2024 Harley-Davidson Street Glide vs. Road Glide: A Legendary Showdown Across the Open Road

By Kevin ELVIS Vaughn , General Manager, House of Harley-Davidson

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Touring lineup features two heavyweight icons: the Street Glide and the Road Glide. Both models bring unique characteristics that appeal to riders with different preferences, but it’s no simple task to declare one bike as the definitive “better” ride. From cruising city streets to exploring winding highways, these two motorcycles are engineered to handle a myriad of riding styles and environments, with each model presenting advantages that make them equally powerful choices. Below, we dive into the defining aspects of each bike, highlighting their performance, comfort, and handling. By the end, you’ll see how both models excel in their own right, proving that there’s no clear winner—only the right bike for the right rider.

Design: The Batwing vs. The Shark-Nose

The most striking difference between the Street Glide and the Road Glide lies in their fairing design. The Street Glide boasts the iconic batwing fairing—a Harley-Davidson hallmark—mounted directly to the handlebars. This not only gives the Street Glide its signature look but also contributes to a more connected, almost visceral, riding experience. In contrast, the Road Glide’s frame-mounted shark-nose fairing offers a more aerodynamic approach, channeling wind away from the rider while reducing handlebar weight, particularly beneficial at highway speeds.

While these design features may appear polarizing, both fairing types perform well across a range of riding conditions. The Street Glide’s batwing fairing provides a balance between effective wind protection and a direct steering feel that many riders appreciate in urban settings. The Road Glide, with its shark-nose fairing, is designed for high-speed stability, allowing the bike to remain steady even during long stretches on open highways. Whether you’re drawn to the batwing or shark-nose, both fairing styles deliver superb performance across diverse landscapes, proving each bike is equally capable in its own way.

Ride Quality and Comfort: A Perfect Blend of Touring Capabilities

When it comes to comfort, both the Street Glide and Road Glide have plenty to offer, blending a high degree of rider comfort with Harley-Davidson’s trademark Grand American Touring prowess. The Street Glide’s handlebar-mounted fairing brings a more connected feel to the front end, allowing the rider to feel each turn and change in road conditions. This aspect lends itself to a more immersive experience, particularly appreciated by riders who thrive on the sensory feel of the road in city or suburban environments.

On the other hand, the Road Glide’s frame-mounted fairing minimizes the effect of wind on the handlebars, providing an advantage on longer, faster-paced trips where stability is key. It creates a “floaty” sensation, keeping the front end light and balanced, which many riders find essential for cross-country journeys. Both models offer comfortable seating and ergonomic setups that keep riders relaxed and well-supported over long distances, making either bike a sound choice for touring and daily riding alike.

Power and Performance: The Milwaukee-Eight Engine at Its Best

Powering both the Street Glide and the Road Glide is Harley’s reliable Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, a performance powerhouse that delivers consistent torque and robust acceleration. With this setup, the Street Glide and the Road Glide each bring a level of power that’s more than enough for highway cruising, quick acceleration, and seamless handling on winding roads.

Despite the minor design differences, both models handle like pros in city traffic and on wide-open highways. The Street Glide’s slightly more compact feel makes it particularly nimble for urban navigation and low-speed maneuvering, while the Road Glide shines with enhanced high-speed stability. Either model, however, is fully capable of delivering an exceptional riding experience on the roads, highways, and scenic routes that make up America’s iconic landscapes.

Technology and Infotainment: Enhanced Connectivity with Skyline OS

The 2024 Street Glide and Road Glide also feature Harley-Davidson’s all-new Skyline? OS, an advanced infotainment platform offering a customizable in-dash experience. Skyline OS provides three unique display modes, each designed to enhance usability, along with a host of connected infotainment options. The large, 12.3-inch TFT color touchscreen is crystal-clear and intuitive, putting essential functions like navigation, media, and communication right at the rider's fingertips.

Additionally, both models come with adjustable Ride Modes (Road, Sport, Rain, Custom), allowing riders to tailor the bike's performance to suit various riding conditions. These modes adjust power delivery, engine braking, Cornering Antilock Braking System (C-ABS), and Cornering Traction Control System (C-TCS), providing a smoother and safer ride. Whether you prefer the Street Glide's more compact dashboard layout or the Road Glide's spacious cockpit, both bikes deliver cutting-edge connectivity and control to elevate every ride experience.

The difference here lies in the slight variation in dashboard layout: the Street Glide’s controls are slightly closer to the rider, giving it a more compact and streamlined feel. Meanwhile, the Road Glide’s infotainment is positioned farther forward, creating a more spacious cockpit that’s ideal for long-haul riders. Both setups cater to different rider preferences, with neither model sacrificing quality, clarity, or convenience when it comes to infotainment.

Handling and Maneuverability: Built for All Roads

On two-lane roads, winding routes, and city streets, both the Street Glide and Road Glide showcase their adaptability and strength. The Street Glide’s handlebar-mounted fairing makes it a favorite for riders who want direct, responsive handling, especially in tight spaces. This makes it an ideal choice for urban commutes and maneuvering through traffic, as the fairing design lends itself to quick turns and agile responses.

The Road Glide’s frame-mounted fairing, meanwhile, comes into its own at higher speeds, providing a balanced and steady ride that stays composed even in strong crosswinds. For long stretches of highway, this stability is a benefit, allowing riders to stay comfortable without exerting much effort on the handlebars. But make no mistake—the Road Glide is just as adept at handling curvy roads and tight spaces. The differences in handling are subtle, with both models rising to the occasion regardless of road type.

Customization and Aftermarket Options: Tailored to Every Rider’s Taste

One of Harley-Davidson’s core strengths is its customization options, and both the Street Glide and Road Glide offer extensive aftermarket support. Riders can personalize their bikes with upgraded seats, handlebars, exhaust systems, and saddlebags to match their unique style and riding needs. Whether you’re looking to maximize comfort, boost performance, or simply add a personal touch, both models are supported by a robust range of Harley-Davidson parts and accessories.

Both bikes share an expansive list of Genuine and aftermarket customization options, making it easy for riders to tailor their bikes to their liking. From aesthetic touches to performance upgrades, either model can be transformed to reflect the rider’s individuality, further reinforcing the notion that neither model is inherently “better”—only different.

Pricing and Value: Equally Compelling Choices

The Street Glide and Road Glide come in at competitive price points within the premium Grand American Touring category, offering exceptional value for riders who want quality, reliability, and performance. With the base model starting at a comparable price, riders can choose the bike that best aligns with their preferences without sacrificing value. Additionally, the available engine upgrades and accessory packages allow riders to select a build that meets their specific needs, providing a tailored experience that makes each bike worth its price tag.

Conclusion: Two Icons, Endless Possibilities

At the end of the day, the 2024 Street Glide and Road Glide are both designed to take on any journey with style, comfort, and performance. While their differences may make one bike slightly more appealing depending on the rider’s needs, they are equally capable of delivering the thrill and satisfaction that only a Harley-Davidson can provide. The Street Glide’s connected, nimble handling makes it a strong contender in city settings and on winding roads, while the Road Glide’s high-speed stability shines on the open highway.

Both bikes are a testament to Harley-Davidson’s commitment to quality, providing riders with a choice between two remarkable Grand American Touring machines that are equally capable, versatile, and ready for adventure. The ultimate choice comes down to personal preference, with both the Street Glide and Road Glide serving as excellent companions for any ride that lies ahead.

FAQs

1. Which is better for city riding, the Street Glide or the Road Glide? The Street Glide’s handlebar-mounted fairing makes it particularly well-suited for city navigation, offering more agility and direct handling for urban riding.
2. What are the main differences in handling between the Street Glide and the Road Glide? The Street Glide offers a more connected feel due to its handlebar-mounted fairing, ideal for tight turns and city riding. The Road Glide’s frame-mounted fairing enhances high-speed stability, making it a favorite for highway cruising.
3. Can I customize both the Street Glide and the Road Glide? Absolutely! Both models offer extensive customization options, from seating and handlebars to performance parts and saddlebags.
4. Are the Street Glide and Road Glide priced the same? They are comparably priced, with both models providing great value within the Grand American Touring category. Additional customization or engine upgrades will vary in price, allowing riders to choose a setup that meets their budget and riding needs.