The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra is a touring motorcycle designed to meet the demands of long-distance two-up riding. This model integrates a powerful engine, aerodynamic improvements, increased storage capacity, and a range of technology and safety systems developed to enhance the touring experience. The features and specifications focus on functionality and rider control, making the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra a technically capable option for riders prioritizing performance and reliability.
Engine Performance and Powertrain
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine, a V-twin powerplant that delivers 105 horsepower and 130 foot-pounds of torque. This output supports steady acceleration and sustained cruising, providing sufficient torque for carrying two riders and luggage without strain. The engine’s design contributes to fuel efficiency with an estimated 44 miles per gallon, which benefits riders undertaking extended trips. The seat height is set at 26.9 inches when fully loaded, allowing for rider stability and control.
Design and Aerodynamics
This model retains the classic Batwing fairing but includes refinements made using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing. These aerodynamic adjustments are aimed at reducing rider buffeting and increasing wind protection. The windshield height is increased by four inches compared to the standard Street Glide® models. This taller, clear windshield reduces helmet buffeting by up to 60 percent, which lowers rider fatigue on lengthy journeys.
The two-up comfort seat is engineered with an ergonomic design that shifts the rider’s hips forward to relieve spinal pressure. This design supports rider endurance on extended rides and offers additional support to the passenger. Heated hand grips are integrated to maintain hand warmth in colder conditions, improving comfort without the need for additional gear.
Storage capacity has been increased significantly with the inclusion of the King Tour-Pak® luggage carrier. The luggage carrier includes a robust passenger back pad with armrests for passenger stability and comfort. Along with the hard-shell luggage carrier, the model features large saddlebags and fairing cubbies, totaling 4.9 cubic feet of combined storage space. This volume is more than double that of the standard Street Glide®, supporting the storage needs required for long-distance touring. Saddlebag guards are incorporated and finished to match the bike’s trim to protect the bodywork in the event of a tip-over.
Suspension and Handling
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra features SHOWA® dual outboard emulsion shocks at the rear, offering three inches of travel. These shocks provide a consistent response and can be adjusted manually via remote hydraulic preload. This allows riders to adapt suspension stiffness to their load and road conditions quickly, supporting both comfort and control.
New fairing lowers with adjustable air vents and larger fork-mounted air deflectors improve airflow management. These components reduce wind turbulence and direct air away from the rider when needed or allow increased airflow to the torso. The fairing skirt works with these elements to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and contribute to visual flow in the bike’s design.
Technology and Rider Interface
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen color TFT display featuring the Skyline™ operating system. The screen offers high-resolution visibility and touchscreen responsiveness to allow easy access to the motorcycle’s infotainment and control systems. The interface supports navigation, audio control, ride mode selection, and other key functions.
Navigation is integrated with a hands-free voice recognition system, enabling riders to issue commands such as finding fuel stations or destinations without removing their hands from the controls.
The motorcycle offers four ride modes, allowing the rider to customize engine response and traction control settings based on riding conditions and personal preference. These ride modes provide flexibility when transitioning between highway cruising, urban traffic, or winding roads.
Rider Safety Systems
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra integrates Rider Safety Enhancements (RSE), a suite of electronic systems designed to support control in varying road conditions and scenarios. Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) prevents wheel lockup during braking, which helps maintain directional control under heavy braking.
Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) electronically applies braking force to both front and rear wheels when the front brake lever or rear brake pedal is engaged. This feature optimizes brake balance and improves stopping efficiency. The Traction Control System (TCS) reduces rear wheel spin during acceleration, improving grip and rider confidence, especially on slippery surfaces.
The Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) manages rear wheel slip caused by abrupt downshifts or throttle reduction. This system is effective on wet or low-traction surfaces, helping to prevent wheel lock and maintain stability.
Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) assists with hill starts by holding the brakes temporarily after they are released. This prevents the motorcycle from rolling backward or forward on inclines, aiding control during stop-and-go situations on ramps or hills. It should be noted that VHC is not a parking brake substitute.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) continuously monitors tire inflation and alerts the rider via the information display if pressure falls outside of optimal ranges. Proper tire pressure improves handling, safety, and tire longevity.
Cornering-enhanced versions of ABS, ELB, TCS, and DSCS adjust intervention based on the lean angle of the motorcycle. These systems maintain stability and braking efficiency during turns, supporting safe handling when the bike is leaned over.
Schedule a Test Ride at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson®
Riders looking to cover serious ground will appreciate the engineering behind the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra. Its Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine handles steep climbs and long stretches with steady torque, while refined aerodynamics keep wind resistance manageable at higher speeds. Safety systems like traction control and electronic braking respond fluidly to changes in road surface and lean angle. Instead of relying on specs alone, try it out yourself on the open road. You can schedule your test ride at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson® near Bentonville, AR, and see how well it fits your touring goals.