Harley-Davidson has been busy covering all of their bases over the past year or two. There has been the tremendous hype over their electric bike, the LiveWire. They have floated pictures of a streetfighter bike and a big adventure bike. The FXDR showed up in dealerships last fall and was advertised with videos of the bike on a race track. Now the Motor Company is reaching back into its roots with the latest version of the Electra Glide Standard.
The EGS has not been in the model lineup for several years. If a buyer wanted a touring bike with a fairing the only choices included at least a radio and speakers. The Road King continued to be available, but it only has a windshield. So the new EGS is offered as a bike for those who want the comfort and advantages of a full touring motorcycle at a reduced price.
As noted, one major difference is the lack of an entertainment and Bluetooth system. The hole is there in the dash if a buyer wants to install a system. It seems as though Harley could have manufactured some sort of cover for the gaping hole so it could be useful for storage. The bike does not come with driving lights, only the single halogen headlamp. The 107 cubic inch engine is the only option and will be more than enough power for most riders. The suspension is identical to the other touring bikes in the lineup.
An interesting note about the introduction of this bike is that no one, not even the dealers, knew it was coming. I spoke to a salesman at my dealership, Vandervest Harley Davidson in Green Bay, and they found out about it the day before it showed up. It must have something to do with marketing and sales of the new products when the decisions are made about announcing their arrival.
I have not had an opportunity to ride this new bike, but I plan to try it out this summer.
