The 2025 Harley-Davidson Street Glide continues to define the American bagger segment, blending long-distance comfort with modern electronics and performance upgrades. Now in its second year since the major redesign, the Street Glide remains a benchmark for touring bikes, offering a potent combination of style, power, and technology.

Overview

The Street Glide stands out with its signature fork-mounted batwing fairing, a hallmark of Harley-Davidson touring models since the late 1960s. For 2025, the fairing benefits from refined aerodynamics and an omega-shaped LED running light, designed to reduce drag and improve airflow for rider comfort.

The 2025 update focuses on polish rather than overhaul—new colours, slight price adjustments, and incremental comfort improvements keep the Street Glide competitive. A full-dresser variant, the Street Glide Ultra, adds a taller windscreen, fairing lowers, and a top case for riders seeking maximum touring capability.

Engine and Performance

Under the fairing, the Street Glide is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117, a 117ci (1923cc) V-twin producing approximately 105 hp at 4600 rpm and 130 lb.-ft. of torque at 3250 rpm. Liquid-cooled cylinder heads improve thermal management, while a larger airbox and redesigned intake manifold support smooth airflow and strong low- to mid-range torque.

The engine benefits from a ride-by-wire throttle, six-speed gearbox, and slipper/assist clutch for predictable engagement. Real-world feedback highlights the 117’s effortless pull out of corners and its forgiving nature on long highway stretches, making it both lively and relaxed depending on your pace.

Chassis and Suspension

The Street Glide retains a steel tube frame with a two-piece backbone and bolt-on rear subframe. Rear suspension travel has been increased by 50% to 3.0 inches, while the 49mm front fork has been recalibrated for a balance of comfort and control. Despite weighing 811 lb (wet), the bike’s handling feels surprisingly nimble for its size, with confident cornering and intuitive turn-in.

Brakes and Rider Aids

Braking is managed by axially mounted four-piston calipers with 320mm rotors up front and a 300mm disc at the rear, supported by linked ABS. While the Street Glide doesn’t feature the high-end Brembo radial brakes seen on CVO models, stopping power is more than sufficient for everyday riding.

An IMU-based electronics suite oversees traction control, cornering ABS, drag-torque slip control, and Vehicle Hold Control. Riders can select four modes—Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom—to tailor throttle response, traction intervention, and engine braking.

Cockpit and Infotainment

The 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen dominates the cockpit, integrating Apple CarPlay for navigation, music, and phone control. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow easy pairing, while helmet audio support ensures safe operation at highway speeds. The Rockford Fosgate audio system delivers clear, rich sound through four 5.25-inch speakers, amplified via a 200-watt four-channel setup.

Riders praise the intuitive interface, which balances touchscreen and handlebar-mounted controls, allowing adjustments while on the move with minimal distraction.

Ergonomics and Comfort

The redesigned saddle rotates the rider’s hips into a neutral position, easing long-distance strain, while the 28.1-inch seat height keeps the bike accessible to a wide range of riders. Air vanes on the fairing allow airflow adjustment, reducing fatigue on hot days or high-speed cruising.

The Street Glide’s 6-gallon tank and feet-forward riding position make it a comfortable long-haul companion, and the 2.42 cubic feet (68.5 liters) of saddlebag space handles daily essentials or weekend getaways with ease.

Verdict

The 2025 Street Glide is a refined, capable, and stylish touring bagger. Its combination of modern electronics, long-distance comfort, and Harley-specific appeal makes it a top choice for riders in New Zealand seeking the American touring experience. Whether commuting, weekend touring, or cruising the open roads, the Street Glide remains a benchmark in the bagger segment.

Specs (Key Figures):

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 117, liquid-cooled V-twin, 4 valves/cyl.
• Displacement: 117ci (1923cc)
• Power/Torque: 105 hp @ 4600 rpm / 130 lb.-ft. @ 3250 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed, belt drive, slipper/assist clutch
• Seat Height: 28.1 in
• Fuel Capacity: 6 gal
• Wet Weight: 811 lb
• Front Suspension: 49mm dual bending valve, 4.6 in. travel
• Rear Suspension: Premium hand-adjustable, 3.0 in. travel
• Front Brake: 4-piston calipers, 320mm disc w/ ABS
• Rear Brake: 4-piston caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
• Infotainment: 12.3-inch TFT, Apple CarPlay, Rockford Fosgate audio