2016 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown
Engineered by Harley-Davidson for the touring motorcycle segment, the 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special pairs a 1688 cc (103 cu in) oil & air-cooled v2, four-stroke architecture with road-focused gearing. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 87 HP (63.5 kW) at 5,100 rpm while maximum torque reaches 138 Nm (101.8 lb-ft) at 3,250 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 6-speed gearbox and belt final drive. With a specific output of 51.5 HP per liter and a 1,850 rpm working window between peak torque (3,250 rpm) and peak power (5,100 rpm), the engine character is prioritizing low-RPM tractability, mechanical longevity and relaxed throttle response over peak redline numbers.
On the scales, the Street Glide Special measures 372 kg (820 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.23 HP/kg (4.28 kg per horsepower). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 695 mm (27.4 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,625 mm (64 in) wheelbase engineered for planted straight-line stability. The 22.7-liter (6 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5.6 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 405 km (252 miles) between fill-ups.
Within MotoLibrary's Harley-Davidson archive, this model family spans 10 indexed model years from 2014 to 2023, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.
Specific Output
51.5 HP/L
Power-to-Weight
0.23 HP/kg (4.28 kg/HP)
Power Band Window
3,250–5,100 rpm
Theoretical Range
~405 km (252 mi)
Engine
Displacement1688.0 ccm (103.00 cubic inches)
Engine TypeV2, four-stroke
Engine DetailsIntegrated Oil-Cooler
Power87.0 HP (63.5 kW)) @ 5100 RPM
Torque138.0 Nm (14.1 kgf-m or 101.8 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM
Seat Height695 mm (27.4 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Overall Length2451 mm (96.5 inches)
Fuel Capacity22.70 litres (6.00 US gallons)
Oil Capacity3.80 litres (4.02 US quarts)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsDeep Jade Pearl, Amber Whiskey, Cosmic Blue Pearl, Hard Candy Black Gold Flake, Hard Candy Gold Flake, Vivid Black, Black Denim, Charcoal Denim, Velocity Red Sunglo.
InstrumentsFairing-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer; time-of-day clock on CD player/stereo; dual trip meter; low fuel indicator light and mileage countdown feature; low oil pressure indicator light; engine diagnostics readout; LED indicator lights; 6-speed indicator light Tachometer with fuel, voltage, oil pressure and ambient air temperature gauges
LightHigh beam, running lights, front fender light, directional light bar, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warning, cruise control (optional), ABS (optional)
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Power
Compare engine output with similar motorcycles if acceleration, highway use or two-up riding matters.
Torque
Torque is useful for judging real-world pull, especially for touring, commuting and loaded riding.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
