Harley-Davidson reveals Sport Glide Softail at EICMA

HARLEY-DAVIDSON has today revealed another addition to its 2018 Softail range – the Sport Glide.

This model is the latest in a line of 100 high-impact motorcycles that the all-American manufacturer has promised to introduce within a decade, and will join the other eight 2018 Softails already on the market. 

Described as an ‘aggressive factory custom cruiser’, the Sport Glide features the Softail chassis and rigid-mounted 107 V-Twin, which makes 107lbft of torque at 3,000 revs. Riders will also be able to specify the model with the larger Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.

An easily removeable fairing and panniers (with a combined capacity of 25.5L) give it a versatile nature, meaning it will be comfortable both commuting and cruising.

Mantis cast-aluminium wheels wear Michelin Scorcher 31 performance tyres, while suspension is accounted for by 43mm inverted forks up front, and the hydraulic Softail rear shock with remote preload adjustment at the rear. Full LED lighting and electronic cruise control are also fitted as standard.

Harley-Davidson Vice President of Styling and Design, Brad Richards, commented:

‘The Sport Glide presents the broad influence of Harley-Davidson design in a very contemporary way. In the new fairing, for example, you can see the influence of the iconic batwing fairing from Harley Touring models, but it’s been trimmed back to create a more compact, sporty shape. The Sport Glide project offered us a unique opportunity to utilise a directional wheel, the first of its style to come out of the Harley-Davidson factory on a non-CVO model.

‘The spokes sweep from the hub to the rim to create a sense of motion even when the Sport Glide is parked. The look of motion is reinforced with the shape of the fairing and the panniers, and even the slash-cut exhaust tips.’

Harley-Davidson’s Sport Glide will be available from early 2018, costing from £14,995 in three colours of Vivid Black, Twisted Cherry and Silver Fortune.