Difference Between Harley-Davidson Street Glide vs Street Glide Special│FLHX vs FLHXS

Learn the difference between the two versions of Harley-Davidson's most popular Motorcycle. Matt Laidlaw goes into every detail that separates the Street-Glide Special (FLHXS) from the Street Glide (FLHX) Standard.
www.laidlawsharley.com

[@detroitdizzle5513]

Do you ever make a bad video? I don't think so. Keep on making em sir!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you

[@swagmagazineca]

Love your reviews bro, I am a new rider and your videos really help me understand my bike and the business of Harleying.. Thumbs up.

[@2hotFL]

Thanks for taking the time to explain the differences. Another great video.

[@jayallenbrand8857]

Matt, You did a great job of it as always. Good information worthy of special notice. Thanks for sharing it. Jay

[@robertsilva5041]

don't forget. the faring is stationary on the road glide and the street glide it moves with the front forks. love the vids...

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Great video Matt. The road glide and the street glide I take it are the number one sellers. I see more of those and also the softail heritage. I feel like the Lonewolf when I am on my Slim S. lol

[@bigogtt4905]

Hey if you get the street or road standard without security can you still lock bars and ignition in place to keep someone from taking your bike like on the street bob you did.

[@KBSRacing]

Great video. The exact info I was looking for, thank you.

[@billmoffitt7411]

Nice explanation of standard vs special for the street/road glides. Question though on the standard models that come with the 4.3 entertainment system. Can the standard street/road glides with the 4.3 be connected to the HD WHIM for bluetooth audio?

[@uwcLi]

Hi Matt your videos are very informative thank you for doing that, since you big fan of Street Glide like a lot of people I hope you make the model year street glide difference video.

[@easyglide301]

Has the rear suspension changed from the 2016 CVO Street Glide to the 2017 CVO S.G.

[@dawrathofgod9372]

I'm new to Harley and just very recently purchased one. A 2013 street glide standard to be specific. Quick question, is it possible to change out the radio to a more modern touch screen? I figure there would probably be more to it than just swapping radios as the screens are much bigger than the stock radio on a 2013.

[@mikeliebig8604]

That was a very helpful video! Thanks for the info.

[@garbinator09]

Matt? Regarding the Nav, How does one update the programing (Map) software? In my Jeep the update comes in the form of an ordered DVD for $200 via Garmin. Great 👍🏼 presentation!

[@paulkmaster3231]

What I love about your vids is your utter honesty bro too bad your dealer not in South Florida bro

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you

[@Stu650Zuk]

Is the steering less tiring on long rides on the Road glide with the fairing not moving with the bars like the Street Glide does? I took my first ride on a good friends Street Glide today as we switched bikes. I was super impressed to say the least. Just wondering if the Road Glide would work better for me for 1000 mile trips. I am partially disabled from a broken pelvis and a fused spine with permanent nerve damage. I need a bike that does not tire you out easily. I am upgrading to one or the other this season...thank you.

[@awittypilot8961]

GREAT vid Matt! I'm seriously thinking about a 2017 FLHTX and your vid convinced me that I shouldn't even consider not getting a special. The ABS, 6.5 stereo and cruise is enough to make it WELL worth the little bit extra. I live in Wyoming but I'm in West Palm Beach and going to rent a 2017 for 2 days to make up my mind......I don't even know why they offer the non-special......no brainer If you can afford an FLHTX you can sure as hell afford a S.....Thanks for taking the time to explain!

[@andrewedmond7738]

I have never owned a Harley in 40 or so years of riding, and I blame that on my over acute sense of practicality when it comes to motorcycles. Also, the roads in Australia where I live are mainly crap! Damn you Matt, I am now committed to saving for either a Street Glide or a Road King with the new M8 motor. Great reviews mate, keep up the great work.

[@slyguyaction]

Another great review Matt. Only thing I'd mention is that regardless of the model Harley the Voice Recognition switch is on - none will work without having a wired headset plugged into the system.

[@MattLaidlaw]

True- you need the Audio cable to be installed on the street glides and the Roadglides. Only the Ultra Versions with a tour pack come with the plug in the center console.

[@chadernest1471]

Good to know the differences. Didn't know about the skirting. I am going to get the Street Glide CVO. I know you did a review on that. Any reservations on the CVOs?

[@Mrspecter007]

Thank you for the info Matt, I was wondering myself.

[@bigogtt4905]

Does the street glide standard have the same radio and sound quality that the special does or not

[@LSHD254]

Great breakdown and detailed explanation

[@dhannah4399]

Abs is a great option to have on a big cruiser. Living in Florida were majority drivers are seniors, you definitely need it.

[@richardnavarijo7477]

Good show of expression and details, I have journeyed to the other side (Indian) but if I meet anyone on or off the Hwy. I'll send them in your direction. keep up the good work.

[@Liveharley1]

Matt, if you were here in Florida, I would buy a dam bike off you! lol your videos are spot on with the features and prices. I will be buying a new bike this year 2021 or a 2020 looking at touring bike going for comfort this time for long rides with the wife, retiring this year. Thanks for posting the videos it is very helpful.

[@illinoisoutlaw2197]

Hi Matt, just curious if i was to get a street glide base can i add navigation to it and if so, whats the cost

[@kraymer999]

How tall are you Matt, Im 6'6 and interested in a street glide special

[@donmichigan8201]

I just picked up a 2018 Street glide standard with the big touch screen,gps, infotainment system stock. No abs, no security system. But I had gps tracking security system installed.

[@georgeboyd2774]

Lots of triggered trolls, on here hatin' on Harley Davidson, or anything American for that matter. You ride your bike, I'll ride mine, and we'll get along just fine.

[@angrymotorman1237]

George Boyd nothing is truely American anymore. Thats why they closing an American plant to build in Mexico. Bottom line is that people dont wanna kill their pockets and not gettin what others are offering. Harley closing plants to save money, and the customer wants to save money too. I love all bikes and dont care who rides what. As long as that persons happy with their purchase. Peace.

[@GoldtopDude]

Another great video, Matt! Thanks much....I am moving from a fat bob to a Street Glide Special

[@MattLaidlaw]

Both great bikes. Enjoy man.

[@Matosjay]

Meanwhile 4 years later, Your reviews are still official Matt ..

[@liquidktm]

Great explanation, Thanks

[@stevetreitel7443]

Hi Matt, Really appreciate what you do in your video's. Very straight forward and informative. Would like to see a comparison of the Electra Glide Ultra Classic and the Ultra Limited. Similar to your comparison of the Glides. Thanks, Steve

[@MattLaidlaw]

Steve Treitel okay that's a good video idea.

[@TheRobSJ]

Matt Laidlaw I would also love to see a video detailing the differences between those two bikes. Thinking about getting a Limited later this year but not entirely sure what is everything you get for the almost $3k extra.

[@williamgregory4732]

Hello All,Cruise Control is standard as well on the FLHXS

[@garrettcompton1927]

The road glide special has day maker headlights over the standard right?

[@Stokes504]

Garrett Compton they both have daymakers

[@iancampbell6191]

To help support Matt in the creation of good content you can find him on Patreon. I included the link below. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

[@bobclapper2672]

Hey Matt , when do you think the 2018s will come out ? Also, what do you think they will upgrade on the SG Special ? Thanks. Bob

[@MattLaidlaw]

bob clapper The end of August they will come out. I can't really speculate on what I think will come out. We just got a new engine this year though so I doubt that will be any different.

[@301joey1]

Good job...What is the real difference in the street and road glide models?

[@chrisstevens9323]

joey the front fairing is the only change

[@juangonzalez3034]

I've had mine for two years almost and never knew this ! I guess I bought the better one .

[@bosExpert1]

What about the stereos are they the same quality and sound?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, they are the same speakers and amp wattage etc. They are equally great-sounding

[@sarahancock3081]

The worst thing about my street glide was the headlight or lack of lighting at night changed it out right away on a dam near 30k bike

[@czwhat328]

Why did the special price jump to 26k for 2018?

[@jonmosco7665]

107 motor on standard now and 114 on special

[@bschuneman]

Matt...what are you going to get?

[@joedangelo5640]

I am pretty sure the SGS has a different electrical system. You can't 'LED-out" a Street Glide (change all the lights to LEDs, add running lights, etc.) with out changing the amp, correct?

[@MattLaidlaw]

No, that's wrong. The electrical system is the exact same.

[@joedangelo5640]

Huh. I learned something. Thanks!!!

[@knievel8727]

Is there different engine sizes as well between standard and special?

[@MattLaidlaw]

In the 2019 model year there is. The special is a 114 and the standard is a 107. The year I made this video 2018 they were both 107

[@knievel8727]

@@MattLaidlaw Thanks!

[@natesnell4118]

You gonna do a review on the Heritage Classic?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea soon.

[@Gixxer1000man77]

What about the stripe on the Specials. Also if you get a red or blue standard the inner fairing is flat black where the special is matched.

[@Rev103090]

Gixxer1000man77 i

[@Gixxer1000man77]

Rev103090 I'm sorry Rev theirs no "I" would you like to try another Vowel?

[@Rev103090]

Gixxer1000man77 o

[@Gixxer1000man77]

Rev103090 sorry no "O's" either

[@armybiker]

thinking about trading in my 2016 softail slim s (paid off) for a street glide special

[@MattLaidlaw]

akata69 The streetglide will be better for highway riding.

[@armybiker]

waiting till they come out with a blacked out version like my slim S

[@OutlawPetroleumPartnersLLCStet]

Matt, great vid as usual. It's almost humorous how all of these "experts" that ride other than HD are always trying to bash us. It's all out of jealousy. They try to say that they wouldn't buy an HD even if they could. I call BS!!! The fact is all they can afford is a "high tech" crotch rocket, but they really wish they could sit on top of a big bad HD and feel what we feel going down the road. I don't care what anyone rides. Different strokes for different folks. I'm quite sure that most, if not all, HD owners are not trolling the pages of all of these "superior" motorcycle owners to bash them on their choice of bike. You know why? Because we know what we have and there is no need to look any further. Have a great day. I'm going to come by the shop this summer with my wife to rent a bike while we are on vacation. Hope your there. I'd love to say hello.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, I know and talk to lots of very seasoned riders that prefer sport bikes. They typically also love H-D. The difference is that they understand the strengths and weaknesses of both types of bikes and the type of riding style each excels at.

[@snakebite6511]

Good information

[@hendramenjulang]

Nice info ❤

[@kodywillavize8685]

What is the difference when your holidays in many compared to a 4 size motorcycle

[@MattLaidlaw]

I don’t understand the question.

[@STIjojoSTI]

Here in the Philippines the Streetglide special sell for around $40,000. :(

[@breakoutpete210]

Wow! The starting price for a Street glide special or Road glide special here in Quebec Canada is about 10,000$ more!:(

[@charlesdavid5137]

Cool breakdown Matt. Currently what is you favorite H-D. What are you riding right now? -Charles

[@MattLaidlaw]

Charles David The last 3 years I rode a 2014 Street Glide Special. Before that was a 2009 Road king. I just sold my bike. I plan on getting a new one soon.

[@charlesdavid5137]

Thanks Matt. Currently I'm on an 08 Road King Classic. Trying to figure out what next. Maybe a Street Glide/Street Glide Special is the way go.

[@rogerrohde626]

What about tail lights?

[@angrymotorman1237]

I like Harley-Davidson motorcycles but for the price you pay anything over 20,000 should have security automatic on it Indian does a great job with providing security standard on most of their bikes I like Harley-Davidson but their prices are kind of out of hand when you compare bikes with the same type of equipment

[@lycanr1586]

can u try a dyna street bob special edition please

[@MattLaidlaw]

Special edition streetbob? I'm not aware of such a bike.

[@lycanr1586]

Matt Laidlaw look it up it looks awsom and get back to me and tell me wat u think about it

[@MattLaidlaw]

daniel Rdz I was kinda just being nice with my reply. There isn't such a bike man. Sorry. Maybe you saw an accessorized one?

[@matthewlidel4324]

hey Matt you heard of anyone having problems out of the new m8.

[@eight0nickleoxnard]

Matthew Lidel sorry to hijack, but I have.

[@matthewlidel4324]

What problems have you had eight0nickleoxnard

[@eight0nickleoxnard]

Matthew Lidel not me personally. I ride a dyna. my buddy bought his in Jan brand new 17. already clocked in over 5400 miles. just recently started leaking oil from the rocket box gasket.

[@eight0nickleoxnard]

Matthew Lidel Harley master tech told him he was the guinea pig for the m108 lol they haven't heard anything either and anyone adding miles to it yet.

[@matthewlidel4324]

Lol eight0nickleoxnard I just got a new Street glide last month. Only have about 700 miles on it. So far I love the bike!! Hopefully they don't start having problems with them.

[@donwinburn1030]

nice video again matt. don't worry about the haters haha HD is not for everyone

[@flyonawall6521]

California fee?

[@brutus6328]

I know Matt already told me a vid is soon to come but why I don't any videos reviewing or talking about the Heritage Softail Classic? My understanding is they were HD's best selling bike til the SG came along. Maybe it's SO great (biased opinion! LOL) it needs no review?

[@MattLaidlaw]

I'll make one soon. That model actually doesn't sell like it did 10 years ago. Great Motorcycle though.

[@brutus6328]

Hmmmmm I got my info from a sales rep at HD in Greenville SC and he said that the Heritage was their best selling bike til the SG took over in 2009 but said it's still right under the SG in sales. Obviously every dealership is different. I would love to know what the top 5 selling bikes are at your dealership. Again, great vids Matt!

[@bodyguard5879]

The ABS alone is worth the price difference.

[@slyguyaction]

Alberto Gonzales I agree. Wholeheartedly

[@mopar340dave]

Talk to me, why? I have not ridden anything with ABS. Why would I like it better? Currently I am used to using my brakes to effect handling in different situations.

[@usernamenotmyname4809]

I like to ride my bike. Stumts,wheelies,skid sideways etc. Like when you were a kid. Have fun. Stop and go is nor very fun after riding so many years. Abs gets a discount on ins. Is all it's good for. Wait till your bike is a classic and you have to replace that abs. There goes that savings on ins.

[@The_Great_Hejaz]

Thanks for great efforts you the best harley davidson bikes reviewer so far but why you all time look sad 😔

[@joshuasuddethjs]

I always rode sports bikes, but the street glide will be my next

[@j.ramone4116]

glad there are people out there that buy these bikes and hardly use them.otherwise i wouldnt be able to buy cheap used bikes

[@jameschanin1520]

$18,600 blue Street Glide ABS Alarm Big Screen.

[@paradigm0shift]

Honestly I have been wondering why Harley manufactures the standards. It doesn't seem like a couple of thousand dollars more financed is worth not getting the extras. Do you have people coming in specifically asking for the standards or do they normally tend to lean that way after comparing price points?

[@joojr2779]

Only reason why I would get the Special is the touch screen radio and Nav. Looks better IMO

[@jmackinjersey1]

paradigm0shift , He covered that at 3:50 in the video.

[@MattLaidlaw]

We sell way more FLHXS than the FLHX. The people that buy the FLHX are guys that usually aren't "tech Savvy" or the guys that say they don't want to listen to the radio at all because they want to enjoy the open road and the sound of the Harley. Guys that never want to touch the GPS. Or the guys that really just have to hit a certain price point or monthly payment. Believe it or not we still get some guys that don't want ABS too. They don't want a "computer" taking over the control of their brakes. I, however, don't agree with this comment

[@joojr2779]

If only I could switch the faces between the street glide and the road glide, I would get a road glide. Hate the look of the headlights

[@saddle8bag]

For some reason, the hat makes Matt look a lot like Mark E Mark.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I'll take it

[@roadrunner40]

The answer is, there is no difference. I learned that when I went to buy Harley and I couldn't find one salesman who could tell me what the actual differences between the models. One motorcycle, add different accessories, call them by different names.

[@face6196]

the difference is different accessories. ??? Like buying an Acura TL or an Acura TL Type S. it has some more features. i'm confused on where you are confused

[@alleyoop4465]

Wow, how about for the most part when you're riding you use the handlebar to navigate and your damn eyes on the road.

[@hellogoodbye9345]

Sheesh, $20k for any bike should include abs standard come on HD. Shoot for sport touring, my $20k would go to the ktm superduke gt instead.

[@imdartson3679]

For some reason, the special looks smaller.

[@MattLaidlaw]

imdartson same size.

[@imdartson3679]

Random optical illusions, lol.

[@katana258]

matt why does every 103 motor flh rear cylinder run so hot .?? that my balls are burned and can I play video games while I ride on the 2017 model

[@charlesdenny2925]

How is that a Street Glide Special? The Street Glide Special is supposed to be Blacked out.

[@christopherwhitely6904]

Double the price in CANADA

[@DavinDaGeek]

Man the Street Glide is expensive, I'd rather buy a used one or a brand new car.

[@Randystites66207]

I am buying a 2007 SG with 14,492 miles for 9,000.00 on Tuesday

[@elmerfudd5266]

Matt, love your videos. So sickening seeing youtube allow every wannabe expert to plug up the works, with useless videos. Mostly talking about their peckers when making bike comparison video's. No one wants to watch 30 mins of blabbering and pissing themselves while talking up the MASSIVE HP & TQ in their stock CB350 Honda. Stopping to tell veiwers their toothbrush of choice when camping at the city park. and 2 mins talking about the actual bike in question. Fn hell man... 😯

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha. Thanks man. I try to stick to the subject and talk about just the bikes. 😁

[@Rpearce79]

Its no wonder Harley is failing in sales that's the price for a quarter of a house. i Would love to own one but i have a family and they come first

[@tuckerjane2269]

Thank you !

[@DIXONSIDER00]

That’s not Harley’s problem I have a street glide and pay 300 a month for it if you can’t squeeze that that’s you buddy bc there’s millions of us that seem to be doing just fine and we aren’t rich. Stupid

[@whoispriest]

20k for a bike, no alarm and abs, WTF why do we buy these bloated price second rate bikes.

[@MattLaidlaw]

whoispriest You have a choice of getting those two items. Believe it or not some people prefer not to have those features.

[@treycannington3583]

200 california charge? Wow....should pay you 2k just to live there

[@kevinvoeks7422]

Zzzzzzzzzz. Zzzzzzzzzzzz

[@MattLaidlaw]

ZZZZZzzzzzzzZZZZzzzzzzzzZZZZZ

[@humbertostroker1811]

No thanks. I like my 57 Harley-Davidson.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Cool, I'll take a 57 too. As a back up

[@hydroboy35th]

$200 tax for living in California, smh.

[@yankeesuperstar]

Chinese electronics. Those bikes are worth thousands more than my car. I’m so ghetto. I used to ride an old sporty

[@thebigempty_5792]

I think I'll buy a Triumph Tiger 1200 adventure bike.....ugly as sin, all day comfort,141hp, and guaranteed to pick up ZERO ladies.....which is consequently, how I'll afford the 20k :D

[@dzenx9861]

LoL this guy man.....it come as standard you don’t have to pay extra.....it’s a fucking special model, of course you pay extra. His comment is a usual weasel sales man pitch. I hate how they take a bike out on a few bells and whistles for $1500 and now it’s a $5K more expensive. I’m a big Harley fan but their prices are freaking redicilous. A new Yamaha Eluder is superior in EVERY aspect besides the brand.

[@TheRicokilla]

Theres no difference. All those new lines of harley models are soulless. I sold my m8 after just 6 months of making the worst decision of my life. Bought a twin cam 2014 and enjoyed till today.

[@2Big2Sexy]

I'm sorry but Harley's are so grossly overpriced I bought a Kawasaki Vulcan vaquero. It costed me a fraction of the Harley cost, it's got a stereo and cruise control and bags. My bike can easily go 100,000 miles with no issues what so ever.

[@ballgoodrape]

The biggest thing both street glides have in common: They are second to the road glide!!!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

HaHa The feud begins

[@pateagleplace4021]

Street Glides are one of the ugliest most uncomfortable looking bikes I've seen! Who wants to ride while leaning all the way foreword with your arms and legs at the same time the ass is dragging the ground!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Pat Eagleplace What bike would you recommend instead? Make and model please.

[@pateagleplace4021]

It depends what type you are looking for, a cruiser, bagger, sport or other. I've had Harley for the last 20 years and countless others before. I've just never found SG to be comfortable sitting in that kind of position.

[@voldo18]

Pat Eagleplace If your under 6ft, a street glides really gonna be hard to ride..I'm 6'7 and I fit a street glide perfectly

[@face6196]

So... after knowing nothing, and then coming up with no answer on make or model... he never answers again. DON"T FEED THE TROLLS, Matt

[@moto_jojo]

Harley is so old! There is nothing TRULY new and innovative on these bikes in 30 years. The only tech they have they have stolen...thats not much tech at all. Plus they still rattle you till you are numb. Did a mention they are WAY WAY WAY over priced.

[@MattLaidlaw]

This couldn't be further from the truth. Please watch my video where I tackle this subject kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5qwd6WBlLOnpMU

[@moto_jojo]

Watched the first ten minutes and hear is some points for you to consider revising. That video starts by saying comments like mine come from non-Harley riders. I have been riding for over 10 years, works for dealers, rode just about any brand you can consider. So I do not fit your assumption you made in the first minute of that video. You also state Harley is unique via non symmetrical...this is not true. I will try to use "|" to note the symmetry and a number for times the power stroke happens....1|1 is just as symmetrical as 2|2. Another problem in the first ten minutes of that video is the use of the word "State of the Art". The art of manufacturing motorcycles in particular. Harley has be BEHIND the art for 30 years...its just a fact. Navigation and ABS on a bit is NOT state of the art. Maybe it was 15 years ago, but not in 2017.

[@moto_jojo]

Wow man. You need to calm down and use your brain for once. Your reply has no intellectual argument AT ALL. Its just a series of curse words. If you wish to make a point then make one.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Moto_Jojo So please name the make and model of a motorcycle that you consider a bike worthy of you riding it.

[@bosExpert1]

Moto_Jojo I agree I love my bike but every time I want to do something to it oh it's about 500 to a grand and it's kinda not fair especially when the bikes are pretty meek from stock so you have to bump into them a bit to open em and my em beast! But they are 20k to start!

[@bluecollarbiker8005]

Wow way to go harley davidson make people pay more for safety