The American touring motorcycle market is crowded, but options shrink sharply when budget is a constraint. Despite a $25,000 price cap, surprisingly few true American tourers remain attainable. Harley-Davidson is capitalizing on this gap with recent price cuts on the Street Glide, making it the most compelling value in its class.
Harley-Davidson Street Glide Dominates the Value Proposition
The Street Glide currently lists for $24,999 – down from $27,749 – making it significantly cheaper than competitors. While a rider-only saddle and limited color options (Dark Billiard Gray) come standard at this price, upgrading to a two-up model or a different color adds to the cost. Teal Thunder with blacked-out trim can exceed $30,000.
Alternatives Fall Short
Harley’s Road King Special offers reasonable value but feels dated with its older 114ci engine and lack of wind protection. The Low Rider ST, at $23,999, is a decent cruiser but doesn’t quite qualify as a true tourer; it lacks modern features like a TFT screen or Apple CarPlay. Indian’s only under-$25,000 tourer, the Springfield, competes with the Road King Special but lacks the Street Glide’s tech and refinement.
Tech-Rich Comfort Sets the Street Glide Apart
Despite its aggressive pricing, Harley hasn’t skimped on features. The base model Street Glide includes a comprehensive safety suite powered by a six-axis IMU:
- Cornering ABS
- Cornering traction control
- Drag-torque slip control
- Cornering linked brakes
- Ride modes (Road, Sport, Rain, Custom)
Beyond safety, the Street Glide offers cruise control, an amplified stereo system, and a large 12.3-inch TFT screen with standard Apple CarPlay. A USB Type-C port rounds out the convenience features.
Milwaukee-Eight 117 Delivers Class-Leading Performance
The Street Glide’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine produces 105 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque, peaking at just 3,250 RPM. This power advantage over competitors like Indian’s Thunderstroke 116 engine is significant at this price point. Fuel efficiency is rated at 44 MPG, translating to a 250+ mile range from the six-gallon tank.
Solid Chassis and Suspension
Harley’s double-cradle steel touring frame is paired with Showa 49mm telescopic forks and adjustable dual outboard shocks. Alloy wheels (19-inch front, 18-inch rear) and dual front disc brakes complete the package. The Street Glide’s 811-pound wet weight and 26.4-inch saddle height are typical for the class.
The Street Glide strikes a rare balance between performance, technology, and affordability. While some compromises exist (like color options), it remains the most complete American touring motorcycle available for under $25,000.
