Harley-davidson Wide Glide
The Harley-davidson Wide Glide has a top speed of 175 km/h (estimate; varies by year and engine spec), produces 68 hp and weighs 317 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.3/10.
The Harley-Davidson Wide Glide was introduced in 1980 as part of the FX Super Glide family, distinguished by its wide-spaced, ape-hanger handlebars, bobbed rear fender, and raked-out front fork that gave it a distinctive chopper-inspired appearance. It was briefly discontinued in 1986 but revived in 1989 and continued as a popular model in the Dyna family through 2017, when Harley-Davidson discontinued the Dyna lineup in favor of the new Softail platform. The Wide Glide is celebrated as one of Harley's most iconic factory customs, blending old-school bobber aesthetics with touring-capable performance.
68 hp
Power
113 Nm
Torque
317 kg
Weight
175 km/h (estimate; varies by year and engine spec)
Top Speed
6.7 L/100km (approx. 15 km/L) — estimate based on typical Twin Cam 96/103 real-world usage
Fuel
Naked
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Watch the Primary Chain
Older Evo-era Wide Glides (1980–1999) are known for primary chain tensioner wear — inspect for slack or noise before buying. Upgraded aftermarket tensioners are a common and affordable fix.
Strong Resale Value
The Wide Glide's distinctive wide-set springer-style forks and chopper aesthetic give it strong cult appeal, keeping resale values competitive among used Softails and Dynas. Well-maintained examples hold value better than many comparable cruisers.
Twin Cam Heat Issues
2000–2017 Twin Cam 88/96-powered Wide Glides can run hot in slow traffic, which accelerates oil degradation — frequent oil changes (every 3,000–4,000 miles) are strongly recommended to extend engine life.
Generations & Specs by Year
Original FXW Wide Glide introduced with wide-spaced forks, flame paint, ape-hanger bars, bobbed rear fender.
"Unapologetic rolling sculpture that actually goes somewhere."
The Wide Glide is the motorcycle equivalent of a barroom dare — those wide-spaced 41mm forks and ape-hangers announce your arrival before the Shovelhead's potato-potato idle does, and honestly that's half the point. Mine was an '82, and the Shovelhead leaked from three places before the first oil change, ran hot in traffic, and needed the points reset more often than I'd like to admit; the '84-onward Evolution models fixed most of that misery overnight. At highway speeds the bobbed rear fender throws road grit directly into your spine, the ape-hangers turn your arms into sails above 120 km/h, and the wide fork stance makes slow-speed parking lot maneuvers a white-knuckle exercise in inertia management. But drop into a two-lane backroad at an honest pace and this bike has a rolling, lazy confidence that no metric cruiser has ever replicated — it's not fast, it's not precise, but it has a presence that makes you forget every annoyance.
Pros
Cons
Reintroduced after hiatus; Evolution engine, revised frame, updated electrics, modern styling retained chopper theme.
"A rolling sculpture that actually goes somewhere."
The Wide Glide's raked-out front end and wide-spaced forks turn every gas station into a photo opportunity, but this isn't just a show pony — the Evo 80ci pulls with genuine authority from 2,500 rpm, and that 90 Nm torque figure feels honest at legal highway speeds. Comfort is surprisingly decent for a chopper-geometry bike, though anything beyond 160 km/h turns the 296 kg into a wrestling match with crosswinds. The real weakness is heat: summer lane filtering will cook your right leg through your jeans, and the carbed fueling can be grumpy below 50°F until she's properly warmed. What Harley got right with this reintroduction was keeping the long, low chopper soul intact while wrapping it in an engine that doesn't leave you stranded — reliability from this era Evolution is genuinely solid if you keep the oil fresh.
Pros
Cons
Twin Cam 96 then 103 engine, six-speed transmission, refreshed chassis, ABS option added later.
Used Buyer Review
"A style-first cruiser that rewards riders who know exactly what they want."
$6,500-$14,000 usedThe Wide Glide is one of Harley's most visually striking customs from the factory — that raked-out front end and wide-spaced fork tubes genuinely turn heads, and the low-slung bobber aesthetic holds up decades later. If you're buying used, target the 2010-and-newer Twin Cam 96 models minimum. Earlier Evo-era bikes have charm but demand more wrenching patience than most modern riders want to deal with. The 2010+ FXDWG is mechanically solid if maintained properly. Here's the honest part nobody tells you: this isn't a canyon carver or a touring machine. It's a boulevard cruiser built for looking good at 45mph, and it does that brilliantly. Handling is ponderous, wind protection is zero, and your wrists will ache past 100 miles. Check the primary chain tensioner, look for weeping gaskets everywhere, and inspect for any custom modifications that could mask crash damage. Low-mileage examples from weekend riders are out there and worth hunting for.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Wide Glide — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALListen for rattling on cold start near primary cover
Ticking noise, check service history for replacement
Oil residue on lower fork tubes near seals
Check voltage at idle, inspect handlebar wiring connectors
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid cruiser, maintain cam tensioners religiously
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Wide Glide
Harley-davidson Dyna Low Rider
Harley-davidson Dyna Street Bob
Harley-davidson Deuce
Harley-davidson Dyna Super Glide
Harley-davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Compare Harley-davidson Wide Glide Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
Harley-davidson Wide Glide vs Harley-davidson Dyna Low Rider
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Wide Glide vs Harley-davidson Dyna Street Bob
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Wide Glide vs Harley-davidson Deuce
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Wide Glide vs Harley-davidson Dyna Super Glide
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
Harley-davidson Wide Glide vs Harley-davidson Dyna Wide Glide
Specs · Power · Buyer verdict
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Wide Glide? +
Primary chain tensioner wear and slipping: Listen for rattling on cold start near primary cover (moderate) | Cam chain tensioner failure on Twin Cams: Ticking noise, check service history for replacement (serious) | Fork seal leaks on extended front end: Oil residue on lower fork tubes near seals (moderate)
Is the Harley-davidson Wide Glide a good motorcycle? +
A style-first cruiser that rewards riders who know exactly what they want. Rating: 7.3/10. Best for: Urban image-conscious riders prioritizing style over function. Avoid if: You ride long distances or twisty roads regularly.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Wide Glide? +
The Harley-davidson Wide Glide produces 68 hp @ 5,500 rpm (Twin Cam 96B, later models; note: earlier Evo-era models produced approx. 55–60 hp), with 113 Nm @ 3,500 rpm (Twin Cam 96B; estimate for later Dyna-era models) of torque. Top speed: 175 km/h (estimate; varies by year and engine spec).
Is the Harley-davidson Wide Glide good for beginners? +
Yes — the Harley-davidson Wide Glide is a reasonable choice for new riders (68 hp is manageable), weighing 317 kg. Urban image-conscious riders prioritizing style over function
Is the Harley-davidson Wide Glide reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Harley-davidson Wide Glide, notably: Cam chain tensioner failure on Twin Cams (Ticking noise, check service history for replacement). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Wide Glide good for daily use? +
Urban image-conscious riders prioritizing style over function Fuel: 6.7 L/100km (approx. 15 km/L) — estimate based on typical Twin Cam 96/103 real-world usage.
How fast is the Harley-davidson Wide Glide? +
The Harley-davidson Wide Glide reaches a top speed of 175 km/h (estimate; varies by year and engine spec), producing 68 hp at 317 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Wide Glide? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Wide Glide, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/wide-glide/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
