Earlier this year Harley® released Electra Glide Standard, the simplest and most affordable of its touring line. While we heard a lot about LiveWire™ and FXDR, this one entered more quietly. We've also focused a lot on upgraded BOOM! Box infotainment and exclusive Harley® technology upgrades. Some people are asking why Harley® would strip all that away to manufacture Electra Glide Standard. Let's look at what might be some of the reasons for the release and whether or not this is the bike for you.
Keep in mind finding the right Harley® fit isn't something you can decide through a quiz or from reading reviews. It's more of a journey of the soul. We always approach such choices with reverence.
WHY DID HARLEY® RELEASE ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD?
The Harley® lifestyle is about individuality and freedom. There has never, since the very first bike, been a one size fits all mentality with the manufacturer or at any local Harley® dealer worth its salt. Even a dozen sizes wouldn't fit all. Instead, Harley® provides a huge range of options and lets you do with them what you will.
Some people want to buy a bike, ride away from the dealership and keep it in pristine showroom-floor condition just like it came from the factory. They research until they find exactly the bike they want, pinch pennies to buy it and love it for a long time. Harley® makes bikes you can do that with, and Electra Glide Standard is certainly one of them.
Some riders want it all in terms of luxury, technology, performance and style. They worked hard to earn what it takes to buy the very best, now they want to enjoy it. They look at a bike like CVO Limited and see every feature they want all in one package.
There's a group that wants stability, storage space and comfort for their passengers and themselves. They gravitate toward Tri Glide Ultra or Freewheeler.
Others love Harley®, but they've never been completely satisfied with factory anything. They're always improving, always adding. They may tell you the changes they're making now are it, then they'll be done, but that's never true. Their custom motorcycle is constantly evolving and it's a labor of love. That group can be broken down further into sub-categories.
Some want a sport bike, and those modify FXDR, Sportster or Street. They're looking for a nimble Harley® with a sleek profile and an almost endless capacity for speed. Others envision taking their bike on long Sunday rides and summer road trips. They want a touring bike, but until now, none of what Harley® offered was exactly right. They didn't want to pay extra for features they didn't need or want. For those, Harley® made Electra Glide Standard.
Touring Purity
Ask yourself what touring is really about for you. Some riders feel technology enhances the experience. Others just want the scenery, the road and the feel of their bike.
That's what Electra Glide Standard offers. There's no Bluetooth to connect, no waiting for a system to boot, no directions or communication distracting you from everything else. You just turn on the ignition, hit the starter and roll back the throttle. You hear your motor, not the music. You feel the wind in your face and see the trees rush by without distractions. And, if you choose, you can put the money you didn't spend on technology into other bike upgrades.
ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD COST
So what's the difference in starting MSRP for Electra Glide Standard compared to other Touring motorcycles? We got our numbers straight from the main Harley-Davidson® website, where you can choose up to three bikes to compare side by side.
A 2019 Electra Glide Standard has an MSRP* of $18,999 in Vivid Black. You most often hear it compared to Street Glide, a bike with a starting price of $21,289 in the same color. On that one, if you want the Premium Radio Option it will run you an additional $895. The engines on both are the same.
Electra Glide Standard is slightly shorter at 94.5 inches compared to Street Glide's 96.5. There's about nine pounds difference in weight. Otherwise dimensions, performance and drivetrain are also similar. The biggest difference is in infotainment, where Street Glide offers a range of features that don't come with Electra Glide Standard.
Ultra Limited might be the Touring model with the most features and upgrades, and it has an MSRP of $28,089. It's a different kind of beast, with a different engine, greater length, height and weight, greater lean angle and a lot of other changes. If your budget has that much flexibility, you probably want to test ride all three options.
ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD FEATURES
Like all Touring bikes, Electra Glide Standard comes with a Showa dual bending valve fork. It has a 17-inch front wheel and a chrome lower spoiler right under the signature batwing fairing. A mid height clear windshield routes the wind away for hours of riding comfort. Bar mounted mirrors are anything but understated.
Where you might see infotainment is a glove box, so you've got easy access to whatever you need along the way. If you want to install an aftermarket sound system later, the wiring harness is there.
Electra Glide Standard comes from the factory with cruise control. It has a low profile single seat and no passenger footpegs, but you can install them if you wish. The saddle bags offer one touch opening. As you walk around the motorcycle, you'll notice brushed finishes for a refined, elemental look.
WHY BUY ELECTRA GLIDE STANDARD NEAR DALLAS?
If you're considering Electra Glide Standard, you're probably Googling bikes all over the Dallas area. We know we're not the only Harley® dealer around, so why should you drive to our Allen Texas dealership, especially if you're coming from somewhere like Carrollton, Grapevine, Terrell or McKinney? There are too many reasons to list, so we'll go with just a few.
- Selection - Our inventory of 2019 motorcycles is huge. Even if you're positive Electra Glide Standard is what you're looking for, it helps to see it side by side with other Harley® bikes. Plus, if you need riding gear or motorcycle accessories, we have what you're looking for.
- Financing - We can help you get a motorcycle loan with financing from some of the best lenders in the industry. Even if your credit isn't perfect, we can help you afford the exact bike you want. If you're dreaming of some add-ons or upgrades, we can help finance that too so you just make one monthly payment.
- Customer Service - Read reviews about our dealership. Ask our thousands of satisfied customers. What makes us stand out is how we go the extra mile every. single. time.
- Warranty and Service - Harley® is known for dependability, but if you need work done, it's nice to have a local Harley® dealer you can trust for no-hassle warranty work and top-notch motorcycle service.
We've got the bike you're looking for, and we're here to answer you questions about Electra Glide Standard. Stop by today or get in touch to find out more.
*Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices for base models. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude tax, title, licensing, registration fees, destination charges, added accessories, and additional dealer charges, if any, and are subject to change. Harley-Davidson reimburses dealers for performing manufacturer-specified pre-delivery inspection and setup tasks. Dealer prices may vary.