Harley-Davidson, a brand synonymous with the spirit of freedom and the open road, has been crafting motorcycles since 1903. Two of their flagship models – The Road King and the Street Glide – have become iconic symbols of the touring motorcycle class. In this article, we delve into the specifics of these two models, comparing their features, performance, aesthetics, and ultimately, helping you choose the one that best suits your riding style. So what’re you waiting for? Let’s get to it!
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How To Decide What’s Right For You
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand what you’re looking for in a motorcycle. Are you planning to embark on long, cross-country rides? Or are your rides more about short, leisurely spins around the city? Your riding habits and preferences will significantly influence your choice. Touring motorcycles like the Road King and Street Glide are designed for comfort and long-distance travel, making them ideal for those who love to hit the open road.
Road King vs Street Glide: A Direct Comparison
Let’s dive into a direct comparison of the two models, examining their features, appeal, and performance.
If you’d like a brief overview of the two models, check out this video first:
Performance Comparison
In this section, we discuss some key performance features of the Road King and the Street Glide. These include:
- Engines offered by the models
- “On-road feel”
- Comfortability
Road King
The Road King is the cornerstone of Harley-Davidson’s touring class. It’s a favorite among Harley enthusiasts as it embodies all the essentials of a touring motorcycle. The large frame and comfortable seating make it feel like you’re “riding on a couch,” making it ideal for long journeys.
The Road King doesn’t compromise performance for comfort. Even though it’s a large bike, it offers impressive handling. It’s incredibly maneuverable, especially when in the right hands. It comes equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic-inch engine, offering a good mix of power and cruising capability. However, unlike the Street Glide it does not come equipped with a batwing fairing. Because of this, many riders opt for an aftermarket Road King fairing.
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Street Glide
The Street Glide is another popular touring model with a loyal following among Harley enthusiasts. It shares many of the Road King’s comfort features, with some added extras. The Street Glide’s most recognizable feature is its batwing fairing, which offers great wind protection, making rides more comfortable.
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One of the Street Glide’s significant advantages over the Road King is its built-in stereo and touchscreen infotainment system. It’s a great addition for those who enjoy having some tunes on their rides. The infotainment system also helps with planning long rides with its built-in GPS.
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Here’s a Road King vs Street Glide 1/4 mile drag race, for those of you who like to goose that throttle a little bit:
What Engines Are Available For The Two?
Both the Road King and the Street Glide come equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 107 cubic-inch engine. This engine offers a good balance of power and cruising capability, making it ideal for long hauls. Additionally, the Road King Special comes with a blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic-inch engine, giving riders an extra kick on takeoff.
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Intended Purposes (Touring, or something else?)
Touring motorcycles are built for long-distance travel, and the Road King and Street Glide are no exceptions. They are designed to provide comfort and ease of riding for extended periods.
Road King
With its large frame, comfortable seating, and impressive handling, the Road King is perfect for those long, cross-country rides. Its simplicity and affordability make it a popular choice among touring enthusiasts.
Related article: Road King vs Electra Glide
Consideration: The Road King typically offers a more traditional riding experience due to its lack of a fixed fairing. This can result in more wind buffeting at high speeds but also provides a more “open” riding experience.
Street Glide
The Street Glide, with its added features like the batwing fairing and the infotainment system, offers a more luxurious touring experience. It’s perfect for those who like to ride in style and comfort, and don’t mind paying a bit extra for those added features.
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Consideration: The Street Glide comes equipped with a batwing fairing. The batwing fairing provides better wind protection, making it more suitable for long highway rides. The fairing also houses the motorcycle’s infotainment system.
Aesthetic Comparison: Which Bike Looks Better?
While we may not admit it, the looks of our bike play a significant role in our appreciation of them. In other words, the aesthetics of a bike can sway you one way or another, right? Let’s keep going.
Road King and Street Glide Aesthetic Comparison
Both the Road King and the Street Glide have distinct looks that set them apart. The Road King has a classic, timeless design that has remained largely unchanged over the years. Its simple design is part of its charm, appealing to those who prefer a more traditional look.
The Road King features a more classic and retro design with a detachable windshield, giving it a timeless cruiser look. The Special variant often comes with blacked-out finishes for a more aggressive appearance.
The Street Glide, on the other hand, has a more modern, sleek design. Its signature batwing fairing gives it a unique look that stands out on the road. Its design is more streamlined and aerodynamic, appealing to riders who prefer a more contemporary look.
The Street Glide is known for its iconic batwing fairing, the Street Glide offers a more modern bagger look, and it also comes with an infotainment system.
Pros and Cons of Each Bike
In this section, I highlight some of the key features, and pain points, of each bike, to help guide you in your comparison process.
Road King
Pros
- Simple and affordable
- Comfortable for long rides
- Good handling for a large bike
Cons
- Lacks a radio or speaker system
- Riding without a windshield can be tiresome
Street Glide
Pros
- Modern, sleek design
- Batwing fairing for better wind protection
- Built-in stereo and infotainment system
Cons
- More expensive than the Road King
- Vibrations at high speeds can be uncomfortable
So, How Do You Choose Between The Two?
Choosing between the Road King and the Street Glide ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and riding habits. If you prefer a simple, comfortable ride and don’t mind not having a radio or speaker system, the Road King could be the right choice for you. But if you prefer a more modern design, with some added luxuries like a stereo and infotainment system, then the Street Glide may be more your style.
Is One Better Than The Other? (It Depends)
Neither bike is inherently better than the other. They both offer excellent performance and comfort for long rides. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you.
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Which Bike Would I Choose?
As a seasoned rider and a fan of the classic Harley-Davidson aesthetic, I would personally lean towards the Road King. Its simplicity, comfort, and affordability make it an excellent choice for long rides. However, I can also see the appeal of the Street Glide, with its modern design and added features like the stereo and infotainment system.
Read next: How Long Do Harleys Last?
Wrapping Up and Summary of Main Points
In conclusion, both the Road King and the Street Glide are excellent choices for touring motorcycles. They both offer great performance and comfort for those long, cross-country rides. The choice between the two comes down to personal preference and what features are most important to you.
