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If there is an iconic Harley-Davidson line it is that of the Softail, today grouped in the “Cruiser” family in the Milwaukee brand’s price list, which also includes the Grand American Touring, the Trike, the Adventure Touring and the Sport, for a total of 26 models (including the special Cvo): elongated and low shapes, teardrop tank, when one of them passes everyone – or almost everyone – immediately thinks of HD (power of overseas marketing). The Sport Glide (from 20,500 euros), presented by us at Eicma 2017, falls perfectly into this trend, with a length of over 2.3 meters and a saddle just 680 mm from the ground.
How it’s made
The line of the Sport Glide slopes from the front to the rear, with a design that makes you think of power and speed. In fact, at the center of everything, as in all HDs, there is the mighty V-Twin of 107 cubic inches (1,745 cc), with four valves per cylinder, oil cooling and two spark plugs per cylinder, which increase the combustion efficiency and lower consumption. The twin-cylinder delivers a maximum power that is not exaggerated, given its size (82 hp at 5 thousand rpm), but associated with a torque of 139 Nm, already available at 3,500 rpm. Translated: after a minimal rotation of the throttle knob the thrust arrives. On the vibration front (adored by purists, badly tolerated, if not downright hated, by everyone else), the internal countershaft reduces them by 75%, leaving only those that make a Harley… a Harley, that is, the pleasant ones that “cradle ” the driver and passenger when they are stopped at the traffic lights.
By the way: to reduce the heat released by the V-Twin (and consumption), the Sport Glide has a rear cylinder shutdown device; just rotate the accelerator knob forward for a few seconds to engage it (and vice versa), causing a green warning light to appear in the 127 mm clock-like instrument located on the tank (it contains a digital display containing the essential information, gear engaged indicator and residual autonomy included). The engine is fixed with rigid supports to the frame characterized by the progressive kinematics of the rear monoshock, adjustable in preload with the knob located on the right, within easy reach (the travel is only 43 mm, but it is the price to pay for traveling close to the ground ).
The sporty 43 mm diameter upside-down fork has a single cartridge damping system, to guarantee greater stability, especially when braking when the front sinks sharply.
In sella
On the Sport Glide you are comfortable, with your shoulders relaxed, your arms extended as well as your legs, with your feet resting on the forward footrests: it is a position suitable for all sizes. The elongated 18.9 liter tank can be gripped well with your knees; the passenger is tolerated: for him there is little saddle and no backrest (sissy bar) to rest on during acceleration (optional to be taken into account).