2018 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide Review

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Sport Glide has definitely won my heart and as so many have asked what I think, here’s my review on this new breed of Harley-Davidson:

I conducted my Sport Glide review on a 2,700 mile road trip with Tour1 starting from the UK, heading across 9 European countries, completing over 35 mountain passes, motorway, winding roads and more hairpins than you can shake a stick at.

The Sport Glide offers a big bike in a small package with the new 107 Milwaukee engine (1745cc) laying down 83bhp prior to any upgrades [I’d absolutely love to try one with a Stage 1 and some feisty Vance & Hines pipes]. The power is on tap and delivers plentiful torque for passing on hairpins or blasting past Sunday drivers. I always felt like she had so much to give!

Feel

Despite the size, weighing in at 317kg, Harley have done a superb job of distributing the load. The bike feels light and agile, especially compared to my similar weight 2015 Street Bob, the load is low making for a really nimble ride. Easy for smaller riders to handle yet big enough for everyone. The light feel means it’s easy to push round corners for some peg scraping enjoyment and the V-twin motor drives out of bends and past dawdling motorists with ease.

Comfort

The ride comfort is like no Harley I’ve ridden, smooth and refined. Two balance shafts are calibrated to perfection giving a super smooth ride but with just the right amount of energy to keep its Harley soul as you potato-potato along. Character and comfort perfectly refined. With the mileage we did on alpine roads I have to say I was super content. The riding position and forward controls just felt perfect, equipped with the new suspension that sucks up the terrain. And considering we did some cobbled mountain passes and Italy’s rather pothole riddled roads, I was very pleased with the suspension. For the motorways the modest fairing does a surprising amount too, I felt protected, allowing for minimal wind fatigue.

Look and feel

The craftsmanship is fantastic, tidy welds, extensive use of steel, deep gloss paint and the beautifully engineered panniers, it just screams quality and worth a good chunk of change.

When it comes to design she’s definitely a head turner too. Elegant lines combined with a stocky road presence. The clever quick release panniers, luggage rack and fairing mean you can quickly go from touring to cruising mode too. I really do think it looks fantastic and was rather tickled by how much attention she received.

Synopsis of my Harley-Davidson Sport Glide review

I could see myself happily commuting with its practical luggage, while being a head turner for cruising and yet also offering great comfort for the longer tours. With 2,714 miles together on Tour1, I can vouch first hand.

Yeah, it’s not going to be for everyone, but I can’t stress enough how I wish more people would try a Harley before deciding they’re not for them. This guy is a beast 💖

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