HARLEY-DAVIDSON SPORT GLIDE (2018 - on) Review

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!)

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

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

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

More than I was expecting really, but hey-ho

Pretty basic but that doesn’t matter

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Never even so much as a hint of trouble

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.

Abs

No need for power upgrades

All functions inc cruise control

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

Engine is nice, very smooth and responsive.

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.

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

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