2 Years with the Harley Davidson Sport Glide: My Last Harley Davidson Motorcycle?

Well, I'm back. This time for real. I needed some time away from the cameras to deal with my accident, focus on rehab and get my life back on track. I have been riding a lot over the last couple months without the cameras rolling and have had a great time clearing my head - but it is great to be back creating for KZbin again! I thought this first video back would be a great chance to update you on my Harley Davidson Sport Glide which has just turned 2 years old and clocked 30,000 kms!
My name is Michael, I am The Moto Barista. On this channel my mission is to inspire others to ride motorcycles through my own adventures, bike customization + bike reviews! If that sounds like the kinda thing you're into - you should hit the subscribe button! Your support is greatly appreciated! Ride safe + have fun + drink damn fine coffee!
My Bikes:
- 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide
- 2019 KTM 790 Adventure R
Instagram: / themotobarista
Website: themotobarista...
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[@steve3023]

Sorry had a few drinks tonight but I have had a few Ducati’s they are a young man’s bike. Harleys I have found in a sport long trip like 800 kms the sport glide standard is a great bike my idea was s if you ride a Harley as I’ve seen on KZbin my idea was if you ride want a Preformance bike don’t ride a Harley

[@TheMotoBarista]

Haha all good mate. I love my Sport Glide and have really enjoyed riding long distance on it. I have had zero issues really with it and it still so much fun to ride. I just like adventure bikes too. Not selling my Sport Glide.

[@jasperduncan6633]

Congratulations on your recovery. Whenever I watch your videos I can’t believe that you’ve never treated yourself to one of these: Part Number: 50700002 Ciao

[@TheMotoBarista]

Hmm let me check it out.

[@phillipalbert5912]

Love your videos. I ride a dyna low rider S 117 and eventually one day when I move to a M8 it will like be the Sportglide due in a lot of ways to your videos and comments. Thank you.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thanks mate for watching! That Dyna Low Rider is a killer bike, but no doubt you’ll love the M8 Softail platform. Glad my videos could help 🤘🦅

[@andrewedmond7738]

Good to see you back mate. Watching from Nth Qld, and enjoying your videos. Finally got to test out the Sportglide and I must admit that I was so surprised by its comfort and smoothness. Will seriously consider getting one for a retirement present to myself. Thanks for the heads up regarding the screen and seats. I'm over 6ft so a higher screen is a must. Like yourself, I have two bikes, Vstrom 1000 (2014) and a 2007 VFR800. Would seriously trade the VFR for the Harley Sportglide. Best of both worlds in my humble opinion. Over 60 now so speed is not issue or a requirement. Comfort on the other hand is becoming paramount as I like to ride on a daily basis. Touring around this beautiful country of ours is now very high on my agenda. Stay safe mate.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Hey mate awesome to hear and hope my videos can help in your search for the perfect bike! Nothing better then exploring this is amazing country on two wheels 🤘

[@FranBunnyFFXII]

Sport Glide was a best seller in Europe too. Harley rep on stage said that at EICMA 2019. It's great that you found a perfect bike. PanAm im excited for not because I want one but because they just took a potshot at BMW's 1250GS and slapped BMW up side the face with a competitive model. HD has been pushing closer and closer to being a value for the money bike these past years and I think it's exactly what HD needs to be doing. With the Softail still beating out that new chief, and the PanAm beating out the 1250GS, it's starting to become real hard for people to argue HDs are all overpriced.

[@TheMotoBarista]

That’s awesome to hear and I definitely agree with you about pricing. The Softail platform and the Pan Am are very strong for HD. I hope they take this momentum and point it at their touring bikes now 💪

[@davidtatelo]

Hi from Spain, just found your channel few days ago, while trying to decide which Softail to buy later this year (im most likely getting a white Sport Glide :-) as soon as work lets me to settle down a bit). Saw many of your videos, and your approach is most enjoyable and shows billiantly the feelings which this bikes are about; very useful and informative indeed! And then i just saw the videos about the accident... man, so glad you are doing well.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thank you for watching mate and glad you have enjoyed watching the channel! The crash was crazy but happy to be safe and back riding now 🤘🤘

[@geneclarke2205]

Glad you're back and full recovered. I hear you with keeping your bike. Every Spring I test the waters and look at new bikes then look at my bike and conclude that my bike with my mods is better than anything I see in the showroom. I'm holding off judgement on the Pan American as its untested as an ADV bike and anything that's new from the ground up has undiscovered issues. I'm disappointed Harley didn't make press bikes available as part of the launch event in order to get independent reviews. Again, way too much Harley hype and marketing and not enough real world head-to-head comparisons. Maybe by next year we'll get a better sense of where the Pan American stands as an ADV bike.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thanks mate, great to be back. I agree about the Pan Am, it is very annoying that even after the so called ‘launch’ it still isn’t available in dealers or at least on a test ride tour. It won’t be available in Australia until July - which is nuts. Can’t believe it is taking them this long - it really needs to be good after all this time.

[@steve3023]

Mate I watched your stuff I say if you want to go bush and hurt yourself again so to but if you do a long trip do the Harley you must remember all makes and models have their problems

[@gusmahendra5493]

How much power ? And torque again please

[@steve3023]

More common menu I thought it was my air filter but just the other day I found it was the fuel does it mean someone stole my seal

[@steve3023]

Well I have had to put up with the rain over on the east done after 40000 kms and why would it be your last Harley

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

Lol I’m on the same page. Love my Swiss Army knife custom and hopped up Sport Glide. But am seriously considering adding the Pan Am to my stable. Loved riding it and it fits my type of on off road hooliganing. Plus here in America fits okay at the Harley sponsored rides poker runs and the like.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Off-road is where it is at! 🤘🤘

[@EvilChem1st]

Talking cruisers, you should try a Road King. It is the best of both worlds. Very nimble, windshield mounted in seconds, way better ride quality.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Will do!

[@bendare8210]

I have a Sportglide myself, I love it.

[@lifewithstevekentwell]

Glad your back old mate. I'll be over your way end of July/august on my trip around Australia on my harley . Catch up for a coffee if you like .

[@TheMotoBarista]

Hey mate, thanks. Sounds like an epic trip, very jealous- definitely would been for a catch up to hear about it.

[@peternishan1009]

I'll be keeping my 2019 for a long time as well. One mod that would be expensive but I feel is needed is dual front disc brakes. The Sport Glide is lacking in this area no way around it. Sure the stock set up is " good enough" but I want better on such an important aspect of my ride. If they can put dual front discs on the FatBob they should have put it on the Sport Glide At some point may be the only reason I sell mine.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Agreed. Actually forgot to mention that one. The dual discs at the front and upgraded suspension would really make this bike a true ‘Sport’ Glide. The brakes are good enough like you said but having duals would mean stronger braking into corners and thus more more speed 🤘

[@NitroRoo]

I get where you're coming from - it's nice to be really satisfied with the bikes in your garage and have the ability to upgrade them to your taste and riding style. I also think the Pan-America looks like a really cool ride.

[@TheMotoBarista]

It’s a nice feeling to be really content with your bikes and not be sucked into the upgrade mentality. All I get to focus on how is riding 🤘

[@miguelestrada6435]

I agree with your comments on this sport glide, I don’t see anything that I would like better. What did they do about the condensation? I have the same issue but my warranty has expired

[@TheMotoBarista]

All they did was swap out the unit and seemed to fix the issue. The new one still fogs up every now and then but it clears up perfectly- the original struggled to clear up and the glass became stained.

[@paulmorris3022]

glad to hear you doing well and getting back on track. it is good to see you back too. yes in the northern hemisphere in the UK it has been cold and we have been in lockdown and still are only going out for essential things. so making the most of that with the bike. i have 2 the fat bob which is almost 2 years old and i have only had new brake discs fitted under warranty and the other bike is a Triumph tiger 900 GT Pro. love them both, but i am liking the Pan america. i think i will need to go for a test ride on one. what i am liking is the lowering of the bike when stationary and rising back up when you move off. Being only 5'8" tall it can be a struggle with adventure bikes lol. looking forward to more content soon

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thank you mate! 2 great bikes you have there but you’re right about the Pan Am and it’s seat lowering tech - great move by Harley and will definitely help build confidence with new adv riders.

[@delk5024]

Great vid as always! Love the forest riding scene on your KTM. How have you found the comfort on the HD regarding the suspension over rougher roads specifically the rear monoshock? Seen a few complaints on the forums that the shock cant handle two up very well or has lost some performance after 1 year. I am very interested in getting a SG but more than 50% of my riding is done with the wife on the back. Don't want a big touring model either. I know you can buy upgraded shocks but seems madness to spend £16k on a bike and the suspension is not capable.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Hey mate, thanks! I find the comfort on the Sport Glide great for a solo rider but the suspension is a bit rough - the dampening is a mess on both the forks and the rear. It definitely won’t be a plush ride for you riding two up. Heritage might be better as it has a slightly longer rear shock. In summary it’s good enough, but not great.

[@melvinsmith4213]

Welcome back! Please do a review on the PAN AMERICA as soon as you are able!! Would like to here what you have to say about it...

[@TheMotoBarista]

Definitely mate! Very excited for that bike. Hopefully there will be a display model here in Perth soon but no official launch here until July 😩😩😩

[@saddle8bag]

So happy to see you bounced back strong! You confused me though. You seem to have the perfect stable and now you're considering an Pan Am?

[@TheMotoBarista]

Haha good to be back! I do indeed have the perfect stable, I was just stating that if I had to swap the Sport Glide it would be for something like the Pan Am and not another air cooled cruiser because my Sport Glide is so good and can be improved with aftermarket. Don’t worry, Sport Glide is here to stay 💪

[@jameshumphry6443]

Happy to see you back. I have the 2020 sport glide and i love it . I was wondering if you like your mini floor boards ? I want to get some on mine . Thank you from Canada :)

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thanks! I absolutely love them, more comfortable foot position and ability to move feet around on long trips. Also, it increased the lean angle of my bike due to the angle of the boards and due to my heel not hanging down anymore. Amazing.

[@jameshumphry6443]

Thank you for replying:) which mini floor boards did you put on ?

[@edbrubaker4516]

Glad to see you back Michael, doing videos and fully recovered. I have a 2018 Sport Glide and you gave me a “heads up” in this video about the condensation in the speedo dial as well as the noisy gas cap. My bike has both of these problems and they both drive me nuts. Sounds like they could be common issues that may have since (hopefully) been corrected but I’ll check with my dealer. The rattling noise to me kind of sounds like a noisy speedo cable. But I know that it can’t be it since it’s all electronic now and no more cables. I’ll definitely check, or just replace the gas cap and see if that works. Thanx much and stay safe.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thank you mate! Definitely seems to be common issues with the 2018-19 bikes. Fortunately my dealer was great about getting them both sorted. Hopefully you have the same luck!

[@edbrubaker4516]

@@TheMotoBarista Just an update on my noisy gas cap, I switched out the gas cap and the LS cover, opting for black finish from the original chrome. Happy to report no more noisy gas cap. That solved, I’ll take up the speedo condensation issue during the next service visit and decide if it’s worth the time and $$ to deal with it. From what I’ve seen on line, apparently my particular problem isn’t as bad as some others are experiencing. That’s it. Again thanx. Looking forward to your next one. Later

[@beans4491]

Hi mate great to see you back and finding you fit and well. Just added a 2021 street bob to my collection so looking forward to giving it a go when we get out of lockdown here in UK. Great vid as always, kind regards.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Hey mate, killer bike, get you can’t wait to get on that! Definitely on my list of bikes to test ride soon, really looks great this model year.

[@beans4491]

Cheers mate, its vivid black with orange decals. @@TheMotoBarista

[@pmanpp357]

Good to see you upright and well...nice vlog 😎

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thank you mate 🤙

[@sportglideriderdennis8971]

Just took my 2018 Sport Glide on nice back roads ride and couldn’t agree more...it’s a great all around bike. But I’ve spent most of my riding life off road and the Pan American is definitely calling!

[@nosyjoe]

Happy that you’re back on the road!

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thanks mate! Happy I’m back too, feels good 😎

[@Kevin97587]

Can u test ride a pan america and compare it to your 790? that would be cool

[@ausforce1]

Nah mate HD are struggling because they are not keeping up with modern engineering and performance standards in all of their models with the exception of the Pan America. For example the Lowrider S is their premiere performance model and that bike needs to be 50kg lighter, 120hp STANDARD at a minimum and have Brembo brakes in order for it to be at an acceptable performance point in 2021! We should have had the new Revelation 1250 engine in bikes a couple of years ago already, makes it hard for me to justify dropping $27000 cash on a lowrider S when it can not even put down 100rwhp or brake adequately without serious modification. Innovate or Stagnate, Evolve or Die !!!

[@EnteKross123]

Its not about tech ... People who buy harleys are doing that because of the feeling and maybe even because of the name but what stops them from selling more is the price ... Just way to expensive to justify a good sound and some cool looks

[@phineashenshaw]

Ditto...... Keep the shiny side up this time!!!!

[@twistieslayer3592]

Sounds like you'll be trading your Sport Glide in for a 2021 Dirt Glide.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Maybe one day in the future. But not initially, still love my Sport Glide and my KTM 790 ADV. But I do find myself leaning more towards the adv world lately.

[@jonlowing7907]

'gas station'....'gas cap'?????

[@eddwiggins4383]

" 100 horsepower is a lot!" Said 1982.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Torque is more important a big air cooled twin.

[@NoodlesNJ1]

Glad your feeling better, great to see you back in action

[@TheMotoBarista]

Cheers mate, feeling good and very grateful to be riding 🙌

[@mikeessary4925]

Glad you're back!!

[@TheMotoBarista]

Thanks mate! Good to be back 🤘

[@hoss6048]

Are you in the Perth area?

[@TheMotoBarista]

Yeh dude 🤘🤘🤘

[@hoss6048]

@@TheMotoBarista I’d love to visit Australia. I will eventually. Take a ride in the left side roads!

[@fatboysflstbs]

Buy ya self the New PanAm: and you’ll be a happy Man, you’ll have the best of both worlds.

[@TheMotoBarista]

Ahhh but the KTM isn’t going anywhere. Love that bike 😂