Road Glide vs Street Glide

At Pfaff Harley-Davidson, we’re here to help our readers near Richmond Hill, Markham, and Vaughan, Ontario, decide which of these two Harley-Davidson models they want to ride. Compare these touring motorcycles and reach out when you’re ready to learn more.

Road Glide vs Street Glide: “Sharknose” vs “Batwing”

“Sharknose” and “Batwing” are Harley-Davidson’s nicknames for the frame- and fork-mounted fairings, respectively.

The fairing designs may be the most significant detail that sets these grand tourers apart from each other. The Road Glide has a Sharknose or frame-bolted setup, lowering stress on the rider’s arms. It channels air resistance to the frame, deflecting the wind and reducing fatigue.

If you plan on traveling long distances, the Sharknose fairing on the Road Glide may appeal to you. To really know whether you prefer the Road Glide’s Sharknose or the Street Glide’s Batwing, spend some time riding both. Ultimately, the right choice will be the option that feels more comfortable for you.

The Road Glide Is Heavier Than the Street Glide

One of the major differences between these grand tourers is weight. When in running order, the Road Glide is 12 kilograms heavier than the Street Glide.

So, does such a small difference in weight really matter? Absolutely. A lighter bike increases your power-to-weight ratio, which may give you an acceleration advantage. If you want to get up to speed faster, it’s the lighter Street Glide that you should look to as you choose your new motorcycle.   

If you consider yourself tall, however, the larger Road Glide may serve you better than the Street Glide. It offers a lot more space between the handlebars and seats to accommodate taller riders. 

Engine and Drivetrain Specifications

We’ve talked about how the Road Glide and Street Glide are different. Truthfully, there’s more that unites them than separates them. What about the similarities?

The two Glides share the same engine: a Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 V-Twin. Look at the 107’s specs and performance:

• Bore: 100 mm
• Stroke: 111.1 mm
• Displacement: 1,746 cc
• Engine Torque: 148 Nm at 3,000 RPM
• Horsepower: 86 horsepower/64 kW at 5,020 RPM

The drivetrain of both motorcycles also features a primary chain drive and six gears for a smooth shift as you drive. Plus, with identical estimated fuel economies of 5.5 L/100 km, these grand touring machines are worthy of their titles.

Both sets of wheels are Enforcer II Cast Aluminum, which performs well and offers a strong look to the Road Glide and Street Glide.

Road Glide vs Street Glide: Which is Better?

The Road Glide and Street Glide are both great bikes. It all depends on what kind of motorcycle you’re looking for. To decide between such similar models, you may want to take them both for a test ride.   

See how these bikes will fare on the streets of Richmond Hill, Markham, and Vaughan, ON. Set up your test ride at Pfaff Harley-Davidson and discover the Pfaff Difference at our dealership today.