2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide

For more than a decade, the Harley-Davidson Street Glide has been the quintessential go-to American touring motorcycle. In fact, this popular model—penned by Willie G. Davidson, no less—has pretty much maintained the same classic look and overall feel that wowed riders from the moment Motor Company officials pulled the wraps off it in 2006. With its iconic fork-mounted batwing fairing, big teardrop gas tank, air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin, locking hard saddlebags, Boom! Box 4.3 infotainment system, and linked four-piston triple-disc brakes with standard ABS, the latest version is built for the long haul and we don’t mean the straight and narrow.

For 2019, the Street Glide benefits from an updated infotainment system, as well as larger-displacement and even torquier engines in the pricier Special and CVO models, stepping up from 107 to either 114 or 117ci. Engine package of choice aside, these bikes handle well, do a great job at taming the wind and elements, and have comfortable seating for state-line-crossing rides. When it comes to Harley-Davidson baggers, the Street Glide is a common entry point and one that is always ripe for customization.

Likes: Rider-friendly ergonomics, classic Harley-Davidson styling

Dislikes: Navigating the infotainment system is far from intuitive

Verdict: A great motorcycle, albeit not the most technologically advanced

The Street Glide is one of the most popular V-twin touring motorcycles in America. Harley-Davidson may have big plans for this category in 2020, so it has understandably kept the 2019 lineup similar to that of last year, but fans of traditional made-in-Milwaukee performance and styling aren’t complaining.

2019 Harley-Davidson CVO And Special Models First Ride

2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special vs. Indian Chieftain Dark Horse

Harley-Davidson Releases Technology Updates, New CVO Models, And FXDR 114 Power Cruiser for 2019

Comparably priced and fitted with a similar fork-mounted fairing and an air-cooled V-twin engine, the 2019 Indian Chieftain is the most direct competition for the 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide. The Yamaha Star Eluder and, at an even lower price point, the Kawasaki Vulcan Vaquero are good Japanese-manufactured options.

2019 Indian Chieftain

2018 Star Motorcycles Star Eluder

2018 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero ABS

While the 2019 Harley-Davidson Street Glide is a great place to start your V-twin touring experience, upgraded packages are available in the form of the Street Glide Special and the CVO Street Glide, which feature different paint options, 114ci and 117ci engines, and hot-rodded creature comforts.