The Difference Between the Electra Glide and Street Glide Motorcycles
Harley-Davidson is an iconic American motorcycle manufacturer that has been producing quality bikes for decades. Among their most popular models are the Electra Glide and Street Glide, which share some similarities but have distinct differences.
Both the Electra Glide and Street Glide are touring motorcycles and are equipped with a 1690cc, air-cooled, V-twin engine. The engine produces a maximum power of 76.7 horsepower at 5,000 revolutions per minute and a torque of 111.7 pound-feet at 3,750 revolutions per minute. Both bikes feature a six-speed transmission, and belt-driven final drive.
The main difference between the two motorcycles lies in their design. The Electra Glide has a traditional, classic look, with a low-slung seat, full-length fairings, and a traditional front-fender. It is equipped with a standard two-up seating configuration, and the rider and passenger sit side-by-side. The Electra Glide also features a top-loading hard saddlebags and an adjustable air-ride suspension, which makes it a comfortable ride for long-distance touring.
The Street Glide, on the other hand, has a more modern look, with a low, narrow seat, and a long, sleek fairing. It features a one-up seating configuration, with the rider sitting solo. The Street Glide also has a sleek, low-profile windscreen, a storage compartment in the fairing, and a detachable backrest for the rider. Additionally, it is equipped with a suspension system that is designed for smoother handling on winding roads.
In terms of performance, both bikes share the same engine and transmission, but the Street Glide is slightly more powerful, producing up to 79 horsepower and 115 pound-feet of torque. The Street Glide also has a slightly higher top speed, reaching speeds of up to 115 miles per hour.
In terms of price, the Electra Glide is slightly more affordable, with a starting price of around $20,000, while the Street Glide is a bit more expensive, with a starting price of around $23,000.
Overall, both the Electra Glide and Street Glide are great touring motorcycles that offer a comfortable ride. However, the Street Glide is better suited for riders who prefer a more modern look and performance-oriented features, while the Electra Glide is better for riders who prefer a classic look and a comfortable ride for long-distance touring.
1. Engine Capacity
The Electra Glide is equipped with a 1,690 cc engine, while the Street Glide has a 1,868 cc engine. This difference in engine capacity means the Street Glide has greater power and torque compared to the Electra Glide, enabling it to accelerate faster and reach higher speeds. The Electra Glide engine produces a maximum power of 77 kW and a maximum torque of 156 Nm, whereas the Street Glide produces a maximum power of 81 kW and a maximum torque of 169 Nm. The larger engine of the Street Glide also helps it to handle heavier loads with ease and has a greater fuel economy.
2. Suspension
The Electra Glide is equipped with a telescopic fork and a dual shock absorber rear suspension. The telescopic fork provides a comfortable ride with good damping and the dual shock absorber provides stability and traction. The Street Glide is equipped with an inverted telescopic front fork and a single shock absorber rear suspension. The inverted telescopic fork offers more precise handling, better feedback and improved responsiveness. The single shock absorber rear suspension offers a smoother ride, better stability, and improved cornering performance.
3. Wheelbase
The Electra Glide has a wheelbase of 1,715 mm, whereas the Street Glide has a wheelbase of 1,811 mm. This difference in wheelbase means the Street Glide has a longer wheelbase compared to the Electra Glide, which results in improved stability at higher speeds. The greater wheelbase also helps the Street Glide to turn more easily and enhances its overall maneuverability. On the other hand, the shorter wheelbase of the Electra Glide helps it to be more agile, enabling it to make sharp turns with ease.
