HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORT GLIDE (2018 - on) Review

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Annual servicing cost: £340
Power: 86 bhp
Seat height: Low (26.8 in / 680 mm)
Weight: High (699 lbs / 317 kg)

Prices

New £14,995
Used £11,500 - £14,500

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
4 out of 5 (4/5)

All of Harley’s fully revamped 2018 Softails are a big step up from before, nopt least due to the all-new chassis, but also for improved engines, style and quality – but the Sport Glide, simply due to its versatility, style and value, is without doubt one of the better ones. A do-it-all Harley at a decent price? You bet.

Ride quality & brakes

Next up: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

All-new Softail frame is not just more rigid, it’s lighter and more simple, too, for example now featuring just one hidden monoshock at the rear. The suspension is decent, too – fat, 43mm inverted forks at the front similar to those on the sporty, new Fat Bob with a useful remote preload adjuster at the rear. Ride isn’t exactly lush – it’s too sporty firm for that – but it’s fine for the job.

Engine

Next up: Reliability
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Like all the new 2018 Softails, the Sport Glide uses the new four-valve, partially oil-cooled ‘Milwaukee Eight’ 107ci V-twin, as introduced in its 2017 touring range, with a new oil cooler subtly positioned between the downtubes. It’s a significant improvement, punchy, torquey yet just as characteristically Harley as ever. Unfortunately, however, the 114ci version offered on some Softails isn’t offered here.

Reliability & build quality

Next up: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

In truth it’s probably a little too early to be certain, given the new chassis, engine, detailing and more. Even so, a few things are known: the uprated 107ci ‘Milwaukee-Eight’ engine, albeit slightly tweaked, has now been around for a year in Harley’s touring range with no complaint. The chassis, too, has much to commend it and quality and detailing is improved all round, so we’ve nothing to be concerned about.

Value vs rivals

Next up: Equipment
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Harley-Davidsons don't come cheap but for a Big Twin Hog you get a lot for you money, especially considering alternatives such as the Heritage Classic, Road King or even Street Glide can be as much at 50% more expensive.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

It’s a classic, big twin Harley cruiser with detachable accessories – mini ‘Batwing’ screen plus neat hard panniers – that enable it to be quickly converted into a tourer – so it’s got some good stuff, but nowhere near as much as the ‘proper’, full –dress tourers. Even so, cruise control is welcome, as is ABS, but that’s about your lot.

Specs

Engine size 1745cc
Engine type Air/oil-cooled, 8v, V-twin
Frame type Tubular steel double cradle
Fuel capacity 18.9 litres
Seat height 680mm
Bike weight 317kg
Front suspension 43mm, inverted forks no adjust
Rear suspension Single rear shock, remote preload adjust
Front brake 300mm disc with four-piston caliper
Rear brake 292mm single disc with twin-piston caliper
Front tyre size 130/70 x 18
Rear tyre size 180/70 x 16

Mpg, costs & insurance

Average fuel consumption -
Annual road tax £117
Annual service cost £340
New price £14,995
Used price £11,500 - £14,500
Insurance group 17 of 17
How much to insure?
Warranty term Two year

Top speed & performance

Max power 86 bhp
Max torque 107 ft-lb
Top speed -
1/4 mile acceleration -
Tank range -

Model history & versions

Model history

2018: Model introduced

Other versions

None

Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORT GLIDE (2018 - on)

9 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORT GLIDE (2018 - on) 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 SPORT GLIDE (2018 - on)

Summary of owners' reviews

Overall rating: 4.4 out of 5 (4.4/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 4 out of 5 (4/5)
Engine: 4.7 out of 5 (4.7/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.6 out of 5 (4.6/5)
Value vs rivals: 4.2 out of 5 (4.2/5)
Equipment: 4.3 out of 5 (4.3/5)
Annual servicing cost: £340
4 out of 5 Fantastic bike if you want a Sporty Harley that can keep up with your friends whilst looking cool... If you think you want a harley to ride... Ride this!
25 July 2024 by Rob Cree

Year: 2022

Annual servicing cost: £300

Had a street Bob Special with forwards and I loved it... This is faster but maybe slightly lacking in character compared to the twin cam (but I had V&H exhausts on the Bob)... I love Harleys BUT I'm no HOG rider... I'm a biker who loves Harleys... They feel cool, They're very comfy, I LOVE forward controls (I'm 6'3"), they are fast enough for anyone (I ride with a BMW XR 1000 and Multistrada 950 with NO issue unless they're late for a ferry)They have loads of character... NOTHING sounds as good on tickover with loud pipes (Maybe a 916 does). They are a doddle to ride, especially slowly as they have such a low C of G... Fine in traffic... good on the open road with an open face and a smile... 60 never felt so good. Cornering is great... predictable and solid... not lightening quick but I don't want that anyway... Ground Clearance is the only issue BUT grinding your heel away is great fun. It's fn to have to ride to the limits of the bike... Can anyone explore the limits of an R1?I bought my first because I had a little boy and wanted to ride slower but feel great... I love mine!

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

I don't carry a pillion... having said that my wife wouldn't have got on the sandwich on the back anyway... It needs at least a sissy bar... Some people like Sundowner seats but I think they ruin the looks.Suspension is fine... Yes, it's not Ohlins but it's not a track bike. If you are wafting about it's fine... Poor road surfaces are less good but that isn't the bikes fault... it's the roads! If you push on, the suspension can get choppy BUT just slow down and enjoy the ride... or enjoy riding to the limit of the bike.Brakes are fine... Again, some folk are critical because it's only a single disc... But that means only one set of pads to change... It's got loads of engine braking and I love to hustle mine around and use the gears to slow it down... You can ride a long way without touching the brakes... I use the rear brake A LOT more than I did on any other bike because it feels like it actually works as there is plenty of weight on the rear tyre.

Engine 4 out of 5

It's a Harley... It's lovely! Compared to a Japanese bike, it's probably agricultural... That's a positive for me... It's nice to feel some judder at low revs coming out of a bend... Load of torque and plenty of shove... It doesn't feel slow up to 80 and even better, it feels "purposeful" building revs and speed nicely and charasmatically. I love the long stroke, low rev philosophy... 3000 revs is 90 in top. Over 90 it starts to get breathless... BUT who goes over 90 regularly on the road? Practically, I love the performance, and I LOVE duffing up sportsbike riders who are pottering about trying to look fast! That feels cool... Especially when you've got an openface, sunnies, riding jeans and a leather jacket on.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I've done just shy of 10,000 Miles and it's been 100% reliable. Quality seems perfect... I don't clean it religiously but it still looks new after a wash and chrome / paint is excellent. Build quality seems absolutely fine and, as a 2022 bike I think mine was built in Thailand... Does it really matter?

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Normal servicing is what it is... I take it to a Harley dealer and hope that if I ever had a massive issue, they'd help as they serviced it (probably naive)... Having said that, I haven't found it extortionate and it's been good as gold. Got a new rear tyre which was £300 even after shopping around but other than that, it's been fine. Insurance is OK, doesn't burn any oil and it's surprisingly good on fuel... about 10p a mile. Tyres last well... I get my front is still OE and the back has 6000 miles on it. Initial outlay is quite high although I got mine nearly new for considerable discount. Residuals are strong AND for a 1750cc tourer / cruiser, you actually get a lot of bike for your money.

Equipment 4 out of 5

Fairing looks cool but doesn't do anything. I swapped over to a 19" Memphis Shades Fats screen... not cheap at £300 but eliminates wind, allows you to wear an open face and turns the bike into a Mini (and MUCH cheaper Road King).The panniers are excellent. Look good, take quite a bit of stuff, one hand open and close-able, easily removable and totally unnoticeable when you are on the bike. I bought pannier inners which are bespoke to the shape and means you can just pull the bag out the box at the end of the day and head inside... Quite enough storage for a week away on your own.Cruise control is the best I've used... Incredibly simple (one button), simple and easy to operate. (Shames my old Tiger Explorer).No riding modes which is fine by me; I've ridden a Speed Triple RR and I didn't really understand the differences. LOVE the massive tank mounted speedo... It looks so cool.. Instruments are clear... ALTHOUGH the display can mist up from the inside when it's damp. Love the indicators... press which side you want to go. Switchgear is fine... Only negative is horn which has gone Japanese (BEEP!)

Buying experience: Fine... But I only bough the bike off the dealer... Went there (Maidstone HD) as it was a good deal

4 out of 5 2018-Sport Glide 20,000 miles
13 November 2023 by Lord Calvert

Year: 2018

After 20000 miles the bike has proven reliable and a nice bike to ride. Draws looks everywhere it goes. Adjustable ride works well.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5
4 out of 5
18 September 2023 by Michael walker

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £400

Just a nice bike to ride

Ride quality & brakes 3 out of 5

Suspension is pretty unsophisticated and can get choppy on broken surfaces, so much so that I’m considering upgrading with Ohlins

Engine 4 out of 5

Mines got a Stage 1 and it makes a difference. Also makes me smile a lot winding it on out of corners

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

I haven’t had it long enough really to comment on long term reliability, but quality seems really good

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

More than I was expecting really, but hey-ho

Equipment 3 out of 5

Pretty basic but that doesn’t matter

3 out of 5 Try before you buy. It is an expensive mistake
15 February 2023 by Peter Northeast

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £350

Stunning bike to look at but stock exhaust doesn't sound like a Harley and calling it a soft tail doesn't make sense as the suspension is poor.

Ride quality & brakes 2 out of 5

Single front disc can only be described as adequate and suspension is not good.

Engine 4 out of 5

Lots of low down drive and plenty fast enough for today's roads and conditions. Good fuel economy as well.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Total failure of battery otherwise bike looks good and has been reliable.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Comes with detachable bikini fairing and saddlebags which is good but the pillion seat is rubbish. I spent £1000 getting the bike to a position where I could take the wife out with me, not good

Buying experience: Bought from Blade during lockdown as an internet purchase. I wouldn't want to do that again. Not the best experience and after sales has been especially poor.

5 out of 5 The Swiss army pocket knife tourer, cruiser and commuter all in one.
06 February 2023 by Pete James

Year: 2021

So versatile. Light touring is a breeze. Very comfortable and love the stretched out forward peg set up. Brilliant quality and paint. Weight = 317kgs but very easy to manage as a cruiser. The only issue was the mini bat wing fairing - looks good but not particularly useful for highway touring. I swapped it for a Memphis Shades 19 inch screen and that nailed the wind management issues. Great fuel consumption and easy to maintain with no expensive gizmos that break. It's a keeper.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Sometimes the rear suspension can bottom out due to limited travel. But there is a manual dial to control the rear mono shock. I can easily ride 330klms per tank without a break and feel fine when it's time to fill up. Long distance touring is a pleasure and I've done 10 hours straight in the saddle with no issues at all. Standard seat is fine for me. I ride solo so no comment to make on the pillion comfort.

Engine 5 out of 5

100% Harley Davidson character. Nice roll on / roll off and plenty of torque. Sure, not the fastest bike on the block, but if you have nothing to prove and just looking for a reliable and comfortable cruiser and light tourer (comes standard with cruise control) I would recommend a good look and test drive.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Absolutely reliable. Solid build quality with no imperfections. Resist doing stage 1 + 2 etc. There is absolutely no need to mess with what came straight out of the factory. Oodles of roll on torque and never feel wanting for more. Note: Mine is a 2021 model and USA manufactured and built. From 2022 HD started assembly in Thailand so I can't speak about quality and reliability for '22 models and beyond.

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5

Leave it bone standard and follow the recommended servicing guide and it will be 100% reliable. I change oil every 8,000klms and runs smoothly and no oil burn.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Enough equipment for me. ABS standard. Love the cruise control which is simple to use and effective. I would only recommend considering changing the mini batwing fairing and I put my fairing straight in a box and went with a Memphis Shades El Paso screen for wind management for longer rides.

Buying experience: Bought from a Harley Davidson dealer. Experience was ok.

5 out of 5 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide the best in the range.
26 September 2022 by PeteG

Year: 2019

I would do and have,I have 6 friends that have now bought Sport Glides with no plans to sell them on

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

I’ve ridden comfortably with only a fuel stop for 250 miles.The bike is without doubt the best the factory has produced and as a Harley-Davidson Master Technician I have ridden all the range.The standard pillion seat isn’t comfortable apparently, but the aftermarket mustang replacement is perfect.

Engine 5 out of 5

I have upgraded the motor quite a bit not because it needed it but just because I can. 0-100mph is a blink of the eye,torque is 136ftlb it will beat anything off the line.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

Never even so much as a hint of trouble

Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5

Got everything I need usb socket under the front of the gas tank, cruise control I never knew I needed is great. Stock tyres are good but after 7500 miles I fitted Avon Cobra chromes which are better in wet than the Michelins although they were good until they were halfway down there tread.

Buying experience: Bought from the dealership I work at so yes I got a very good deal.

5 out of 5 A keeper
21 June 2022 by jocasaja

Year: 2021

Annual servicing cost: £400

My first Harley after many bikes - mostly sports bikes and nakeds. Bad knees mean I have to have the feet forward riding position. Needed a little time to adjust but love the bike more and more as I ride it. Such solid build quality and character. Going to get the Stage 1 done soon as a bit too quiet for what I imagine a Harley to sound like. Great tank range and MPG

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5
Engine 5 out of 5
Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5
Value vs rivals 5 out of 5
Equipment 4 out of 5

Buying experience: Great deal and service from Sycamore Harley, Uppingham - ask for Matt and tell him John sent you !

5 out of 5
30 May 2020 by Len Pavitt

Version: Flsb 107

Year: 2020

Annual servicing cost: £250

Best harley I've ever ridden

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

Abs

Engine 5 out of 5

No need for power upgrades

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

All functions inc cruise control

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5
Equipment 5 out of 5
5 out of 5 Great little bagger with the option to go naked within seconds.
27 February 2019 by Jason

Year: 2018

Its hard to find something you don't like. but to be perfectly honest if you were very tall I could see the size of the bike being on the small side, I am 5'4'' and fit perfectly on it, I didn't like the street bob as it felt cramped.

Ride quality & brakes 4 out of 5

Breaks are being run in, they work, but don't have the bite my VRSCR brembo brakes do.

Engine 5 out of 5

Engine is nice, very smooth and responsive.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Had a leaking push rod, but its the first time I have heard anyone mention any engine leaks on the new M8 Engines, so mine must of been a one off. Harley was very quick to inspect and fix.

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Seem's to be a little thirsty, but I am running in the engine and not taking it for long rides.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Luggage boxes and screen is easy to get off if you want and do the job well.

Buying experience: Dealer was good and looked after me, to be honest I was going to buy a street bob and get saddle bags and after market screen until the dealer showed me the Sport glide and when I added things up it made sense to buy the Sport glide, much nicer riding position.

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