2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® near Frederick, MD
2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide®
Two icons, two distinct personalities, and one clear mission to redefine modern American touring. That is the essence of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide®. Both bring a comprehensive refresh of aerodynamics, infotainment, and rider aids while honoring the silhouettes riders love. The Road Glide® leans into long-haul stability with its frame-mounted Sharknose fairing and dual LED headlamps, while the Street Glide® emphasizes agile feel and classic style with its fork-mounted Batwing fairing and integrated LED signature lighting. Across both motorcycles, the 12.3-inch Skyline OS infotainment system, Ride Modes, and Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements elevate confidence and convenience. At Eisenhauer's Chesapeake Harley-Davidson®, our team helps riders match form, function, and fit to the rides they imagine most—whether that means carving backroads or stacking serious miles. We welcome touring enthusiasts near Frederick, MD and those traveling from Annapolis and Laurel to experience the thoughtful engineering that makes each model compelling in its own way. In the comparison that follows, we detail how each feature set serves different preferences while staying true to the Harley-Davidson® touring ethos.
| Feature | Road Glide® (2025) | Street Glide® (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Sharknose (frame-mounted) fairing | Yes | No |
| Batwing (fork-mounted) fairing | No | Yes |
| Dual LED headlamps | Yes | No |
| 12.3-inch TFT display with Skyline OS | Yes | Yes |
| Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin | Yes | Yes |
| Liquid-cooled cylinder heads | Yes | Yes |
| Ride Modes (Road, Sport, Rain, Custom) | Yes | Yes |
| 19-inch front / 18-inch rear wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Cornering Rider Safety Enhancements (C-ABS, C-TCS, etc.) | Yes | Yes |
| 200-watt, four-channel audio amplifier | Yes | Yes |
Key Features
At a glance, the fairings set the tone. The Road Glide® uses a frame-mounted Sharknose design that minimizes steering input from wind and passing traffic, a benefit that becomes more apparent the longer the day gets. The Street Glide® wears the iconic Batwing fairing, sculpted through computational fluid dynamics for rider comfort and a light, responsive feel at the bars. Both incorporate fully LED lighting, but the Road Glide® runs dual headlamps for a wide, confident throw, while the Street Glide® integrates a sleek LED signature that complements the fairing’s flowing shape. Inside, each motorcycle features a 12.3-inch color TFT display running Skyline OS—fast, bright, and clean, with navigation, media, and bike data neatly organized. Three pre-programmed Ride Modes plus a customizable mode let riders tailor throttle response and safety system intervention on the fly. Audio comes alive through fairing-mounted speakers and a 200-watt, four-channel amplifier rated at 50 watts per channel. The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin provides abundant torque, with liquid-cooled cylinder heads enhancing thermal management in stop-and-go heat or on high-load mountain climbs. Premium paint choices include head-turning Factory Custom options like Whiskey Firestorm, Midnight Firestorm, and color-shifting Mystic Shift, and both bikes roll on a commanding 19-inch front, 18-inch rear wheel setup that blends style with sure-footed handling.
Dimensions
Dimensions are closely matched, making ergonomics and cockpit feel the primary differentiators. Both motorcycles share the long-legged stance of Harley-Davidson® Touring, with a broad saddle, spacious floorboards, and roomy bagger proportions that favor comfort over distance. The Street Glide® places the fairing directly on the fork, which slightly changes steering inertia at parking-lot speeds and can lend a more immediate, traditional handlebar feel. The Road Glide®’s frame-mounted fairing removes that mass from the fork, which many riders appreciate for tracking stability at highway pace and in gusty crosswinds. Saddle height and reach to the bars are familiar across the pair, and luggage capacity is generous on both thanks to streamlined saddlebags with one-touch latches. For riders near Frederick, MD comparing fit, the ultimate difference is often how each cockpit frames the road ahead: a panoramic view behind the Sharknose versus the Batwing’s wraparound shield and signature brow.
Engine
Powering both bikes is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin, tuned for broad, accessible torque and crisp roll-on response. Liquid-cooled cylinder heads manage heat around the exhaust valves, supporting smoother operation in hot weather and heavy traffic while sustaining performance during sustained climbs or two-up touring. The 117’s character is classic Harley-Davidson®—a deep, satisfying pulse at idle that builds into muscular midrange thrust. Refinements in engine calibration, induction, and exhaust help the big V-Twin breathe more efficiently, and the result is a powerplant that complements the bikes’ reduced weight and improved aerodynamics. Whether you prefer the calm composure of the Road Glide® cockpit or the immediate connection of the Street Glide® bars, the 117 makes both platforms feel effortless under real-world loads and speeds. In practical terms, the engine’s flexibility means fewer shifts on rolling terrain and easy passing power when opportunities arise.
Performance
Real-world performance blends aerodynamics, chassis response, and braking confidence. The Road Glide® shines when the miles stack up—its frame-mounted fairing and improved airflow reduce rider fatigue, and the dual LED headlamps throw a broad swath of light after dusk. The Street Glide® counters with a slightly lighter steering feel and airflow optimized to reduce helmet buffeting, maintaining the classic Batwing line while channeling the wind cleverly around the rider. Each benefits from weight reductions and cast wheel designs that sharpen transitions while maintaining the planted composure expected of a full-dress bagger. Ride Modes—Road, Sport, Rain, and a customizable setting—alter throttle maps and the character of the electronics so you can dial in your preferred response for wet commutes or spirited weekend runs. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® ultimately comes down to how you like the front end to feel and the way you want the wind to meet you in the saddle.
Drive Train
Both motorcycles use a six-speed transmission engineered for smooth shifts and relaxed highway rpm, pairing with a durable belt final drive that keeps maintenance simple. The gearing complements the 117’s torque curve, making low-speed maneuvers manageable and high-speed cruising unstrained. Clutch action is calibrated for a progressive take-up that helps when pulling away fully loaded or on steep grades. Refinements to driveline lash and fueling complement the bikes’ Ride Modes, helping the throttle feel natural in town and precise on open road sweepers. For riders near Frederick, MD who frequently transition from urban errands to backroad blasts, this drive train blend offers the easygoing feel of a touring rig with the responsiveness needed when the pace picks up. Put simply, power delivery is predictable, drama-free, and ready for the long way home.
Performance
Real-world performance blends aerodynamics, chassis response, and braking confidence. The Road Glide® shines when the miles stack up—its frame-mounted fairing and improved airflow reduce rider fatigue, and the dual LED headlamps throw a broad swath of light after dusk. The Street Glide® counters with a slightly lighter steering feel and airflow optimized to reduce helmet buffeting, maintaining the classic Batwing line while channeling the wind cleverly around the rider. Each benefits from weight reductions and cast wheel designs that sharpen transitions while maintaining the planted composure expected of a full-dress bagger. Ride Modes—Road, Sport, Rain, and a customizable setting—alter throttle maps and the character of the electronics so you can dial in your preferred response for wet commutes or spirited weekend runs. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® ultimately comes down to how you like the front end to feel and the way you want the wind to meet you in the saddle.
Chassis
Underneath the style, both rides share a stout touring frame tuned for stability and comfort. Suspension has been updated to deliver more control and additional practicality, highlighted by easily adjustable rear preload to accommodate passengers or luggage without compromising ride quality. The Street Glide®’s fork-mounted fairing translates road texture and quick inputs a bit more directly to the bars, which many riders describe as a lively, connected sensation. The Road Glide® isolates those inputs more, emphasizing a tracking feel that stays locked on line over expansion joints and in crosswinds. Cast wheels—19 inches in front and 18 inches at the rear—balance gyroscopic stability with steering accuracy. Braking hardware works in concert with electronic aids to deliver strong, progressive stops. Each chassis is happy strolling down Main Street or stretching its legs over state lines, with fine-tuned differences that let you prioritize feel versus serenity.
Electric
Technology is a highlight on both baggers. The 12.3-inch color TFT display runs Skyline OS, a fast, intuitive system that prioritizes clarity over clutter. Turn-by-turn navigation, media, bike status, and device integration are accessed via touchscreen and hand controls. Bluetooth connectivity supports pairing with a headset for calls and audio, and a USB-C port keeps devices topped off. Fairing-mounted speakers powered by a 200-watt, four-channel amp provide clean sound at speed, enhancing long hauls and daily rides alike. Lighting is fully LED for visibility and presence, including the Road Glide® dual headlamps and the Street Glide® integrated signature lighting. Keyless ignition and a comprehensive suite of status readouts—fuel range, tire pressure, and more—tie into the display so information is always close at hand. For riders near Frederick, MD who value modern convenience wrapped in timeless style, both platforms deliver a premium, cohesive cockpit experience.
Rider Safety Enhancements
The latest Rider Safety Enhancements operate in the background, ready when needed and unobtrusive when not. Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS) and Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) adjust intervention based on lean angle, helping maintain composure when braking or accelerating while banked. Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) smooths rear wheel behavior during aggressive downshifts, Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) assists with confident starts on inclines, and the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) keeps you informed before the first mile. These systems work hand in glove with the Ride Modes, tailoring responses to conditions without diluting the feel that riders expect. At Eisenhauer's Chesapeake Harley-Davidson®, we walk through how each setting interacts and how to configure the customizable mode for your style. It is another area where both bikes are equals, reflecting Harley-Davidson®’s commitment to tech that serves the ride, not the other way around.
Request more 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® near Frederick, MD information
Choosing between the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® comes down to the experience you want at the controls. Prefer a calm, locked-in highway demeanor with a wide horizon and dual headlamps? The Road Glide® has your name on it. Want the iconic Batwing silhouette with agile bar feel and a sweeping LED signature? The Street Glide® makes a compelling case. Both deliver the same core advancements—Milwaukee-Eight® 117 power with liquid-cooled heads, a 12.3-inch Skyline OS display, Ride Modes, robust audio, and the latest Rider Safety Enhancements—wrapped in two timeless interpretations of American touring. Our team at Eisenhauer's Chesapeake Harley-Davidson® is here to help you compare fit, ergonomics, and accessories that complement each platform. For riders near Frederick, MD who already know the kind of wind they like to feel, this is an easy and enjoyable decision. And for those weighing the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® for the first time, we are ready to guide you every step of the way at Eisenhauer's Chesapeake Harley-Davidson®.