Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of the 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide? This bike is a real gem, blending classic Harley style with modern performance and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, the Sport Glide offers something for everyone. Let's get into the details and see what makes this bike so special.

Overview of the 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide

The 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide is a motorcycle designed for both cruising and touring, offering a unique blend of comfort, style, and performance. It stands out with its detachable fairing and saddlebags, making it highly adaptable for different riding scenarios. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or just zipping around town, the Sport Glide is ready for the task. This model is part of Harley-Davidson's Softail lineup, which means it benefits from a redesigned frame and suspension, providing a smoother and more responsive ride compared to previous generations. The Sport Glide is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, delivering plenty of torque and horsepower for a thrilling riding experience.

The Sport Glide's design is a modern take on the classic Harley-Davidson look. The sleek, blacked-out components give it a contemporary edge, while the traditional Harley silhouette keeps it recognizable. The detachable fairing is a standout feature, providing wind protection on longer rides and easily removed for a more stripped-down look. The saddlebags offer ample storage space for your essentials, and they can also be detached quickly for a cleaner appearance. This versatility is one of the key reasons why the Sport Glide appeals to a wide range of riders. The bike also features modern amenities such as LED lighting, a USB charging port, and a digital instrument panel, blending classic style with modern convenience.

The riding experience on the 2019 Sport Glide is characterized by its smooth and powerful engine, comfortable ergonomics, and responsive handling. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine delivers strong acceleration and plenty of torque, making it easy to overtake traffic or cruise at highway speeds. The redesigned Softail frame provides a solid and stable feel, while the upgraded suspension soaks up bumps and provides a comfortable ride. The bike's upright riding position and well-padded seat make it suitable for long distances, and the detachable fairing offers excellent wind protection. Overall, the Sport Glide is a well-rounded motorcycle that offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and style. Its adaptability makes it a great choice for riders who want a bike that can do it all.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications that make the 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide a standout motorcycle. Understanding these details will give you a clearer picture of what this bike has to offer.

Engine and Performance

The heart of the Sport Glide is the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. This 1,746cc V-twin engine is known for its strong torque and smooth power delivery. It produces around 108 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 RPM, which means you'll have plenty of pulling power for acceleration and cruising. The engine is counterbalanced to reduce vibrations, providing a more comfortable riding experience, especially on longer journeys. Fuel injection ensures reliable starting and smooth running in all conditions. The six-speed transmission allows for relaxed highway cruising and efficient fuel economy. Overall, the engine and transmission combination provides a responsive and enjoyable ride.

Chassis and Suspension

The Sport Glide features Harley-Davidson's redesigned Softail frame, which is lighter and stiffer than previous generations. This results in improved handling and stability. The front suspension consists of inverted 43mm forks, providing precise steering and a planted feel. At the rear, there's a monoshock suspension with adjustable preload, allowing you to fine-tune the ride to your preferences. The suspension offers a good balance of comfort and control, making the Sport Glide capable on both smooth highways and bumpy backroads. The braking system includes single discs at both the front and rear, with optional ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for added safety.

Design and Ergonomics

The design of the Sport Glide is both stylish and functional. The detachable fairing is a key feature, providing wind protection for long rides and easily removed for a more minimalist look. The saddlebags offer a combined storage capacity of 1.9 cubic feet, enough for a weekend trip. They can also be detached quickly without tools. The bike has a low seat height of 26.6 inches, making it accessible for riders of different sizes. The upright riding position is comfortable for long distances, and the foot controls are positioned for a natural feel. The Sport Glide also features LED lighting for improved visibility and a modern look. The digital instrument panel displays essential information such as speed, fuel level, and gear position.

Dimensions and Weight

The Sport Glide has a length of 91.3 inches and a wheelbase of 64.2 inches. Its relatively compact dimensions make it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The bike has a dry weight of 666 pounds, which is reasonable for a motorcycle in this class. The fuel tank capacity is 5 gallons, providing a good range between fill-ups. Overall, the Sport Glide is a well-proportioned motorcycle that offers a comfortable and manageable riding experience.

Riding Experience and Performance

Alright, let's talk about what it's like to actually ride the 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide. This is where the rubber meets the road, and it's important to know how this bike performs in real-world conditions.

On the Road

When you fire up the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, you're greeted with a satisfying rumble that's classic Harley-Davidson. The engine pulls strongly from low RPMs, making it easy to accelerate from a stop or pass slower traffic. The six-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the bike cruises comfortably at highway speeds. The detachable fairing provides excellent wind protection, reducing fatigue on longer rides. The upright riding position is comfortable, and the seat is well-padded. The Sport Glide handles well in corners, with a planted and stable feel. The brakes are responsive and provide good stopping power, especially with the optional ABS.

Handling and Maneuverability

The Sport Glide's redesigned Softail frame contributes to its improved handling. The bike feels stable and predictable, even at higher speeds. The inverted front forks provide precise steering, and the rear monoshock suspension soaks up bumps effectively. The bike is relatively easy to maneuver in urban environments, thanks to its compact dimensions and balanced weight distribution. However, it's worth noting that the Sport Glide is still a fairly large motorcycle, so it may not be ideal for very tight spaces. Overall, the handling is confidence-inspiring and makes the bike enjoyable to ride in a variety of conditions.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Comfort is a key consideration for any motorcycle, especially if you plan on taking long rides. The Sport Glide excels in this area, with its comfortable riding position, well-padded seat, and effective wind protection. The upright riding position reduces strain on your back and wrists, and the seat provides good support. The detachable fairing makes a big difference on the highway, deflecting wind away from your chest and head. The foot controls are positioned for a natural feel, and the hand levers are easy to reach. Overall, the Sport Glide is a comfortable motorcycle that's well-suited for long-distance touring.

Performance Metrics

In terms of performance metrics, the Sport Glide offers a good balance of power and fuel economy. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine delivers around 108 lb-ft of torque, which translates to strong acceleration and passing power. The bike can go from 0 to 60 mph in around 5 seconds, and it has a top speed of around 120 mph. Fuel economy is around 47 mpg, which is respectable for a motorcycle in this class. Overall, the Sport Glide offers a satisfying blend of performance and efficiency.

Pros and Cons of the 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide

Every bike has its strengths and weaknesses. Let's break down the pros and cons of the 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide to give you a balanced perspective.

Pros

• Versatile Design: The detachable fairing and saddlebags make the Sport Glide highly adaptable for different riding scenarios.
• Powerful Engine: The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine delivers strong torque and smooth power.
• Comfortable Ride: The upright riding position, well-padded seat, and effective wind protection make it comfortable for long rides.
• Improved Handling: The redesigned Softail frame provides improved handling and stability.
• Modern Features: LED lighting, a USB charging port, and a digital instrument panel add convenience.

Cons

• Weight: At 666 pounds dry, the Sport Glide can feel heavy, especially at low speeds.
• Price: The Sport Glide is relatively expensive compared to some other motorcycles in its class.
• Limited Suspension Adjustment: While the rear suspension is adjustable, the front suspension is not.
• Basic Instrumentation: The digital instrument panel is functional but lacks some of the advanced features found on other bikes.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

So, what's the final verdict on the 2019 Harley Davidson Sport Glide? Overall, this is a fantastic motorcycle that offers a great blend of style, performance, and versatility. It's well-suited for both cruising and touring, and its detachable fairing and saddlebags make it easy to adapt to different riding situations. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine provides plenty of power, and the redesigned Softail frame improves handling. While it's not perfect – it can feel heavy and it's relatively expensive – the Sport Glide is a well-rounded motorcycle that's sure to please a wide range of riders.

If you're looking for a motorcycle that can do it all, the Sport Glide is definitely worth considering. It's a great choice for riders who want a bike that's comfortable for long rides, capable in the corners, and stylish enough to turn heads. Whether you're a seasoned Harley-Davidson enthusiast or new to the brand, the Sport Glide is sure to impress. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully and consider your own riding needs and preferences before making a decision.

Happy riding, guys! And remember, always wear your gear and ride safe!