Is The Street Glide ST Better Than My Street Glide Special?

Let's have a detailed look at the Harley Davidson Street Glide ST with the M8 117 and compare it to my Street Glide Special.

I've had the Street Glide ST for a week now, it's stock standard so all it's flaws will be exposed. How does it ride and does this bike even feel like a Harley Davidson?

Harley Davidson Australia gave me a Street Glide ST and told me I can say what I like about it. I am biased, because I Iove the Harley Davidson touring line up and I actually own a Street Glide Special.

It’s a tough looking bike with hardly any chrome – it’s all blacked out. Here is a quick summary of most of the differences between a Street Glide Special anf this ST model. The details are in the video.

1. The Street Glide ST has beautiful bronze wheels and engine trim

2. The ST saddlebags are the old standard type not the stretched bags found on the Special.

3. The rear end of the ST looks sportier and has a clean performance look. The front guard is also a little slimmer than the guard on the Special adding to the sporty look.

4.  A Hi Flow air intake is standard.

5.  The ST has a bigger engine than the Special 117 cubic inches vs 114. It does make a difference and provides plenty of torque.

6.  With a solo seat and no passenger foot pegs this bike is orientated at the performance market rather than those looking to tour.

7.  The locking fuel cap is now gone now

8.  The Harley tank badge is replaced by a bronze painted logo.

9.  Suspension is much better because it’s raised by an inch which offers a smoother ride and together with the shorter bags is targeting a greater lean angle.

10. The clutch much to the delight of many, is now back to cable instead of the hydraulic system found on the touring bikes for a number of years.

With it’s 22.7 litre tank it’s an economical bike offering around 400 km or 250 miles from a tank… unless you gun it everywhere.

Check out the video for more details and my opinion on the Harley Davidson ST