In this video, I explain what you need to know about the new 2021 Harley-Davidson model line-up. These were all revealed at Harley's first-ever global virtual launch event held online on January 19, 2021. (see my video below)
There are some issues I discovered, such as the new 2021 Harley touring models are coming with a cable clutch instead of a hydraulic clutch that has been on touring models since 2014. There were some recalls on the hydraulic clutch system over the years but it seemed to have been resolved. We really have no idea why Harley did this because these are supposed to be “premium motorcycles” and cable clutches are yesterday's technology. I think this is going to irritate many customers since other motorcycle companies are using hydraulic clutches.
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And it seems at this time that you can no longer put current model aftermarket electronic fuel injection (EFI) tuners on your Harley. They seemed to have changed the data port, so the current tuners won't plug into the engine control module (ECM). I have no doubt though, that aftermarket EFI tuner companies are already working on a solution for this, so it will just be a matter of time. Until then, you can only use a Harley Screamin' Eagle (SE) EFI tuner but they are terrible and don't do much as far as tuning. Harley can use and sell the SE tuner because it is restricted and threfore EPA compliant. This is also likely the reason Harley had to make this overall data port change, to try and block aftermarket tuners that are not restricted.
The new Harley CVO line-up will be the Street Glide, Road Glide, Limited, and Tri-Glide, which all have several paint options. They will be coming with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 ci. V-Twin engine. Harley partnered with Rockford Fosgate and the Street Glide CVO and Road Glide CVO will not come with the Harley Audio by Rockford Fosgate Stage 2 Audio system. The Limited and Tri-Glide will come with the standard Boom Audio Stage 1.
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The Harley “special” series models will be the Street Glide, Road Glide, and Road King. Harley may have been listening to customers because you now have a black or chrome option on the Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special but not on the Road King Special. Many traditional chrome lovers were not happy that the special models only came in a blacked-out option over the past years. These special models will have the Milwaukee-Eight 114 ci. V-Twin engine.
Also revealed were the Street Bob 114 and the iconic Fat Boy for 2021 and they both look great.
Overall, the bikes and paint options look great on these 2021 Harley models and I'm excited to see them in person at some point.
If you're interested in the Harley Pan America, Harley's first adventure motorcycle, it will be revealed by CEO Jochen Zeitz and actor Jason Mamoa on February 22, 2021, via another virtual launch event. You can get signed up for the event here.
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Have you considered that maybe the cable clutch is better? When I tried out the first Harleys with the hydraulic clutch I found that the lack of feedback in the clutch lever made it more difficult to make smooth shifts. I am also used to adjusting the cable to get the best “feel” for me. Also, with a cable, there is a chance that you can make an emergency repair on the road, with hydraulic, not so much. I agree that the magazine reviewers (and you apparently) will check it off as a negative in their reviews; are we interested in marketing or better riding? Perhaps you could talk in more detail about cable vs hydrolic?
I will never buy another ‘new’ Harley!! I have a 2015 FLHTCU and will keep it as long as I can! Then buy one from a private individual! I’m done with Harley.
Another consideration is the Honda or BMW. We will see when the time comes.
One thing about cables, they always work, less chance of mechanical failure.
I have been waiting for years for the MOCO to upgrade the suspension system on their touring bikes. Apparently I am the only person on the planet who thinks their shocks with short travel SUCK. I also have been waiting for the MOCO to upgrade the six-speed transmissions on the touring bikes. I am referring to their infamous Clunk-A-Matics. Now without any fanfare they are doing away with their hydraulic clutches and changing the data port? The MOCO is not communicating with their fan base nor have they been doing so for ever. They would like to bring new, young riders on board yet with their self described “Premium” price points they effectively rule out most young riders. Lastly, they have been making fewer and fewer motorcycles ever sing the 2006 model year. This is clear in their own sales data which they publish on their financial site. Their new CEO has said their plan is to make fewer motorcycles in the coming years in order to hold up the price. Someone please tell me how you can manufacture and sell fewer products each year and still “grow” the company to where investors will buy your stock?
My last 4 bikes had hydraulic clutch, factory or I had them put on. Trikes are heavy, takes a lot of energy to get them moving, hydraulic clutch has to be the better option. Not the first bad decision they made.
Great video and thank you for all the work that you do, I read every bit of your stuff! I love street glides. I have owned a 2009 (109K miles), 2014 (75K miles) and now own a first edition 2019 (55k miles) street glide special. Each newer year being much better than the previous in my opinion. The hydraulic issues were not an issue for me. The 2014 worked great and now, so does the 2019. I believe that who H-D surveyed was the “preferred” customer base. I was a member ( we got a free hat in the mail!) and would receive a survey to respond to regularly. However, I don’t recall the clutch survey online. At some point, the survey was discontinued and went to reader responses that were requested in the HOG Magazine for HOG members. In the 2014 new to me hydraulic clutch, I had no problem as you said, jumping on and getting used to it. I have a bone problem in my left hand so fatigue for me was an issue. I worried about the problem when I first took the 2014 to the mountains of Georgia. I found the hydraulic clutch much easier and less fatigue from it. And just to add, maintenance seems to be an issue for those non-believers who don’t get regular service. I suggest and have replaced my clutch and brake fluid every year with Amsoil dot 3/4 synthetic oil. I am a retired engineer who worked full time in my retirement as the primary mechanic in an independent motorcycle shop. First hand I had witnessed the damage from water and contaminants in both systems.
respectfully,
Barry
Thanks Ryan…your willingness to share this information with your insight and interpretation is much appreciated. Well done.
Hey Ryan,
As always, you do a great hob. I feel like Harley and I are getting further and further apart in my expectations and their ability to realize their shortcomings. Mainly the MoCo’s in ability to deliver state of the art communications and entertainment. You know the details,… proprietary Bluetooth protocols forcing their customers to buy 3 -4 year old BT tech, that’s incompatible with today’s brand name communication systems leaders, and helmet choices. Instead, they want you to buy a H-D stamped (Sena) 3 – 4 year old headset that won’t mount on many top of the line helmets. Not to mention spend $500 to have a WHIM Installed!!! 😡
Similar to the decision to OEM the Sena EVO 20S and 30K Mesh headsets, then someone brilliant person living in a bubble at Harley determined mustache engine guard sales numbers were an overwhelming reason for Harley to order an MOQ enough to have inventory for 5 years worth of sales and also sell these for a premium, bought way too many!! Now every SG, RG, SGS and RGS gets a mustache engine guard that won’t fit lower fairings, just to move through the excess inventory of mustache engine guards!!! Making a decision to add lower fairings a two decision process… new engine guard and lower fairings!! How stupid can you get? Or better yet, How stupid do they think we are?
In addition to the unforgivable cable clutch debacle, take the time to ask an H-D mechanic HOW EASY IS IT TO ADJUST THIS “Adjustable Clutch”, a few people here who are touting as a good reason to go backwards in technology 7 years! Go ahead I’ll wait till you find out , it’s a 3 hour job due the the location of the cable. Hint it’s not where you’d think. Try water pump and fairing removal.
I have been riding over 50 years and Harleys for a long time. I just traded in a 2017 Street Glide Special on a 2021 Road Glide Special. I understand Hydraulic and Cable clutches. There is one thing I must comment on. This new 2021 cable clutch is extremely easy to pull. It is noticeably “easier” to pull and hold than mine or any of my riding buddies hydraulic clutches. It is also there opinion as well as mine. The other thing is that the friction distance on letting the clutch out is longer and smoother and happens on the first part of the release and not the end of the release making for much better release control not at the end of your fingers. I know it’s old technology but I like it better. Maybe they never had the hydraulic right in the first place. I had a 2008 Yamaha Rader 113ci with a hydraulic clutch that was as easy as butter and worked perfectly as well as the rest of that beast.