Battle of the baggers: harley-davidson street glide vs honda goldwing compared

When it comes to long-distance motorcycle touring, two iconic names stand out: Harley Davidson Street Glide and Honda Goldwing. Both motorcycles are renowned for their comfort, performance, 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 Street Glide and the Honda Goldwing, helping you make an informed decision.

Design and Aesthetics

Harley Davidson Street Glide: The Street Glide exudes a classic Harley Davidson aesthetic, with its sleek, low-slung profile and distinctive batwing fairing. The bike’s blacked-out accents and chrome trim give it a bold and aggressive appearance.

Honda Goldwing: The Goldwing, on the other hand, is known for its more luxurious and futuristic design. Its massive fairing provides ample wind protection, while its spacious saddlebags and trunk offer plenty of storage capacity. The bike’s LED lighting and modern styling give it a sophisticated and high-tech look.

Engine and Performance

Harley Davidson Street Glide: The Street Glide is powered by Harley’s Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, which produces 119 ft-lbs of torque. This engine delivers a smooth and powerful ride, with plenty of low-end grunt for effortless acceleration.

Honda Goldwing: The Goldwing is equipped with Honda’s flat-six engine, which generates an impressive 126 ft-lbs of torque. This engine is known for its silky-smooth operation and impressive fuel efficiency. The Goldwing also features a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which provides seamless gear changes.

Handling and Comfort

Harley Davidson Street Glide: The Street Glide offers a comfortable and stable ride, thanks to its low center of gravity and balanced suspension. The bike’s wide handlebars and forward-mounted foot controls provide a relaxed and upright riding position.

Honda Goldwing: The Goldwing is renowned for its exceptional comfort, with its plush seats, adjustable windscreen, and heated grips. The bike’s advanced suspension system absorbs bumps and vibrations, ensuring a smooth and fatigue-free ride.

Features and Technology

Harley Davidson Street Glide: The Street Glide comes standard with a range of features, including a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, cruise control, and keyless ignition. The bike can also be customized with a variety of optional accessories, such as a tour pack, saddlebag liners, and heated seats.

Honda Goldwing: The Goldwing is packed with an extensive array of features, including a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, adaptive cruise control, and a rear-view camera. The bike also offers a range of rider-assist technologies, such as hill start assist and traction control.

Price and Value

Harley Davidson Street Glide: The Harley Davidson Street Glide starts at around $23,000. The bike offers a good value for money, considering its performance, comfort, and iconic status.

Honda Goldwing: The Honda Goldwing starts at around $29,000. While it is more expensive than the Street Glide, the Goldwing comes with a more comprehensive range of features and a higher level of comfort and technology.

The Bottom Line

The Harley Davidson Street Glide and the Honda Goldwing are both exceptional touring motorcycles that offer a unique blend of performance, comfort, and features. The Street Glide is a great choice for riders who prefer a classic Harley Davidson experience, while the Goldwing is the ultimate choice for those who prioritize luxury, technology, and long-distance comfort.

Questions You May Have

1. Which motorcycle has more torque?

• The Honda Goldwing has more torque, with 126 ft-lbs compared to the Harley Davidson Street Glide’s 119 ft-lbs.

2. Which motorcycle has a better infotainment system?

• The Honda Goldwing has a more advanced infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a rear-view camera.

3. Which motorcycle is more fuel-efficient?

• The Honda Goldwing is more fuel-efficient than the Harley Davidson Street Glide, with a highway fuel economy of up to 45 mpg compared to the Street Glide’s 40 mpg.

4. Which motorcycle is more comfortable for long-distance riding?

• The Honda Goldwing is more comfortable for long-distance riding, with its plush seats, adjustable windscreen, and heated grips.

5. Which motorcycle is more expensive?

• The Honda Goldwing is more expensive than the Harley Davidson Street Glide, with a starting price of around $29,000 compared to the Street Glide’s $23,000.