The 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide is included in a recall for a potential clutch failure. The recall covers 177,636 motorcycles in the U.S. , so if you own one or are shopping for a used model, check its recall status first. The defect sits in the hydraulic clutch system, which may leak.
This guide explains what the defect can do, how dealers fix it, and the routine checks that keep the bike in good shape.
Overview of the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
The bike runs the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, which displaces 107 cubic inches (1,753.4 cc). It makes 111 ft-lbs (150.5 Nm) of torque, which matters most when you pull away with a passenger or luggage. Power goes through a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission.
Weight is the next thing to understand. The dry weight is 796 lbs (361.1 kg), and the wet weight is 829 lbs (376 kg). The wet number is the one you feel in parking lots and when you walk the bike off the stand.
| Specification | 2018 Street Glide |
|---|---|
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 107, 107 cubic inches (1,753.4 cc) |
| Torque | 111 ft-lbs (150.5 Nm) |
| Transmission | Six-speed Cruise Drive |
| Dry weight | 796 lbs (361.1 kg) |
| Wet weight | 829 lbs (376 kg) |
| Fuel tank | 6 gallons (22.7 liters) |
| Fuel economy | 45 mpg US combined |
The 6-gallon (22.7-liter) tank paired with the 45 mpg rating sets how often you stop for fuel on a long day. Plan your stops around that range, not around the tank size alone.
Common Issues on the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
The Clutch Recall
The recall targets a clutch defect, not a general wear item. The problem starts in the secondary clutch actuator, which may leak. The potential clutch failure covered by the recall comes from that part.
How the Defect Shows Up
The clutch defect can cause loss of control when you start in gear, shift into gear, or come to a stop. Those are low-speed moments when you are working the clutch and brakes together. A leak in that system deserves attention right away.
Warranty Claims and Crashes
By Oct. 10, Harley-Davidson had received 338 warranty claims and five crashes related to the clutch issue. Those counts are the clutch-related reports the company had on file at that date. They show why the recall was not a minor paperwork matter.
The Dealer Fix
Harley-Davidson dealers will install a new secondary actuator piston assembly on recalled motorcycles. If your bike is covered, the repair is a dealer job. Ask the dealer to confirm the work is done before you ride it.
Maintenance Schedule for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide
Harley-Davidson sets a short first-service interval for oil, then longer intervals after that. Use the table below as your baseline.
| Task | Interval |
|---|---|
| Oil and filter, first service | 1,000 miles |
| Oil and filter, after first service | Every 5,000 miles |
| Brake pad inspection | Every 2,500 miles |
| Brake pad inspection, adverse conditions | Every 1,000 miles or less |
| Tire replacement | Before tread reaches 1/32 in (.8mm) |
Oil Changes
Change the oil and filter every 5,000 miles after the first service. Change them more often for hard riding, dusty conditions, or cold weather. Always change the oil and filter before winter storage or any extended storage period.
Pre-Ride Walk-Around
Before each ride, check the frame for cracks and inspect every accessory mount. Look at the battery terminals for corrosion or damage, and check the battery for leaks or cracks. Check tire pressure in riding season, and look for tread wear, cracking, or bulging.
Apply each brake one at a time to confirm it works properly. Doing this on every walk-around takes only a minute and catches problems early.
2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Used Buying Checklist
Use this list before you hand over money for a used bike:
- Recall status. Confirm the clutch recall work was completed.
- Frame and mounts. Look for cracks in the frame and check every accessory mount.
- Battery. Inspect the terminals for corrosion and the battery for leaks or cracks.
- Tires. Check pressure, cracking, and bulging. Replace tires before tread reaches 1/32 in (.8mm).
- Brakes. Apply each brake one at a time. Brake pads are typically inspected every 2,500 miles.
- Service records. Look for the oil and filter change at the first 1,000 miles and every 5,000 miles after that.
Ask the seller for paperwork. Records that match the schedule tell you the bike was looked after.
Is the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Right for You?
The bike feels stable and comfortable at highway speeds once the cruise is set, as long as your riding position suits it. That makes it a fit for riders who cover long distances and want a relaxed setup. Ground clearance is 5.3 in (135 mm), and the wheels are a 19-inch front and 18-inch rear.
Fit matters more than the spec sheet suggests. One reviewer at 6-foot-2 found the fat grips, size-16 floorboards, and wide fuel tank made the bike feel oversized. If you want a bike that feels compact, skip it or sit on one first.
Comfort has limits. The wide seat does not protect your spine if you slouch to get wind protection. One reviewer spent hours on the bike and reported helmet buffeting from the windshield. Weather protection rises with speed, so the windshield helps most at highway pace.
The suspension gives you room to tune the ride. The telescopic front fork has adjustable rebound damping. The rear shocks adjust for preload and rebound, and the suspension is air adjustable. Skip the Street Glide if you want a light bike for tight parking, since its wet weight is 829 lbs (376 kg).
For a trim-by-trim view, read Road Glide vs Street Glide: Which Fits Your Riding?.
Alternatives to Consider
The Indian Chieftain Dark Horse is the rival in the facts most worth comparing. The Street Glide Special and Chieftain Dark Horse both weigh well north of 800 pounds, so neither is a lightweight.
| Spec | 2018 Street Glide | Indian Chieftain Dark Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Engine displacement | 107 cubic inches (1,753.4 cc) | 111 cubic inches |
| Wet weight | 829 lbs (376 kg) | 834 pounds |
The Dark Horse has a 26-inch seat height. One reviewer found the Indian’s 7-inch touchscreen made Milwaukee’s interface feel a full generation behind. If the infotainment screen matters most to you, that comparison points toward the Dark Horse.
Bottom Line
The 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide is covered by a clutch recall that touches 177,636 motorcycles in the U.S.. Dealers will install a new secondary actuator piston assembly to fix it. Check recall status before you buy, and keep oil changes on schedule every 5,000 miles. For a historical view of the brand’s touring line, see Harley-Davidson History: How the Brand Got Here.
Keep Reading on Gear & Road
FAQ
Was the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide included in a recall?
Yes. It is included in the recall for a potential clutch failure. Dealers will install a new secondary actuator piston assembly to fix the problem.
How often should I change the oil on a 2018 Street Glide?
Change the oil and filter at the first 1,000 miles. After that, change them every 5,000 miles, sooner for hard riding, dusty conditions, or cold weather.
What should I check on a used 2018 Street Glide before buying?
Start with recall status. Then check the frame and accessory mounts, the battery, the tires, and each brake.
Is the 2018 Street Glide a good motorcycle for taller riders?
A reviewer at 6-foot-2 found the fat grips, size-16 floorboards, and wide fuel tank made the bike feel oversized. Whether it fits you depends on your own reach and comfort, so sit on one before you buy.
Sources
- 6 Harley-Davidson Maintenance Essentials | Harley-Davidson USA
- Harley-Davidson Recalls 238,300 Motorcycles for Potential Clutch Failure
- 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Glide®
- For Spacious Skies | Cycle World | Issue 3 2018
- Harley-Davidson Releases Five Revised Touring Bikes
- 2018 Harley-Davidson Tourers: First Look
