Harley-Davidson’s seemingly relentless strategy of introducing new models is continuing with a new ‘dressed down dresser’ – the Electra Glide Standard.
A member of Harley’s Touring family, the Electra Glide Standard forgoes many of the gizmos and gadgets that have become the mark of modern touring motorbikes.
At first glance, the £19,995 Electra Glide looks similar to the £21,355 Street Glide with its familiar ‘Bat Wing’ fairing, cast wheels and integrated panniers. The pair share the same 1745cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 motor, pumping out 150Nm of torque, but the stripped back Standard forgoes the Street Glide’s pumping hi-fi system and, unusually for a touring bike, a pillion seat.
The solo saddle is a good 15mm lower than that of the Street Glide, at a very manageable 680mm, and the reduction in equipment sees a 7kg weight saving. With the screen able to be detached, the Electra Glide can be converted from a bagger for one to a big bore Sportster style machine. With additional blacked out components, it’s clear Harley-Davidson are aiming the Electra Glide Standard at riders who want a stripped back iron horse with a big and gutsy engine.
“To express the stripped-back essence of the Electra Glide Standard we focused on finishes that were simple, timeless, and fundamental to the Harley-Davidson’s touring line. Chrome was added to key components and complimented by polished and blacked out parts, said Harley-Davidson’s Vice President of Styling & Design Brad Richards. “The rocker, cam, and derby covers are finished with chrome to emphasize the V-Twin shape of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. In addition, they add a dose of nostalgia that draws a through-line all the way back to the first Electra Glide.”
The Electra Glide has been a feature of the Milwaukee company’s range since 1965 and was famous as the motorcycle of choice for many American police forces, leading to its eponymous role in the 1973 movie Electra Glide in Blue.
Despite being the stripped back version of the Glide range, the Electra Glide Standard still features plenty of modern tech, including cruise control, comprehensive instrumentation, keyless ignition and high spec suspension with chunky 49mm forks up front and adjustable ‘emulsion technology’ rear shock absorbers.
In keeping with the stripped back styling, there’s one colour option for the new Harley, black, although in true Harley style there are plenty of official accessories for owners who want to customise their motorcycles, including alternative windshields, alternative seats and a range of high performance Screamin’ Eagle tuning parts.
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