VIDEO & BLOG-I purchased my brand new 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS) in early September 2013 from my local Harley Davidson dealership (Owen's Cycle). I traded in my denim black 2011 Street Glide to make this purchase. See the below video and pictures to get a good and extensive look at the 2014 Street Glide Special.
I wanted to put this blog out for our entire Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast and Media Community or anyone else who may be considering purchasing this motorcycle. We will also be going over this bike on an upcoming episode of the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast, so stay tuned!
Harley Davidson Boom!™ Box Infotainment System!
3 Must see videos on everything you need to know on how to operate the new Boom!™ Box Infotainment System. Don't be frustrated, I will show you how.
- TUTORIAL VIDEO-Complete Harley Davidson “Boom Box” Infotainment System GPS Stereo Tutorial
- TUTORIAL VIDEO-Harley Davidson Boom Box Infotainment Software & Map Update Tutorial
- TUTORIAL VIDEO-Complete Harley Davidson Ride Planner & GPS Guide
NEWEST-VIDEO OVERVIEW 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS)
OLDER-VIDEO OVERVIEW 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special (FLHXS)
I was absolutely sold on the “amber whiskey” color, which is what I ended up with. For one to truly appreciate the “amber whiskey” color on the 2014 Street Glide Special, you really must take the bike into natural light and especially sunlight. Wow, when you do so, it really pops and is so gorgeous! Looking at it on the Harley Davidson website or while it is sitting inside a dealership simply does not do the color justice.
The 2014 Street Glide Special sports the air cooled 103” cu in V-Twin High Output Motor (1690 cc). There is also an integrated oil cooler. This 103 cu in V-Twin now comes stock with the 255 cam kit already installed. The 255 cam offers substantial increase in low-end torque. I have been very impressed with the performance of this motor and it is a runner for sure. It is awesome to have that extra power at take off and when passing for certain. This bike really gets up and goes and feels extremely smooth.
The 2014 Street Glide Special comes stock with a hydraulic clutch, 6 speed Cruise Drive transmission, of course the 6 gallon fuel tank, and the bike weighs in at 818 lbs. The motor has Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI). The engine is said to get around 42 miles per gallon combined city/highway and I have found that to be accurate.
The 2014 Street Glide Special sports beautiful stock black Enforcer Cast Aluminum wheels on front and back. The front wheel is 19 inches and has a Dunlop D408F 130/60B19 tire, while the rear wheel is 16 inches and has a Dunlop D407T 180/65B16. The tires handle well and you can drag floorboards all day long around corners!
The gauges on the dash now run along the top, making room for the 6” touch screen Boom Box Infotainment System below. For a complete and thorough instructional video on how to set up and operate the new Harley Davidson Boom Box Infotainment System CLICK HERE. I also wrote a very informational article on the lack of MAC support for the new Boom Box Infotainment System and how the download updates work.
The speedometer and tachometer are 10% larger and have 68% wider numbers. It has a 28% larger fuel and volt gauge with 30% wider numbers. The display features odometer, trip A, trip B, range to empty, and gear indicator. All the gauges are beautifully backlit.
On the left handlebar controls on top is a trigger switch (odometer, trip A, trip B, and range to empty). Also on the left handlebar controls is a switch to operate voice commands via a bluetooth headset to the Boom Box Infotainment System. The cruise control is now solely operated by a joystick and has been moved to the left handlebar controls. Now you can rock the throttle back with your right hand and set the cruise with your left. This was a very nice change.
On the right handlebar controls is an information switch to display ambient temperature, oil pressure and whether your engine idle temperature management system (EITMS) is enabled. This is all displayed on the large 6” Boom Box Infotainment System Screen.
These are all new ergonomic hand controls and include joysticks on each side to control all the functions of the Boom Box Infotainment System and cruise control. I can tell you that everything to operate the electronics is right at your fingertips and feels great!
The inside of the fairing is beautiful on the 2014 Street Glide Special and is painted in an eye catching gloss black finish. This really completes the inside of fairing and makes it stand out.
Of course the new front fairing vent or “wind tunnel” is a huge new addition to the 2014 Street Glide Special. You can close the vent by a large button on the upper left inside of the fairing. This new vent is placed there to reduce head buffering, which it does. Essentially the air rushes through the fairing vent and shoots a wall of air straight up in front of you in order to slow the oncoming air. This is my assessment of how it operates.
I have tested this vent “wind tunnel” in all different conditions and at many different speeds. My personal estimation is that it reduces head buffering by about 25-30%. The only time I can see that I would close the vent is during extremely heavy rains or hail. I have opened it and closed on very cold mornings and nights and it does not seem to matter. The only downfall to the new fairing vent is that you can now not install inside fairing storage pouches on your dash, as it would block the wind tunnel, but I believe the trade off is well worth it.
The FLHXS comes standard with dual front brakes, ABS, and the new linked braking system they call the Reflex Braking System. Essentially in an emergency stop, not only do the ABS brakes kick in, but if you apply too much front or rear brakes, the sensors within recognize this problem and even out the braking pressures. This all results in very quick braking in an emergency.
The beautiful thing is that the linked braking system does not kick in until 20-25 mph. This is super important for motorcycle law enforcement officers, who do a lot of low speed aggressive maneuvers and have to use the rear brake a lot while doing so. On other brands of bikes that had similar linked type brakes, they activated even at very low speeds, making the slow speed maneuvers much more difficult for the police motorcycle officer. This of course goes for anyone who practices or knows how to perform aggressive slow speed maneuvers. Harley Davidson really thought this one out!
A few other things worth mentioning are the restyled hard saddle bags with a one touch design latch, dual halogen headlight, 49 mm telescopic front forks, stiffer triple clamps, larger steering bearings, low profile front fender, Jukebox media compartment with a USB connection and one touch access door, and of course the Harley Davidson Factory Security System with hands free security fob.
All these additions and changes have made an awesome riding 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special. The bike is tight, smooth, fast, and powerful. It corners like a dream and it is even hard to tell how fast you are going unless looking at the speedometer. That is how smooth this bike runs. The new Boom Box Infotainment System with integrated GPS is just what I was calling for. The audio system sounds great and can be heard fine, even at freeway speeds.
The only thing I did to the bike is have the fuel injection remapped and replaced the stock mufflers with Vance and Hines Dresser Twin Slash Rounds slip on mufflers. To see that review and video CLICK HERE. To get a complete step by step tutorial video on how to uninstall your stock Harley headers and install new aftermarket headers/exhaust CLICK HERE. I will likely put a different air intake on the bike at some point, but I am still trying to decide which one. Other than that I will leave the bike as it is. To get a step by step tutorial video on installing a Stage One Air Intake or installing a Dyno Jet Power Commander V on you Harley Davidson CLICK HERE.
I really don't have a bad thing to say about the 2014 Harley Davidson Street Glide Special. It is a big improvement over my 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide, but I loved that bike too.
Just when you think there is nothing more Harley Davidson can do to make their bikes even better, they knock it out of the park! Well done Harley Davidson and you should be very proud of this bike!
Don't forget to check out all the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcasts and other Media. We will be discussing this bike on an upcoming episode. Of course, don't miss out on all of the great content provided on our podcasts and website. You can listen to the Law Abiding Biker Motorcycle Podcast in iTunes, Zune, Blackberry, Stitcher Radio or right from this website! What are you waiting for? Come join the Law Abiding Biker Community and get involved!
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS BELOW
-Ride safe and keep the rubber side down
Great review.. Thanks for your time.
Absolutely. Thanks for the feedback Alvin!
Hi Ryan,
Great site my friend…. glad I found you site and will in all probability be purchasing (donating) for some of your vids.
I do have a question that I’m curious of…. do ALL of the 2014 Street Glides have an adjustable air shock for the rear that you can change the PSI by adding or removing air or do some have dials and others the ability to increase or decrease the PSI with a pump?
Thanks my friend for a great site and very informative videos.
Mike
Mike: Thanks for your inquiry and feedback. My 2014 Street Glide Special (SGS) does not have adjustable rear shocks. I think the regular Street Glides have adjustable shocks, but I am not completely sure at this time. I will be looking into this and cover it in an upcoming Law Abiding Biker Podcast Episode, so stay tuned.
Hi Mike,
I have a 2014 Street Glide (FLHX). Ryan has the (FLHXS). The regular 2014 Street Glides do indeed have an adjustable rear air shock. You do not need a Harley specific pump, but should use a specialized shock pump. The pump easily allows you add or remove air and has a gauge built in. I keep my pump in my saddle bag. it is very small. NEVER use an air compressor.
Rob
Great feedback Rob. My 2011 Street Glide had adjustable air shocks. However, I just used a regulary bicycle tire pump, so I would not have to buy the overly priced Harley pump…..YOU’RE CORRECT; NEVER USE AN AIR COMPRESSOR. Thanks again!
Awesome. Thank you for the fast reply Ryan!
Mike
Great informative video! I can’t wait to get my hands on the new street glide special! There really isn’t anything that I would want to change on this bike. Like yourself, I have owned many bikes and this model really hits it out of the park! Congrats on your new ride! You are correct sir, the paint job is much better in sunlight!
Thanks Gil for the comments! I’m glad you liked the video. I agreed, not much to change on this model. Ride safe brother!
I am thinking about a 14 Street Glide Special, I ride two up a lot, how is the passenger comfort? How is the rear suspension? I currently ride an 11 Road King Classic, which is pretty comfortable for my wife.
You will be very happy with the 2014 SGS. Much more comfy than the Road King I dare say. You can of course put a high dollar seat on, sissy bar etc. Sky is the limit if you have lots of $$$$$. The suspension is great and much better than my 2011 Street Glide. Thanks for commenting brother.
I just purchased my 2014 Street Glide Special. Have you tried to change the odometer from kM to Miles? I have…and have had no luck at all. Even the dealership couldn’t figure it out. The instructions in the Owners Manual don’t work…any information on this subject?
Thanks! Ride Safe!
Mark
Mark, I haven’t tried that myself. Throw your question up on the Law Abiding Biker Facebook Page and see if anyone can answer it. I will make sure it gets attention on the Facebook Page. http://www.facebook.com/lawabidingbiker
Thanks for commenting and being involved. If you don’t get any answers I will see what I can find out.
Mark, I have not tried that yet. Throw your question up on the Law Abiding Biker Facebook Page and I will make sure it gets attention. See if anyone in the community can answer it. http://www.facebook.com/lawabidingbiker
Also, thanks for commenting and being involved with the LAB Community! If nobody can answer it on the Facebook page I will try and look into it. Ride Safe brother
Ryan,
I managed to fumble thru the settings in the Infotainment (radio) system and found a setting that you can change from Metric to English. This is where the Odometer can be changed from kM to MI.
So if you have other readers asking the same question you can now inform them where to look. The Owner Manual only describes the function for bikes without the Infotainment System.
Thanks brother…ride safe!
Mark
@ Mark Salatka…..thanks for helping the Law Abiding Biker Community out! Very good information brother for this thread. Hope your information helps many bikers~! Ride Safe
2014 SGS comes with hand adjustable nitrogen shocks, low.
I weight 225 and wife is about 125 – I am wondering if bottoming out will be an issue. I have been told that there is only 2″ of travel on these shocks.
I currently ride an 11 Road King with low profile air shocks. I keep them at about 28lbs to keep from bottoming while riding 2 up. Any comments and advice would be appreciated. I am 46 and don’t think I am ready for the Ultra yet.
@City lights Steve; What a great question. We will be covering this exact topic in an upcoming episode of the Law Abiding Biker Podcast, so stay tuned. I am testing these shock adjustments thoroughly at the current time, so I can report everything accurately to you. Please subscribe to the Law Abiding Biker Podcast, so you can get the latest info. I have my 2014 SGS set to the factory settings (the way I bought it) and I am about 210 lbs. My wife is also about 125 lbs. and we have ridden together on many different surfaces and roads. We have had no problems bottoming out whatsoever. Again, I am testing things and will put it out in an upcoming Podcast episode. Ride Safe Brother!
I, too, have left the shocks on my 2014 SGS at the factory setting. I’ve ridden many different road conditions here and have not had any problem with bottoming out. I weigh in at 205lbs and my wife is 135lbs. it’s a comfortable ride for us both though I doubt she could handle a long ride on the stock seat. I did order the tour pack and a hammock seat for long distance rides.
Rides safe brothers!
Mark
Thanks for sharing Mark!
thank you for your insight – I just purchased a black one last night! Harley should send you a gift card or something.
LOL~~~ Steve…..I agree, I would love a gift certificate from Harley! Thanks so much for commenting and ENJOY the heck out of your new bike……
I too have a 2014 Street Gluide special and need to know if this update to the clutch has been done. My dealer told me (after giving the vin number) they think it was done? I did not like that answer.
Also in the Boom quick start guide next to the last page under PHONE It says “You must have a Harley davidson Head set with Microphone to recive and make calls. I called the 800 number (because again my dealer was no help on this either) They told me there is no such a thing. I would like to ues this being as I paid for it . I loose bluth connection to my paired Ipod off and on regularly and the FM snaps thru the system with a cracking sound.
@Clyde….thanks for checking in! I don’t know about the HD blue tooth headset, as I don’t use a headset. CAN ANYONE IN THE COMMUNITY HELP CLYDE? I will be looking into this if there are no answers. I’m afraid, as I have stated that Harley put the cart before the horse on this one a bit. I don’t have the cracking problem you speak of. Ride Safe Bro. I will see what I can find out on the headset, but I need a bit of time.
As far as the clutch goes; you can’t visually tell if they put the new plunger in the master cylinder. Harley is supposed to track by VIN when it gets done and put it in the system. I was present when they did my Harley.
It’s not a Blue Tooth headset. It’s the regular headset you can buy at your Harley dealer. You also have to purchase the connector . It Gus into the back of the radio an the cable is run under the tank and beneath the seat. You plug in your headset and then you can use the voice commands as well as make and receive phone calls. Hopes this help you.
Ride safe brothers!
Mark
I know what your talking about Mark and thanks!! However, on the new 2014 models with the Boom Box Infotainment System; it has the capabilities of blue tooth headset pairing. I pair my iPhone via blue tooth to the system. They say that Harley Davidson makes a blue tooth headset capable of pairing with the Boom Box system. I think Clyde is looking for that particular HD blue tooth headset. Thanks again for helping.
Actually he mentioned he wanted to be able to use his phone to make and receive calls. He can pair his phone via Bluetooth to the Infotainment radio but in order to use his phone he will need to purchase the BOOM! Audio Music and Communications Kit P/N 69200865. Otherwise, if all he wants is a Bluetooth headset, BestBuy sells really good units. He can pair his headset directly to his phone or to the Infotainment radio…but not both. If he wants to pair his phone to the Infotainment system via Bluetooth he will need the fore mentioned cable and the standard headset that HD sells if he wishes to make/receive phone calls. The button on the left control for voice control only operates when this combination is used. I check with a very knowledgeable technician at Gruene Harley Davidson in New Braunfels, Texas to be sure I gave you the best information I could.
Ride Safe Brothers!
Mark
Mark….very good information and much appreciated. Here is a direct link to the Harley kit if anybody wants to take a look. http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/boom%21-audio-music—comm-kit
Anyways, I guess it’s not “wireless” to use your phone or listen to the music wirelessly through headset like they make it sound with the boom box system.. Guess you will have to wire in, so to speak. I pair my iPhone via blue tooth with the Boom Box system, but I listen through the speakers. I can’t answer calls either, because I don’t have this wired “headset”. T
Thanks again!! Should help many bikers on the community.
No Worries…
Ride safe brothers!
The sgs has a cracking when u have radio on my ipod is great , harley has a memo on this but no fix yet.I need help I had a 08 sg rode great my 14 rides ruff has bad vibration feels like riding oina horse and buggy, the power is great love the entertainment center, can anybody help?
Ron, I would take your 2014 to the shop immediately if it is riding rough. I have the 2014 SGS and rides smooth as butter. You got something wrong with it bro. Thanks for commenting.
My 2014 SGS has the same crackling noise from the radio…but only when running. With the bike off the radio is awesome! Hope HD comes up with a fix. I’m looking at noise suppressors but don’t want to make a modification that could void the warranty.
As for a rough ride…have you tried adjusting your shocks for load?
Mine is a stiff ride but I like it that way!
Ride safe bro!
Mark
Thanks Mark for the input.
Thanks again Ryan. I just purchased a new 2014 SGS last Saturday and pick it up on Tuesday. This will be my first Harley and it took me a lot of deep soul searching before I could give up my adventure riding motorcycles and switch to Harley. If it weren’t for reviews like yours I don’t think I could have done it. I really appreciate you being unbiased. That is a rare thing these days.
The 2014 Street Glide Special ultimately won me over.
Thanks for the help.
BUDDY
Absolutely Buddy. I am very stoked for you! Like I always say, I support all makes and models of bikes. The main point is that we all ride….. I think you will be very happy with your purchase. Stay in touch and let me know how things go brother.
Purchased my 2014 Street Glide Special in late November. I rode my 09 softail classis all over the lower 48. Traded up for the cruise control, like the new braking system. Hoping we have several more long distance rides in us. Like your bike, the blackened cayenne paint needs to be seen outside to appreciate it. Watched your tube video on installation of the docking hardware. Thanks- brenda
Thanks Brenda for taking the time to comment. Thanks for watching the videos! Ride safe
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Hi Guys, I’m picking my SGSIn a month and was wondering how does it sound with the original pipes? Thanks Mark
Mark; it sounds like a sewing machine. Harley has to put them out that way because of the freaking EPA and all the California rules. Uuuuuugh. They know everyone is going to change things out, but they have to follow the rules the Feds have put in place. You will not be happy with the sound. I would definitely at least change out the mufflers. Here a few resources you may find useful:
https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/twinslashrounds
https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/aircharger
https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/stageoneintake
https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/PowerCommander5
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Thanks for commenting and ride safe. Enjoy that new bike!!
Just wanted to say thanks to you Ryan. I just bought my first Harley (previous Yamaha FZR owner) and after much research settled on the Street Glide Special…I decided on the Vivid Black, but figured there wasn’t really a bad choice color wise. Before taking delivery of my bagger, I am having the dealer do the EFI download and Stage 1 air cleaner…as well as adding a pair of slip on 4″ RCX mufflers. All of this was based on your sage advise, so many thanks. All else is going to stay stock for a while. Can’t wait to get on the road.
Thanks so much Tim!! Enjoy your new bike brother!!!!
Like your website rayn
Thanks much Marcus
Ryan – Since I live in freezing Chicago, I was just able to put my first 100 miles on my new SGS yesterday, I love it.
it rides smooth, the blue tooth was awesome so I could just relax and listen to the music I have on my phone.
It was only about 40 degrees outside and some snow is still on the sides of the roads, but I was excited to get out.
It took me a little while to get used to the new clutch – and until it is properly broken in I cant give it a good test.
I love the suspension – which I was worried about.
keep up the good work, did Harley ever send you that gift card?
That’s awesome Steve…..so glad you got out and rode!! Exciting for sure. What gift card bro?
Thanks for the great review and info. I picked up my SGS two days ago and am loving it so far. Yesterday’s ride was about 50 degrees, not too bad but the add-on heated grips sure were nice! I have a question about how to connect a non-bluetooth music device. I think I can do it through the USB, but then I need a cable that’s USB on one end and 3.5mm auxiliary on the other end?? I’m having a hard time finding one. I’m trying to connect a SiriusXM Snap device. (I have it connected using the FM connector, but would prefer a direct connection so I don’t have to keep switching FM stations.) PS. Joe at Twin Cities HD North in Blaine, MN was great to work with and gave me the best price within 300 miles!
Thanks for the feedback and comments Christy! Enjoy the heck out of your new Harley. I did some quick research (Yah, the Hi-Tech Redneck here) and might of found what you are looking for.
==>
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006T95XUS/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B006T95XUS&linkCode=as2&tag=lawabidingbiker-20
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Check out the Podcasts if you haven’t
Ride safe….
Hey Ryan, love your website and podcast. I just read your review of your 2014 SGS. I just bought a 2014 Ultra Limited and was bummed about the lack of being able to use windshield bags as well. But then I looked in my new 2014 parts catalog and they have a 3 pouch windshield bag for the 2014 touring bikes! The middle pouch is elevated so the vent isn’t blocked. Anyway, keep the podcasts and videos coming. Ride safe brother.
Thanks for commenting Troy! That is awesome information bro. I will have to look those up and put it out on a podcast episode. Ride safe!!
Thanks for commenting Troy! That is awesome information on the 3 pouch bag you learned of. Thanks for sharing with the Law Abiding Biker Community. I will get the information out on an upcoming podcast. Ride Safe!!
I’ve asked the same question from many of my Harley mechanic friends. They all say the vibration is the result of the cam setup in the new SGSs. Still love mine though!
Mark
Spring Branch, TX
Question, is there a way you can stop the annoying vibration at idle on the 2014 SGS?
Hmmm. What is vibrating? Is there a specific part?
the engine. 103, let’s call it a shake and raddle at idle. I have owned several Harleys, all soft tails and fat boys, this is my first touring, when at idle the engine shakes, rattles and rolls at idle. Once you get it into gear and ride it goes away.
Hi ryan enjoy your web site and how to advice. I owned a 2008FXDL SWEET RIDE . I JUST TRADED IT ON MY FIRST STREET GLIDE DAYTONA BLUE. I pick it up tuesday morning cant wait .
Sweet deal Brian! Have fun with that new bike and thanks for the kind words.
My boom system has locked up “Frozen screen” on three occasions. Anyone else have this problem. Also I have had it play the radio 10 seconds after turning it off and I am walking away..
These are some of the bugs with the Boom Box system. I have heard of all kinds of weird things going on.
Hey Ryan , what do you think about the denim color ?
I actually have this exact question on a long list to talk about on a weekly podcast episode! My 2011 Street Glide had denim black paint and I love that look. For some reason I though it would hide things a bit more. But, it showed dirt and dust really bad. Every little rock chip showed through to the white primer. Okay, I know it was black, but it was denim. Anyways that is why I will not go with it again. My amber whiskey 2013 has clear coat and all and it shows way less. Just my thoughts.
-Ride Safe
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Ryan you are so awesome ! I look at your videos and watch some of your podcasts .The info is very good . Quality is A plus ,sound is great . I just purchased a 18 road king with the milwaukee 8 . We’re heading to Smokey mountain harly in march . Tail of the Dragon and then on to fla . Your excitement has spread on to lots of good people in the Bike world. A big thank you for all you and your pals do for all !! Love to see you and all your police brothers out mingling with all of us ! Please keep on with your passion . …