Last updated on October 9th, 2025 at 12:26 pm
In a year where fuel costs remain volatile and long-distance touring is resurging among American riders, Harley-Davidson’s introduction of the 2025 Street Glide Ultra lands at just the right moment. Touring bikes are seeing renewed love, especially as weekend escapes and cross-country rides recover in popularity. Riders want more comfort, better tech, and machines that feel modern without losing soul.
For buyers in the U.S., the 2025 Street Glide Ultra signals a shift: Harley is no longer simply refining—it’s repositioning its touring flagship. This isn’t just a facelift. It’s a statement that the company is doubling down on the long-haul market, trying to merge classic Harley appeal with forward-looking technology and comfort upgrades.
If you imagine rolling out on Route 66 or threading through the Rockies, this is the new contender. But does it deliver on promise? Let’s dig into what’s new, what works, and what might still need refining.
Aerodynamics and Wind Management: The Batwing Gets Smarter
One of the earliest things riders will feel is how the redesigned Batwing fairing and taller windshield change the ride. Harley claims the new windshield is 4 inches taller than the standard Street Glide model and that it reduces helmet buffeting by up to 60 %.
Add to that new fairing lowers, fork-mounted air deflectors, and a fairing skirt designed to manage airflow around your legs, and you start to see where the gains lie. A dealer review noted that cruising down I-20, riders say their helmets no longer “bobble” as they had before. For long stretches of highway, that reduction in fatigue becomes meaningful.
New riders seem to appreciate this most, since consistent wind pressure is one of the toughest early hurdles in touring. The combination of ergonomic touches and better wind control lets you focus more on the ride and less on compensating.
Please take a look at this post as well: Harley-Davidson’s Big 2025 Shake-Up: New CEO, New Direction?
Power & Chassis: Muscle with Control
Underpinning the 2025 Street Glide Ultra is the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine, tuned to produce about 105 horsepower and 130 ft-lb of torque. This is an uptick over prior Ultra/Grand Touring (e.g. “Ultra Limited”) models, where torque was closer to 122 ft-lb. The jump in torque gives more grunt under load—useful when loaded with two-up gear and luggage.
Harley also reports weight savings: about 51 lbs lighter than the previous Ultra Limited. The braking system is also beefed up, with larger rotors (320 mm vs earlier 300 mm) to match the increased performance.
Suspension-wise, the Showa dual outboard emulsion shocks with 3 inches of travel and with manual (hydraulic) preload adjustment aim to keep the ride composed over a variety of surfaces.
Spec Table: 2025 Street Glide Ultra (key metrics)
| Specification | Value / Feature |
|---|---|
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin |
| Power | ~105 hp |
| Torque | ~130 ft-lb |
| Weight Reduction vs prior model | ~51 lbs |
| Windshield | 4 in taller than standard Street Glide |
| Suspension | Showa dual outboard emulsion shocks, 3 in travel |
| Brakes | 320 mm rotor (upgraded) |
| Infotainment | 12.3-inch TFT with Skyline OS |
| Rider Safety | Cornering ABS, Traction Control, Vehicle Hold Control |
| Storage | ~4.9 cu ft total (saddlebags, cubbies, Tour-Pak) |
Real-life impact: What do these specs mean when you ride? On open highways, the extra torque pushes through mid-range with authority—even when loaded with a passenger and gear. The lighter weight and stronger brakes help the bike feel more willing in curves than previous Ultra models. Wind mitigation is particularly impactful on long stints: less buffeting, less body strain. Over rougher secondary roads, the suspension and chassis do a credible job of keeping things stable, though you’ll still feel the size in tighter maneuvers.
Infotainment & Rider Aids: Skyline OS Enters the Frame
One of the headline changes is the switch from the older Boom!™ Box system to Skyline™ OS on the 2025 Street Glide Ultra. This upgrade is more than cosmetic. Riders get a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen, voice recognition, built-in navigation, Apple CarPlay support, and more user-friendly interface qualities.
Dealerships in Florida have already begun demonstrating how intuitive the new UI feels—for example, it supports glove-friendly touch, cleaner visuals, and easy mode switching (ride modes, settings).
Safety and control systems also evolve. The 2025 Ultra includes Cornering ABS, Traction Control, and Vehicle Hold Control (helping with hill starts) as part of its Rider Safety Enhancements suite. Together, these systems help in wet or twisty conditions and reduce the cognitive load on the rider.
In comparisons, this puts the 2025 Street Glide Ultra up close with other well-spec’d touring bikes that emphasize smart electronics (e.g. Honda Gold Wing, BMW K1600, Indian Roadmaster). Harley’s advantage is in blending that tech with its brand character.
You must read this post: Riding the Future with Heritage: 2026 BMW R 12 G/S Review
Comparing with What Came Before & the Competition
Vs. 2024 Ultra Limited / older Harleys
The shift from Ultra Limited to Street Glide Ultra is more than a badge change. The gains in torque, the weight drop, the upgraded fairing and wind control, and the full Skyline OS represent a more holistic refresh. Some critics and riders, though, have been vocal: early reactions on social media have described the styling as “ugly” or off-balance. That said, many of the performance and comfort changes outshine styling debates for most touring riders.
Vs. other touring bikes
Compared to rivals like the Honda Gold Wing or BMW K1600, Harley’s 2025 Ultra emphasizes the twin-cylinder rumble, simpler (less complex) packaging, and a heritage brand appeal. The horsepower and torque are less lofty than some inline-6 or flat-6 alternatives, but the Ultra bets on emotion and character. On price, the Ultra is positioned more accessibly than many ultra-luxury tourers, giving it appeal for riders who want flagship features without reaching flagship price.
What’s New, What’s Debatable, and What Riders Say
What’s new and exciting
- The 2025 Street Glide Ultra is a brand-new full touring model introduced in the 2025 Harley lineup.
- Skyline OS replacing Boom!™ Box is a meaningful upgrade in the rider experience.
- The torque bump to ~130 ft-lb, weight reduction, improved wind control, and enhanced fairing are all real upgrades.
- Riders on preview or first-ride events already report more stable helmet feel and less upper torso fatigue.
Areas riders and critics question
- Some early public reactions criticize styling, claiming proportions or lines feel off.
- The weight—while reduced—is still considerable, so low-speed handling in parking lots or tight city maneuvers may remain challenging.
- The new tech, while improved, will live or die on software updates, UI polish, and support over time.
Recent updates
- Harley has officially confirmed the model and placed it in the 2025 touring line-up.
- Dealerships are posting test-ride impressions and emphasizing the new wind protection and styling.
- In Tampa, the switch to Skyline OS has been highlighted by dealers as a key selling point.
- A few forums and social media threads cite that Harley quietly discontinued the Ultra Limited to make way for the Street Glide Ultra.
Should You Buy It Now? Who It’s Best For
If you’re a U.S. touring enthusiast hungry for the next generation of Harley performance and tech, the 2025 Street Glide Ultra is compelling. The improvements in comfort, wind control, and user interface deliver a modern ride without abandoning Harley’s character.
This bike is especially suited for:
- Committed touring riders who do cross-state rides and want a machine built for all-day mileage.
- Couples riding two-up who benefit from the storage, backrest, and comfort enhancements.
- Harley fans ready to upgrade from older Electra Glides or Ultra Limiteds, looking for meaningful gains.
However, if you prefer lighter bikes for urban use, or your riding is largely in tight city traffic, this might feel bulky in close quarters. Also, styling purists who dislike the new look might wait to see how aftermarket customizations evolve.
Conclusion
Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Street Glide Ultra is not just an incremental update—it’s a bold repositioning of what a flagship touring Harley should be. With better torque, reduced weight, refined aero, and a modern tech stack via Skyline OS, this motorcycle addresses many long-standing touring pain points. While style debates and low-speed bulk may remain talking points, for riders chasing long hauls and highway comfort, it’s a major stride forward. For U.S. buyers eyeing their next touring machine, the 2025 Street Glide Ultra deserves a serious look.
If you like, I can also craft a version tailored to specific U.S. markets (California, Texas, Florida) or compare it to specific rivals like the Gold Wing or Road Glide. Do you want that?