Street Glide vs Electra Glide Classic
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6th Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Street Glide vs Electra Glide Classic
Having owned a Sportster 1200, Dyna Low Rider and a Ducati ST3, in that order, over the last 20 years, coming back home to HD, this time to a touring model. The decision seems to be between the Street Glide and the Electra Glide Classic. I love the bat fairing, the lower ride and the availability of the denim black paint on the FLHX, but looking at the accessories catalogue made me realize that over the next year I will be getting most of the stuff that comes standard with the FLHTC (tour pack, extra lights, guard rails, etc). The choice is to either get the FLHX and "dress" it or the FLHTC and "undress" it for daily riding.
I mostly ride around town, but will be taking longer trips, when tour pack and luggage racks will be a must.
What am I sacrificing by not getting the Street Glide, other then the sexy look of the bat fairing? The two should ride almost the same, allowing for extra 100lb weight of the full dresser. Fairing mounting is different, but I am not sure what that means, having never owned a full dresser.
I know to go and ride both, to see which "feels right", but experience of others who have gone through the same dilemma is very helpful. Please help!
I mostly ride around town, but will be taking longer trips, when tour pack and luggage racks will be a must.
What am I sacrificing by not getting the Street Glide, other then the sexy look of the bat fairing? The two should ride almost the same, allowing for extra 100lb weight of the full dresser. Fairing mounting is different, but I am not sure what that means, having never owned a full dresser.
I know to go and ride both, to see which "feels right", but experience of others who have gone through the same dilemma is very helpful. Please help!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 642
Likes: 3
From: Southern California
I think it is easier and cheaper to buy with the features you will want later, than to buy bare and add on later.
I bought the Ultra Classic and can take off whatever I like...
Take care,
Dave
I bought the Ultra Classic and can take off whatever I like...
Take care,
Dave
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 760
Likes: 1
From: USA
A) What is the length of your inseam? Classic comes with 13" rear shocks and the Street Glide comes with 12" rear shocks.
B) Windshield height is different between the two models.
C) Seats are different.
If we assume you will upgrade the rear shocks, seat and windshield, then the Classic is a better value. IMO: HD rear shocks and seats leave a lot to be desired. You can always buy the HD detachable kit for the tourpak which gives you the option to remove and install it with ease.
B) Windshield height is different between the two models.
C) Seats are different.
If we assume you will upgrade the rear shocks, seat and windshield, then the Classic is a better value. IMO: HD rear shocks and seats leave a lot to be desired. You can always buy the HD detachable kit for the tourpak which gives you the option to remove and install it with ease.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,784
Likes: 100
From: Pasadena TX
Adding a factory HD tour pack and detatchable mount is upwards of $1k or more. What's the price difference between the two? Btw, that the fairings mount differently is news to me. Are you talking about a Road Glide?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
Agree with Notrailers, it is easier to dress down. I to came from a sportster to 2011 Limited. It already comes with all the bells and whistles out of the box. Add detachable tourpack, streetglide seat and remove the lowers, you have a streetglide. Can dress back up in a short amount of time when needed. Been a member since I got it in Oct 10, had to change names (long story) remove the 6 from my username now and you can see my bike, love it. Welcome to the forum, wish you good luck with whatever decision you make, either way, whichever bike you decide to get will be a great ride. Stay safe and post pics when you get it.
Dress down will always get my vote from now on... I've made this mistake last September. Since then I've pretty much turned mine into a classic. I think though that in the end you'll spend about the same amount of money if you buy parts for the SG as you would buying the dress up stuff (rear fender, smaller lights, seat, shocks, etc) for the classic and vice versa. Of course that's all based off moco retail prices. I never sat and added it up, I'm just taking and educated guess. If you scour swap meets you'll be able to do it cheaper. However, the classic IS a better value because your ahead of the game financially as far as utility type stuff goes (pack, lights, pass boards). The only thing I don't like is the color availabilty this year on the classics. Big Blue Pearl is nice though...
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 50
From: usa
If you are gonna get a Classic you better do it soon.There won't be one in model year 2014.Man that ticks me off.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 94
From: Massachusetts
The FLHTC will give you the best bang for your buck.
You can get the detachable tourpak hardware and 12" shocks for around $500-$600 or less, and have close to a FLHX.
I just traded my '08 EGC for a new '13.
If you do decide you want the EG Classic, Dan is correct, it is discontinued after this '13 MY.
They are both great bikes, but I think The FLHTC is a better deal with what's included from the factory.
You can get the detachable tourpak hardware and 12" shocks for around $500-$600 or less, and have close to a FLHX.
I just traded my '08 EGC for a new '13.
If you do decide you want the EG Classic, Dan is correct, it is discontinued after this '13 MY.
They are both great bikes, but I think The FLHTC is a better deal with what's included from the factory.
Supporter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
I had a Ultra Classic, converted it into a kinda combo Street Glide and Ultra.
Here are some of the differences.
The HK radio in the street Glide do not have a fade, so if you add speakers in the rear, you have to get a flash.
Some Street Glides don't have Security Systems or ABS
I like the 12" shocks.
UC has the saddlebag guards, Street Glides have a different mount for the bags.
UC has a different rear fender setup with lighting, larger turn signal bar.
UC has intercom
CC might be an issue with the SG.
Mirrors on the UC have a stem, SG has them in the fairing.
UC seats are big issue for shorter riders.
Some UC models have chrome fender tips, SG doesn't.
Wheels are different.
Here are some of the differences.
The HK radio in the street Glide do not have a fade, so if you add speakers in the rear, you have to get a flash.
Some Street Glides don't have Security Systems or ABS
I like the 12" shocks.
UC has the saddlebag guards, Street Glides have a different mount for the bags.
UC has a different rear fender setup with lighting, larger turn signal bar.
UC has intercom
CC might be an issue with the SG.
Mirrors on the UC have a stem, SG has them in the fairing.
UC seats are big issue for shorter riders.
Some UC models have chrome fender tips, SG doesn't.
Wheels are different.
Last edited by davidw221; May 3, 2013 at 05:46 AM.