame, the well-tempered character of the Milwaukee Eight engine, and we manufacture something that resembles a touring bike. Except that here, it is originally fitted with accessories that integrate well and can be easily removed (bat-wing and saddlebags). Thanks to this, in theory, we can find the maneuverability of the new Softail and a touring-like ability to travel. In terms of technical specifications, we have an 107 cubic inch M8 (with a torque of 145 NM) in a deceptively rigid frame. The whole thing weighs 304 kg and has a beautiful robe (very black on the engine and exhaust silencers). The bat-wing (the fairing above the headlight) is removable, as are the lockable saddlebags. On a more technological level, we find, among other things, LED headlights, keyless start, and a USB port.

So yes, the bat-wing is less prominent than that of a Street Glide and will therefore probably offer less protection, and the saddlebags are smaller, but, once again, this is not a large touring bike. Never forget that: it is almost impossible to have two real motorcycles in one while maintaining an easy transformation. However, you can take two models and try to retain as many qualities from each. A difficult bet to win, but who knows?

A. Bonnet - Photos manufacturer