A wolf in a fox's skin

Harley Davidson Sport Glide 107 - Road test review

It's worth mentioning that my encounter with this model occurred when a guest rider joined us on one of our club's rides. With its sleek design, the Sport Glide is a remarkable machine (although personally, I would do away with the small windshield fender). During a trip around the city, I was impressed by the seat's comfort, especially when navigating the potholes of South Tel Aviv. Contrary to my expectations of stiffness, the softness of the rear suspension was remarkable, ensuring a smooth ride without jarring impacts on the spine.

The positioning of the front controls aligns well with the location of the rear brake pedal, and the clutch operates smoothly. Personally, I prefer a wider stance, allowing for rapid braking with the foot positioned close to the brake pedal.

We embarked on a journey along Route 232 to Otef Yisrael's Ra'im parking area on a Saturday. During the safety briefing with the SAMSON RIDERS MC club's road captain, I mentioned my intention to test the Sport Glide's handling capabilities.

Equipped with a 1,746 cc engine, 86 horsepower, and eight valves, the Sport Glide responded promptly to throttle inputs on Highway 4, urging for more power with each acceleration. Shifting into sixth gear, I effortlessly reached a speed of 170 km/h.

The Sport Glide accommodates both a leaned-forward (sporty) and a more relaxed riding position. As previously mentioned, the windshield primarily deflects wind aimed at the stomach.

While cruising at 120 km/h, I couldn't help but notice the familiarity of the Sport Glide's feel and seating position with another Harley Davidson model—the Fat Bob from the 2015-2017 lineup. It struck me that despite the name change, the modifications are primarily cosmetic, with the core attributes remaining unchanged.

The motorcycle is well-suited for riders of varying heights, even those with shorter legs, maneuvering at traffic lights is effortless, and at 172 cm tall, I found the riding experience enjoyable. The admiring glances from other motorists reaffirmed the Sport Glide's aesthetic appeal. It embodies the quintessential Harley profile, seamlessly integrating rider and machine.

We turned into Route 232, which was doomed by the sight of the blackened road where the October 7th slaughter occurred, and arrived at the Ra'im parking area, the site of the Nova Party. Route 232 features sandy terrain instead of pavement, and I navigated without issues. Despite the challenging conditions, the motorcycle maintained its grip, courtesy of the 180-rear tire.

Upon leaving the infamous Route 232, I decided to push the limits, navigating the sharp turns with confidence, I felt like the Sport Glide was talking to me and saying "Ride and breathe life into these curves of death" I'm here with you.

Regrettably, the footrests slightly hindered the motorcycle's ability to lean fully and maintain traction on the asphalt during aggressive maneuvers. My apologies to the Harley Davidson store for any unintentional limitations encountered. As we approached a traffic signal, signaling a left turn towards the city “Sderot”, I exchanged glances with Banjo, the Road Captain, and couldn't help but recall a Jim Carrey expression. It was a moment of light-heartedness amidst our safe return home.

In conclusion, the Sport Glide is an excellent choice for riders aspiring to experience the thrill of a Harley with a sporty edge. Its comfort and exceptional road grip make it suitable for both leisurely rides and adventurous outings. It appeals to those who seek leadership within the group while also craving individuality and attracting attention. In summary, it's a "wolf in a fox's skin."

I extend my gratitude to Mr. Daniel Freiman, CEO of Elber Motorcycles, and Mr. Haim Guetta, National Sales Manager, for their patience and support of my enthusiastic endeavors.

“Only Those who love dare 🦊“

Written by Mr. Niro Goldberger, President of Samson Riders MC.