Road test of Harley-Davidson1690 STREET GLIDE SPECIAL FLHXS 2016 Street is made to glide

when I see the photo of the next HD test that Oli le Belge posts on his wall via that wonderful tool called Facebook, I'm speechless... I look closely at the exact name of this machine and start humming the lyrics of the song "Glide" by the Afro-American band "Pleasure".

"Don't let that keep you behind
Glide, glide on by
Glide, glide on by..."

taking a closer look at the photo of this machine, I quickly type HD Street Glide into my PC's search engine and select the image option.

when I discover what's hidden behind that imposing fairing that looks like bat wings, I wonder if I've entered the right name...? And, yes, it is a Harley Davidson... so without further ado, let's get to the heart of the matter...

here's my review:

design

first, I'd like to talk about what impressed me most: the Boom Box. A multimedia screen that you'd see in a prestige car: in color and touch-sensitive, please! It includes radio, MP3 or iPod system and GPS. In addition to the big quick-access buttons on either side of the screen, you can also control everything from the handlebars. I'll have to be careful not to let myself get too distracted by this hi-tech when I hit the road. A small LCD displays the speedometer, cruise control and motorcycle information (totalizers, fuel consumption, gear engaged, etc.). These are not displayed on the multimedia screen.

in a small pocket on the right, you can also plug in an MP3 player or iPod (or iPhone) and enjoy your favorite playlists via the 13 cm speakers.
They are ideally positioned and powerful enough to be heard even on freeways. Volume automatically increases with speed.

this Boom Box 4.3 system is bluffingly efficient.

all this high-tech equipment is located behind the fairing, which features a windscreen with an adjustable air intake underneath.

the seat is really stylish, which contributes to the Street Glide's insane look.

once installed, I easily grab the wide handlebars and my gaze falls on the huge instrument panel with its 4 round needle dials, acting as gauge, speedometer, rev counter and voltmeter.

the side panniers resemble the rear fenders of large American cars, lowered and easily opened with one hand.

lighting is provided by a dual halogen headlamp, which is much more efficient in fog.

A striking feature of the King of the Road's design is the chrome, which contrasts with the matte black paintwork.

riding position

the seat is very low, allowing the feet to rest flat, which is essential for keeping the beast (355 kg) in balance.

The riding position is pleasant: legs stretched out, arms slightly bent, I felt like a princess... the foot controls are rather advanced, the brake pedal is really hard to miss, given its width, and the selector is double-pronged... in short, the footrests and pedals ensure excellent comfort.

on a nice straight stretch, I wanted to do what "real" riders do, and put my feet on the front bumpers in total relaxation... but it didn't last. After a few kilometers, I was already looking a lot less like "my Mathilde" on the beautiful American bike. My back was starting to feel heavy and my legs numb.

the part of the saddle intended for the passenger was tiny, slippery and uncomfortable, and sloped down towards the rear light, forcing him to hold on to the rider with no hope of rest.

behind the windscreen, I felt totally sheltered, and even at higher speeds, not a breath of wind could reach me. What's more, a slot at the base of the windscreen has been designed to reduce turbulence around the head.

another important safety and visibility feature is the judiciously integrated rear-view mirrors, which offer a clear, precise view of the road ahead.

and last but not least, the fuel filler flap is a real mirror for admiring yourself and, if need be, getting a makeover under your helmet!

handlebar controls

the sound system is operated from the left comodo, while the right comodo is used for cruise control. The center console is controlled by two separate buttons, one on the left, which is easy to do, but my right hand doesn't really appreciate manipulating the right comodo, because it's already busy with the throttle and brake lever. Good psychomotor skills are required.

two joysticks located on the left and right commodos are very easy to use, even with gloves on, and you only need your thumb to operate them.

driving

not without some trepidation, I turn the ignition switch to start the engine. A beautiful sound emanates from the two chrome exhausts, and the vibrations of the HDs rise from the engine block.

the playlist, which Oli the Belgian has inserted via his key in the USB input, starts up...

the unmistakable "Clong" is heard when I engage the first gear...... I open the throttle slightly and the bike takes off smoothly over the first few metres leading to the exit of the enclosure. No bumps..... it's off to a great start.

i hit the asphalt and shift into second gear... the smoothness of the 1700 cc at low revs is incredible!

and then the Nationale at last.... a little more throttle and through the headphones I hear the music of the HD engine! This engine is really striking, it's got everything you need: boot, suppleness and length.

i review the white-background dials, rev counter, tachometer, fuel gauge, voltmeter and then my eyes stop on the middle screen to see it in action..... I give up using it and concentrate on what's essential, driving the beast and keeping both eyes fixed on my trajectory while listening to Gilbert Montagné singing"Sous les Tropiques".....

On the Ring 0 highway, the Street glides along like a magic carpet. The bike goes straight ahead, without asking for anything, and stability is impeccable, if only when lanes form and you go up them at low speed. The weight of the fairing makes handling and grip a little more difficult, especially for the "weak" woman that I am... !!!!

the shocks are supple and offer a pleasant "bounce" over "normal" road deformations. On the other hand, on some of the nicely deformed parts of our Belgian roads, in the event of a big compression followed by a second bump or pothole, the shock absorber doesn't seem to have time to settle back into place, and then... it's the back that does the cushioning.

as I come off the freeway and the city is in sight, it's time to test the brakes. The brakes have plenty of bite, but braking is smooth and gradual...

minor faults

the 355kg weight occasionally made me break out in a cold sweat when pulling the car in or out of the garage, or simply when stopping.it's imperative to position the car in such a way as to be able to drive off with dignity, without the risk of wallowing on the ground.

conclusion

the Street Glide has a face that's hard to resist. Charisma, efficiency and trendy style: that's how I'd describe this magnificent bike. Its finish and attention to detail make it an impressive tourer and a pleasure to ride on the open road or to show off in town. However, in my opinion, it's a men's bike, as the ladies' muscles aren't enough to master this monster 100%.

gears shift well, the engine's flexibility is impeccable, and the clutch isn't too hard, all of which make the Street an acceptable companion in town.

i think it's a bike you need to have a firm grip on, and once you know its operating instructions inside out, things become much more accessible.

SCALLE