2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special Test Ride and Review

[@kevintammen4599]

The fairing weight is only an issue under 10mph, and then it's not a big deal if you've ridden big bikes before. You'll get use to it.

[@matthewreynolds6731]

Coming from a Nightster to the Street Glide Special that small wind buffet is amazing

[@MOTOBLADE]

I bet that is huge difference! The nightster was an awesome bike.

[@rubo-one]

I agree about the short visor. I’m putting the 10in visor for that reason

[@MOTOBLADE]

Nice! Let me know how you like it!

[@jimtomstimpson1477]

I usually listen to my Roadmaster tunes at only level 4. Agreed , the Indian audio quality is premium right out of the box! Also agree, acceleration and exhaust note , HD got right with the M8. I couldn't tell that the windshield vent does anything. Once I owned a bike with a power windshield , I could never go backwards.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Agreed. Level 4 on Indian audio is fantastic! Louder than that and the big rig half a mile behind you can hear it 🤣 the M8 is nice, but no more torque than my Thunder Stroke 111. I love the powered windshield on Indian, can't wait to upgrade!

[@BadBlue32]

So first off, I enjoy your reviews! I’m a returning rider after many years and watching as many videos as possible to educate myself on these new bikes. I like the comments here because I’m torn between Harley and Indian, and definitely a bagger! If I’m being honest, it appears that Indian currently has the better product for the money, but I somehow cannot get Indian to pass my eye test. I’m looking to purchase in spring and will test both for sure, but it’s killing me that I get more excited when I look at the Harley’s. I’m not sure if it’s the color combos or just body style.....

[@sivvinod3187]

It's the paint. Hats off best paint jobs of all time. Rolls Royce level.

[@RebelRides]

Just to play Devils Advocate Pink Floyd are not the best band to play anywhere with lots of background noise thanks to their massive dynamic range in their tracks. However I would have expected a bit more volume and clarity from a modern system. How does the 114 compare to the 111 Thunder Stroke?

[@MOTOBLADE]

If I'm being honest, I still like my Thunderstroke 111, because the M8114 doesn't produce any more torque than the 111. Agree with you on the music choice, but even other tracks the audio quality was poor compared to Indian.

[@vtwin4269]

When Harley launched the 2018 Softail range, they switched the fleet to the new, mono-shock frame. I am pretty sure MoCo is working on a new mono-shock frame for their touring range as we speak. No point fitting existing fairings (Road Glide and Street Glide) on a new frame. I believe this is why the touring range revision is delayed. The all new fairings should come with adjustable windscreen like the Indians. Also should come with louder audio system. In addition, I am hoping that they will come with remote lockable hard bags and tire pressure monitoring system. Why? Because most modern touring bikes have these features. Come on Harley, don’t let me down.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Until they do, Indian has the touring lineup mastered! But I'm sure Harley will catch up soon!

[@vtwin4269]

Hey Motoblade, it is a funny situation we are in at the moment with Harley vs Indian. Harley touring M8 are having quality issues with fluid migration and sumping issues. Indian is doing everything they can to cut costs (see this thread - www.indianmotorcycleforum.com.au/post/the-future-of-indian-motorcycle-concerns-me-perpetual-pennypinching-9860693). In the near future, Harley will fix all the engine issues and release new design touring bikes. Indian will respond by making 116ci engine OEM. Interesting times. The competition is definitely great for us consumers.

[@HDR20]

The denim looks pink imo i have the 18 rgs in wicked red and love it

[@MOTOBLADE]

It really does look stunning in person. Thanks for watching bro!

[@HDR20]

@@MOTOBLADEI know I have seen it in person numerous times lol but cant please everyone

[@Lasnoe]

My problem with Harley is that if we have to upgrade the speakers, the lights, the suspension and the cubic inches to have a proper bagger... why should we pay $27k for it???? The CVOs should be 27k. No other company has the gall to charge so much for a touring bike that doesn't come with heated seats and grips stock. Guess we should be glad they come with cruise control. I've been putting off buying a road glide for this reason. That said.... Best looking baggers hands down!!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Agreed. For that price I don't want to be upgrading anything. It should have it all! Be sure to check out my new bagger this Tuesday 😁

[@steelwheels327]

Agree 100% at those price points nothing should have to be upgraded

[@chgofirefighter]

You should consider a 2019 Indian Chieftain dark horse instead and yes I'm a Harley owner myself and I test drove the Indian and it offers you wayyyyy more than Harley ever will. Better warranty, 5 years and 1,000,000 mile powertrain warranty, whaaaat!? Yes,​ indeed Indian is aiming hard at Harley and doing an excellent job, especially with their 2019 models.You can purchase a new HD Special and pay 27k not including upgrading the stock suspension, windshield, audio speakers and amp, and a few other items. Sorry but for 27k I don't want to upgrade shiznit! For that get a CVO and you're still behind too!

[@warsane1]

I live in Socal and our Harley Dealer actually adds 5000 to 6000 dealer markup and im like waaaat??? I wont pay that. Check out the new Indian Chieftain Limited its awesome

[@warsane1]

Yes Yes and Yes and yet I just bought a 2019 Road Glide Special. It came down look and feel and although i could have gone either way and yes the goodies outweigh the comp on the Indian I really enjoyed the ride on the Harley just a little bit more and Yes they made me a deal I could not refuse. The went under the the manufacturer suggested retail by a fair amount, gave me more for my trade than it was worth and paid for my gap insurance because they had not made a sale in a few days so :) But I am happy, either way I would have been, but the Road Glide was the original dream for some time now and these guys would not take no they just kept giving me more. Listed it for like 32 but i walked out with it for 25400

[@KimosBhe]

Bought this exact bike in Feb 2020 awesome machine but I heard you can have the dealership flash the radio so you are not required to have the headset is this true

[@talkingrock7011]

I upgrade to the boom 2 audio , the glass screen doesn't justify the cost of a special HD wants you to pay the tax , now I have 2 HD and like them both but they are going to have to get a grip on the cost of a new bike

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yeah, the new bike prices are ridiculous. How's the boom 2 audio?

[@talkingrock7011]

it was a great improvement 80 mph no problems

[@jslots2]

Tell me about the M8 oil transfer problem, has it been fixed for 2019?

[@Mr.Quizzable]

Sweet Ride!

[@ليشمستعجل]

Thank u so much I’m so happy today because l have same as that bike

[@evandynandar9183]

Do you ever tried the ultra? Street glide or the ultra for the handling thankss

[@marlonbrando8148]

Well, chieftain or street glide!? Going to test ride them both this week. A lot to consider.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Chieftain all the way for me, but definitely ride both and see what you like best!

[@user-jz3vc9kd2j]

It's the same suspension on both road and street glide

[@scottdillard2002]

Rode a Indian dark horse going to ride one of these this weekend. What's you pick, bang for the buck???

[@MOTOBLADE]

Considering I'm buying my new bike tomorrow and it's not a Harley, what do you think 😁 I just think Indian is more bang for the buck. And I like their look better than Harley, but that's just my preference. I know a lot of people love Harley and that's why I do these videos because they're all fun to ride. But it won't be a Milwaukee eight in my garage tomorrow night...

[@scottdillard2002]

Thanks dude... ;)

[@ugoboy99]

Been going back and forth myself trading in my Road King but Indian has more technology and options straight out of the box at a 2k price tag less. If they are fair on the trade the new ride is Indian

[@1275porsche]

great review

[@MOTOBLADE]

Thanks you! And thanks for watching!

[@JohnnyRebKy]

I like the Chieftain much better than Street Glide. However I like the ultra HD over the Roadmaster

[@MOTOBLADE]

I like the Road Glide over the road master, but the new challenger might give Harley a run for their money on that one.

[@sivvinod3187]

@@MOTOBLADE I really don't like the challenger's design. It looks the exact opposite of the word "bespoke". It looks mass production.

[@wooddawg4868]

Harley-Davidson is my brand but they still have work to do. Harley is a legacy brand that has upgraded a lot since 2017 and I cut own a 107 M8 street glide. Harley-Davidson pushes their extended warranty and for what? Don’t they have confidence in their own equipment? I can’t understand why Harley-Davidson would use a chain drive primary on a modern motor in lieu of a smooth shifting gear drive, also why aren’t they installing fan assisted oil coolers? I had to buy one and had to pay for installation to cool that motor down. Indians new Challenger has all the upgrades out the gate and is a minimum maintenance motorcycle with its gear drive primary on all models, single hole oil fill and drainage, full LED lighting and up front large oil cooler and the Challenger with a slick full liquid cooled engine and not just the heads. Indian is in my next purchase cross hairs.

[@MOTOBLADE]

I love my Indian Dark Horse. Considering the new Challenger as well if it rides as nice as my Chieftain.

[@Love4boost]

The speakers are actually an upgrade but they never upgraded the amp. But the amp is $1k which I think is ridiculous. It’s not that important to me which is why I haven’t looked into the aftermarket. I’m fine with the windshield. The only time I wish it was a hair taller is when I’m on a dark backroad and I want to raise my tinted visor to look for deer. I love the overall performance of the Springfield in comparison. But the looks is what made me get the street glide. I just know if I had the Indian. I’d be looking at the Harley’s like damn they are so pretty. And this is my 4th Harley so I’m a little biased lol.

[@parkeslife4323]

Can't hear the stereo properly wearing a full face helmet with the visor down? Go figure. Nice bike otherwise. 🤙🏻

[@MOTOBLADE]

Just not a good sound system compared to what is already out there on other bikes, but yes a fantastic bike otherwise!

[@bluesriderDF]

Thumbs up for Pink Floyd!

[@MOTOBLADE]

Yeah Brother!

[@Ed.Johnson]

Play the music through your headset if you prefer listening to something when you drive; should be loud enough and the rest of us don't have to hear it.

[@donontour8074]

Hey you!!!!!

[@chieftainghostrider6475]

Love that color

[@saddle8bag]

They should have called it "Lipstick."

[@MOTOBLADE]

Agree, I like that color as well!

[@MOTOBLADE]

@@saddle8bag Lol 🤣💄

[@northrider8628]

Wait till this color sits in the sun... nice pink bike...

[@nicholasmynuk9985]

SB - you made me laugh...thx

[@james6275]

Harley Davidson cheaps out on everything from lighting to audio, why should I have to up grade for $27,000

[@slim56]

That new display is trash compared to Indian. It’s too small it’s in an awkward place to see. Still no power windshield? Really Harley? M8 engine is nice though.

[@MOTOBLADE]

Exactly, the bike itself is great, but lacks the great features that Indian has spearheaded over the last few years.