Touring titans clash: harley davidson road glide special vs. st
What To Know
- The Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST offer an array of features and accessories to enhance the riding experience.
- The choice between the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST is a matter of personal preference and riding style.
- If you seek a classic bagger with a balanced performance and a more affordable price point, the Road Glide Special is an excellent choice.
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is a legendary touring motorcycle known for its sleek design, powerful engine, and exceptional handling. Within the Road Glide family, two standout models emerge: the Road Glide Special and the Road Glide ST. Both bikes offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and style, but which one is the right choice for you? In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST to help you make an informed decision.
Engine Performance
At the heart of both bikes lies the iconic Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, delivering an impressive 119 ft-lbs of torque. However, the Road Glide ST takes it a step further with its High Output version, producing an even more exhilarating 124 ft-lbs of torque. This translates to an enhanced acceleration and passing power, making the Road Glide ST the choice for riders seeking maximum performance.
Suspension and Handling
The Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST both feature a responsive suspension system, but with subtle differences. The Special comes equipped with Showa dual bending valve front forks and an emulsion rear shock, providing a balanced ride quality. The ST, on the other hand, upgrades to Showa dual bending valve front forks and a premium rear monoshock, offering a more precise and controlled handling experience.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Technology plays a significant role in modern touring motorcycles, and both the Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST offer advanced infotainment systems. The Special features the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The ST takes it to the next level with the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a larger 7-inch touchscreen and integrated navigation.
Styling and Aesthetics
When it comes to style, the Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST exude distinct personalities. The Special boasts a classic bagger look with its blacked-out components, billet aluminum accents, and a traditional headlight design. The ST, on the other hand, embraces a more modern and aggressive aesthetic with its chrome accents, LED headlight, and a sleek fairing design.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Touring motorcycles are all about comfort, and both the Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST deliver in this regard. The Special features a low-profile seat, adjustable floorboards, and a comfortable handlebar position. The ST takes comfort to another level with its premium heated seat, adjustable passenger backrest, and a touring handlebar that provides an upright and relaxed riding position.
Features and Accessories
The Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST offer an array of features and accessories to enhance the riding experience. The Special comes equipped with a cruise control, keyless ignition, and a security system. The ST adds to this list with a premium audio system, heated grips, and a passenger floorboard kit.
Price and Value
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special starts at $29,999, while the Road Glide ST begins at $32,999. While the ST carries a higher price tag, it offers a significant upgrade in performance, handling, and comfort. Ultimately, the best value depends on your individual priorities and budget.
Takeaways: The Road to Your Dream Ride
The choice between the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special and Road Glide ST is a matter of personal preference and riding style. If you seek a classic bagger with a balanced performance and a more affordable price point, the Road Glide Special is an excellent choice. However, if you demand maximum performance, enhanced handling, and the latest technology, the Road Glide ST is the ultimate road-dominating machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which bike has a more comfortable seat?
A: The Road Glide ST offers a premium heated seat, providing superior comfort on long rides.
Q: Does the Road Glide Special come with a navigation system?
A: No, the Road Glide Special does not have an integrated navigation system, but it can be added as an accessory.
Q: What is the difference in torque between the two engines?
A: The Road Glide Special‘s Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine produces 119 ft-lbs of torque, while the Road Glide ST’s High Output Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine delivers 124 ft-lbs of torque.
Q: Which bike is better for long-distance touring?
A: Both bikes are excellent for long-distance touring, but the Road Glide ST offers a more comfortable seat, premium audio system, and adjustable passenger amenities.
Q: What is the price difference between the two models?
A: The Road Glide Special starts at $29,999, while the Road Glide ST starts at $32,999.