Riding The 2007 Street GlideDo 134cc and one more gearbox ratio really make a difference?If you asked what changes I'd like to make to the 2006 Street Glide I rode across the country and back, more power wouldn't be in the top five, maybe not even in the top 10. However, I would ask for the six-speed drivetrain. As it turns out, all 2007 Harley big twins now offer both of the above in the form of the 1584cc Twin Cam 96 engine and six-speed Cruise Drive transmission.
Since I rode the 2006 FLHX immediately prior to 2007 Harley's press ride, the new FLHX was the bike I sought out first. The only significant change is the new drivetrain, so I would be able to focus on it.
For me, the most valuable change is the lower first gear. With the lighter clutch introduced in '06, it makes every take-off much smoother. It also meshes wonderfully with the Street Glide's excellent low-speed handling to make low-speed power as manageable as handling. Pulling away from a stop with the front end turned to the steering lock is easy; you can put your feet on the floorboards immediately and feel completely confident. Stop-and-go traffic isn't nearly as irksome. Closer ratio spacing makes it easier to shift smoothly, and shifting is quieter and smoother. I had no trouble finding neutral, but the light on the dash sometimes said I was in neutral when I wasn't.
Sixth gear is higher than the old fifth, dropping rpm slightly on the highway. The stronger engine easily overcomes the taller gearing and seems to pull harder in top than before. The motor and ratio changes combine to focus the bulk of the extra power where you want it most-for passes on the highway and at moderate rpm around town. Of course, if you want a stronger lunge, a downshift provides a milder change in rpm than with the five-speed. With fewer rpm at any given speed in top gear, fuel mileage should improve slightly.
If you're used to a carb, you'll probably be impressed by the fuel injection's crisper throttle response, now standard on all Harleys. You'll certainly like the instant starting. However, you still need to buy premium fuel for Big Twins.
With less noise from the gearbox, Harley's engineers could let more come from the exhaust system. The exhaust note is noticeably sharper and more robust.
Harley hopes the TC96 engine and Cruise Drive will motivate existing Harley owners to trade up. The new powertrain offers solid power and functional advantages with no drawbacks, so that may happen. Certainly, riders of '07 models are going to ride with a little extra swagger.-AF