Portsmouth Riders Experience with the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide®'s Engine Dynamics
Have you ever heard the rumble of a Harley-Davidson® V-Twin engine and felt an immediate rush of excitement? That deep, throaty rumble represents freedom, power, and a legacy built on the open road. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® enhances this legacy with the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine—the most powerful engine ever fitted to a 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide®. But what makes this engine so special? And why should it matter to you, the rider who craves performance, comfort, and authenticity? Let’s dive in and find out.
Transitioning from that iconic rumble, it’s worth exploring how H-D®’s Milwaukee-Eight® engine lineup has defined touring models since 2017. Known for its smooth power delivery and reduced vibrations, this series has continuously evolved to meet the expectations of modern riders. Enter the Milwaukee-Eight® 117—H-D®’s boldest step yet. With increased displacement, enhanced airflow, and cutting-edge cooling technology, the 117 marks a significant leap in both power and efficiency. If you thought the Milwaukee-Eight® 114 was impressive, wait until you experience the 117. The difference is noticeable and exhilarating.
Building on this foundation of evolution, let’s consider what all these enhancements mean on the road. Imagine this: you’re accelerating effortlessly with 130 ft-lb of torque at 3,250 RPM. From overtaking traffic to climbing steep hills, the power is there when you need it. With 105 HP at 4,600 RPM, you’ll feel a surge of confidence during high-speed cruising. The high-performance touring intake boosts airflow, ensuring your throttle response is crisp and acceleration is smooth—because what’s a ride if it doesn’t feel as good as it looks?
Speaking of how it feels, real-world riding brings its own challenges. Navigating city traffic? Smooth throttle control makes stop-and-go conditions a breeze. Hitting the highway? That added horsepower means you can overtake with ease and cruise comfortably at speed. Got passengers or luggage? No problem. The rear suspension’s adjustable preload settings ensure stable handling, so you can enjoy a comfortable, controlled ride no matter the load.
And let’s not forget the impact of long rides. Often, they mean dealing with engine heat—especially in stop-and-go traffic. The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 changes the game here. Its liquid-cooled system efficiently manages heat, ensuring the engine performs optimally under all conditions. This smart balance between H-D®’s iconic air-cooled tradition and modern advancements means you get reliability and performance without sacrificing that signature H-D® feel.
While we’re on the topic of performance, what about efficiency? With an estimated fuel economy of 44 MPG, the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 proves that power and efficiency can go hand in hand. Thanks to the Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) system, the engine delivers precise fuel-air mixtures for optimal performance and efficiency. Fewer stops at the pump mean more time on the road—exactly where you want to be.
But performance and efficiency mean nothing without the signature rumble. The unmistakable H-D® rumble is alive and well in the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide®. The 2-1-2 dual exhaust system with tapered mufflers produces a deep, resonant rumble that’s music to any rider’s ears. Plus, refined vibration control ensures you still get that authentic Harley-Davidson® feel—raw and connected—without sacrificing comfort.
Now, if all this talk about power, performance, and iconic rumble has you itching for more, why not expand your horizons? If you're eager to take your riding skills beyond the pavement, Harley-Davidson® offers an Adventure Touring Rider Course designed specifically for licensed riders who own an Adventure Touring motorcycle. This one-day, six-hour on-range course focuses on equipping you with the essential skills needed to confidently handle off-road conditions. You'll learn techniques such as controlled braking and acceleration on low-traction surfaces, standing and pivoting postures, counterweighting, rear-wheel steering, and how to surmount obstacles. No prior off-road experience is required, making it an excellent opportunity to expand your riding horizons and explore backcountry trails and forestry roads with confidence.
Bringing it all together, is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 a worthy upgrade? Absolutely. If you’re a rider who loves long-distance tours, often rides with passengers, or simply wants superior throttle response, this engine was made for you. It outshines other touring motorcycles in its class, offering a perfect balance of performance, ride quality, and that iconic Harley-Davidson® character we all know and love.
If you’re still wondering, “Is it really that good?”—there’s only one way to find out. Why not combine power and skill? After all, mastering your riding technique can take your experience to new heights. Consider enrolling in the Adventure Touring Rider Course to refine your off-road skills and then feel the power of the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine for yourself. Schedule a test ride of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide® today at Bayside Harley-Davidson® in Portsmouth, VA. Trust us; this is one experience you won’t want to miss.