Let’s all salute The Motor Company for fitting larger side cases, even though only the skimpiest of (Unsafe) Brain Bucket will fit into one, and they are not yet easily removable for overnight motel stop – a bit of a pain that!

All Touring models share the Harley-standard straight up riding position.

A ride that keeps pleasing you
At 365kg dry, this machine is no lightweight. Despite this, riding remains simple, almost effortless when you know how to let the bike’s mass do the work of changing direction for you. In fact, the low-ish center of gravity, despite the considerable upper fairing, makes riding above 20kph a sinecure. Smart riders always keep parking manoeuvres simple, as bullying this toy around without the engine almost qualifies as an extreme sport - well at least at an efficient strength-building exercise.

The ever improving suspensions and bespoke tires contribute to a smooth ride on all but the worst roads. It also provides adequate agility for more exciting stuff, such as in riding “The Pace” on mountain roads to your heart’s content. Just remember the low floorboards - they will tell you just how far you are leaning over. And remember that any sudden changes in trajectory while leaned over requires more than a little muscle power – the price you have to pay on such a heavy and stable machine.

The extra torque and power that I lauded so much earlier does come with a small price: a bit of a torque hole below 2500 to 3000 rpm when compared to the TC96, and similar to the one found on the XR1200, another bike where the engine has been pushed hard to increase torque and power. On the Street Glide, this dip is not catastrophic, just something to remember when taking off.

A lot of $$$ for a lot of bike
At just under $40K, this CVO Street Glide is not the “People’s Bike”. But exclusivity has its price, and if you can afford the cash-flow hit, you will get a machine that works well, very well in fact, on all fronts. You will also be the only one at most rallies with that very machine. And when you decide that you need to upgrade, or if the dealer does not have the right tires in stock and you are simply “forced” to trade it in, you will be more than happy with the trade-in you get.

Nothing wrong with that!






Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux