Test ride report – Harley-Davidson Sport Glide 2020
As part of the Harley-Davidson Triple S Event, I had the opportunity to test ride the 2020 Sport Glide model on Spain's winding roads. Harley-Davidson sold 817 Sport Glide models in 2019, placing it second in the Harley rankings after the Street Bob. This made me all the more curious about the successful sport tourer with the 107 Milwaukee-Eight engine.
It has been part of the Harley-Davidson range since 2018 and starts at €17,995 (as of February 2020) in Vivid Black. In terms of price, this is a very affordable entry into the touring class. It offers a lot off the shelf, so if you don't feel like modifying it or adding any bells and whistles, this is the bike for you. Just get on and go.
First driving impressions
It makes a good impression right away when riding. The first thing I noticed was the good seating position and perfect straight-line stability. I really liked both of these features, but I couldn't really explain why the bike handles so well in a straight line, as its wheelbase is fairly average – the Fat Bob has a wheelbase that is just 10 cm shorter, while the Heritage has a wheelbase that is 5 cm longer. It handles sportily through corners, but not like a Fat Bob; it is more sedate and feels safe to ride.
The chassis and seating position
The chassis performs very well, with an upside-down fork at the front and a central shock absorber with hydraulically adjustable springs at the rear.
The spring can be adjusted on the right side using the rotary wheel, allowing you to quickly adapt to conditions such as passengers or heavy luggage without the need for tools. I set the suspension strut to 5 on my trip and, weighing in at just over 106 kg, found it very comfortable.
The seating position is very comfortable. Personally, I would consider adding footboards to the Sport Glide. The ones from the Softail Slim should fit. A different gear lever, brackets for the footboards, and a different brake pedal would be the solution. This would provide significantly more comfort for your legs on long tours.
It has cruise control, which is ideal for long trips, and the removable windshield provides only light protection and is more of a design element.
It does not provide protection from the weather or wind, but Harley-Davidson's range of accessories includes a slightly larger, lightly tinted windshield that can be retrofitted. If you want to ride without any fairing at all, you can quickly remove it or attach it for your tour.
The Sport Glide has good equipment.
The Sport Glide LED headlights
The LED headlight is particularly striking; not only does it look good, but its luminosity also ensures that you are clearly visible. The light output of the new generation of LEDs installed by Harley-Davidson is generally enormous.
The 107 Milwaukee-Eight engine
The Milwaukee-Eight engine and performance
The Sport Glide is available exclusively with the 107 cui (1745cc) engine, which delivers 84 hp to the road. Unlike the other Softail models, the 2-in-1 exhaust system reduces its power by a few hp, but this is only noticeable in a direct comparison, as it still delivers plenty of power when needed.
If you really put your foot down, you won't start to slow down until you reach 190 km/h, which is pretty fast for a Harley and not really the normal speed range for typical Harley riders. Its power delivery is easy to control, and even inexperienced bikers will get along very well with it.
The big advantage of the 107 engine is that it responds earlier than, for example, the 114 engine. Its torque of 145 Nm is available at 3000 rpm. It is more agile at low revs, while the 114 only really develops its power around 500 rpm later.
The 107 engine is a perfect fit for the Sport Glide; it is economical and runs very smoothly. Harley-Davidson states that it consumes 5.3 liters of premium gasoline per 100 km. I have already experienced in other test drives that the engine can consume even less, so the 5.3 liters can definitely be considered realistic. I still don't understand why Harley-Davidson calls it the Sport Glide, as it is more of a versatile all-rounder.
The suitcases on the Sport Glide
The Sport Glide has been equipped with a pair of removable panniers. Anyone who has ever had panniers on their bike will sorely miss them if they no longer have them. Whether it's rain gear, quickly stowing your jacket during a break on a tour, drinks, FIRST AID KIT, or whatever.
The Travel Pack saddle bags are ideal for traveling, especially when taking a ferry. Everything can be stowed away in no time at all, and you're ready to go. You could also take the whole suitcase with you, but unfortunately the holder gets in the way a bit, so the Travel Pack is definitely the better solution.
The cases are lockable, the lock can be operated with gloves, and the lid opens slowly, held in place by a lifter.
You press the lid back on with your knee and lock it again with your hand. You can do all this with one hand, as you know yourself—usually you only have one hand free when you're dealing with a suitcase.
They are hard-shell cases, visually match the Sport Glide, and are not too large.
What matters for the Sport Glide
Its sportiness and other reasons to choose the Sport Glide.
It can be ridden sportily, but I would argue that cornering enthusiasts don't buy a Sport Glide. Confident riders will find what they're looking for in this bike—a Harley for under €20,000 that can do everything is the selling point for the Sport Glide.
Whether you're a beginner, returning rider, or upgrading, the female faction is also flirting with it. It has ABS, clearly readable instruments, and there's no fuss about it, as we would say in the north. It already has forward footrests installed, which is not the case with the Street Bob ex works, for example. LED combination turn signals at the rear; the front turn signals have not yet been converted to LED, which I find phenomenal, given that the lighting concept has otherwise been converted to LED, but they generally reset automatically after a turn signal operation and can also be used as hazard warning lights.
There is a USB port at the front under the tank, which can be used to power an external navigation device or a cell phone, for example. Cruise control, immobilizer, and keyless ignition, which means that all you need to do to start the bike is have the key on you. One nice feature is the connection for the battery charger, to keep the Sport Glide's battery happy during the winter break.
The Sport Glide accessories
Once you've caught the Harley bug, you'll find plenty of accessories in the Harley-Davidson range. The Sport Glide is easy to customize. Below is a list of accessory ideas for the Sport Glide:
Sport Glide Type: ST1 Model FLSB from 2018
| Windshield 5.5″ | Item no. 57400360 approx. $200.00 |
| Saddle bags Travel packs | Item no. 93300110 approx. $85.00 |
| HoldFast Two-Up Tour-Pak Carrier | Item no. 50300192 approx. $320.00 |
| Tour-Pak Case – Smooth Vinyl | Item no. 53000570 approx. $1,000.00 |
| engine guard | Item no. 4900014 approx. $370.00 |
| Cover for engine guard | Item no. 57100366 approx. $140.00 |
| Premium Touring Case System | Item no. 93300003 approx. $400.00 |
| Additional belt kit | Item no. 93300015 approx. $24.00 |
| Sissy bar kit and luggage rack | |
| Chrome Docking Hardware Kit | Item no. 52300378 approx. $75.00 |
| Docking Hardware Kit Black | Item no. 52300379 approx. $75.00 |
| Hold Fast Sissy Bar Bracket Chrome | Item no. 52300432 approx. $320.00 |
| Hold Fast Sissy Bar Bracket Black | Item no. 52300434 approx. $310.00 |
| Passenger backrest cushion | Item no. 52300560 approx. $100.00 |
| Sport luggage rack chrome from 2018 with Hold Fast Sissybar Upright | Item no. 50300130 approx. $235.00 |
| Sport luggage rack, black, from 2018, with Hold Fast sissy bar upright | Item no. 50300131 approx. $235.00 |
Sport Glide service intervals
The first inspection is due after 1600 kilometers, which is also very important. After that, Harley-Davidson recommends having a service or oil change carried out once a year or every 8000 kilometers.
Michelin tires
The Michelin Scorcher 31 on the Sport Glide ex-factory
The Michelin Scorcher 31 tires are fitted ex-factory: 130/70 B18 63H at the front and 180/70 B16 77H at the rear. Tire pressure: 2.5 bar at the front and 2.8 bar at the rear. Tire pressure is a very important issue; be sure to check it regularly to ensure that your tires are working optimally.
This is not just a cliché. During a tour of the Michelin factory, the developers repeatedly pointed out to me that tire pressure is essential for tires to function properly.
The tire performs well in dry conditions, but has weaknesses in wet or slightly wet conditions. When asked, Michelin stated that they are working on improving the Scorcher's performance in wet conditions.
The colors of the 2020 Sport Glide
The Sport Glide will be available at Harley dealers in six different colors in 2020.
Colors: Vivid Black, Midnight Blue / Barracuda Silver, River Rock Gray Denim, Performance Orange, Tahitian Teal, Scorched Orange & Silver Flux
The conclusion on the 2020 Sport Glide
The Sport Glide is not without reason so successful; it can do a lot, and the saddle, seating position, visibility, and handling are excellent.
In Spain, the Sport Glide showed me that it can also be sporty, but I enjoyed it most when I was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery while riding at a leisurely pace.
The price makes it very attractive. The conclusion is short and I think everything has already been said: a great bike without frills for all conditions. Due to demand and its position in the rankings, it will certainly retain its value and bring a lot of joy to many people.
What do you think?
Do you already ride a Sport Glide? What are your experiences? Write to me or leave a comment below.
Technical data according to the manufacturer; prices in the accessories list may vary depending on the dealer. Transparency note: Some of the photos were taken in Malaga in cooperation with Harley-Davidson. There was no obligation to publish or influence my report. Thank you very much.
I've been riding the Sport Glide since early May 2020. It's my first Harley. My first motorcycle ever. I'm still congratulating myself on the purchase. However, I would have preferred the 114 engine. During a Harley refresher training course in mid-June 2020, I was able to experience the difference compared to the 107. It's in a different league! I would also like to have a double disc at the front. The front brake does its job, but I think a little more bite would be useful given the bike's weight of over 300 kg. I can confirm that the front brake makes a clicking noise from time to time. However, I don't find it annoying. I find the front turn signals with their bulbs a bit pathetic. I immediately switched to LEDs. I also switched to a larger windshield for the fairing. A noticeable difference. All in all, a great motorcycle. I love the classic look without fairing and panniers. That's how I usually ride. A bit like a Fat Boy light. And in just over a minute, it's ready for touring. My conclusion: still a motorcycle, but already a Harley.
Nice article. A Harley like that is still a dream of mine. 🙂
Thank you very much for your test report. I'm getting back into riding and have always dreamed of owning a Harley. I'm also very happy with my Sport Glide. However, when I brake with the front brake, I often hear a metallic noise – clang – which is annoying. The Harley dealer says that this is normal for Harleys and is due to the brake discs. It's the same with all of them. Have you experienced this too?
Hello Klaus,
I have never heard a clunking noise when braking, which I often hear with other models when they are still fairly new. Sometimes there is a slight grinding noise where the disc touches the pad. Otherwise, I haven't noticed anything else.
Best regards, Volker
I also have the „clunk“ noise on my SG (2020), but my dealer was able to explain it to me and reassure me. He says it has to do with the floating brake calipers. It is triggered when you move the Harley backwards and brake, and the first time you brake after moving forward, this noise occurs because the brake caliper takes on a different position.