As on a few of Harley's other 2010 models, the Wide Glide also emphasizes a reduced seat height-meant to boost riders' confidence. With its 25.5 inch seat height, swinging a boot over the new 'Glide is effortless, and the solo saddle makes it easy to position yourself around the Street Bob-sourced fuel tank. Straddling the bike may be a breeze, but the reach to the forward-set pegs is a stretch for those with short inseams (i.e. Yours Truly). The reach to the internally wired 1.25-inch handlebar on four-inch risers is a bit easier, and makes for a drag-style riding slouch. The seat is firm but supportive, and the tank-mounted speedometer is easy enough to read.
The Wide Glide's Twin Cam 96 motor fires up with the expected bark, but unlike the counterbalanced Softails, the Dyna line quells its vibes with rubber mounts. That makes for a case of the shakes at idle and low revs, but at cruising speeds, the motor is unobtrusive. Throttle response and fuel delivery is very smooth, though at Denver's mile-high altitude, we felt initial grunt from the TC96 was less than impressive. Because peak torque comes at 3,000 rpm, the bike seems happiest at mid range revs.
As you'd expect, low-speed maneuverability is somewhat compromised by the combination of a raked-out fork with a 21-inch front wheel and a lengthy 68.3 inch wheelbase, meaning things can be a bit awkward in the parking lot. A light-effort clutch help keep the floppy response at the handlebar manageable, and in urban riding, the on-tap power and low center of gravity make it manageable enough.
Once rolling, however, the Wide Glide is more fun than its stretched out profile would have you believe. I wasn't expecting big things from the Wide Glide, with its skinny tire and slammed suspension, but the semi-chopper nearly redeemed itself on twisty roads. In most situations the Glide feels solid and composed, though when it's confronted with successive road irregularities, the bike can struggle to regain its balance. And when you're heeled over in a corner with the suspension loaded, the rear can easily get overwhelmed by large bumps. Speaking of corners, the Wide Glide comports itself well around most sweepers-especially left-handers-but in right handers, the low hanging exhaust means less ground clearance.
All of Harley's Big Twins are equipped with the 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, which for 2010 get a helical-cut fifth gear to snub gear whine. Gear selection is positive, clutch engagement is progressive, and gearing is fairly tall; more than once we found ourselves lugging the engine because of a too-quick upshift. Of bigger concern was the single disc front brake, which-even with a four piston caliper-provided only adequate stopping power.
That said, many of the Harley faithful will probably overlook those points in favor of the uniquely swept lines of the Wide Glide-it's a nicely refined bit of old school cool, or, as Harley calls it, "affordable attitude." The $14,499 base price is for the Vivid Black Wide Glide. For an extra $375, you can go with the Red Hot Sunglo, but check out the Vivid Black with clear-coated flames for $15,194-technically, one of Harley's finest paint applications.