TWO new models in the Grand American Touring range from Harley-Davidson landed earlier this week, as the new Road Glide ST and Street Glide ST are revealed.
Taking up a place near the top of the heavyweight touring segment, the two new models from H-D combine a factory-custom look, with touring ability thanks to the inclusion of panniers and front fairings.
Like the Low Rider S and Low Rider ST, the two new ‘Glides are powered by the latest generation 117ci (1,923cc) Milwaukee Eight engine. The oil/air-cooled V-twin produces a claimed 105hp and a hefty 125lb-ft of torque.
To differentiate the two machines, the Street Glide ST features the rounded Daymaker headlight, while the Road Glide ST gains the more distinctive twin light set up. Both are available in either Vivid Black or Gunship Gray. The Road Glide ST comes in at £27,895, and the Street Glide ST is priced at £27,295.
One factor about the two bikes that is quickly picked up is that it seems that Harley is looking to shed the stereotype that baggers are slow and cumbersome. The boost in power and torque is part of the story, but there is more at work here than simply bolting on some capacity.
Like the Low Riders, the bike features a jacked-up stance that echoes the firm's Screamin Eagle race machines. It’s something that should go some way to sharpening up the steering and increasing lean angle to boot. It’s a move that seems to tie in with H-D’s recent success in the King of the Baggers, something it is no doubt looking to replicate in 2022.
Like any of the Motor Co’s big-bore touring machines, the two ‘Glide ST’s feature a plethora of tech to make cruising that little bit more comfortable. Boom! Box GTS infotainment comes as standard on both machines, which means you get a touchscreen, two fairing-mount speakers, and a hidden radio antenna.
On the spec front, the chassis is reassuringly high-spec, with Showa providing Dual Bending Valve front suspension and Brembo coming along to help haul up the 380kg machine.
Oddly enough, both version of the new ‘Glide ST features a single seat set up, a bit of an odd choice for me given the two-up nature of the hobby. Naturally, the Harley-Davidson accessory catalogue will include an array of rider and pillion seats, although some will balk at the thought of having to shell out for one post-purchase!
For more information on these and the rest of the 2022 Harley range, head to: www.harley-davidson.com
