HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE SPORT (1998 - 2005) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Power: | 65 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (27.1 in / 689 mm) |
Weight: | High (642 lbs / 291 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesBasically the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport is as per the stock Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide but with a touch more hard edged sporting attitude courtesy of flat bars, a different seat, twin disc brakes and a touch more mean and moody matt black paint.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport is virtually identical, again, to the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide. So what you get is a pared-down, straight-forward steel twin loop cradle with twin shock (hence the Dyna bit) rear end. Suspension and tyre sizes have been beefed up on very recent Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport models but it’s still basic, old school motorcycling. A straightforward roadster motorcycle that’s more than willing to hustle a bit every now and then. No more, no less.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityFor 2007 the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport's characteristic big old aircooled Milwaukee V-twin has been boosted to 1584cc but it’s also long been familiar in first 1340cc (1985-1998) then 1450cc (1998 to 1996) guises. It’s a thudding, flexible, heavyweight unit that reminds more of a dump truck than a motorcycle, but for many, that’s the appeal of the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueModern Harley-Davidson motorcycles have a reputation for being so solid it’s as if they’re made out of cast iron and with super-thick paint and metal finished – and it’s well deserved. Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sports last forever, don’t go wrong, don’t become obsolete or depreciate, don’t go out of fashion and, with the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport, there’s even less that can go wrong in the first place…
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentHarleys are never cheap, but the Super Glide range is far better value, in our book, than most. This sporting version of the cheapest Big Twins offers a touch of verve and aggression you rarely see on a Hog and, if that appeals, you won’t go wrong with a Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport. Find a Harley-Davidson Dyna Glide for sale.
Equipment
Again, the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport is slightlier glitzier and meaner than the pared-to-the-bone Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide – but only just. Twin clocks include a tacho. The extra brakes and firmed up suspension are welcome, too but there’s nothing else in the way of rider aids or luxuries – what you see, is exactly what you get with a Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1450cc |
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Engine type | 4v air-cooled V-twin, 5 gears |
Frame type | Steel twin double cradle |
Fuel capacity | 18 litres |
Seat height | 689mm |
Bike weight | 291kg |
Front suspension | None |
Rear suspension | Preload |
Front brake | Single 300mm disc |
Rear brake | Single 292mm disc |
Front tyre size | 100/90 x 19 |
Rear tyre size | 160/70 x 17 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 43 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £121 |
Annual service cost | £180 |
New price | - |
Used price | £7,300 |
Insurance group |
15 of 17 How much to insure? |
Warranty term | Two year unlimited mileage |
Top speed & performance |
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Max power | 65 bhp |
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Max torque | 81 ft-lb |
Top speed | 115 mph |
1/4 mile acceleration | 13.5 secs |
Tank range | 135 miles |
Model history & versions
Model history
1998: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport launched.
2000: New rear shock and cartridge style forks, new cast alloy wheels and seat.
2001: New security system, bullet style indicators, longer side stand.
2002: Alarm and immobiliser now standard.
2004: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport gets new 1450cc engine.
2005: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport discontinued.
Other versions
FXDXT Dyna Super Glide T-Sport: Introduced 2000. As Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide Sport but with headlamp fairing and leather saddle bags as standard. Discontinued 2002
Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1998 - 2005)
6 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1998 - 2005) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1998 - 2005)
Summary of owners' reviews |
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Overall rating: | |
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Ride quality & brakes: | |
Engine: | |
Reliability & build quality: | |
Value vs rivals: | |
Equipment: | |
Annual servicing cost: | £180 |
Version: Super Glide Sport
Year: 1999
Annual servicing cost: £100
It was too heavy for the type of riding I wanted to do. It handled well and with the Stage 1 kit and Vance & Hines pipes, was fairly fast, but the weight of 650lbs was too much. I sold it and bought a 2003 Suzuki Bandit 1200S. Twice the horsepower, better handling, better brakes, 150 lbs lighter and 1/2 the price. Also, much more fun to ride.
The suspension was good, but way, way too heavy. As opposed to other Dyna models, it had triple disc brakes. Worked even better with braided steel brake lines.
70 hp pushing 650 lbs was not enough.
The seat was terrible, first thing I replaced. The Vance & Hines pipe kept losing parts. The dealer fixed several times, no hassle, but after 5 times I had it welded. I had braided steel brake lines installed and the dealer didn’t tighten down the T connector, and brake fluid almost leaked onto the front fender. They also didn’t know what the Shrink-To-Fit plastic on the lines were (it was there to protect the fender where the lines went across it.) no real problems except for the dealer mechanical service.
Oil was the only thing needed.
Get a 2001 or later with the smaller drive belt and the bigger rear tire.
Buying experience: I bought new from a dealer. They had a lot of optional equipment on it, I told them take it off and I would buy it. I paid a little over $16,000
Version: FXDX Super Glide Sport
Year: 1999
Annual servicing cost: £290
My bike has a few upgrades such as twin Billet 6 calipers up front backed with braided steel brake lines, the stage 1 engine upgrade and Progressive 412 rear shocks. I run on Michelin Commander tyres. Given the bike's fairly hefty nature, the above upgrades made a huge difference over the stock equipment. I can cruise quite happily, or chuck it around like an average Jap 1,000 and thanks to the front brake upgrade, I can stop it VERY quickly should the nerd arise!
Ride quality is very good, but as I say, that has been dramatically improved by the upgradrs my particular bike has had.
I LOVE a big V-Twin and this one is a beauty! Because the Twin Cam 88 engine has a slightly shorter stroke than it's stablemates, it's a bit more responsive to a twist of the throttle. My bike's engine has had the stage 1 upgrade, plus it has Taylor racing ignition leads and Vance & Hines SureShot exhaust pipes. Whilst she's no racer, she's certainly no slouch either!
My bike is now 24 years old, but doesn't look it! Build quality is excellent and the original paintwork is completely intact and still looks resplendent. Chrome is also in excellent condition, as is the matt black coating on the engine.
That's an annual service at my local Harley dealership. I don't go anywhere else.
I would seriously recommend making all of the upgrades I have mentioned. The combined effect of them gives you a solid motorcycle which is great fun to ride. Pure enjoyment, in fact!
Buying experience: I've had my bike for five years now. It was purchased from my local Harley Dealership and I traded in my rare US Import model XL1200S, (only 450 of those left in England at the time) so I can't really comment on the buying experience, but my Super Glide Sport currently has an agreed insurance value of £8,000 as at September 2023, with an agreed depreciation of £200 per year.
Version: fxdx
Year: 1999
Annual servicing cost: £40
big black beast, modified suspension brakes and engine makes a big difference.
great all rounder, i ride with a mate on an r1, never struggled to keep up on back roads, seat.....r1 is comfier.
love it, but mine isn,t standard....not too many mods mind.
never broken down but original cam chain tensioners are crap.
do my own servicing, parts are cheap.
it has some! change brakes ,suspension, carb, tyres and it,s a different bike.
Buying experience: dealer bought
Version: Sport (FXDX).
Year: 1999
Annual servicing cost: £300
It is quite a heavy bike when stood still. Once moving however, that weight is exactly where you want it; low down, making this a very stable bike to ride. It can be pushed to over 100mph, but I don't recommend it! Apart from the illegality of that, the handling does tend to suffer a bit! But then, if you want a Harley for that kind of riding, you should have bought a Buell. For a heavyweight Harley, it is fairly quick off the line, responsive and surprisingly agile. It's very much a Cruiser that handles!
However, I must stress that my particular bike has Progressive Rear Shocks and a twin set of Billet 6 competition stoppers up front, bolstered by Aeroquip stainless braided brake hoses.In terms of saddle time; numb bum syndrome tends to make itself apparent at around an hour and a half of continuous riding.
I love the engine. Slightly shorter stroke than previous big twin Harleys, which I think makes it a little more responsive. Still plenty of that Harley low-down grunt but the vibes are not so intrusive, especially as the engine is rubber mounted as well.
Mine is now 21 years old, I am it's third owner and honestly, it looks as if it just came out of the factory packing crate. The finish is quite something! Reliability-wise; I simply cannot fault it. I have had this bike for nearly three years now and it has never once refused to start and unlike my old Triumph T140V, it does NOT shed parts as you ride!.
That's for an annual service at my local Harley dealership. I'd estimate mpg at around the 45 mark, but it very much depends on your riding style. I am a Driving Instructor by trade and an Advanced Driver. I'm also 59 later this year so I'm hardly a tearaway, but I have my moments and this bike indulges ALL my moods and moments beautifully!
My biggest gripe is that the clocks tend to fog up on the inside in colder weather. That was also a feature on my old XL1200S. It is a pain sometimes. I ditched the standard H4 headlight in favour of a Daymaker LED conversion kit. The stock headlamp is "adequate" at night. Just about! Tyre-wise, I find a matched pair of Michelin Commanders are very hard to beat. I also fitted Taylor ignition leads and plug caps. The stock leads were showing signs of their age!
Version: 35th anniversary model
Year: 2005
Sits the road well, comfortable and relaxed ride.
They stop the bike but take a lot more effort than my last bikes.
Loads of grunt.
As the bike is 15 in November it has very little corrosion.Fork seal failed front left however as this is the side the weight goes on as its.
The running costs are a bit more than the Bonnie I had mostly fuel although low 50s for mpg is very good for a bike this heavy, as 6th is an overdrive this helps fuel costs.
What equipment! Windscreen,a good seat panniers.The tyres that came with the bike are fine so far.
Buying experience: Dealer.
Have had one of these for a couple of years now and enjoy its back-to-basics style and the sheer presence of the bike. It is very black and has very little chrome! Rides well two up and tours at a steady 70 on Mways. However, front end can be very lively and doesnt always corner well. Still, great fun ( as long as you're awake! ) and lots of style. So far seems very solid and reliable....