HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1994 - on) Review

At a glance
Owners' reliability rating: | |
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Annual servicing cost: | £300 |
Power: | 65 bhp |
Seat height: | Low (27.1 in / 689 mm) |
Weight: | High (639 lbs / 290 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide has long been the basic, entry level ‘Big Twin’ in Harley-Davidson's motorcycle range whether that be in 1340, 1450 or in the latest 1584, fuel-injected (the I bit) guise. As such the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is honest, straight forward and, arguably, the best value motorcycle of the bunch. Just don’t expect any frills.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineThe Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide has 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 model Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glides but its still basic, old school motorcycling. It’s a predicatable, pleasant roadster motorcycle with reasonable round town comfort. No more, no less.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityFor 2007 the characteristic big old aircooled Milwaukee V-twin in the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super-Glide 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.
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’s 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, there’s even less that can go wrong in the first place…
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentHarley-Davidsons are never cheap, but the base model Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is better value, in our book, than most. It’s by far the cheapest of the Big Twin and find one you like, with accessories to your taste, and you won’t go wrong. Find a Harley-Davidson Super Glide for sale.
Equipment
As the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is a base model, there’s not much to speak of. The whole idea with the Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide is to use it as a blank canvas for whichever Harley-Davidson accessories (and there are lots) take your personal fancy. Two wheels, an engine, a speedo and that’s about it.
Specs |
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Engine size | 1584cc |
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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 | 290kg |
Front suspension | None |
Rear suspension | Preload |
Front brake | Single 292mm disc |
Rear brake | Single 292mm disc |
Front tyre size | 100/90 x 19 |
Rear tyre size | 140/70 x 16 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
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Average fuel consumption | 35 mpg |
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Annual road tax | £117 |
Annual service cost | £300 |
New price | £12,195 |
Used price | £6,200 - £9,900 |
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
1994: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide introduced.
1995: New switchgear, new frame with lopwer seat and new wire wheels.
1996: New battery box.
1997: New 9-plate clutch.
1998: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide gets new 1450cc ‘Twin Cam’ engine.
1999: Uprated brakes.
2000: Immobiliser as standard. New longer swing arm.
2001: New bullet style indicators.
2004: Replaced by new fuel injected Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide FXDI version.
2006: 35th anniversary model Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide introduced.
2006: Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide gets new 1584cc engine.
Other versions
None
Owners' reviews for the HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1994 - on)
7 owners have reviewed their HARLEY-DAVIDSON SUPER GLIDE (1994 - 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 SUPER GLIDE (1994 - on)
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: | £300 |
Version: custom
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £200
you need to make an effort to be on top of maintenance
crap on are crap roads
so easy to ride serious mid range
depends how your mechanical knowledge is
none you make your own superglide
Buying experience: got from a great shop in melton mowbray fast track cheers lads
Version: 107 Anniversary
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £400
Very comfortable long distance cruiser with a host of standard equipment, sadly let down by suspension which is more often changed by all owners.
I replaced all my suspension with Ohlins and it made a vast improvement to the ride along with Michelin Radial tyres.
Fabulously torquey engine, there is no question its a heavy bike but then again it can make good progress at a speed others are amazed at, in total safety and comfort. It also has excellent economy, often in the low 50's and high 40's when pushing it.
Nothing has broken or failed in any respect.
Its not cheap, but the most cost is made up of labour.
Fantastic standard equipment provided.
Buying experience: Supplied through my local H-D dealer at Swansea, its my second from them and both times you were made to feel special with the friendliness and professionalism of the staff.
Year: 2019
Annual servicing cost: £297
If you could tailor make the wind resistance via the windscreen to suit your size at the dealership prior to sale to avoid costs after purchasing this motorcycle, it would be perfect.
Suspension is not up to the poor standards of our roads, not the fault of the manufacturer, but it would be nice if they catered for differing standards of bitumen in each country. On a smooth motorway, its absolutely fine.
Grunt by the bucket load, its like driving a large diesel engine, ride the torque.
It pays if you are able to wield a set of spanners yourself.
Buying experience: Bought at Swansea Harley Davidson, excellent service by knowledgeable staff who go out of their way to cater for your needs.
Year: 2004
BIKE IS TOP HEAVY AND WILL FALL ON YOU IF TURNING TOO SHARP AT LOW SPEEDS
BIKE HANDLES WELL ON HIGHWAY AND DECENT IN THE CITY, YOU CAN RIDE ALL DAY IN RELATIVE COMFORT AND CRUSES WELL AT 65-70
ENGINE IS EXCELLENT, TWIN CAMS MAKE IT PERFORM WELL AT ACCELERATION.
EXCELLENT ENGINE , NO ENGINE NOISES WITH 39,000 MILES
NOT GREAT ON GAS
FAVORITE FEATURE IS THE GAS GAUGE. I PUT RIDER PEGS ON BIKE AND MINI FLOORBOARD PEGS, MAKES RIDING MORE COMFORTABLE
Buying experience: I BOUGHT BIKE FOR $5,000 WITH 5000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT FROM AN INDIVIDUAL.
Version: FXDC
Year: 2014
Annual servicing cost: £230
Pros: Always a head turner with the general public. The sound is awesome. It's a Harley! Come on what's not to love. Could pull a train it has that much torque. Endless modification and custom options. Holds value better than most other bikes. Cons: Low standard pipes grind easy. Petrol stations will know you on a first name basis. Not really accustomed to British weather for all-year-round riding, you just need to keep on top of cleaning and drying after lots of rain or they look very scruffy very quick.
Front brake doesn't inspire confidence, but then it is a Harley and you can upgrade to dual discs on the front by using Fatbob parts and a little modification. It makes you stay awake in the wet.. which you should be any way. Rear brake excellent. 2014 ABS model.
Pulls like a train. It's no slouch of traffic lights with the 103cu, though the stage 1 helps.
Fuel costs are high, but then I do have stage 1 tune and fuel map 3 on a 1690 103cu
Endless options. Definitely aim for a Stage 1 tuned model, with open air filter, after market pipes (Vance and Hines) and Fuel Pack 3 (V+H also) to squeeze plenty of suck and bang, other than that it's all personal preference (and your budget)
Buying experience: Bought second-hand from a dealer for £10,000. Came with lots of extras. It was very easy to get used to riding. I came from a 750 to this and it felt more natural than a lot of Japanese models that I have ridden.
Version: Super glide custom
Year: 2007
Annual servicing cost: £350
Such a great cruising kick back and ride bike, although the brakes aren't to great
Very smooth, the brakes arent great.
Nice and smooth fairly responsive, even better once the stage 1 was complete.
Most of the standars bolts and exhaust brackets have gained rust, i have found this the only problem.
Very resonable £16 to fill and gets around 150miles
Standard harley savidson dunlopes are aweful. I find them rpck hard and very hard to warm up and softern. A straight swap to avon venoms and the bike handles and grips as well as i feel it can
Buying experience: Brought from black bear newmarket for £9000 absolute pleasure to deal with and over the moon woth the bike.
My second Harley. I've returned to traditional looks agai after a few years of GSX, GSF, Triumph 900 bikes. The Harley does it All! It may not have 120+ top speed but the accelleration can still catch out a few folk. The Handling is fine, just be prepared to leave lots of sparks and metal if you use it all. I've haf my Glide one and a half years, I've done 14000 miles. It still looks good & had no problems. It just needs a bit of care when used in the winter (Lots of FS365 does the trick) I'll be keeping this for years.