2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS) & Standard (FLHX)│Overview & Test Ride
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ธ.ค. 2024
- A buyers guide for the 2021 Model Year Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special. Learn what's new to the Street Glide this year and the differences between the Standard and Special versions of the Street Glide. Matt and Nick of Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson go into detail on this popular "bagger" within the Harley-Davidson lineup. They give their advice on what factors to consider if you're thinking about purchasing a 2021 Street Glide or Street Glide Special.
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Im convinced that Matt knows more about these bikes than the actual people who design & make these bikes! Well done Matt!
I keep telling people the same thing. He knows more than HD themselves. That's why his dealer does so well. That and no adm.
I often refer to him as "CEO"
Dang man. Thanks. Huge compliment. I don’t think that’s true, but thank you!
Thanks for taking the time to produce the HIGHEST quality Harley vids on youtube
Thank you! We are trying to step up our game!
Better than HDU lol
@@MattLaidlaw HD needs to step up their game.
I just bought the same Street Glide Special in chrome, same paint choice for my birthday today. My first Harley Davidson. I was nervous picking it up at the dealership but once I released the clutch, it was very easy to handle and operate. More torque than I was expecting. Love it.
Yes, there are people out there who still like chrome. Blacked out engine looks good but the con is it takes away the definition of the engine and it all blends in together. Put two together then slowly backup from them and the blacked out engine with a dark bike color just starts to blend into a blob where you can't tell tell the details. A brighter bike color helps with the blacked out engine. In the end, it's your money, it's for your enjoyment, you do you.
You got it Mojo man. In photography its called contrast - contrast is GOOD man!!
Agreed
Matt, a half hour video???? Thank you!!!! This bike should deserve it. Now, the Road Glide video should last an hour, right? 😂😂😂😂😂😂
Is there something issue with the bike? Just asking
@@windchaser5 I made a complement. And since I am a Road Glide owner, I just took a subtle shot at the Street Glide versus Road Glide debate.
These are the most professional and informative videos about Harley Davidson. If I’m wrong please point me in the right direction.
I bought myself a 2023 SGS today over here in the UK. Got myself nearly $10k off on a very low mileage one. Was in total love with the bike in Los Angeles. Can't praise it enough for its handling even in urban areas, and comfort on the highway.
BEST 2021 Street Glide Video out there! Just love your Vids. Thanks Bro.
Everytime I take my hard candy hotrod red flake 2018 street glide special out I get alot of compliments and I enjoy everyone of them .Harley Davidson makes beautiful well designed motorcycles. Keep up the great videos Matt.
I am a chrome guy and the Street Glide Special in chrome with the 114 has me contemplating an upgrade from my 103. I always wanted the 114 but do not like the blacked out look. IMO Harley made the right decision on giving you the choice. Thanks for the awesome content.
Big difference from the 103 to a 107 or the 114,,,,I've had all 3 engines, the Milwaukee 8 is so much better.
Like everything about them but the cable clutch debacle! So glad I bought my RGS in 2020.
Me too. But not just the clutch but why’d Harley put the gas cap on the tank again. I’ll keep my 2020 with the cap integrated in the console and a clean tank look!
oh i love the new console. the old just looks clunky but it is preference. Im all in on the cable clutch too.
@@robertlumsden942 A cable clutch on a $30K Touring Machine is an Embarrassment in 2021.
@@roadglide1142 I am still in thought with cable clutch. been working great for 50 years unlike the hydraulic.
Not sure why some are so attached to the hydraulic clutch... if you have another system that does the same thing, is simpler, and is less prone to malfunction, why not? Why do some want tech just for tech’s sake?
Who wouldn't want to own a Street Glide or the Street Glide Special, chrome or blacked out these bikes are beautiful from stock with very few modifications required. Great job Matt and Nick and great video as always.
That color you got for this video is one of the best ones this year for the Street Glide Special! It actually looks really good in chrome too (based off the website anyway).
Great video as always Matt, i do just have to add that there is extras on these now like the daymaker but the price has gone up so you are paying for them anyway in all honesty. My opinion only.
Been street riding since 1967, was a big street glide fan for many years, I always bought the new model street glide in black every year,,,thought the road glide fairing looked like an afterthought, ugly, until I rode one, wow,,,to me it was a world of difference, especially in a side wind or when a truck passes from either direction. Rode to Sturgis west on I90 on several bikes, but a street glide doesn't come close to holding the road like my Road Glide!!!!
Matt, ride a 3000 mile trip on a Road Glide, I bet you'll become a big fan.
Love the videos,
Ocala Fl.
I really like that gauntlet gray and the vivid black. I think I like that color combination better than what I’m seeing on the CVO Street Glides.
I just picked up a 2021 SGS in the Deadwood Denim green and couldn't be happier. Other then the bars which are on order, this bike responds amazing and with all the trimmings.
Would've been nice to see the gas fill on the left (kickstand side). That's typically the side I would think you'd fill from.
yes. makes sense.
That does make sense. But I guess being on the right, maybe you get more gas in?
I used to fill my right side filler from the right side of bike,,,seemed to make sense, but a couple times I had to pull in to the pump to the left of the bike, it really was no big difference and I really could see the gas better and yes,,,put more gas in, cap is just more level that way.
High side is the right move
You get more gas filling on the high side
The blacked out has my vote , the first time i saw one in a show room OMG , now i have one
2020 SGS owner and prefer the look of the fairing of the SG over the RG.....but in all honesty that Red/Black 2021 RGS looks amazing! Even better than the SGS Silver/Black you showcased
Nobody does it better than you matt,Awesome videography... I'm #teamRoadglide anyway.
I like both in chrome, the 107 engine is great.
Drone footage looks awesome!
Thanks!
Matt, you guys do a great job on reviews. I am a senior. Heck, I would have paid $2M extra for the chrome, but thanks to you guys that like black so much, I actually got it with a discount. I bought a 2020 standard midnight blue , added LED’s front and rear with chrome passing lights and have just the bike I wanted. So please consider that us old gray headed fellows might just like the chrome on the special or standard when we come into your store.
Done my friend. I can appreciate a nice chrome bike just like the next guy. Nothing against people that like the chrome.
Another excellent Matt Laidlaw video. Brilliantly informative as ever. I live in Geneva Switzerland. Just bought a Street Glide special inspired by this video. Cant wait to get into the Alps!
I’ve always wanted to ride the alps. One day! Enjoy my friend.
Thanks Matt, for the very detailed video on the St. Glide Special... Let S.G. know if you have the Grey with Pin Stripe blue, or other colors.
Great Job Matt! Love the two-tone and chrome option for 2021!
Great review...this is the best harley channel on youtube
I relied heavily on his videos and opinion before I purchased my first bike 6 months ago!
Thanks for trusting my content enough to help with your purchase decision 🤙🏼
Harley should come out with an Electra Glide Standard with a Road Glide Fairing.
Great Video guys - I went with a Street Glide Standard with RDRS and the upgraded Boom/GTS. It really checked all the boxes for me (classic look, larger engine guards, etc). Although I would have liked the LED lighting, I'll probably add that after-market. I've ridden a Softail with the 107 for a couple of years, and couldn't justify the $ for the 114. Just my opinion. This is the second time I watched this video and really like the compare and contrast you guys did. Nice Job !
Very comprehensive. Polished. Top shelf effort. It shows. Thank you Matt.
Love the blacked out trim!
Your videos are very well done. Very informative. Your dealership philosophy is very different than my experience here in Texas. Thanks for the great comparison videos of the Road Kings and this on the Street Glides.
Just bought a 2021 Street Glide Special. Vivid Black one a few days ago. Looking to pick up this week.
Best thing for me on your vlogs is the take you make on why &how HD are doing things refreshing .
Excellent video Matt! I picked up my 2021 Streetglide Special over Memorial weekend. Mine is the Sanke Venom with every option. I cannot quite put into words how much I love this bike, having traded in my 2014 Road King I thought it could not feel or ride that much different out on the highway... but it did! Incredibly confidence inspiring! The gloss paint on the inner faring, stretch bags, and that custom Snake Venom sort of look like a CVO. Can't wait to start putting on the miles! Thanks again for the well-made and very informative video.
great review Matt thanks. Sport Glide review scheduled soon ?
I just traded my 2019 SG standard for the 2021 SG special with chrome Gray&Black ! The reason I kinda bought the Standard was the chrome in the first place! I’m 58 been a H-D rider since the AMF years! I’m not anti-blacked out look at all just think it looks good with certain colors better and the chrome looks better with certain colors!
Great review. I have a 2020 SGS and love it.
As always outstanding quality production and knowledge
Matt, you're a tall dude, how is the stock windshield on the bike? I'm 6'2 and I've heard from others that are my height they get bad buffeting off the stock shield. Do you get any of that?
Yea, you’ll need a taller one for maximum wind deflection.
Another thorough and informative review...and great quality! Thank you Matt and Nick! 👍
Love the blacked out look, and HD should have kept the black flowing for both the kickstand as well as the shift linkage.
Getting better with choice but still no engine choice with the standard. That’s low hanging fruit imho. Same with the Road King. No engine choice if you want chrome. Maybe it’s high time to allow for those simple things on a ordered bike. Frustrating. Great information as always Matt. Thank you for taking the time to explain the street glides and the options. 👍
I have a 2020 SGS, I love it, this makes me want to ride but unfortunately I have it stored in a detached garage and pulling it out would sling mud everywhere since the weather has been so bad recently. I really need to make a driveway of some kind on the cheap to get it in and out easier.
*Such a great comparison and review!* Buying a _black on black_ street glide special tomorrow.
Brilliant two tone paint job capped off with the blue pinstripe. The day maker headlight is a deal maker. I prefer the blacked out engine finish over the chrome. I’d put the short bags on a Street Glide Special so I could add a 2 into 1 Borsani. The Prodigy wheels have a clean,strong look.
You know Matt... these Vlogs are so Awesome.... Thank you!!
But I am coming to the conclusion about Harley -Davidson... there are bells and whistles... Long road models ... Canyon models... But it come down to just sitting on them... go for a short ride.. put your priorities together and go...
Thank you so much for your patience and knowledge...
I’m getting it narrowed down..!!
Definitely a street glide fan myself Matt 👍
Good video Matt. I like the fact that HD is offering a chrome version of the Street Glide.
Yea it’s cool.
I have a 2013 Street Glide Special. So it was available before 2014. Maybe it was just less of a difference between Standard and Special back then. It’s has security and abs.
Tempting, very tempting. Always enjoy the presentations you and Nick put together. I think I'll ride my Heritage for awhile, but when it comes time to start taking long trips I'll be back to see you.
FINALLY, LEDs!
About time street glides special in chrome long over due
Mee too. (Born to be wild)
I really love your videos. You have them full of useful knowledge and beautiful video. I ride a 2010 street bob and have plans to do a lot more to it. I don't want another bike but I still enjoy watching all your reviews. They keep me interested from start to finish. I especially love the custom builds. Thanks for all your hard work to keep us entertained. I look forward to every video.
Did they make the phone pocket bigger?
Well done Matt, great review , great content and some really valid points. I’m in Sydney, but if we’re to buy one, it would definitely be the street glide special blacked out
I've never been a fan of chrome, I test rode the standard and the special. I'm definitely going for the special for this next riding season. I'm trading my indian scout as well as my polaris wheeler in towards it.
I was really ambivalent about the clutches ... now that I've compared, either one is ok for me. I still say that H-D just took a step back anyway. Why not offer both and adjust the price accordingly? A cable clutch is less expensive, right? So offering this option to buyers would be a great mark of respect.
What made me lean towards buying a Street Glide Special instead of a Standard are the additions (the glossy fairing, the extended cases, the RDRS, but above all the 114ci -1868cc- engine).
Getting an FLHXS was on my bucket list. Seeing the road with her is another check mark on this list.
Life is good for those who work hard to achieve their dreams with respect for others.
Falling from a 2007 Yamaha V-Star 1300 to a 2021 H-D Street Glide Special, that will make me quite a change I guess!
I’m one of those that wanted the special features but in chrome. The blacked out was a deal breaker. Glad H-D is on board finally. 👍🏼
Love the looks of the smooth center console, but I also like the gas cap in the center on the standard and the older models. But you could run a flush mount gas cap on the new bikes and it would look pretty sweet!!!
I bought a 2020 Limited, but got the quick release for the tour pack. I prefer chrome. With my tour pack off, it looks quite a bit like a chromed out 114 version of the Street Glide. My wife and I do lots of 2 up riding so I need the Limited. But, if I were to buy a Street Glide, I would prefer the Special for the 114 and the chrome option.
Love ur Videos!
Matt is there a main reason you prefer the Street Glide over the Road Glide?
On the gloss inner fairing, any issues with glare and sunlight reflection? That would be my only concern, small one at that. As for the chrome look, I prefer the chrome look. No experience on the 107 vs 114. I am hoping to change that this summer.
It should be noted that it isn't a question of liking one vs not liking the other.
I’ve ridden a ‘15 SGS with the gloss black inner fairing and have never had a sunlight glare or reflection issue. I also have a ‘19 Heritage with the 114 and have ridden 107’s...noticeable difference 👍
@@K9RickRet The only thing I could think of on the gloss vs matte finish. Small deal. As for the 114 v 107, depends on which direction I go. Looking at either an Electra Glide Classic but it will depend on cash available at the time. Cams can push the 107 but, again, cash available will determine that.
Bike sounds awesome! Blacked out bikes look incredible!
Gauntlet grey with the blue pin stripe really gives this SGS a menacing look.
yep i'm normally for vivid black but the 2 tone is superb.
I just bought the gauntlet grey yesterday. Waiting for it to be delivered😱
I went from Electric glide classic to RGS totally love it. The DRS is awesome especially hill assist. I also love the black out look.
Great Video and overview of the 21 FLHXS. I have a 18 FLHXS and am totally happy with it. I upgraded to the hi flow exh. and street cannons. Last thing I'll prolly do is the torque cam. thanks for all your videos and efforts!
Pretty much the final boss for me, riding a Forty-Eight now and love it but im pretty sure ill own one of these one day. Looks badass!
Had 4 bikes 3 harleys softail vrods gsxr . Since covid hit had to sell them all slowly one by one now 43 concidering atreet glide more comfy music and ride position really is must over certain age for nice lengthy rides. Enjoy and be happy what u ride whatever it is as long it has 2 wheels. Ride safe god bless
Vivid black street glide special for me. Will gladly pay $900 for a blacked out bike. Any news on any major updates for 2023 model? Should I wait and see or should I pull the trigger on a 2022 around New Years?
Another great review and analysis. Thank you Matt! Keep it up! I am a Street Glide Special rider myself. Love my 2019 SGS.
Got to ride the new Special in Costa Mesa and it was great. Only problem is that the wind reflected right on my helmet and would vibrate my helmet pretty bad. Gave me a headache. I assume that’s why people get a higher windshield on it
I have a '19 SG Standard, but if I were to do it over again, I might step up to the Special. Not because the 107 is lacking, but I like the blacked out look. I'm adding black parts to my Standard this winter.
Omg I have been wantin a Slim or Standard but these could go for DAYS! Each vid you guys do has better edits too-/ Keep killin it!
Thank you! We are trying to up our game.
Hey Matt I was really looking forward to your impressions on the cable vs hydraulic clutch... great video otherwise
He actually has a whole video already made on that topic. Check it out. It like all of his videos is top notch!
Thanks WG I saw it, I think this one came out first tho
@@jamesdoherty5093 You’re probably right and I thought about that possibility but was too lazy to check. Apologies..
Is the touch screen an added option on the standard? At dealership yesterday and none of the standards had a touch screen.
I always hear in videos about motorcycles that, if you are going to go a long distance you should definitely get a touring bike. However, my dilemma, like probably most people is, should I buy a touring bike if I only plan to use it as a commuter or a short trip here or there?
I am 6'2 240 lb. Based on Matt's description I would not be or should not be too interested in a Softail. I am not going on long trips. That has always kept me confused in my decision of what bike I would like. I am told that if I'm a bigger person I should have a touring bike. However, the only advantage I hear about the touring bike is that it's comfortable on long rides. Again I am not planning many long rides. However, I do want to be comfortable.
So I guess I'm asking would a touring bike be suitable for around town, knowing that I am a bigger person than average. Otherwise, should I maybe consider the heritage or a Sport glide? I do want comfort and wind protection bug a softail makes more sense to me. I may be too big for one:(
Sorry for the long message but thanks for knowing who wants to respond!
I’m same size and feel the street glide is to short. My knees are over the gas tank and the bike is just too low.
Couple of things. I had a 19 SGS and just bought the 2021 SGS. I’m hoping the heat from exhaust is better controlled on the 21. My leg fried on the 19, I even heat tape wrapped it, no better. Also why would they get rid of the option to close the vent by the windshield? Open all the time? Most likely cheaper, but didn’t know if you had an opinion on it.
I had a 2012 street guide, a 17 street glide special and just traded that in for 2021 CVO Street glide. I must say that the 2021 feels way smaller or like I got taller, my knees are higher and after a thousand miles I'm still not used to it and do not like it. I thought it might be the extra thick rubber on the cvo floorboards but it's not. 2021 special feels the same. What changed? Hoping once I get my 14-in bars on there, it'll feel more like home but something is definitely changed since 2017.
Great video Matt. I really love the Street Glide special and the Fatboy look this year. I would love to have them both lol. Keep them coming my friend and ride safe. God bless
Just bought the special chrome version. Very nice . Good video.
I currently run a heritage softail. I want a bat wing bike the street glide definitely hits it for me but I’m only 5’10” and 170lb is it going to be too big? I’ll be riding from the south of Spain to the Uk Three times a year and touring the coasts of The Mediterranean
Do you fell much heat off of the new street glide I have a 2011 road glide ultra cvo beautiful bike but its burns me up ready to upgrade I love the streetglide but afraid of the heat issue I do like the limited also but that street glide gauntlet grey and black and chrome have stole my heart
Thank You Gentlemen awesome video, Y'all gonna be heading to Daytona this year? Hope so I will be heading from Myrtle Beach. Keep us posted. Thank You again
I’m so interested in getting a Street Glide Special! I’ll try to get one in my lifetime.
Great job Matt, on this video and really explaining the differences!
I bought the 2020 standard because I like the chrome. If given the option in 2020 I would have bought the special in chrome. Great video.
I’m looking at one now they are asking 24k for it but it also comes with the new radio is it worth it ? It’s a 2020 street glide standard with 5 miles
I guess it depends on what you want. I have to wonder how this will play out, especially if HD wants to grow market base. I'd take a different approach. In terms of RDRS, it's standard with some bike makers. It should be standard on all HDs. They really should go for more cohesive base models.
Great review! You guys put a lot into your vids. Appreciated! Plus nice to see someone riding while we wait out winter here in IA.
Love all your content Matt !!! Keep'em coming !!!
Nice review, Matt can the RDRS be add & installed on a 2019 CVO Street Glide? I have the 2019 CVO SG and may be interested in adding it to my bike. -- Thanks
In my case, you were right. I wanted chrome and was fine with the standard. If I ever want a bigger engine, I'll just put a 131 in it. For now, the 107 is perfectly fine. Billiard Red BTW.
Excellent review 👌
Great video and editing. Thanks
Hi Matt and co-workers at Laidlaw's from north east Victoria, Australia. I always come to your TH-cam channel to check out what's new in the range and I'm never disappointed. I caught a glimpse of the fantastic new Artic Blast paintwork on the Australian Motor Cycle News website. I see they're only producing 500. Are Laidlaw's getting one? would love to see it even if it's a short vid. I've seen the HD Gunslinger VDO on how the paintwork is done. Cheers Simon
Yes, we are going to get one. I expect it to be at our shop this week. I’ll definitely be doing a video on it.
@@MattLaidlaw That's great news Matt!!! I look forward to seeing it.
I like black over chrome, could go either way on the bags, the painted inner fairing looks better, I like the 114 over the 107, and I like that new gas cap a lot better. So it looks like the Special should be my choice. Worst thing for me is that I would never use anything in that infotainment center. I never listen to music or use a GPS on a bike. Half the time I don't even carry my phone with me. If I could get the Special with the pocket like the Electra Glide Standard it would be awesome. For now I will just stick with my Heritage 114. Definitely like the Street Glide over the Road Glide.
Great video, I think if I was to get a Street Glide Special I prefer the Blacked out look, but they are both very nice. I think though if only reason for getting a Street Glide for me would be the RDS, other than that I think the Elktra Glide Standard would suit me better, I do not see myself using the Nav system or radio that much or it make me want to do something stupid like not wear helmet.
Another great review and analysis. Thank you Matt! Keep it up!