Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide review

There is probably no more menacing sight than a Harley Street Glide rumbling up the road.

With its big "bat-wing" fairing, it looks imposing, if ugly. It's not only ugly, but ridiculously heavy, offering little wind protection and producing the most annoying buffeting we've experienced.

VALUE

The closest rival to this is the Victory Cross Country hard bagger at $30,495 which is just $500 less but a lot more attractive. The Victory also has larger cargo capacity and a slightly bigger and more powerful engine.

The metric cruisers aren't in the game here and Triumph don't make a hard bagger Thunderbird, although they do make a 2.3-litre Rocket III Touring at $25,990, but it doesn't have the stereo and some of the creature features such as cruise control.

Despite Harley-Davidson Australia discounting prices over the past couple of years with the favourable exchange rate, the big American still has one of the most enviable resale values in the automobile industry. While most bikes have resale values of around 50 per cent after three years, Harleys are in the 60-70 per cent range.

TECHNOLOGY

Although Harley never talks power, torque is up 6 per cent to an impressive 132Nm over the Twin Cam 96 engine it replaces. The Twin Cam 103 comes with an oil cooler and now features automatic compression release valves that reduce the "thump" when starting the bike placing less strain on the engine, battery and your spine.

All Touring models now have icnredibly strong and secure anti-lock brakes (ABS) and a security system with proximity-based, hands-free key fob. Make sure you always carry a spare battery for the fob. American hi-fi specialists Harmon/Kardon provide the 40-watt, sound system with FM/AM radio and CD player. There is also an aux-in plug for an MP3 player, but there is nowhere to secure the player, so you need to run a lead to your coat pocket.

DESIGN

It's not quite as ugly as the Road Glide, but it's not far behind. At least the Road Glide doesn't support the weight on the front forks, but on the frame, which makes it lighter to steer and less prone to high-speed weaving. With looks only a mother could love, it comes with new paint schemes, a slammed rear suspension and there are new tubeless chrome aluminium profile laced wheel options.

RIDING

The compression release valves may soften start-up, but the rubber-mounted twin then shudders into life, rattling the mirrors, handlebars, seat and your fillings. It's an experience you either love or loathe, but it does make it difficult to tell if that's an ambulance approaching from behind.

Harley's Touring range is one of the best-handling big bikes in the business with its stiff frame and good (for a cruiser) corner clearance angles. It has to be fully loaded with pillion and luggage and cranked way over before it starts grinding the floorboards.

Rider position is comfortable with wide pull-back handlebars, 45.7cm floorboards and a deep-dish seat, however the rear shock sends harsh hits straight into your spine. The addition of an optional sissy bar also makes pillions quite comfortable. Leave the standard pipes on for a macho rumble rather than an annoying bark that will only create enemies of your neighbours.

VERDICT

Definitely a distinctive shape, but we'd prefer a Road King.

Harley-Davidson FLHX Street Glide

Price: $31,990
Resale: 69%
Warranty: 2 years
Service: 1600/8000km
Engine: 1690cc Twin Cam V-twin, 132Nm
Transmission: 6-speed, belt drive
Body: 2413mm (length), 663mm (seat)
Weight: 356kg
Fuel: 5.6L/100km, 22.7L tank
Tyres: 130/70 B18; 180/65 B16