Harley Davidson Electra Glide Vs. Street Glide: Which Bike Is Better?
Harley Davidson Electra Glide is a full size touring classic bagger bike, whereas the Street Glide has a more compact design. Additionally, the 2023 Electra glide comes with improved Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine compared to milwaukee-eight 107 used on Street Glide
These are just a few differences between them, and there are many other differences and similarities as well that you must know. So let’s find out more about these bikes, so you can decide which one is more suitable for you.
Harley Davidson Electra Glide Specs
The Electra Glide is a two-up long-distance bike from Harley Davidson that was first introduced in 1965 and has turned out to be one of their best sellers.
This bike was one of the first Harleys built on a touring frame. Moreover, the large windshield adds a vintage touch to the classic design language.
Additionally, the engine is powerful, and the latest 2023 edition comes equipped with a Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine that produces 122 ft-lb of torque.
| Specifications for the 2023 Electra Glide | |
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 114 |
| Engine Torque | 122 ft-lb |
| Braking System | Dual fixed front and fixed rear |
| Exhaust | Chrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers |
| Horse Power | 95 HP |
| Fuel Economy | 43 mph |
| Wheelbase | 64 inches |
Harley Davidson Street Glide Specs
The Harley Davidson Street Glide was first introduced back in 1984, and the legacy is still going on with the latest model coming out in 2023. It has a Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, which has 111 ft-lb of torque.
In addition, due to its short rear wheel suspension travel, the Street Glide has a more contemporary and streamlined design. A fork-mounted batwing windscreen contributes to the Harley’s vintage appearance.
| Specifications for the 2023 Street Glide | |
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 107 |
| Engine Torque | 111 ft-lb |
| Braking System | Dual floating rotors (front), fixed rotor (rear) |
| Exhaust | Chrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers |
| Horse Power | 95 HP |
| Fuel Economy | 43 mpg |
| Wheelbase | 64 inches |
Read Also: Harley Super Glide Vs Wide Glide- Core Differences Unveiled
What Are The Similarities Between Harley Electra Glide And Street Glide?
As stated they have some differences, but they are similar in many ways. Let’s find out in which criteria they are similar.
Similar Chassis design
One of the main similarities between these bikes is the chassis they are built on. They are built on the same Harley Davidson touring chassis.
Batwing Fairing
As both of these bikes are made on the same chassis, you will see a similar design pattern in them.
Both Street Glide and Electra Glide come with Batwing and fork mounted fairings.
This acts as a windshield and protects the riders from wind when riding in highways.
Similar Infotainment System
You will find a similar Harley signature infotainment system “Boom Box” in both of these bikes. The boom box offers unique features like touch screen, bluetooth, maps and more.
Exhaust System
The exhaust system of Electra Glide and Street Glide are also the same, they both use Chrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers.
Read Also: FXR Vs Dyna: Comparing Harley-Davidson’s Iconic Legends
Harley Davidson Electra Glide vs. Street Glide: Quick Comparison Table
In the table below we will summarize all the differences between Harley Davidson Electra Glide and Street Glide. These quick comparisons will help you figure out the differences more easily.
| Specifications | 2023 Harley Davidson Electra Glide | 2023 Harley Davidson Street Glide |
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 114 | Milwaukee-Eight 107 |
| Engine Torque | 122 ft-lb | 111 ft-lb |
| Braking System | Dual fixed front and fixed rear | Dual floating rotors (front), fixed rotor (rear) |
| Tires | Front: MT90B16 72HRear: 180/65B16 81H | Front: 130/60B19 61HRear: BW 180/55B18 80H |
| Seat height | 29.6 inches | 26.1 inches |
| Outlook | Classic | Modern and Sleek |
Engine
The first and major difference between these two bikes is the engine they use. Harley Electra Glide comes equipped with 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine whereas the Street Glide comes equipped with 1753cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine.
So, technically, the 114 engine has a higher displacement, and is bigger in size which in turn will produce much higher power than the 107 engine of the other option.
Engine Torque
The Electra Glide comes with the 114 engine which has a higher engine torque of 122 ft-lb compared to the 111 ft-lb engine torque produced by the Street Glide.
Thus, the RPM will be higher in the Street Glide which means the Street glide will be able to carry a heavier load at a constant speed.
Additionally, the weight of the Street Glide is lighter than the Electra Glide which increase the weight to body ratio and boosts acceleration.
Outlook
Even though these Harley Davidsons are built on the same touring chassis and somewhat follow a similar pattern. But, when you go into detail you will find some serious differences in the overall outlook.
The Street Glide has a modern and sleek design and on the other hand the Electra Glide has a classic design.
Additionally, the Electra Glide comes with larger front fairing and windscreen and the Street Glide comes with shorter windscreen and low profile end.
A standard Electra Glide is a simple-looking, bare-bones motorbike. Perhaps as a result of being a more modern model, the Street Glide’s design is more intricate and elegant.
Tires and Seat Height
We will talk about seat height first, the Electra Glide has a seat height of 29.6 inches and the Street Glide has a seat height of 26.1 inches.
So, the Electra glide is taller and Street glide comes with a low profile design which makes it suitable for shorter people.
Additionally, you will also see differences in the tires between these two bikes. The Electra Glide has a front tire size of MT90B16 72H and rear tires of 180/65B16 81H size.
Whereas the Harley Street Glide has a front tire of 130/60B19 61H and rear BW 180/55B18 80H tires.
Braking System
One of the most crucial decision points while buying any bike is its braking system. The Harley Street Glide uses a dual floating rotor on the front and fixed rotor on the rear.
In order to maximize the dissipation of heat as well as efficiency during hard braking, the front brake rotors are made to float or within the caliper. But, unlike the front the brake rotor in the back is fixed.
On the other hand, the Electra Glide has dual fixed front and fixed rear brakes which means the brakes do not move like the Street Glide.
Read Also: Harley Chopped Vs Razor Tour Pack: Face-To-Face Battle!
Harley Electra Glide Or Street Glide: Which One To Choose?
These bikes have a lot in common and choosing between these two bikes depends all on your preferences and requirements.
If you are in search of a classic touring bike, the Electra Glide can be a great choice.
However, if you are in search of a bagger style bike with a modern and sleek design, the Street Glide may be the one for you. Additionally, Street Glide will be easier to handle than the Electra Glide.
Also, the price plays a factor in the decision as the Street Glide comes at a much cheaper price than the Electra Glide.
Read Also: Dyna Vs Softail | Comparing Harley-Davidson’s Iconic Legends
FAQs
Both Electra Glide and Street Glide are fantastic bikes from Harley Davidson for touring. However, making a choice between them can be confusing. So read these FAQs below to have a better idea
Which Model Is More Suitable For Long-Distance Touring?
Both Street Glide and Electra Glide from Harley Davidson are great choices for touring. However, between the two the Electra Glide is more comfortable due to its highly comfortable wide seat compared to narrower seats in Street Glide.
Can I Interchange The Fairings Between Electra Glide And Street Glide?
It is not possible to interchange the fairings between these bikes as the fairings are of different sizes. Additionally the mounting points are also different between them. However, you can find OEM replacement fairings for both models.
Which Model Offers Better Wind Protection Between These Bikes?
The Electra glide offers better wind protection than the Street Glide because of its wider and larger fairings. This fairing provides riders protection from wind as well as dust during tours.
