Winning Formula
A new Street Glide meets Factory Custom.
I rode my first Street Glide in 2011 and have tested numerous models since.
I’ve loved all of them except for one serious complaint.
Because I’m tall, the wind buffeting and noise that came off the standard batwing fairing and screen made riding somewhat less enjoyable that it should have been.
Obviously if it was my own bike an aftermarket screen would address the issue, but we don’t get that opportunity with test and press bikes, so it was a case of grin and wear the turbulence at higher speeds.
It even got to the stage where I started decline the offer of standard Street Glide test bikes.
But I’m very, very glad I jumped at the chance to try the 2024 incarnation when Mick offered, because those all of the buffeting and noise issues have been most satisfactorily resolved, and I revelled in the ride.
So much so that I now favour the Street Glide’s bodywork over that of the latest versions of the Road Glide. Shock- horror, the CVO included.
The Steet feels nimbler and more light-footed at low speed than the big shark nose, and is now just as pleasant to ride at touring pace.
I even prefer the new glove box storage setup on the Street.
I Am Custom.
As part of a promotion by H-D Australia, this test machine has been upgraded from stock with performance, comfort and style accessories.
Performance wise, it’s fitted with a stage one kit that includes an Extreme Wedge air cleaner (that looks and works great without impeding leg room), a set of Screamin’ Eagle Cannon Mufflers and a Screamin’ Eagle Pro Steet Tuner.
The new Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin in stock form produces around 103 horsepower (76.8 kW) and 168 Nm of torque, but with these upgrades those numbers receive a bump.
The high-flow air cleaner allows the engine to breathe more efficiently, while the slip-on mufflers provide a (slightly) throatier, more aggressive exhaust note while the race tuner optimises fuel delivery and ignition timing, ensuring peak performance across the rev range.
The machine is consequently more responsive, especially in the mid-to-high RPM range. Throttle response is crisper, and the bike pulls harder when rolling on the gas, making overtaking even more effortless.
So good in fact – I had trouble quantifying any real difference between the 117 Stage 1 with Dual Cooled cylinder heads - and the CVO 122-cube VVT motor (in stock form).
It was a few weeks in between riding both, and the only sure way to tell would be to jump from one to the other and back, over varying conditions. But my impression is there isn’t much in it. It’s that good.
The exhaust delivers the signature Harley rumble but with a more refined, powerful growl.
Other Bits
It also has Low Profile rider and passenger seats, which look great, and I’ll give the benefit of the doubt as they were still quite new and not broken in perhaps, but I had to stop and have a bum-break after 90 minutes in the saddle on the freeway.
The backrest was easily removed.
Style-wise, a suite of Adversary style controls, pegs and a derby cover are fitted. They match the CVO model’s fitments, and they are nice, although I thought the derby cover looked a little out of place – but overall it’s a fabulous looking machine with lines that, to my eye, have significantly improved the aesthetic over previous models of Batwings, let-alone solving the aerodynamic issues.
The Ride.
The 2024 model features Showa Dual Bending Valve (DBV) front forks and emulsion rear shocks with hydraulic preload adjustment. Remove the pannier and the adjustment is as easy as winding it up and down.
The setup provides a comfortable ride while maintaining stability, even when pushing the bike through tight corners. The ground clearance is also surprisingly good. I didn’t touch anything down or scrape the boards in two weeks and 1,000km of mixed roads riding.
With a wheelbase of 1,625 mm, a seat height of 715 mm, and a wet weight of approximately 375 kg, the Street Glide offers a solid and planted feel on the road. Despite its size, I found the new chassis refinements and fork-mounted bodywork make the bike easier to manoeuvre, compared to previous models - and other current touring platforms (Read: Road Glide).
The Stop
The Reflex Linked Brembo brakes with ABS provide strong stopping power without being ‘brutal’, while the standard traction control and cornering ABS add an extra layer of safety, especially when riding in the wet. None came into play during the test.
One minor gripe was that the hill-hold function only works with the bike in gear. The main time I use hill hold is while I’m fumbling around in my sloping driveway looking for the garage door opener. Talk about first-world problems!
The Tech
The latest version of the Skyline OS infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and voice-activated navigation (with a headset fitted) worked well. I love the display and its array of data, options, functionality and aesthetic. Best ever.
I had a few glitches with Bluetooth headphone re-connections after a stop, that required turning off and on again, but it’s otherwise very good.
I didn’t use Harleys Navigation during this test, preferring Apple maps and Car Play instead.
The Boom! Box GTS audio system delivers good sound quality, although I prefer in-ear headphones, but the ability to control my phone’s playlists and info via the bike’s interface and switchgear is great.
The bike also features excellent LED lighting all around, and easily the largest indicators ever fitted to a Harley.
The cruise control is near faultless and easy to engage, although to that end I have been spoiled somewhat by my previous two test bikes.
Both were CVOs and it wasn’t till I rode the Street Glide at night the I appreciated the fact that the same, rather complicated switchgear on the top end machines in illuminated.
Once I got the muscle memory for all the buttons later-on in the test it wasn’t such an issue, but at first … there are really a lot of buttons to fumble around for in the dark - and I hit the intercom button instead of the indicator more times than I’d like to admit.
Go long.
Once that saddle is broken in, big days are this machine’s forte.
I only changed the fly-by-wire ride modes a few times. The difference in Sport, Road and Rain modes is noticeable in throttle response – but Road mode suited me best and there wasn’t much need to engage the others. There are custom mode settings available too.
With its 22.7-litre fuel tank and consumption around 5.5L/100km, a range of over 400 km is viable. The much-improved bodywork, venting options, infotainment, ergonomics and overall comfort now have this bike sitting very near the top of my list of most desirable long-distance motorcycles.
Verdict.
Priced at around $A57,500 ride away the Street Glide Screamin’ Eagle ‘I am Custom’ Edition is a top-tier choice.
It’s a machine for riders looking for a premium large touring bike that offers custom styling, modern tech, and performance-oriented upgrades.
Whether city cruising, carving up the hinterlands or tackling long-haul trips, this bike delivers power, comfort, and modern Harley-Davidson attitude.
(*** SIDEBARS ***)
Things I Liked
The Aesthetic – I found this to be a stunning Black Beauty. Nice paint.
The Motor – strong smooth torque and power
The Tech – The infotainment and functionality of the TFT display.
The Luggage – seem wider openings and fitted my camera bags better than previous
(*** SUBHEAD ***)
THINGS I DIDN’T
The Saddle
No switchgear lighting
No Sidestand down cut out or warning
(*** SUBHEAD ***)
THINGS I’D CHANGE
Swing handlebars upwards slightly from standard setting
(*** ENDS SIDEBAR ENDS ***)
(*** SPECS ***)
GUTS & BOLTS
ENGINE
Type Milwaukee-Eight® 117
Bore 103.5 mm
Stroke 114.3 mm
Compression Ratio 10.3:1
Exhaust 2-1-2 dual exhaust with SE Cannon Mufflers
Power 105 HP / 78 kW @ 4600 rpm
Torque 130 ft-lb (176 Nm)
TRANSMISSION
Type 6-Speed Cruise Drive
Primary Drive Chain
Rear Drive Belt
Clutch Type 10-plate, wet
FRAME
Mild steel, tubular frame, 2-piece stamped & welded backbone, cast & forged junctions, twin downtubes, bolt-on rear subframe with forged fender supports, MIG welded
SWINGARM
Mild steel, 2-piece drawn & welded section, forged junctions, MIG welded
DIMENSIONS
Length Street Glide 2410mm
Seat Height Street Glide 711mm Stock Saddle
Rake 26˚
Fork Angle 29.25˚
Trail 170mm
Lean Angle 32˚ (L&R)
Clearance Street Glide 140mm
Wheelbase 1625mm
Fuel Capacity 22.7 litre
Weight Running Order 368kg
WHEELS & TYRES
F Rim 19 x 3.50”
R Rim 18 x 5.00”
F Tyre Dunlop 130/60B19 M/C 61H
R Tyre Dunlop 180/55B18 M/C 80H
F Calipers 4-piston fixed dual axially mounted
R Caliper 4-piston fixed single axially mounted
F Rotors 320mm, Dula floating
R Rotor 300mm, Single fixed
SUSPENSION
Front 49mm, inverted
Front Travel 117mm [4.60”]
Rear 3 in. (76.2 mm) Dual Outboard Emulsion with Preload Adjustability
Rear Travel 76mm [3.0”]
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