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Street Glide vs Electra Glide Classic

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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 01:32 PM
  #1  
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Default Street Glide vs Electra Glide Classic

I've been looking at the 2009s on the HD site, thinking that I want to go with something in the touring line. Haven't owned a HD before, so I'm definitely still learning here.

I know the EGC has the Tour Pak on it, and the SG is a little lower in the back, but I'm trying to figure out why the SG is coming out to the same money as the EGC. I don't notice much of a difference in the specs on the site, other than the EGC has a little more lean angle, some additional chrome around the bags.

I'm just trying to figure it out. I do tend to like the stripped down look of the SG, but I'm wondering why I wouldn't get the EGC, and strip off the Tour Pak. Seems like I could just keep it for a long trip, or even sell it for some decent cash, as they aren't cheap. Only thing I would do to the SG is put a taller shock in the back for increased cornering clearance, maybe go with a 17" wheel on the back as well.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 01:57 PM
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I just traded in my 07 EGC for a 09SG. I traded for a number of reasons but I will say the look of the SG sold me. I loved my ECG. For sure a bike I could drive cross country on without a thought. The SG would take a couple of mods if I were to take the SG on a LONG trip. The Seat on the SG is not EVEN close to as comfy as the EGC to start with. The suspension is A LOT better to on the EGC (softer and more plush). I personally do not tour though so I really don't mind. I'm sure a lot of people have taken the stock SG touring and not had an issue with comfort but for me coming from a EGC to a SG those were things that I noticed. I have heard of a lot of people buying the EGC and getting the detachable tour pack set up to make it more like a SG. Great idea! As far as bang for the buck I think the EGC is the BEST HD in the line. As far as look though, the 09 SG has my vote. Either bike you choose between the two you will be happy. I'm sure of that. both great bikes. To me the SG I can drive a little more aggressive than I could with my 07 EGC. That statement probably isn't fair though since there have been SO many changes from 07 to 09. I guess to say go drive them both and do a walk around to see which you like best is you best option. All of us here will have our ideas on which is best. Good luck with your choice and enjoy this forum. It's filled with great people and great advice!!.

T
 

Last edited by PWFD; Aug 27, 2008 at 01:59 PM.
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 01:59 PM
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Talking More goodies same $$$$$$

I also came to the same con. Same price but U get more with the classic U can buy the Quick remove hardware 4 $ 549.00 and remove the pack any time you don't want it on . most people buy the St. Glide for its sleek looks more streamline Its just what your taste is ,But I think U get more bang for the buck with the E G Classic . Harley will wake up soon and stop it . watch & see.!
 
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:02 PM
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Originally Posted by spag
I've been looking at the 2009s on the HD site, thinking that I want to go with something in the touring line. Haven't owned a HD before, so I'm definitely still learning here.

I know the EGC has the Tour Pak on it, and the SG is a little lower in the back, but I'm trying to figure out why the SG is coming out to the same money as the EGC. I don't notice much of a difference in the specs on the site, other than the EGC has a little more lean angle, some additional chrome around the bags.

I'm just trying to figure it out. I do tend to like the stripped down look of the SG, but I'm wondering why I wouldn't get the EGC, and strip off the Tour Pak. Seems like I could just keep it for a long trip, or even sell it for some decent cash, as they aren't cheap. Only thing I would do to the SG is put a taller shock in the back for increased cornering clearance, maybe go with a 17" wheel on the back as well.
While the SG price looks close to the EGC, once you start doing stuff to the SG(i.e.adding tour pack, etc.), you're into more money on the SG than the EGC. I know this because brother bought a 2007 SG & I bought a 2007 EGC. Once he added all he wanted to the SG, he has more money in his bike. And if you're going to a taller shock, you're back to what is used on the EGC and you'd have to have the front worked on because you don't want the taller shock on back and the front be lower.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:04 PM
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The Street Glide costs so much because HD marketers are good. They styled an EG and gave it a name gave you less equipment and charged more. Did the same with Heritage-Fatboy, Dyna SuperGlide-Deuce, Electra Glide-Road King, etc, etc. Last bike was a EG classic bike now is an 04 EG Standard (personnaly didn't dig the tour pak). Their all interchangeable however the parts will fit on any of them with bracketry.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:15 PM
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Ok, so at least I'm not crazy. I figured I was missing something big here, as it seems like the EGC has everything the SG has, and then some. Given the suspension change is already done, I'm probably better off with the EGC, and then take a few things off. I'm not big on the Tour Pak either, and I'm sure the bike handles a lot better without that weight up top.

I'll have to go find some 09s to look at in person, and see what I would have to do to the EGC to make it a little sleeker. Again, I really like the look of the SG, but just seems like the EGC is a better fit for me off the floor.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:17 PM
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Can we make this a sticky already? It only comes up about every two days, along with which oil to use and which seat is best.

You are paying for COSMETIC items on the Streetglide. Clean fenders, rear fender facia, silver gauges, the chrome tank console, the fairing mount mirrors, the bullet turn signals, single color paint with no pinstripes, the different wheels, ETC.

If those COSMETIC changes don't matter to you, then yes, the Classic is a better value. If they DO matter to you, get the SG. Personally, I did it as much for the solid color paint and no pinstripes as anything, that, and the wheels.

Here are photos of a de-trunked Classic, and a StreetGlide, as well as both with the trunks on. Note that on the classic, I had removed the saddlebag guard rails. Also, both bikes have additional accessories added that are not stock.







 

Last edited by flyingace; Aug 27, 2008 at 02:30 PM.
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:28 PM
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I had the same decision a couple years ago. I was going to buy a 2007 SG and went with the EGC instead. If I were the only person on the bike I would have gone with the SG. But I had to consider my old lady's comfort too. The SG has 1" less travel in the rear shock and a much less comfortable seat for the passenger. For two up, go with the Classic or the Ultra. For mostly single riding, the SG is a classy looking bike.
 
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:29 PM
  #9  
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As I said, given the little pictures on the HD site, it's hard for the untrained eye (mine) to see the smaller cosmetic details. I looked through about 15 pages of posts on here and didn't see another comparison, so I thought it was a valid question. If removing a lot of things is going to leave a hundred holes on the bike, then I might have to think about this more.

I did see your thread on the 2009 SG, and that was one of the reasons I was even heading in that direction. Beautiful bike.

Thanks for the comparison photos. They really do give me more of an idea of what to expect.
 

Last edited by spag; Aug 27, 2008 at 02:34 PM.
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Old Aug 27, 2008 | 02:43 PM
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they are all overpriced!!!!!!!!
 
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