14 Best And Worst Year For Street Glide [Best & Avoided Era]

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide is the most iconic motorcycle world in the Harley lineup. But over time, the street glide has had its highs and lows.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the most impressive and disappointing years for the Street Glide.

From design innovations to unfortunate mechanical hiccups, we’ll explore the journey of this beloved street-cruising motorcycle.

Best And Worst Year For Street Glide

The Street Glide is known for its iconic design and exceptional performance, and its evolution has been a remarkable journey. 

The Harley-Davidson Street Glide has had various iterations over the years, some emerging as fan favourites and others not quite hitting the mark.

The best year for the Street Glide is often considered the 1984, 2003, 2004 and 2019,2020 years that Harley-Davidson introduced in its lineup.

On the other hand, the 2009, 2013, and 2015 models are frequently cited as a challenging year, with common issues related to the engine and electrical system. 

Best Years For Street Glide

The Street Glide has been a favourite among motorcycle enthusiasts since its introduction in 2006. However, some of them stand out as the best year for the street glide.

Here are the best years for the street glide:

1. 1984 Street Glide 

The 1984 model year is a remarkable model in motorcycle history, often considered a flagship year for Harley. 

The bike was equipped with a robust 1340cc V-twin engine, producing a hearty 67 horsepower. 

This gave the ’84 Street Glide an exceptional balance of power and performance, satisfying riders who craved speed and stability. The model was also noted for its advanced technology for the time. 

It introduced the Softail design, which hid the shocks under the transmission, giving it a classic hardtail look while still providing the comfort of modern suspension. 

The ’84 Street Glide was also equipped with an advanced self-adjusting clutch, providing smoother gear transitions and significantly reducing the need for maintenance.

One of the main reasons the 1984 Street Glide is considered the best year is due to its perfect blend of modern technology and classic Harley-Davidson style. 

Due to its powerful performance, the ’84 model maintained the iconic aesthetics that Harley enthusiasts admire, such as the distinctive teardrop fuel tank and the bold.

Riders often mention the ’84 Street Glide’s comfort and reliability when discussing its advantages. 

Its ergonomic design, coupled with cutting-edge suspension technology, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, even on long journeys. 

This mix of comfort, power, and style truly satisfies riders, solidifying the 1984 Street Glide’s status as an iconic model in motorcycle history.

2. 2003 Street Glide 

The 2003 model is widely regarded as one of the most impressive motorcycles of its time due to its unique blend of advanced features and classic Harley styling. 

It is equipped with a powerful, fuel-injected Twin Cam 88 engine, delivering impressive horsepower and torque.

The bike boasted chrome, staggered shorty dual exhausts, contributing to its distinct aesthetic and throaty sound. 

The 2003 Street Glide was one of the first to feature Harley’s advanced audio system, providing clear sound even at highway speeds.

Its paired with the comfort of a plush, two-up seat and the convenience of hard-shell saddlebags made this bike an exceptional choice for short rides and long touring.

Its seamless blend of power, comfort, and technology allowed riders to fully enjoy their journey, whether they were cruising through city streets or exploring the open road.

3. 2004 Street Glide 

The 2004 Street Glide is often hailed as one of the best years for this iconic motorcycle model. 

It is equipped with a powerful Twin Cam 88 engine, offering an unparalleled combination of power and performance. 

The engine delivered a peak torque of 86 ft-lb at 3500 rpm, ensuring smooth, effortless rides even at high speeds. 

The motorcycle also featured the standard five-speed transmission, providing a seamless riding experience.

From a technology standpoint, the 2004 Street Glide was a trendsetter. 

It came equipped with a state-of-the-art AM/FM/CD/MP3 Advanced Audio System by Harman-Kardon, enhancing the riding experience with premium sound quality.

It also boasted an electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system, which not only made the bike more fuel-efficient but also significantly improved its throttle response.

The 2004 Street Glide was not just about its specifications and technology; it was the bike’s ability to offer a truly satisfying ride that made it popular among riders.

Its relaxed riding position, combined with a well-balanced frame, ensured great handling and long-distance comfort.

This year’s model brought a new era of personalized design. It had a modern, aggressive look that reminded people of the classic Harley-Davidson style.

4. 2008 Street Glide

It came fitted with an air-cooled Twin Cam 96 engine, which delivered 1584cc displacement and a torque of 92.6 ft-lbs at 3500 RPM, providing ample power for any cruising adventure. 

The motorcycle featured Brembo brakes and a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, enhancing safety and riding comfort.

However, the most notable technology of the 2008 Street Glide was the introduction of Harley’s ESPFI system, offering superior manageability, fuel efficiency, and performance. 

The bike also boasted a sleek, aerodynamic Batwing fairing coupled with a streamlined console, giving it a distinctive look that appealed to riders worldwide.

The 2008 Street Glide is considered the best year due to its perfect blend of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge technology.

Moreover, it came with a balanced suspension and a comfortable, low-profile seat, ensuring long-distance riding comfort.

5. 2010 Street Glide

The 2010 model year is widely regarded as one of the best years for the model due to its superior performance, technology, and rider satisfaction. 

It is equipped with a 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine and boasts a torque of 92.6 ft-lb at 3500 rpm, providing powerful and smooth rides. 

The 2010 model also introduced the innovative Harman/Kardon Advanced Audio System for an enhanced music experience during journeys. 

It featured cruise control as standard, offering a comfortable and relaxed ride, especially during long-distance travels.

This model year is celebrated for the introduction of the sleek frame-mounted fairing, which significantly improved aerodynamics and gave the bike its iconic look. 

Its lowered suspension is the standout feature of it, leading to a lower seat height, making it more accessible and comfortable for a diverse range of riders. 

It’s not just the specs and technologies that make it the best year but also the exceptional balance of comfort and performance that it provides.

6. 2014 Street Glide

The 2014 Street Glide is highly regarded among motorcycle enthusiasts for its impressive specifications and innovative technologies. 

This year’s model came equipped with a High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine, offering robust performance and remarkable reliability. 

It had a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission for smooth gear shifting, resulting in a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.

The 2014 Street Glide was the first to feature the then-newly launched Project Rushmore technology. 

This technology was all about enhancing the riding experience through improvements in power, braking, ergonomics, and style.

It also features the Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS and the Boom!™ Box 4.3 Audio System, which added safety and entertainment respectively. 

The motorcycle’s sleek design, coupled with its unparalleled performance, made it one of the best years for the Street Glide. 

The balance of power and comfort provided by the 2014 model created a satisfying riding experience, cementing its position as a favourite among Harley-Davidson enthusiasts.

7. 2019 Street Glide

It’s often celebrated as one of the best years due to its harmonious blend of style, comfort, and performance. 

This model is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, offering a displacement of 1,746cc that delivers 111ft-lb of peak torque.

One of the main attractions of the 2019 Street Glide is its premium suspension that provides outstanding comfort, even on longer rides.

The emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers with 15 to 30% preload adjustment and the front suspension featuring dual bending valve technology ensure a balanced and comfortable ride.

However, it comes with a BOOM! Box 4.3 infotainment system offers extraordinary sound quality and easy-to-use features.

Its refined, batwing fairing design reduces head buffeting while the stretched saddlebags provide extra storage space, adding to its touring capabilities. 

The 2019 Street Glide, with its superior design and advanced features, truly represents a high point in the evolution of touring motorcycles.

8. 2020 Street Glide

The 2020 Street Glide stands out as one of the best years due to its incredible blend of classic styling and modern technology. 

This model features a powerful Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine that renders a smooth, responsive ride.

Its added advantage is its updated suspension system, which offers improved handling and comfort, making the bike suitable for city streets and long hauls.

One of the unique characteristics of the 2020 Street Glide is its Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS). 

It’s a new collection of technology designed to match motorcycle performance to available traction during acceleration, deceleration, and braking.

Moreover, it features a 6.5-inch full-color touchscreen display with GPS and Bluetooth capabilities, ensuring that your ride is as entertaining.

All these features and capabilities, combined with the traditional “batwing” fairing and sleek, streamlined profile, make the 2020 Street Glide not just a motorcycle but a true riding 

Experience.

Worst Years For Street Glide

The Harley Street Glide is a widely celebrated model, admired for its styling, performance, and comfort. 

However, like any other machine, it has had its share of its worst years. 

Here are the worst and the years to avoid of the street glide:

1. 2009 Street Glide

In 2009 model year seemingly hit a rough patch in its production history. Largely regarded as one of the worst years for this model, it was plagued with numerous issues. 

A significant problem was linked to the new anti-lock braking system; many riders reported a lack of responsiveness, leading to safety concerns. 

Simultaneously, engine heat issues were prevalent, with riders complaining about the Twin Cam 96 engine running excessively hot, causing discomfort and potential damage to the motorcycle itself. 

The bike had a notorious issue with its six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, causing shaky and inconsistent shifts.

Lastly, the ’09 Street Glide was criticized for its poor build quality, with riders often complaining about the premature wear and tear of components.

These issues collectively contributed to the 2009 model year being a low point in the Street Glide’s history.

2. 2013 Street Glide

The 2013 model is often cited as one of the less reliable years due to numerous issues that became apparent post-purchase. 

Several owners reported problems with the anti-lock braking system (ABS), with the brakes occasionally failing unexpectedly, leading to dangerous situations.

There were also complaints of the bike overheating and causing discomfort for riders.

The problem is attributed to the Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103™ engine in these models. 

Riders also pointed out that this model had a less-than-stellar electrical system, with issues ranging from faulty cruise control to malfunctions.

This year’s model also faced criticisms for its relatively uncomfortable stock seat and reported issues with the hydraulic clutch system. 

3. 2015 Street Glide

The primary complaints about the 2015 model centred around the poor design of the clutch master cylinder, which led to a struggle to disengage the clutch. 

Many owners reported that the clutch would not fully release, even when the lever was pulled all the way back. 

This flaw made the motorcycle difficult to control, especially in stop-and-go traffic. The bike’s infotainment system was another sticking point. 

The system regularly froze or rebooted while the bike was in motion, causing riders to lose access to GPS and other important features. 

This combination of mechanical and technological failures made the 2015 Street Glide one of the worst years for this model.

4. 2016 Street Glide

The 2016 Street Glide has often been pointed out as a particularly troublesome model year for this popular line of motorcycles. 

The most glaring issue lies in the engine area; a widespread problem was reported with the engine’s cooling system.

Many users reported unusually high operating temperatures, leading to engine overheating issues and, in extreme cases, causing engine damage. 

A related problem was the engine’s propensity to leak oil, a situation worsened by the heat issue.

The model was plagued by issues with its clutch system. Riders reported that the clutch would often not fully disengage, even when the clutch lever was fully depressed. 

This issue created a potentially dangerous situation, as it could lead to the bike moving unpredictably, especially at low speeds.

Owners also complained about the harsh ride, with the suspension failing to absorb road imperfections adequately, resulting in a bumpy, uncomfortable ride.

5. 2017 Street Glide

The 2017 Street Glide has unfortunately earned a reputation as one of the worst years for this model due to several prevalent issues.

One of the significant concerns with the 2017 model was the infamous “Death Wobble”, a dangerous instability during high-speed riding. 

This issue was primarily due to deficiencies in the frame and suspension system, making the bike difficult to control at high speeds.

The 2017 Street Glide also suffered from overheating problems. 

The Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, despite being an impressive powerhouse, often overheated in slow traffic, leading to potential engine damage.

The Infotainment system in the 2017 model also had its share of problems. 

Consumers reported frequent malfunctions, including issues with GPS, radio, and Bluetooth connectivity, leading to frustration and negative user experience.

Lastly, the 2017 Street Glide model had a higher-than-average rate of clutch failures. These failures not only resulted in costly repairs but also posed a safety risk for riders.

These combined issues led to a significant decrease in rider satisfaction, making 2017 a challenging year for the Street Glide.

6. 2018 Street Glide 

The 2018 Street Glide has often been earmarked as a problematic model that faced numerous issues. 

One of the major problems that riders encountered was with the bike’s infotainment system, which frequently malfunctioned, leading to a frustrating experience. 

Moreover, there were instances of the Street Glide’s engine stalling, which raised concerns about its reliability. 

To compound these issues, riders also reported experiencing excessive heat from the engine, making long summer rides uncomfortably warm. 

The culmination of these issues led to the 2018 Street Glide model being considered one of the worst years for the Street Glide series.