Harley Davidson Street Glide “Rushmore” test

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The Harley Bagger

Project "Rushmore": the 2014 Harley range

The best-selling model of the Harley Davidson range in the world, the Street Glide is modernizing discreetly. To try this Bagger, the bikers’ haunt sent its Bob to the USA…

Benefiting from the wave of improvements of the great “Rushmore” project (contraction of Rush and more, which will be translated as “give more and move forward”), the Street Glide receives a 103 ci “high output” engine. and coupled ABS braking, among other developments. Let’s see if these novelties transfigure her.

Harley Davidson Street Glide front test

Discovery

Wonderful. This is the word that comes to mind when we discover, in particular, the rear of the new Street Glide 2014. Stripped to perfection with its small LED lights, it inevitably evokes the "low rider", these cars American trafficked to low lines. It’s really superb, with the saddlebags that look like the rear wings of big cars. We take full eyes of it. This "lowered" aspect is the essential difference with the Electra Glide, "Ultra Classic" and Ultra Limited ", equipped with a large top case and a passenger seat backrest. Less traveler, but more show off, the Bagger is therefore satisfied with a pair of saddlebags and a small saddle to accommodate a passenger. At the front, we find the famous fairing "batwing" (Batwing) appeared for the first time in 1969. Redesigned as part of the Rushmore project, it retains its characteristic appearance which is largely the personality of the Street Glide. Another difference with the Electra Glide, it is satisfied with a "windshield" cap and a single halogen headlight (double) and not a windshield and a combination of LED lights, with two additional fog lights. The bagger is therefore the stripped-down type.

2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide “Rushmore” Test

In the saddle

Sitting only 695 mm from the ground, it is easy to put your feet on the tar, which makes it easier to handle the 372 kg announced by the beast. Well installed, we easily catch the wide handlebars and the gaze then falls on the enormous "ultra classic" dashboard (ah ah) … with its 4 round dials with needles, acting as a gauge, counter, tachometer and volmeter. It’s complete and classy.

Harley Davidson Street Glide dashboard

With the left hand, we control the trip information located in the speedometer. We can also know the residual autonomy, but not the consumption. Pity.

2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide “Rushmore” Test

Lower down, the 4.3-inch color dial of the new "boom Box" system allows you to manage the sound system and its different audio sources: radio or MP3 or I pod, I phone, which you can safely store in a small void. pocket … which does not lock. Too bad, there again. The controls on the handlebars or by buttons directly next to the screen are very intuitive. The connections are made via a USB port or by blue tooth. You will also be able to see the time, the outside temperature, that of the engine and the oil pressure on this same dial. Ready to go ?

Harley Davidson Street Glide seat and rear

Contact

Evolution of the “Evolution twin cam 88” engine which then became twin cam 96, the street Glide cube 103 cubic Inch or 1690 cm3. We do not stop progress, or rather the increase in engine capacity. Open at 45 ° and cooled by air, as it should be, it benefits here from a “high performance” shaft and a new air filter which would save it 5% of torque and power according to Harley. The manufacturer only discloses the torque value, i.e. 138 Nm at 3500 rpm. Its sound is a bit muffled, but it still emits the characteristic noise. With its dimensions of 98.4 mm X 111.1 mm, it is a real long race, which should give it a rather strong character at low revs. Values ​​to be compared with its competitor the Kawasaki VN 1700 Voyager which develops 136 Nm at 2750 rpm. It is powered by a twin 4 valves with liquid cooling with more square dimensions: 102 X 104 which therefore remains a little "long race". But let’s come back to our Street Glide which does not inherit the new “twin cooled” engine and its partially liquid cooling. It would have been difficult to hide the radiators on this very bare-bones version. Only a small oil cooler supports the irreplaceable cooling fins. Good enough dissertation, first at the bottom, we go !

2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide “Rushmore” Test

In the city

2.45 m long, a good width, that will not compete with a scooter, but no worries so far. The very low center of gravity, the natural stability linked to the gigantic wheelbase (1625mm) and the profile of the tires make it easy to get around town. The flexibility of the engine, the clutch not too hard, like all the controls of the rest, make the Street an acceptable companion in the confined environment of our cities. We haven’t been in traffic to assess the heat build-up, but it seems bearable. Neither heat up nor back in line, because in the US, it does not happen. We wait patiently behind the big pick-ups and other gigantic 4X4s.

Departmental

Bagger, but not chopper. With 26 ° column angle, a reinforced frame, a bigger fork, lighter 5-spoke wheels, having less gyroscopic effect, the big Harley is easy to handle on small roads. The large handlebars and low center of gravity make it easier for the rider. The gears shift well (thank you for the double branch selector) and the ground clearance is correct for those who do not have too many sporting inclinations. The bumps are gently absorbed by efficient suspensions, since the shocks are not too violent, because beyond a certain threshold, the concept of low rear is felt and we "hit rock bottom" if the ‘we can say. However, the contact with the suspension stopper is not violent. At the RAS front, the new fork is flawless. The saddle comfort is perfectly … Perfect !

2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide “Rushmore” Test

National

Let the music ! Well yes by the way, this new 2X 25 W sound system, what is it worth? Well, after having traveled a few tens of kilometers, we don’t think much of it, because the sound quality is excellent! It must be said that it takes advantage of the revised "batwing" fairing to reduce turbulence at the level of the pilot’s helmet. Less turbulence also means less noise, so better listening quality, even at 100 km / h. Very efficient and very pleasant! The rest of the bike is not left out. The protection of the bust is good and behind the cap as a windshield, my little 1.70 m is well protected. What about this new engine? It’s a bit of a disappointment, even if the altitude of our test between 2000 and 2500 m does not work in its favor, nor its lack of break-in. The comparison with the old standard 103 Ci engine also does not show any spectacular progress, or even a significant change. In question, the important weight. With a few more small horses, the power-to-weight ratio hardly changes and the final gear ratio, long as a day without bread, does not promote sensations. In sixth at 100 km / h hour, we are barely at 2500 rpm and a rotation of the right handle does not trigger the slightest kick in the rear. Of course there is the altitude, but we are a bit late. A little mental arithmetic exercise confirms the result. On a power of about 80 hp, a gain of 5% will bring 4 hp. The power-to-weight ratio with a 78 kg driver therefore drops from 5.62 kg / hp to 5.35 kg / hp. Not enough to get up at night. A short ride in Fat bob, mounted in 103 standard but noticeably lighter, shows that the pounds less are more than camshafts … Damn we were hoping for more pep and sensations. Does a Kawa VN 1700 do better? No alas, it’s also a bit dull plain on the Custom side of this manufacturer yet renowned for its nasty engines elsewhere…

2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide “Rushmore” Test

Highway

On the highways, the street glide glides (to glide, means sliding) as on a flying carpet. Like a big locomotive, the 1700 cc turns slowly in sixth gear (around 3000 rpm at 130 km / h), giving you the impression of being able to "cruiser" for days on end without slackening. The cruise control is very easily engaged and the motorcycle goes straight ahead, without asking for anything. The stability is irreproachable, the protection always very good. The effectiveness of the sound system cannot be denied, even at this speed. It is simply incredible! We swallow the kilometers while enjoying the landscapes, without getting tired, without any notion of speed. A little ride on a Fat bob reminds you that without a “batwing” fairing, it’s much more tiring! In the event of rain, on the other hand, your bottom of pants and your feet will be wet. By upping the pace, the Street is more comfortable than the Electra, although it has the same chassis. In the absence of top box and high weight, it moves less at high speed. The driving position is pleasant, the steps provide excellent comfort. The older ones can put their feet on the front crash bars in total relaxation. RELAX, MAX !!!

Harley Davidson Street Glide test

Braking

Equipped with reflex ABS braking developed as part of the “Rushmore” project, the street Glide therefore has coupled braking above 50 km / h. The intensity of the force applied to the lever or pedal electronically modulates the transfer rate between the front and the rear. This is a form of assistance since there is no front / rear hydraulic connection per se. It is comfortable, efficient and “transparent” for the pilot. “Well done”, as we say there. In addition, thanks to the 4 piston front calipers manufactured by Brembo, the braking power is perfectly adapted to the philosophy of the bike and the presence of an ABS, not too intrusive, makes driving both safer and pleasant..

Practical aspects

The side cases can be easily opened with one hand, it is very practical. They can be loaded up to 9.1 kg each. Their capacity is 8% greater than the old ones and even if it means repeating themselves, their design is superbly integrated into the bike. They can be removed without tools, thanks to screws ¼ turn (Dzus), which allows access to the preload adjustment of the left rear shock absorber (only adjustable). The 22.7L tank cap is hidden under a hatch. Harley claims 5.6 L / 100 fuel consumption on a city highway mix. We did not check, but it seems plausible and leaves a good autonomy, compatible with the prolonged journeys specific to this type of motorcycle. The secondary transmission remains by belt, without dirt or maintenance. The duo should not offer the same comfort to the passenger, given the shape and surface of the saddle. No worries for occasional walks, but for a long trip, the Electra Glides will do better.

Conclusion

Nice this bagger! Good braking, good sound, good comfort. A slightly more punchy engine would have seduced us, but already a pair of pots released will do him the greatest good, without annoying the neighborhood. Sold for 24290 € the Street Glide is paid "cash". As an indication, a custom Kawasaki 1700 Voyager costs € 17,999, or € 6,290 less … the price of an ER-6 (well almost, but, if you take both, your dealer should offer them all to you. both for the price of a Harley). Technologically much more advanced with its 6-cylinder, the Honda F6B is sold at almost the same price (23,990 €). The Victory Cross Country it is positioned at 21,890 €. finally, the Indian Chieftain comes in at € 26,199. So too expensive the Harley? Not sure, at least we will talk about it again in a few years, when history will have forgotten the Kawa, which does not deserve however, while the Harley, eternal, will always hold a rating of hell. That’s a myth and undoubtedly, the Street Glide is one. !

Strong points

  • Ease of driving
  • look
  • finishing
  • braking
  • sound quality
  • wind protection
  • resale quotation

Weak points

  • Engine lacking in energy
  • gear too long
  • passenger comfort ?
  • High price

Datasheet

Competetion

Victory cross country, Indian Chieftain, Kawasaki VN 1700 Custom Voyager, Honda F6B

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