Harley-Davidson turned the dial up to 11 with the launch of the ST range, and the Street Glide is definitely a highlight model. Darker, with more grunt and a firmer focus on performance, there’s plenty to like about the big tourer.
Scoring some impressive performance upgrades including the big smooth 117 cubic inch Milwaukee Eight, and improved suspension, it’s the engine that’s the real show stopper here (much the same as it is in the Road Glide ST).
Putting out 77kW of goodness and 168Nm of torque, the motor in standard trim is sublime. We have ridden our fair share of Harley-Davidson motorcycles over the years and the performance and smoothness from this powerplant is simply one of the best.
Whether it’s cruising on the freeway, eating up kilometres or punting its way through the twisty stuff, the Street Glide ST delivers in spades. Fitted standard with a black heavy breather to accentuate the performance demeanour, this is one serious touring motorcycle.
The suspension has also been given the ST treatment, with taller shocks on the rear, which are pre load adjustable. The result is a more planted and stable ride when pushing harder through corners.
Likewise, it seems like there’s further distance between the floorboards and bitumen when leaning the Street Glide ST over. The spec sheet says angles of 32 degrees to the right and 31 degrees to the left, but it feels much better than that from the riders saddle.
A 49mm conventional fork allows 117mm of travel to soak up the bumps on the front, and they do a good job of it, especially when you consider the batwing fairing is mounted directly to it, rather than the frame of the bike.
Speaking of the fairing, thanks to advances Harley-Davidson have made over recent years, it feels barely there, with almost no impact on front end steering dynamics. It’s a heavy bike though, with the Street Glide ST weighing in at 382kg.
As a result, stopping power is important. Four piston callipers and 300mm rotors find a home on the front of the Street Glide ST, which coincidently is the same braking setup featured on the Street Glide Special.
Harley-Davidson’s ABS and linked braking system is also present for increased functionality and rider confidence, and works well, both in normal riding situations and harder braking occurrences.
RDRS also comes standard, adding advanced chassis control, electronic brake control and power train technology that assists with acceleration and braking, through some cool rider aids. Ergonomically too, the Street Glide ST is superb.
We could happily pound in big kilometres for days in relative comfort. The fairing keeps the wind off your chest, although the standard visor does allow a little head buffeting. That said, an aftermarket screen can be sourced fairly easily.
The seat height is nice and low at just 710mm, which makes it nice and easy when pulling up at a stop to put your feet down, or when manoeuvring the bike into a parking spot. The Street Glide ST also feels a little less top heavy than the Road Glide ST at low speeds.
The infotainment system is also a nice feature, with Boom Box audio and a 165mm full colour TFT display. It offers seamless Bluetooth integration and navigation as well. The bike also sports panniers and a solo saddle, rather than a pillion friendly offering.
The Street Glide ST also utilises Harley-Davidson’s black customisation philosophy to present a menacing and intimidating street presence. That’s backed up by bronze 19-inch front and 18-inch rear Prodigy rims.
Bronze motor highlights and similarly coloured decals on the tank and the heavy breather air cleaner, complete the look. The 2022 Harley-Davidson Street Glide ST comes in Vivid Black and ex-CVO colour Gunship Grey.
It’s priced from $44,995 ride away for Vivid Black and $45,400 for Gunship Grey. Potential buyers just have to choose whether they want this bike or the Street Glide Special. That choice will come down to personal preferences.
What you get here is a 117 powertrain, upgraded suspension and sinister styling. What you get with the Special is more colours, and two-up seating, but you sacrifice power, as it only comes with the still impressive 114 motor.
We could throw the Street Glide vs Road Glide argument in here too, but that would just be evil on our part.
Our test bike was provided by Harley-Davidson Australia. To find out more about the 2022 Harley-Davidson Street Glide ST, contact your local Harley-Davidson dealer.
