Street Glide vs Ultra Classic: Which Bike is Right for You?

As motorcycle enthusiasts, we know that choosing the right bike can be a daunting task. One of the most popular debates among Harley-Davidson riders is whether to go with the Street Glide or the Ultra Classic. Both bikes are great for touring and have their own unique features. In this article, we will provide a comparative overview of these two models to help you make an informed decision.

The Street Glide vs Ultra Classic are both iconic Harley-Davidson models that have been around for years. The Street Glide is known for its sleek and stylish design, while the Ultra Classic is known for its classic touring look. When it comes to performance and comfort, both bikes have their own strengths and weaknesses. Some riders prefer the Street Glide for its agility and speed, while others prefer the Ultra Classic for its comfort and stability.

If you’re in the market for a new Harley-Davidson touring bike, it’s important to consider all of the factors before making a decision. In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into the performance, comfort, and additional details of the Street Glide vs Ultra Classic to help you make the best choice for your needs.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

The Street Glide vs Ultra Classic are both popular Harley-Davidson touring bikes with unique features.
The Street Glide is known for its stylish design and agility, while the Ultra Classic is known for its comfort and stability.
It’s important to consider all factors, including performance, comfort, and additional details when choosing between the Street Glide vs Ultra Classic.

Comparative Overview

When it comes to touring bikes, the Harley-Davidson Street Glide and Ultra Limited are two of the most popular models on the market. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between these two models and help you decide which one is right for you.

Price and Specifications

One of the biggest differences between the Street Glide and the Ultra Limited is the price. The Street Glide has a starting price of around $21,289, while the Ultra Limited starts at around $28,699. However, the Ultra Limited comes with a host of additional features that make it worth the extra cost for some riders.

In terms of specifications, the Ultra Limited is the more powerful of the two bikes. It comes with a 114 cubic inch engine, while the Street Glide has a 107 cubic inch engine. The Ultra Limited also has a larger fuel tank, which means you can go further on a single tank of gas.

Design and Features

When it comes to design, the Street Glide and Ultra Limited are both sleek and stylish bikes. However, the Ultra Limited has a more classic look, while the Street Glide has a more modern design. The Ultra Limited also comes with a tour pack, which provides additional storage space for longer trips.

In terms of features, both bikes come with a range of modern amenities, including touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and advanced audio systems. However, the Ultra Limited comes with additional features like heated hand grips and a more advanced infotainment system.

Overall, the choice between the Street Glide and Ultra Limited will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a more affordable touring bike with a modern design, the Street Glide is a great option. However, if you want a more powerful bike with additional features like a tour pack and heated hand grips, the Ultra Limited is the way to go.

Street Glide vs Ultra Classic Performance and Comfort

When it comes to choosing between the Harley-Davidson Street Glide vs Ultra Classic, performance and comfort are two factors that you should consider. Let’s take a closer look at the engine and transmission, as well as the seat and suspension of both bikes.

Engine and Transmission

Both the Street Glide vs Ultra Classic come with a powerful Milwaukee-Eight engine. However, the Ultra Classic comes with a larger 114-cubic-inch engine, while the Street Glide has a 107-cubic-inch engine. This means that the Ultra Classic has more power and torque, making it a better choice for riders who want more speed and acceleration.

In terms of transmission, both bikes come with a six-speed gearbox. However, the Ultra Classic also has a reverse gear, which can come in handy when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. This is a feature that the Street Glide does not have.

Seat and Suspension

When it comes to comfort, the Ultra Classic is the clear winner. It has a higher seat height, which provides a better view of the road ahead, and a more comfortable seat with a backrest. The Ultra Classic also has air-adjustable suspension, which allows you to adjust the ride height and stiffness to your liking.

On the other hand, the Street Glide has a lower seat height, making it a better choice for shorter riders. It also has a more sporty suspension, which provides a more responsive and agile ride. However, this can also make the ride less comfortable, especially on long trips.

Overall, the Ultra Classic is a better choice for riders who prioritize comfort and power, while the Street Glide is a better choice for those who want a more sporty and agile ride.

Additional Details

Storage and Capacity

When it comes to storage and capacity, both the Street Glide vs Ultra Classic are great choices. The Ultra Classic, however, has more storage space than the Street Glide. With a total of 4.7 cubic feet of storage space, the Ultra Classic has plenty of room for all your gear. The Street Glide, on the other hand, only has 2.3 cubic feet of storage space. This means that if you plan on taking long trips, the Ultra Classic might be a better choice for you.

In terms of capacity, the Ultra Classic also has a larger fuel tank than the Street Glide. With a 6-gallon fuel tank, the Ultra Classic can go further on a single tank of gas than the Street Glide, which has a 5-gallon fuel tank. This means that you’ll spend less time at the gas pump and more time on the road.

Safety and Control

Both the Street Glide vs Ultra Classic come equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and cruise control. These features make riding safer and more comfortable, especially on long trips.

ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, which can cause the bike to skid and potentially lead to an accident. Cruise control, on the other hand, allows you to maintain a constant speed without having to constantly adjust the throttle. This can reduce fatigue and make long rides more enjoyable.

When it comes to control, the Ultra Classic has a slightly higher seat height than the Street Glide, which can make it easier to handle for some riders. Additionally, the Ultra Classic comes with a larger windshield, which provides better protection from wind and debris.

Overall, both the Street Glide vs Ultra Classic are great choices for riders who want a comfortable and stylish touring bike. However, if you plan on taking long trips and need more storage space and fuel capacity, the Ultra Classic might be the better choice.