2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS) │ First Ride and Review

Full, Detailed Review of the 2019 Model-Year Street Glide Special. Are you thinking about getting one of these bikes? New or Used? Learn about the recent upgrades and see how this bike compares to a 2016 Street Glide Special. Matt Laidlaw does a deep dive into everything you need to know about this popular Bagger.
1. Engine and Performance = 7
2. Handling and Suspension = 6
3. Braking = 7
4. Utility = 7
5. Touring Capability = 8
6. Customization Opportunities 9
7. The Sytle and Looks = 8
8. Heart and Soul of a Harley-Davidson = 8
9. The "Matt Factor" = 9
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#2019StreetGlide #Harley-Davidson #StreetGlideSpecial

[@2hotFL]

Well done. Can't wait for the Road Glide review, I'm forever comparing the two. Thought I read somewhere they tweaked the clutch feel for 2019 on the hydraulic clutch models where it doesn't catch quite as far out. Has anyone noticed this?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes, I wish I would have mentioned this. They added another disk in the clutch so the friction zone is sooner. I’m gonna pin your comment so people see this.

[@clarkbabin9799]

I've got a 19 FLTRXS and I have noticed I've got to pull that clutch a good ways to shift but it is a solid shifting. Traded an 05 FLHRCI which I just had worked on and tweaked to get the new feel out of it.

[@clarkbabin9799]

I went from a road king with a fork mounted fairing to a road glide. The road glide steering is easier and agile since you have no added pressure on the front from the wind

[@paulwaldrop]

Rode a Road Glide today. Clutch was tricky as hell. My bike is a 04 Heritage Softtail and I definitely did have to pay attention to the clutch. Bike rode smoother, but didn't like the positioning of the shifter and brake. Needs to be further forward by about another 2 to 3 inches. Rode the special version, fully loaded. It is definitely a nice bike. Just wondering now... keep 04, or trade in.

[@Silidons91]

@@paulwaldrop Haha, I have an 03 Heritage and I test rode a Road Glide Special last week as well. I thought it looked badass for sure, but I felt like I was super cramped up (and I'm only 5'11'') compared to my Heritage. I'm torn between the Street Glide or Road Glide!

[@jamesmoore3346]

I had an 07 dyna bob with a bunch of goodies on it, loved it. I lost it to the repo man. Was dianosed with stage 3 lung cancer, given 'about 90 days' had to quit my job to enter chemo and radiation treatments and could not afford the payments without working. It's been 4-1/2 years now, BEAT the cancer and everything is still showing good. I have yet to beat the side effects of the treatment but look forward to the day I am able to return to work and get another bike, have always said my next bike would be an 09 street glide or newer street glide dressed in black......miss riding, its tough...

[@michaelpulice6100]

God bless you, James glade you beat cancer

[@jashanmalsj]

The 2019 Street Glide Special is the most amazing bike I’ve ever owned. Powerful, smooth, so easy to ride. Every second on the bike keeps me smiling...

[@guilleushuaia]

I recently sold my FLSTSB (Softail Crossbones) and bought a Street Glide Special that will be delivered to me soon. Do you think I have made a good change? My previous motorcycle was really good. But of course, it had a 96 ci engine (it was a 2009 model) and I think that this new Milwakee eight will give me many pleasant surprises. What do you think?

[@darkoflight4938]

Your videos has gone from the best.... To even better!!!! Love the new rating system, the footage/editing keeps improving all the time and the new beautiful bikes helps of course. Awesome color on the bike btw. Keep em´coming, sir!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! I always appreciate your input

[@Aprojeep]

YES!!!!..........a history on the Street Glide would be really cool to see.

[@battlebornhd3030]

An awesome and honest review. No bias and straight forward. Thanks Matt

[@duoglide69]

Excellent review Mr.Laidlaw . Hope you keep the heart and soul category.

[@roblord7610]

Love the industrial grey - Yes, please show the video on the evolution of the Streetglide - looking forward to it as I'm sure many others are too

[@lemonster1]

Matt I really enjoy these in-depth reviews. Very helpful and answer most questions about a particular model. I think a series on the evolution of different Harley Davidson lines would be great to watch. Thanks for the great videos! 😀

[@goochma]

The best Harley Davidson reviews on KZbin.

[@michaelr.serfass4978]

I bought this bike, love it, thanks for the awesome review Matt !!!

[@BigBert]

Great review Matt, thanks. As a street glide rider I would enjoy an evolution of the street glide video. Looking forward to it. Cheers

[@charlierosa9076]

Love the review Matt. Went out yesterday and bought the bike.

[@rondavis9918]

have the 12 heritage, took out a road glide and was very surprised how nimble it was. The 107 is a great motor, and finally, BRAKES! Stopped on a dime... Harley has really nailed the new bikes...

[@shutupshaun6190]

Appreciate the video it was very well explained in its entirety. I have actually went out of my way recently and stopped by to see your sales team. Stay ypu!!

[@thomasangelo4219]

Great video thank you Matt a lot of helpful information take care

[@xxkalevalaxx]

Yeah Matt we want to see a video on the evolution of SG, and thank you in advance!

[@jesusirazabal4034]

Thanks for the review, my dream bike it is...maybe next year...

[@kmeades43]

Great work as ever Matt.

[@Caseysays]

Great review! Can't wait for you to do a review of the 2019 Road King!

[@carlito3624]

Really appreciate all the quality and informative videos you put out.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching

[@taestr7348]

Should have a Project Light-more. Pay all that money for a halogen bulb haha! A Project Pay-Less would be great as well. Another great video Matt! Its awesome how in depth you go with the info. We all extremely appreciate that. I'm just about to be in the market for another bike. I live in OC and I still look at bikes at your dealership because of your great videos. They come with a sense of trust. Very smart and good thing you're doing here. Keep it up!

[@iflyg4]

Nice review man

[@bobbyromo69]

I’m excited to finally pick one of these up tomorrow in billiard blue

[@1550tc]

Matt your right, on baggers Harley does it best especially with the bag liners...rain wear one side, dry wear other side... at night just grab your tour pack duffle bag, head to your hotel room... best bags and travel set up 👍🍺

[@pornsuda63]

Excellent Matt love watching your stuff 👍🏻

[@bostontricolore6958]

Sweet Video and priceless Information. Thank you

[@martinblazko5236]

I love these videos. Well done. Greetings from Bavaria Germany

[@donsvideos1985]

I felt the same way about power delivery when I went from my Evo 80" to my TC 88.. Now the 103" HO on my 15SGS with stage one and tunes really gets the job done much better... A far cry from my old 74" Panhead and 4speed.. :)

[@graffell]

Yes we all want to see a video on the history of the street glide!

[@brianblair7852]

I would like to see a video on the history/evolution of the street glide

[@shift26]

Awesome review. Thanks for making this video. I'm on the fence between 2 bikes, 1 being the 2019 Street Glide Special. This video answered a lot of questions. I may drop by your shop after AIM Expo.

[@jeffreybruch9824]

thanks for the review and for giving us a good look at the silver flux/ black fuse color scheme. That's a sharp color combo and it's been hard to get a good look at one.

[@ottaviorivelli6669]

Great review and great scoring system. You should post your scores as you test the 2019 bikes so we can compare them to each other. Keep on the good stuff

[@robsonbala4546]

Nice color and nice bike. Congratulations...

[@cperine39]

I like to learn everything about everything and so I love these videos you make. I’m giving you a 10 for salesmanship because I’m sold!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha. Thanks man. Glad i could help.

[@GOOSEAF]

Yeah! I'd love to see that SG video.

[@Tiger24kicks]

Man this bike is so beautiful 😍❤️. This is love at first sight.

[@tonyzee9931]

Matt, hope all is well! Haven't seen you since Born Free. A video on the history or impact of the Street Glide on the market would be awesome! Definitely would like to see that.

[@ntdfmaverick]

A great video as always, thank you. A video about the history of the Street Glide would be really cool too. I love the billiard blue color. It's that same style of awesome non-metallic paint they used last year on the CVOs in gray. They should offer multiple colors across different models in that non-metallic paint, as I think it's growing in popularity. I also really like the billiard blue on the Softail Slim. Thanks again.

[@HDR20]

Another great video Matt. I have said from the beginning of the m8 that is was refined and rode like the metric bikes. I love the twin cam but i did buy an 18 RGS in August.

[@johnboss3562]

Awesome video Matt. As you mentioned it perfectly, ALL motorcycle manufacturers have copied the Street Glide Bagger concept, from BMW to Kawasaki.

[@jeffallen5758]

Love that solar eclipse bike.

[@leepierce3256]

great review, and what an awesome bike!

[@jamesstrickland148]

Heart and soul is a 10!!! So iconic!

[@SuperSnallygaster]

Another great video 👍

[@eladiovelez2760]

Yes I would like to see a video on how the Street Glide changed the touring world for I own a 2015 Street Glide Special myself .

[@mas3292]

Hi Matt, very informative presentation. Love Street Glides the most because of the inner fairing display which gives you the feel of a airplane cock pit. They are an empty canvas with unlimited possibilities. I still prefer paint/graphics and chrome components as a starting point. You do the best walkarounds on KZbin! Thank you.

[@simmon81au]

Love to see a Street Glide history video

[@thejerseyj1636]

Your "Solar Eclipse" is an awesome looking bike. You said in a video you liked white on a bike, and it REALLY works on this bike. Awesome !

[@chadmartin6334]

Awesome Video as always Matt! The M8 starts too easy... my FXDLS puts up a fight when warm to start... Street Glide Special will be my next Harley

[@guyramsden2526]

Hi Matt!! I have a 2017 UL. Your right about the sound between the twin cam and the m8. I put 3 exhausts on my bike till I could come close to the twin cam. I finally went with D n D 2 into 1!! Love my bike AND sound now!!!

[@MrAndrew1953]

Beautiful paint work on the feature bike. Tank badge really sets it off.

[@LJM2stepspain]

Awesome video. Would definitely be in for a more in-depth look at how the Street Glide changed the game! Also - how about a Denim Paint care video? Lots of questions from us folks who don't get to spend all day around these paint jobs :(

[@TH3G0ODGUY]

Denim paint is pretty easy to take care of. Harley sells a denim paint cleaner, but there are other products out there for matte finishes. The important thing to remember is no wax or polishing. The surface of matte paint is not as smooth as gloss, which is what makes the surface more of a satin finish. Wax fills in those micro surface features, making it shinier than it should be. And polish removes the roughness, doing the same thing. So with denim paint, just keep it clean! One thing to note, while the surface is very durable (you won't get swirls), its can't really be repaired without repainting, since polishing is a no go. That's why Harley calls it denim, it's supposed to wear a bit like a good pair of jeans.

[@kurtbormann7751]

LJM2stepspain is there differences in the stage 4 107 to 114 and the stock 114?

[@TH3G0ODGUY]

Kurt Bormann the stage 4 has CNC ported heads, high compression pistons, bigger cam, larger throttle body, higher redline, and usually an intake and exhaust. The result is that a built 107 to 114 conversion makes about 30-40 more hp than a stock 114.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, I can do a denim Paint care video. That's a good idea. I think I'll do that video for sure.

[@planiverse00j]

Awesome! I'd be curious to know if denim paint is supposed to develop a patina over time like denim jeans?

[@fililoboesparza5784]

Matt a history video of the street glide would be awesome..👍🏻

[@406life]

Great video.I wanted a street glide special till I rode a road glide special. I don't regret buying the road glide.

[@kennethreynolds8]

Good review Matt, that Street Glide Special has to be one of the best looking bikes HD sells IMHO. It must be good as you eluded to in the vid, as others have copied it as recently as this year, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery as they say.🤔👍

[@MattLaidlaw]

yes sir!

[@johnnap8564]

@@MattLaidlaw on the solar eclipse bike what size handle bars where on that bike please

[@MattLaidlaw]

@@johnnap8564 I think they were 14 inch bars.

[@craigmnz117]

That colour is awesome

[@simonclark8176]

That Matt factor , is why i subscribed ^^

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha thanks.

[@tx699]

Awsome video very informative.

[@stanleygraham1389]

Always enjoy your reviews and comparisons - the bikes, production values and information are all of high quality. Some reviewers consistently push their personal preferences. You don’t. That’s a big plus! 👍 I’d be interested in seeing ratings within the different types of Harleys too - sporty v sporty, softail v softail, touring v touring, etc..

[@MattLaidlaw]

Coming my friend. Stay tuned.

[@MrAndrew1953]

Utility is the word for the Street Glide which I would go for over a Lowrider ST,with that Batwing fairing. You can see the ground below the front wheel. I think I prefer the standard bags with say a Borsani 2 into 1. Auxiliary lights, Heated Harley touring seat, heated grips.

[@CactusJack252]

I can't wait to see your sportster roadster review

[@brettoctane]

Just bought one, they’re baddass !

[@scottschaeffer8920]

Speed & torque are forever to be debated. It’s so subjective, my SG stock M-107 has plenty of both for my needs, I love the smoothness!

[@andrewbirch5394]

Great video mate, would love to see the history of how the Street Glide has changed the cruiser world.

[@deanxxi]

Great video and a special thanks for wearing a side-helmet mounted camera for real height over the windshield.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I’ve never got this comment. You’re welcome.

[@fredgfysmith6171]

Cold AF!! Riding season is almost over here in Canada. I've been purposely boycotting all my you tube subscriptions so I have something to do other than plough snow. Oh yeah one more thing...... bring on the snow!!! I need a new bike this spring!!!

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

Both machines look really good

[@mikekrump6787]

Just picked up my river rock gray denim 2020 SGS...upgrade from a 2010 black denim SG. Loved to old SG and really Digging the new bike.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice congrats.

[@elyeyi369]

I'm next ! Lol

[@razzrasmussen5773]

Enjoy the ratings system! I have a Road King Special and really enjoy how smooth the M8 is. The breaking assist is welcomed. My favorite is being able to quickly adjust the shock. Keep up the videos. Here in MN are riding season is almost up. The video help scratch the itch. lol

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks! And thanks for watching. Come down down south more to extend your season!

[@asoshkin]

Picked up the same color Road Glide over the weekend. Traded my 2015 RGS..Just amazing ride.

[@MattLaidlaw]

The road glide looks so bad ass in that color. Enjoy.

[@slyguyaction]

Such a great bike. Definitely needs LED lighting at this price point like the RoadGlide has. Thanks for sharing Matt!

[@TheRooster1122]

He said twin cam, a man after my own heart! I just love the power and the sound of a built twin cam.. Now if you could only have the sound of a carbed Evo....

[@morkthetubabiker5479]

TheRooster1122 I currently ride a carbed Twin Cam, best of both worlds.

[@Mrspecter007]

Matt great videos man very informative. Thank you for sharing. I've subscribed to your channel amd love your videos man.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you very much.

[@tomdillon363]

nice video as always, Matt. love these reviews you're doing. lotsa great info! BTW are those 14" KST handlebars on the 110?

[@davidknows3320]

I'm completely torn between my twin cams and the M8. I love the heavy thump of the twin cam, but do appreciate the finesse of the M8

[@travissutton2294]

Dude that thing is SWEET!

[@donaldbaker4166]

Great job on the ratings. I thought you done a very good job of giving a rating for a wide range of people, which isn't the easiest thing to do.

[@rubensoto7783]

Thx for the ride

[@StanfordC95120]

I like the heart and sole aspect, but I also like advancement, lol, so it's reflected in the whole score. I'd also like you to mention or show what bike scores the highest in every category, so we can get an additional cross reference. Nice job on an important bike.

[@mattthegreeter9074]

Great vid man. I love the side by sides between different engines & platforms. I don't think enough riders really learn their own engines. I think a lot of guys try to swap out this & that component to make the engine perform, whereas if they would spend a week just woodshedding on their bike until they could wring every last bit out of it, they might realize the power is already there to some extent. (I'm talking average rider though, def not you & the fellas). My '09 Low Rider feels like a new bike because I just get better and better at riding the thing! Yeah, that Street Glide vid would be great & probably fun to make!

[@MattLaidlaw]

I couldn’t agree more. A lot of people will buy a bike because it has more power than another. In which most cases your limiting factor is riding skill, not a lack of power from the bike.

[@paulbronnenberg2075]

Excellent review .... I particularly was interested in your opinion of the 107 vs 114 ... because like you I purchased a 2018, 107 before the release of the 2019 's with the 114. I have since added the HD Stage 1 Heavy Breather and the Stage II Torque Cam upgrades so I feel like I have a good comparison engine to the 114. End result is I LUV & enjoy the ride !! I would KEEP the "Heart and Soul " category. Thx for the video !!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Awesome, thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated. The 114 is nice but not enough for me to trade up

[@sabahsabahabd9579]

Wowwwww really it’s beautiful and nice Harley 😍👍👍....thank you for your time

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching

[@drpk0013]

Would like to see a video on how the Street Glide has changed the cruiser market. You have great videos, very informative.

[@MattLaidlaw]

It’s up already. Check it out in my miscellaneous play list.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

Hot bike! I'm "in" for the Street Glide's influence on the industry video. Also, I've put almost 6K on my 2017 Ultra Classic that I bought as a holdover at the end of May 2018. I love it, get itchy to ride it when I can't hop on it every few days. The 107 has been plenty of engine. I know I'd love the 114 but I'm thinking that I won't do much more than a Stage One on it some day.

[@jerryhurst396]

Looking forward to when you take the 2019 TriGlide for a ride and review. Hopefully soon.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, I’m definitely taking that Trike out. I want to check out all the new stuff on it.

[@ExpertVideos1]

Let's see the street glide video!

[@andrewdreyer7765]

Matt, 21:12 Very well articulated. This is a pertinent point! My beast is a raw avenue ripper. She is a breathing thing. The expectation is refined smoothness. I too agree. I Love my Dyna - but that new street bob was less jarring. My impression was that it is a needed improvement.

[@binarym]

Bought a brand new left over 2019 FLHXS SGS - Barracuda Silver. I got it for just under $28K on 9/19/20. It came with V&H slip-ons. Put about 300 miles on it so far. I traded in my 2011 Heritage Softail Classic. I am a short guy, 5' 4". With a 1" lowering kit in the rear and some new boots, I am flat footed. Some small adds so far include, shorty antenna, phone holder, cup holder, black saddlebag latches, black seat screw, black rear saddlebag guards, black sissy bar and seat pad for a passenger (detachable), front axle nut covers, and a king tour pack (from Advanblack) for long trips and the bride. My first impressions are this...why did I wait so long to go to the dark side known as touring. The last few years I have taken some serious road trips from New Hampshire - Sturgis, Tail of the Dragon, and Americade to name a few. After getting back from the Tail of the Dragon earlier this month, I realized it was time for a new bike. My new SGS rides awesome. Feels nimble through the twisties and has power to crush miles on the open highway. If travel restrictions are lifted I am planning a trip to Nova/Scotia and PEI on the new bike next spring. I can't wait to get this bike out on a long road trip. Matt I love your videos. Your down to earth attitude and straight talk impress me the most. I think it is kind of funny that you at 6' 6" and me at 5' 4" ride the same bike. I have seen all of your mods on your storm trooper bike. You have really made it yours. If time and money permit, I will be doing the stage 1 and stage II "torque" upgrades prior to my road trip next Spring. Looking forward to seeing more content from you.

[@MattLaidlaw]

I appreciate the comment outlining your experiences with the bike. Really it all comes down to what type of riding you’re gonna do. Your body size is second or third to the first rule. You as a distance, multi-day rider need the touring bike. You could probably get away with a heritage on the new frame as well. Thanks for watching. I appreciate the positive feedback.

[@Dactylgodhand]

Down for that Street Glide video! \,,/

[@jobeta22]

Great videos and awesome bikes. I would appreciate a video on the history of the Street Glide. It is kind of crazy that the Street Glide is never referred as a stripped down Electra Glide. But these baggers, including the Road Glide, have revolutionize the motorcycle industry.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Spot on my friend. The Street Glide is a ElectraGlide Spawn.

[@wolverine-vf5op]

Love your videos matt. That's one of the nicest bikes I've seen you do yet. And usually thunderheader is my fav exhaust, but those cfr pipes sound wicked and that's on camera. I could only imagine in person. But anyway, i would love it if you could ever demo a sporty that's decked out to the max kinda like the big bikes you demo. Thanks for the awesome vids.

[@wolverine-vf5op]

Sorry man that comment was suppose to be for the cvo road glide stage 4 you recently uploaded.

[@sudhakarg6346]

Super duper review as always Matt! I can confidently say that You are the best reviewer of HD bikes in the world! I ’m desperate to see your review on the 2019 Ultra Limited in comparison to the 2018 FLHTK, which I bought just 4 months ago, not knowing the two big changes HD wud make in the 19 model!!! The boombox and the 114 engine being made the default size!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you. I bought a 2018 as well. I’ll review that bike in the coming months. Don’t sweat it. The 107 is strong and the radio is still really good enjoy.

[@scottwilloughby3840]

Solar eclipse is the bike great job again and again

[@MrDarcy-OlMan]

Thorough review Matt. I agree with your verdict and the difference in feel of the 107 and 114. You might want to check out my reviews and see if you agree with my comments

[@roymoderatto]

I would get one in wicked red denim! Maybe in a couple of years. Currently on a 2014 Silver Street Glide. (Plus the FXR's..) I like the rating system! 🤘🏻😎⚡️

[@gregtucker69]

Nice Job Matt, will you be doing the Road Glide Special 114? I've just ordered one so keen to see your review.

[@northrider8628]

The one thing i really like about the 2019 is the new info system, just has a clean look to it. I believe i have always been a batwing guy myself! I just like how i sit down behind it better, and the looks to me are just a bit more to my liking. For me i would probably go for the m8 over my twin cam, i dont mind if the bike is smooth. Thats not to say the twin cam is rough its not but the m8 is really a better power plant in many ways... great job keeping the other guys scrambling to keep up Harley Davidson.

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I have a 2017 Ultra Classic, love the M8 engine but I'm lusting over the 2019's Infotainment system. That iPhone comparison Matt made applies to this as well, I'm sure that H-D will keep improving the electronics (along with everything else) every couple of years.

[@byronO_70]

I can’t find those gloves anywhere on Roland Sands’ site. Thanks for the quick response though. I really appreciate all your videos!!