WHY DID HARLEY DISCONTINUE THE SPORT GLIDE

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  • Опубликовано: 14 янв 2025

Комментарии • 71

  • @tonytripp1284
    @tonytripp1284 Год назад +5

    I got my SG used about 2 1/2 years ago and it is everything I need in a bike. Doing a lot of around town...remove bags and shield. Going for a long weekend...put it back to stock. Watching the different channels like your's that own this model ,I've made a few upgrades and truly love it. I'm in the state of Washington and I've only seen one other in the Olympia area. Lots of bigger baggers around but I'm not interested as the SG handles SO nice.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      I agree, it’s got everything and can be switched from one style to another in a minute or two. Couple that with the handling and I can honestly say I don’t think there is a better model in their line up.
      I’ve test ridden the heritage and road king special and both are extremely comfortable. I didn’t like the handling of the heritage and the road king special, although really comfortable and handling was great, the weight for every day riding is too much for me!
      Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it!
      Ride safe! 👍🏻

    • @roycelabor4339
      @roycelabor4339 Год назад

      You hit on one of the other things that I love about my SG, there aren't many of them around. I live in the DFW Metroplex and have seen very few.

  • @aaron.black107
    @aaron.black107 Год назад +7

    I’ve got to agree with you on the low rider st. I’m 6ft and after road testing my sport glide I was told to sit on the low rider st in the showroom. I was totally cramped and very happy to buy the sport glide. I’m glad I tried sitting on it otherwise I’d never know.
    Really made me happy to buy a sport glide though that’s for sure

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад +4

      Yeah, I don’t understand why they’ve made the low rider st riding position so cramped!! If I feel cramped being 5’6 god knows how you felt😂
      Anyway, we got the right bike for us!
      Ride safe and thanks for the comment 👍

  • @christinejorja
    @christinejorja Год назад +10

    Simple answer, YES! One of the best Harley's ever built.

  • @mrharleypup
    @mrharleypup Год назад +4

    They are still making/selling them here in Australia. Look like the perfect all-rounder to me. People complaining about the 107 clearly havent ridden an 80 or an 88 TC.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      Yes, they still make them and sell them here in the UK at the moment too! They discontinued them in the US 2 years ago though which I don’t understand.
      I agree that the 107 is more than enough power!
      Thanks for your comments and ride safe 👍🏻

  • @JimmyLucase
    @JimmyLucase 11 месяцев назад +1

    Very nice video, I have a 21 sport glide that I've turned into a mini bagger and absolutely love it and get plenty of praise from those who see it. Thank you.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  11 месяцев назад

      Thanks for your comments! Yes, it’s a great bike!! Enjoy!

    • @JimmyLucase
      @JimmyLucase 11 месяцев назад +1

      Mini ultra is what I call her😎

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  11 месяцев назад

      @@JimmyLucase 👍🏼

  • @derekreynolds2072
    @derekreynolds2072 Год назад +2

    Nicely put together, keep it upright.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      Thanks Derek, much appreciated!! You too 👍

  • @Tipsy652
    @Tipsy652 10 месяцев назад +3

    I was fortunate to get a sport glide before they discontinued it. Absolutely love it. It’s also very customizable so Harley could have sold lots of accessories.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  10 месяцев назад

      Thanks for the comments! Yeah, it’s a great bike and so versatile! Enjoy and stay safe 👍🏼

  • @germanium1872
    @germanium1872 10 месяцев назад +6

    They discontinued it here in the US, is because it was eating into their bigger, more profitable bikes.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  10 месяцев назад +2

      Yeah, I agree!

    • @joeladd6023
      @joeladd6023 4 месяца назад +1

      Amen to that!!!

  • @buffaloharleychick
    @buffaloharleychick Год назад +1

    I live in the US and got to buy the Sport Glide the last year it was sold and I am SO glad I bought it when I did. I love my sport glide and the issues I found were the same you stated at the beginning of the video and they don't bother me all too much. I did buy a taller windscreen, which has helped quite a bit. I've also done some other upgrades and customization to it and have more plans to do so. I've put about 13k miles on it since I got it and can't wait to continue racking up the miles!

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад +2

      Yes, the 107 doesn’t bother me, I’ve done a stage 2 torque cam and the power available is more than enough for me! The single disc is ok, obviously dual discs would be better but it’s got more than enough stopping power. Finally, the fairing! That’s either a love or hate things but can easily be remedied!
      Like you, I love my SG and it has everything I need!
      I watch your channel so keep us posted with any future upgrades!!
      Happy new year, have a great 2024 and stay safe 👍🏻

    • @buffaloharleychick
      @buffaloharleychick Год назад +1

      @@Midlife5 Well thank you so much! I'll actually have a video soon for a couple minor changes soon! :-)

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      @@buffaloharleychick look forward to seeing it 👍🏻

  • @roycelabor4339
    @roycelabor4339 Год назад +1

    Great video Sir! I love my Sport Glide. I've been riding her for 6 years, she was the 1st one to come into the dealership. I'll admit that I was intrigued by the Low Rider ST, I like the FXR-style fairing and the idea of having the extra power. If I want more power, I can spend a couple of K on new cams, etc. However, I don't like the mid-pegs (I'm 6') because as you pointed out, they have to be less comfortable for long rides. I replaced my pegs with Kuryakyn Hex floorboards which make my rides more comfortable. I also replaced the stock fairing with an El Diablo fairing from LA Fairing Company. It's not a quick detach, but I don't mind and it looks good and does a good job of keeping the wind buffeting to a minimum. Additionally, I love the looks of the Mantis wheels and hate the bronze ones on the LRs. All that being said, why HD didn't keep producing the Sport Glide is a head scratcher. I think that the previous HD CEO, Jeff Bleustein, wanted to reach a broader market and viewed the SG as a step in that direction. The new CEO, Jochen Zeitz, thought that HD should go the other direction and make HD more exclusive. Reimagining the SG as the LR ST kind of follows that philosophy as the Low Rider name is venerated in the HD cruiser community. I've heard other riders say that the SG looks like a "girl's bike" which makes me scratch my head. But hey, I'm a guy, what do I know? 😆 Another comment was that the bike looks to European which in some ways, I get it what with the mini-fairing and hard saddlebags. On the other hand, it doesn't make a whole helluva lot sense because there was the Dyna Switchback with its hard saddlebags and windshield. At the end of the day, who knows why HD makes some of the decisions it makes. Thanks again for the great video, ride safe!

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад +1

      Hi Royce, thanks for the kind words and taking the time to provide a comprehensive response!
      I agree with all you’re points, HD have definitely put their efforts into the Low Rider S/ST but as I said, I think they have missed a trick!
      The Low Rider S provides the performance platform and if they had put the 114 and FXR fairing on the SG, with the forward pegs I think they would’ve had a winner. Basically that is what the LRST is (with the exception of mid pegs and 117 engine).
      As you say, what do we know! 😜
      Thanks again for your response!
      Ride safe and take care 👍

  • @Oldjeeper
    @Oldjeeper 10 месяцев назад +1

    I have a 2018 S. G. I put a taller windshield on it; floorboards; risers and rack. I love it, especially the floorboards which allow me to move my feet around.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  5 месяцев назад +1

      Yes, it’s a great bike 👍🏼

  • @sjoerdbruin6755
    @sjoerdbruin6755 8 месяцев назад +2

    I am very pleased with my SG. Bought it new in 2021 snake venom colour. In the meantime Stage 2 (100 hp) mini floorboards & Ohlins in the front (amazing)and Klockwerks windshield together with the Saddleman seat. This bike runs like the wind. Short or long rides (longest run of 850 km one day) no prob. Lucky to have this bike and yes pour decision of HD but if u have one who cares.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  8 месяцев назад

      Great comments!! Glad you’re enjoying it!!
      Ride safe 👍🏼

  • @MHeadroom
    @MHeadroom 3 месяца назад

    I have a 2021 model from new. 32,000klms now and bulletproof never leaving me stranded. I put a Memphis Shades El Paso screen on and it’s like a mini Road King. I’ve done Stage 1 and Vance and Hines Big Radius. It’s a very competent touring steed. I’ve done 5-8 day tours between 2,000 - 3,000 klms and it’s more than capable and very comfortable. Doesn’t need any more power and with gentle touring I’m getting 4.6ltrs/100klms or around 380klm touring range. Try getting that consumption on a 114. I’m sure the USA discontinued the Sport Glide as its sales was eating into bagger sales and not delivering the margins the bean counters wanted. It’s a future collectible.

  • @Meta369
    @Meta369 8 месяцев назад +1

    I agree, 100% . From NZ.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  5 месяцев назад

      Thanks for your comment 👍🏼

  • @kevo6942
    @kevo6942 Год назад +1

    Put a cr483 in mine, set of big radius freedom pipes, s&s manifold and 6.2gms injectors in it. It now has 120hp & 125tq. Smokes the rear easily, handles nice and looks awsome now it has 21" breakout front wheel.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      Wow…. Sounds amazing!! 👍

  • @Nucklehead-mm9gf
    @Nucklehead-mm9gf 6 месяцев назад +1

    Yes! Im American and pray every year they bring it back so I can buy it new!

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  5 месяцев назад

      Yes, it’s a great bike 👍🏼

  • @philippef.4590
    @philippef.4590 Год назад +1

    Thank you

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      No problem, glad you liked it!!
      Stay safe 👍🏼

  • @six-pack1332
    @six-pack1332 3 месяца назад

    I'm perfectly content with the power, handling, and brakes on my Sport Glide. The little fairing blocks wind off of my chest, so it does enough to make riding more pleasant. Everyone has their own idea of what works for them. This bike works for me. I never gave a thought of what someone else thinks about it. I bought it for me. I'm happy, and that's what matters. Ride safe out there.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  3 месяца назад +1

      Great comments and spot on!!! 👌

  • @leeducati952
    @leeducati952 Год назад +2

    It’s still being made in Thailand for the Australasian market the sportglide

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      Hi Lee, yes it’s still here in the UK at the moment too. It seems like a really poplar bike all over the world so I don’t understand why they discontinued it in the states?
      Obviously they know their market better than me but seems weird 🤷🏼‍♂️

  • @joeladd6023
    @joeladd6023 4 месяца назад

    I have one, here in the UK. I am italian, very popular there too.
    The sport glide is really good value for money here, but in the USA it was a lot more expensive. Harley has discontinued the softail slim too: more expensive than the sport glide and cheaper to build (no bags, smaller tyres, etc.).
    I think in the USA the sport glide was "stealing" sales from touring bikes. Honestly, there is no logic, manufacturers are weird....

  • @boomer2095
    @boomer2095 4 месяца назад

    I bought my SportGlide back in 2018 after totaling my 900 lb 2009 CVO after it slid on wet pavement while I was executing a U-Turn. I realized that a heavy bike was crap for city riding, and that it offered no protection for the rider as I broke nine ribs and collapsed my left lung after the full weight of the 900lb bike landed on me while I slide down the pavement. I ended up totaling the CVO because Harley Davidson estimated the repair was more then the Blue Book due to all of the specialty parts,and new frame they would need to locate; just because my frame was scratched (not bent) and they would have to locate the special paint colors that were unique to the 2009 CVO. I bought the SportGlide brand new with the insurance check, because it weighs just 700 lb decked out and close to 610 lb’s without the faring and saddlebags and with a 1/2 tank of gas. It is the perfect bike for older guys, girls and smaller guys. Much better than the smaller/lighter Sportster, that is only 1,200 CC’s and has no fuel gage; and shakes so bad going down the highway, that you can’t see anything in your side mirrors. The SportGlide is 107cu/in but has almost the same specs as the 114cu/in Milwaukee 8 engine after you upgrade to the stage one and two. I ordered the black MOETA saddle bag guards for only $135, so along with the engine guards, I am well protected if the bike slides. I also see that a lot of older guys bought the SportGlide during COVID, for something to do during the lockdown. I now see them selling on Facebook Marketplace in like new condition (with less,then 3,000 miles) for around $12,000 to $13,000. I saw one for sale that had less than 300 miles. I would recommend the SportGlide to anyone wanting a lighter bike for maneuverability in the city but still has all of the power and comfort of a touring bike.

  • @byakugan7698
    @byakugan7698 9 месяцев назад

    The sport glide and low rider ST are still sold in South Africa as 2024 models. The sport glide is the best selling HD at the moment as I am told by my usual dealer. Im looking to upgrade to it from my 2012 HD 48 as the ride is just becoming too rough these days. I usually only take test rides in empty back roads as I am not used to them but with the sport glide I literally went on the highway and almost went home with it lol. Still asked the guy if it had stability control or something cause it was such a smooth ride.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  9 месяцев назад

      Yes I agree, it really is a great ride! I think the bike is sold everywhere in the world apart from the US and Canada and it does really well!
      Strange but I suppose HD know their market better than us.
      I hope you upgrade, you’ll love it!
      Enjoy and ride safe!

  • @barrybarnes96
    @barrybarnes96 7 месяцев назад +1

    What also amazes me is they discontinued the Deluxe and the Slim. Some of those snazzy Icons models like the Highway King and the HydraGlide should be added to the model lineup as full time models instead of jacked up price, one year only models.
    They want to transform the company into selling low production numbers/high priced, status signalling products like Aston Martin, Rolex etc.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  7 месяцев назад

      Totally agree Barry, the only issue is they haven’t got the reputation of some of the the luxury brands

  • @white_devil73
    @white_devil73 Год назад +5

    Well, they discontinued the Evo Sporty, so they're in the habit of making poor decisions.

  • @jefflittle8872
    @jefflittle8872 10 месяцев назад +1

    Loved my sportglide but being picky the shock absorber and damper adjusting selector are garbage..most don't work..

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  10 месяцев назад

      Thanks for the comments! Yeah I agree, I had to change out the suspension and it made a world of difference!! 👍🏼

  • @harveycamacho2247
    @harveycamacho2247 2 месяца назад

    All they has to do was 2 brake on the front taller windshield and maybe a few colors. New oil pump and aluminum lifter inserts. Take care of the oil problem and blow back

  • @fire_titan5735
    @fire_titan5735 2 месяца назад

    Im confused?? They didnt stop making them

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  2 месяца назад +1

      No…. They discontinued it in the US..

    • @fire_titan5735
      @fire_titan5735 2 месяца назад

      @@Midlife5 oh thanks for clarifying man. Im from Australia and couldn't understand what was going on. Very unfortunate for the US.

  • @chrissmith7669
    @chrissmith7669 Год назад

    I’d love a sport glide. The only thing an ST has is the frame mount fairing

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад +1

      Hi Chris, yes I agree. The frame mounted fairing is far better on the ST. Apart from that I personally think the Sport Glide is the better overall package.
      Thanks for your comments, really appreciated! 👍🏻

  • @gebstryker4641
    @gebstryker4641 5 месяцев назад

    Luv my 2021 Sport Glide (107). It's time for HD to bring SG back to the US updated (114, 117)

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  5 месяцев назад

      I agree, if it had a 117 it would be amazing

  • @BulldogBill
    @BulldogBill Год назад +1

    Could it be that they discontinued the Sportglide because it was very cheap for a softail with saddlebags🤔 The lowrider ST is lot more expensive in the UK than the Sportglide and although to customers the 117 engine is worth paying more for, the manufacturing cost is more or less the same😶 Perhaps for 2024 the USA maybe getting an "uprated" Sportglide with some new features which allow them to raise the price a bit🤔🙃🙂 Might be a winner😎

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад +1

      Interesting thought! Would be interesting to see if they did make an ‘upgraded’ version. Defo think it would be a winner 🏆

  • @jefflittle8872
    @jefflittle8872 10 месяцев назад +1

    Midi controls ruin the st..way pricey to change to forward controls..

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  5 месяцев назад

      Agreed! 👍🏼

  • @citydread1327
    @citydread1327 Год назад +1

    Discontinued it cos the under priced it..

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад +1

      Yes, maybe you’re onto something there as it was one of the cheapest softails but had loads of extras like panniers, screen, cruise control etc.. 👍🏻

    • @citydread1327
      @citydread1327 Год назад +1

      @@Midlife5 that’s why I bought mines and I think it’s the best bike in the Harley stable and the mos underrated

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      @@citydread1327 me too! I think it’s a great bike! Thanks for the comment. Ride safe 👍🏻

  • @Honest-sy6ys
    @Honest-sy6ys Год назад +1

    The best chassis Harley ever built for their M8 is the Softail line.
    The 3 best designs (Slim, Deluxe and Sport Glide) have all been discontinued?
    I heavily researched things like wheelbase, rake, trail and that line rocks.
    They had the best engineered and handling chassis by far from Harley in the Air/x cooled engine.
    You can have my M8 Softail when you can pry it from my dead cold fingers. Harley execs = dumbass
    Harley riders. hmmm... wtf are you buying and why? I will never understand. Got mine. I'm good.

    • @Midlife5
      @Midlife5  Год назад

      Totally agree.. obviously I have mine too so I’m good but can’t understand the logic of HD!
      Thanks for the detailed comment, really appreciated.
      Ride safe 👍🏻