Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special 2023 — Specifications

Black or Chrome? The Street Glide Special favors the dark side or the light in its color scheme. The trim revels in it, as it emerges victorious no matter what. Chrome thrives, the dark reinforces the identity patina.

But the 2021 evolutions, however subtle, go a little further. The crashbars are less imposing in height, the headlight switches to a Daymaker LED version, and the fuel tank changes philosophy. A new 'Bar & Shield' tank medallion is assigned, the fuel filler cap is moved to the side, and the entire central console is revised. The 'Special' models in the Touring range don't like to stay put. So, they ride, defying kilometers and stagnation.

We’ve seen that case recently. It was in 2020, a time for additional technology and dynamism for the Street Glide Special. The grafting of safety solutions brings this bagger into a dimension formerly reserved for sportbikes and fiery roadsters. While the engine still transmits its energy to the wheels, algorithms now supervise what is happening. No less than a dual-level traction control system (Standard or Rain) and disengaging, an anti-dribble system by engine torque adjustment, a hill start assist system, tire pressure monitoring, an ABS active in corners, and a linked braking system also sensitive to the lean angle have grouped together in the RDRS assistance systems. The motorcycle, thus equipped, is capable of handling a host of delicate situations. Thus, this Street Glide marks its modernity without renouncing its identity.

The designation Special has taken on a more defined meaning in the Touring range. It now signifies a darker look and a rear end conquering style. To do this, the saddlebags appear to scrape the ground, gradually covering the ends of the exhaust pipes. As on the Road King and Road Glide of the same 'Dark' family, the majority of the chrome has disappeared, having been swallowed up by the black: the engine protection, the fork tubes, the handlebar and controls, the mirrors, the turn signals, the tank console, the engine covers, the air filter cover, and the exhaust heat shields. Revanchist, the Special is also appreciated with 19- and 18-inch 'Prodigy' rims. Consequently, the Street Glide of yesterday seems quite tame; but perhaps that's what it wants, as each Glide distills its own emotion.

Touring on a Harley is not just about riding... It's also an identity, and an engine. And this motorcycle has taken a big step. Within the frame sits a large Milwaukee Eight twin, rated at 1868 cm3. This engine, equipped with 4 valves per cylinder, a displacement just before the CVO models, a largely optimized intake and exhaust, a dual ignition, and a good dose of evolution propels Harley into a new dimension. Thus, traveling on a Street Glide becomes richer in emotions with this Special model. Since the normal Street Glide, Harley has raised the equipment level of its very popular Touring without encroaching on Electra territory. A delicate dosage that Davidson knows how to handle perfectly. The identity of the FLHX is completely preserved, and the small S added to the end of the name means an improvement in many small details, from the simplest - such as the fender cover in the same color as the bodywork - to the most entertaining, such as the BOOM! Box upgraded to GTS version. Today, the connection is more important with the smartphone. The H-D Connect app allows you to know the position of the motorcycle, access distances to essential information (fuel quantity, trips, range, voltage, etc...) and be warned in case of aggression on your Harley.

With the Rushmore project, the Street Glide gained a multimedia console of the latest generation in its 4.3 version. Recently, it’s the highest-end 'infotainment' from H-D that the MoCO has installed on this machine. What stands out is the large 6.5-inch touchscreen connected to a whole panel of amenities. You can connect your iPhone, MP3, SD card, and other USB systems. The installation alone is enough to keep you occupied: voice recognition phone functions, Bluetooth, GPS, radio, 25 watts per channel. With the GTS optimization, the Boom Box is much faster at startup and route calculation. The screen is more resistant, with more contrast and increased resolution. In addition to more intuitive navigation, the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay. Almost enough to make us forget for a moment the essence of metal that mocks silicon. The twin, you have to listen to it too, crazy!!!

With the Milwaukee Eight, the power is on demand. It delivers 90 horsepower from its entrails and, above all, a lot of torque. From 15.2 with the M8 107 ci, the engine now sends 16.1 mkg thanks to the more generous displacement. Accelerations will be stronger, the potential more eloquent. As a bonus, idle vibrations are reduced by 75% thanks to a balance shaft. But the essence of Harley's character is preserved. To discover the Milwaukee Eight engine in detail, click here -> The rear suspension has switched from pneumatic to Showa emulsion elements; more practical to adjust preload and more consistent. The fork also improves with SDBV technology offering more efficiency. In 2014, the entire technical package had already evolved with a 49 mm fork and Reflex linked brakes. Then, we find the equipment of the Street Glide Rushmore: dual halogen headlight, "One-touch" opening/closing system, cruise control, Batwing fairing with ventilation scoop, enlarged saddlebags, more ergonomic controls, etc... Its success still comes at a high price, but the charm is not ready to fade with this Street Glide Special.

M.B - photos constructeur