The 2023 Harley-Davidson Street Glide stands as a symbol of American cruising excellence, expertly blending classic design with modern technology to create an iconic Touring motorcycle that suits both the open highway and urban cruising. The assumed balance of power, smooth torque delivery, and reliable build make it a compelling choice for riders seeking both performance and comfort on longer rides.
While the factory specification is impressive, many riders turn to carefully selected upgrades to enhance the Street Glide’s performance, cooling capabilities, customized style, and riding comfort. We will unpack the reasoning and benefits behind some most popular modifications.
Performance: Keeping the M8 Engine Running Strong
The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine is no slouch, but as with any high-performance motorcycle engine, it's designed with specific trade-offs aimed to balance power, durability, and emissions compliance.
Many riders who plan extended rides, frequent stop-and-go trips, or spirited riding seek to optimize the engine’s cooling, lubrication, and ventilation systems to ensure sustained performance and mechanical longevity.
1. Upgrade Your Transmission Top Cover
The stock transmission top cover on Harley-Davidson Touring models is solid and does its job protecting the internals; however, it typically seals the transmission’s crankcase pressure. This can cause slight resistance against the oil pump, as excess pressure builds up inside the crankcase during operation.
An aftermarket vented transmission top cover improves pressure relief, allowing trapped gases and excess pressure to vent out. The additional venting helps reduce crankcase pressure-induced oil leaks, improves overall engine health, and contributes to quieter crankcase operation, especially noticeable during long, demanding rides or in hot weather conditions.
This results in smoother oil pump operation, better lubrication efficiency, and slightly cooler engine operation.
2. Replace your Oil Filter
Standard oil filters work through a mesh or paper element, these filters can clog over time and reduce oil flow, which may increase engine wear if not changed regularly. A reusable magnetic oil filter complements traditional designs by using powerful neodymium magnets embedded in the filter body to capture metallic debris suspended in the oil.
This type of filter effectively traps fine iron particles and other ferrous contaminants that commonly escape mesh filters but can cause microscopic wear over time. Unlike disposable filters, magnetic filters are cleaned and reused, making them cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
For the Street Glide rider, employing a magnetic oil filter means better engine protection on long tours where oil change intervals might be extended, and the engine runs under diverse conditions. The enhanced filtration helps maintain clean oil, reduce wear on critical engine components such as camshafts and bearings, and stabilize oil pressure for reliable lubrication performance.
3. Adds Dual Engine Oil Cooler Kit
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of engine performance and longevity. While the Milwaukee-Eight uses air and oil cooling, hotter summer temps, long mountainous climbs, or heavy throttle usage can push the engine oil temperature upward, reducing its ability to lubricate effectively and accelerating component wear.
A dual engine oil cooler kit markedly lowers oil temps, reduce excessive engine heat, ensuring your street glide runs smoother and stays in peak condition. These kits feature cooling fins and made with high-performance materials for quick heat dissipation, mounted in positions optimizing airflow without disrupting your Harley's designed aerodynamics or aesthetics.
Modular and detachable designs ensure ease of installation and maintenance, allowing riders to remove or service the cooler without dismantling other components. Cooled oil helps stabilize engine thermal stresses, protects seals and gaskets from heat-related degradation, and improves overall throttle response by ensuring consistent oil flow under various environmental and riding conditions. For the frequent touring or spirited rider, this upgrade delivers peace of mind and performance reliability.
Customized Style: Personalized Flair Also Matters
Performance is paramount, but Harley-Davidson motorcycles are loyal to tradition by blending function with iconic style. Street Glide owners often wish to add personal touches that enhance both the bike’s visual appeal and practical function.
1. Transparent Derby Clutch Cover
Much like the vented transmission cover, the transparent primary derby clutch cover replaces the stock solid cover on the bike’s left side. This component allows riders a fascinating glimpse into the heart of the primary drive—the clutch assembly—as it operates.
The dual-color finish adds a layer of sophistication and visual intrigue. It permits quick inspection for cleanliness, clutch condition, or early signs of wear without tearing down components, improving serviceability.
2. Saddle Bag Latch Decorative Covers
The Street Glide’s saddlebags are a hallmark feature, and their hardware is subject to continuous use, environmental exposure, and wear. Decorative latch covers add protection while elevating the luggage compartment’s unique customized style.
In addition to aesthetics, tougher latch covers resist dirt and moisture ingress better, helping to prolong latch mechanism life and maintain reliable closure during travel.
3. Finned Spark Plug Covers
Spark plugs are vital to the engine’s combustion process, operating under intense heat and vibration. The M8 finned spark plug covers serve two purposes: they improve heat dissipation and add a classic, customized look reminiscent of vintage air-cooled engines.
On the aesthetic side, they provide an elegant detail that highlights the engine’s mechanical nature and fits seamlessly within the Street Glide’s engine design language.
Ride Comfort: Enhance Control & Reduce Fatigue
Rider comfort directly impacts enjoyment and safety, especially on the long-distance touring routes the Street Glide was made for. Thoughtful control and ergonomic upgrades make a significant difference.
1. Two-Finger Clutch Brake Shorty Levers
Stock hand levers, while functional, often require a full four-finger grip for optimal operation, which can lead to hand fatigue over long rides or in stop-and-go traffic.
Two-finger shorty levers are compact, allowing riders to comfortably modulate clutch and brake control with just two fingers without sacrificing control precision.
This upgrade ensures less hand strain and quicker reaction times, contributing to safer riding experiences in varied traffic conditions.
2. Enlarged Rider Insert Footboards
Foot comfort is equally important on long hauls. Stock footboards provide limited surface area and may lead to hot spots under the foot after hours of riding. Enlarged rider insert footboards increase the contact area, providing better grip and more stable footing.
By distributing weight more evenly, these footboards reduce foot fatigue and enhance control, helping the rider maintain a steady and comfortable riding position. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for taller riders or those who spend significant time on the highway.
3. Convex Rear View Mirrors Kit
Situational awareness on a motorcycle is paramount for safety. The standard mirrors often provide a limited field of vision, creating blind spots.
Convex mirrors curve outward, expanding the rider’s rearward vision. The wider field of view helps detect vehicles and obstacles beyond the reach of flat mirrors, reducing accident risk when changing lanes or maneuvering at speed. And they come with dual-color sleek housings that fit the Street Glide’s style, blending form with function.
4. Extended Heel Toe Gear Shift Levers
Shifting gears on the Street Glide is smooth, but they may not meet the expectaions for the taller riders.
Extended heel-toe shift levers can makes gear changes for taller riders more easier and natural, decreasing foot fatigue and allowing quicker throttle response. It’s especially helpful for riders who navigate mixed urban and highway conditions regularly.
For Touring enthusiasts, such upgrades maximize the joy and safety of every mile put under the wheels, making the Street Glide not just a bike, but a lifelong companion on every journey.
