2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra near Baltimore, MD
2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra
When long-mile touring meets modern technology, two icons stand out: the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra. Both are grounded in the latest Touring architecture and infused with rider-focused engineering, yet each brings a distinct personality to the road. The Road Glide® leans into its signature Sharknose, frame-mounted fairing and improved aerodynamics to deliver stable, quiet confidence at speed, while the Street Glide® Ultra answers the call for two-up comfort with its Batwing fairing, tall windshield, and generous storage anchored by a standard King Tour-Pak® luggage carrier. At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, we guide riders who are choosing between these two landmark tourers, particularly those traveling from corridors near Baltimore, MD. With a bright 12.3-inch TFT display on both bikes, intuitive ride modes, and sophisticated Rider Safety Enhancements, the decision becomes less about capability and more about fit. This is a 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra comparison for riders who value real-world usability, seamless tech, and long-range comfort without compromising the unmistakable style of Harley-Davidson®.
| Feature | 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® | 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Sharknose fairing (frame-mounted) | Yes | No |
| Batwing fairing (fork-mounted) | No | Yes |
| 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen with Skyline OS | Yes | Yes |
| Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin | Yes | Yes |
| Liquid-cooled cylinder heads | No | Yes |
| Vehicle Hold Control | Yes | Yes |
| Heated hand grips | No | Yes |
| Adjustable fairing lowers | No | Yes |
| Hard saddlebags | Yes | Yes |
| Cornering ABS with Traction Control | Yes | Yes |
Key Features
Both models integrate a modern interface and smart ergonomics around the rider. Each packs a 12.3-inch color TFT with Skyline OS for quick access to navigation, audio, and ride modes, while the Ultra adds hands-free voice recognition that makes on-the-go commands straightforward. The Street Glide® Ultra emphasizes long-distance amenities: heated grips, a plush two-up seat designed to rotate the rider’s hips forward to ease spine pressure, and a taller windshield that reduces helmet buffeting by up to 60 percent. It further improves comfort with fairing lowers featuring adjustable vents, fork-mounted air deflectors, and an optimized fairing skirt. The Road Glide® focuses on aerodynamics and reduced weight to enhance handling, pairing cast wheels with a streamlined Sharknose fairing that stays planted in crosswinds. Both benefit from Rider Safety Enhancements that work unobtrusively in the background and are there when needed most. Whether the priority is the calm, stable feel of a frame-mounted fairing or the classic silhouette and wind-management depth of the Batwing with lowers and deflectors, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra addresses a broad spectrum of touring needs near Baltimore, MD.
Dimensions
Touring proportions are purposeful on both motorcycles. The Road Glide® retains the low, composed stance that makes low-speed maneuvering approachable, while its frame-mounted Sharknose keeps steering light as speeds rise. The Street Glide® Ultra brings more built-in luggage capacity, highlighted by a standard King Tour-Pak® carrier with a robust passenger back pad and armrests, and combined storage of 4.9 cubic feet when paired with saddlebags and fairing cubbies. A taller clear windshield on the Ultra increases upright comfort and reduces buffeting, while its Batwing fairing and aerodynamic refinements shape airflow around rider and passenger. Both employ roomy floorboards, generous saddlebags, and wide fairings that create a relaxed cockpit for extended days in the saddle near Baltimore, MD. The end result is two travel-ready platforms that keep equipment, electronics, and personal gear organized and accessible without sacrificing the balanced, streamlined look expected from modern Harley-Davidson® Touring machines.
Engine
Power comes from the proven Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin in both models, delivering more torque and horsepower than prior 114 powertrains. On the Street Glide® Ultra, liquid-cooled cylinder heads and a centrally located radiator help manage heat more efficiently, directing cool air toward the intake for consistent performance across varied climates and elevations. The Road Glide® leans into responsive throttle delivery and a broad torque curve, pairing increased displacement with improved overall aerodynamics to translate engine output into confident forward momentum. Both motorcycles are engineered to cruise effortlessly at highway speeds and respond cleanly when the horizon opens. Refinements to intake airflow, combustion efficiency, and vibration isolation support smooth long-distance touring while keeping the signature character of a Harley-Davidson® V-Twin front and center.
Performance
Handling and composure define the riding experience. The Road Glide® benefits from reduced weight and a more efficient shape that helps the fairing cut through the air, increasing stability during passing and in gusty conditions. Cast wheels and carefully tuned suspension keep steering neutral and predictable, while the frame-mounted Sharknose fairing reduces steering inputs that can occur with crosswinds. The Street Glide® Ultra is built to cover ground in style and comfort with strong brakes and suspension designed to perform when the pavement starts to twist. SHOWA® dual outboard emulsion rear shocks deliver three inches of travel with quick, tool-free hydraulic preload adjustment, helping maintain consistent chassis attitude with a passenger and luggage. Whether you prefer the calm, planted feel of the Sharknose or the touring depth of the Batwing with lowers, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra comparison shows two distinct yet equally capable routes to premium touring.
Drive Train
Both motorcycles pair their Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twins with a 6-speed transmission tuned for smooth shifts and relaxed highway rpm. Power reaches the rear wheel through a durable belt final drive that minimizes maintenance while preserving that classic Harley-Davidson® feel. Throttle response is refined to align with selectable ride modes, giving riders flexibility to match conditions and preferences. On the Street Glide® Ultra, the added weight of a Tour-Pak® and two-up touring load is balanced by suspension and gearing that make confident roll-on acceleration a given. On the Road Glide®, the lighter overall package and aerodynamic efficiency make passing maneuvers feel effortless and composed. The overall effect is touring drivability that is quiet, polished, and ready to devour miles without fatigue.
Performance
Handling and composure define the riding experience. The Road Glide® benefits from reduced weight and a more efficient shape that helps the fairing cut through the air, increasing stability during passing and in gusty conditions. Cast wheels and carefully tuned suspension keep steering neutral and predictable, while the frame-mounted Sharknose fairing reduces steering inputs that can occur with crosswinds. The Street Glide® Ultra is built to cover ground in style and comfort with strong brakes and suspension designed to perform when the pavement starts to twist. SHOWA® dual outboard emulsion rear shocks deliver three inches of travel with quick, tool-free hydraulic preload adjustment, helping maintain consistent chassis attitude with a passenger and luggage. Whether you prefer the calm, planted feel of the Sharknose or the touring depth of the Batwing with lowers, the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra comparison shows two distinct yet equally capable routes to premium touring.
Chassis
Fairing design defines the chassis feel of each motorcycle. The Road Glide® uses a frame-mounted Sharknose fairing that keeps steering inputs light at speed and contributes to a stable, quiet pocket of air. The Street Glide® Ultra’s Batwing fairing is optimized through CFD, wind-tunnel testing, and extensive road miles; paired with a taller windshield, larger fork-mounted air deflectors, and a fairing skirt, it manages airflow to reduce buffeting and improve comfort. The Ultra’s fairing lowers add another layer of wind control with adjustable vents that can be opened for airflow or closed for maximum protection. Both bikes feature strong braking components and suspension tuned for loaded touring, with the Ultra’s SHOWA® rear shocks offering quick, by-hand preload changes. Together, these chassis choices shape two different ride signatures that converge on the same goal: high-mile composure and control.
Electric
Electronics are a highlight on both models. A bright 12.3-inch color TFT display with Skyline OS puts maps, media, and ride-mode controls at your fingertips, with a simple, low-distraction layout designed to keep attention on the road. The Street Glide® Ultra layers in hands-free Voice Recognition for built-in navigation—just say “Find me a gas station” and the system goes to work. Both platforms integrate Bluetooth connectivity for calls and audio, and harmonize with the Rider Safety Enhancements suite so settings are clear and easily managed. LED lighting boosts conspicuity and nighttime confidence, while the clean interface avoids clutter. At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, our team helps riders tailor cockpit preferences, from display layouts to audio priorities, ensuring the technology enhances the touring experience rather than becoming the focus on rides near Baltimore, MD.
Rider Safety Enhancements
Both motorcycles feature a comprehensive suite of Rider Safety Enhancements operating seamlessly in the background. Cornering ABS helps maintain braking control when leaned over, while Cornering Traction Control moderates wheel slip during corner exits. Drag-Torque Slip Control helps balance engine-braking forces on slick surfaces, and Vehicle Hold Control provides reassurance on hills by briefly preventing roll-back after releasing the brake. Tire Pressure Monitoring keeps tabs on inflation for optimal performance and tire longevity. On the Street Glide® Ultra, the taller windshield, fairing lowers, and ergonomic two-up seat provide additional comfort and control in changing conditions, complementing the electronics. The Road Glide® offers the calm stability of its Sharknose fairing and refined aerodynamics to reduce rider workload over long distances. Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC is committed to helping riders understand these systems and configure them to support their touring goals.
Request more 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra near Baltimore, MD information
Choosing between the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra comes down to ride personality and touring priorities. If a calm, planted feel at speed with minimal steering input speaks to you, the Road Glide® and its streamlined Sharknose fairing deliver. If two-up comfort, maximum wind control, and built-in storage are essential, the Street Glide® Ultra’s Batwing fairing, heated grips, Tour-Pak®, and tall windshield make every mile feel easier. Our team at Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC supports riders across the region, from daily commuters to cross-country tourers near Baltimore, MD, with guidance tailored to how you travel. Whether your next loop takes you through Fredericksburg and Hughesville or across state lines, both motorcycles offer a compelling blend of power, technology, and endurance rooted in Harley-Davidson® Touring DNA. This 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® vs 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® Ultra comparison underscores one truth—there is no wrong choice, only the right fit for your style of adventure.