- Table of Contents
- 1. MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 4. DESIGN: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 5.1 Engine & Performance: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress
- 5.2 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Street Glide
- 6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress
- 6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street Glide
- 7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 8. PROS & CONS: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- 9.1 Why is the Moto Guzzi Moto MGX-21 Flying Fortress expensive?
- 9.2 What are the main differences between the Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress and the Harley Davidson Street Glide?
- 9.3 Which motorcycle is better for shorter riders: the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress or the Harley Davidson Street Glide?
- 9.4 Which motorcycle is more suitable for longer rides: the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress or the Harley Davidson Street Glide?
- 10. TAKEAWAY
1. MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY DAVIDSON HARLEY STREET GLIDE
Moto Guzzi is an Italian motorcycle company that has been around since 1920. Moto Guzzi is famous for its retro cruisers and STANDARD motorcycles. Released in 2017, the MGX-21 Flying Fortress a bagger motorcycle whose design is based on the Moto Guzzi California 1400 with a few tweaks, such as its larger front wheel and carbon fiber body.
The HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE is one of the oldest Harley models, being first launched in 1984. It was equipped with a five-speed transmission and a 1,337 cc engine that could deliver a horsepower of 50 hp. In 2006, it gained popularity due to being a heavyweight touring motorcycle with a large engine. In 2009, the entire Harley touring lineup received upgrades, including a new swingarm, engine mounting, frame, exhaust system, and wheel size.
Also Read: MOTO GUZZI V7 STONE VS HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET 750
2. DETAILED SPECS COMPARISON: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
| Moto Guzzi | Harley Davidson | |
|---|---|---|
| BASIC INFORMATION | ||
| Year | 2020 | 2022 |
| Model | MGX-21 Flying Fortress | Street Glide |
| Motorcycle Type | Bagger | Touring Bike |
| Base Price | $21,990 | $21,430 |
| Colors | Matte Black | Vivid Black, Midnight Crimson, and White Sand Pearl |
| ENGINE & SYSTEMS | ||
| Displacement | 84.2 cu in (1,380 cc) | 107 cu in (1,753 cc) |
| Engine Type | , V-Twin | Milwaukee-Eight, V-Twin |
| Cooling System | Air/oil-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10:1 |
| Stroke | 81.2 mm (3.2 in) | 111.25 mm (4.38 in) |
| Bore | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 100 mm (3.94 in) |
| Cylinders | Two | Two |
| Drive Train | Shaft | Belt |
| Transmission | Six-Speed | Six-Speed |
| Clutch | Single-disc with integrated anti-vibration buffer | Wet, nine-plate, Assist & Slip |
| Starter | Electric | Electric |
| Exhaust | Two-into-two | Two-into-one-into-two |
| Fuel Delivery System | Magnetic Marelli Injectors | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| PERFORMANCE & CAPACITY | ||
| Horsepower | 96 hp | 93 hp |
| Torque | 89 ft-lbs (120 Nm) @ 2,750 | 111 ft-lbs (150.5 Nm) @ 3,250 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.4 gal (20.5 L) | 6 gal (22.7 L) |
| Mileage | 35.2 MPG (15 km/l) | 43 MPG (18.2 km/l) |
| Oil Capacity | 4.2 quarts (4 L) | 5.2 quarts (4.9 L) |
| DIMENSIONS | ||
| Trail | 109 mm (4.2 in) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Rake | 27o | 26o |
| Seat Height | 740 mm (29.1 in) | 662.94 mm (26.1 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,695 mm (66.7 in) | 1625.6 mm (64 in) |
| Wet Weight | 701 lbs (314 kg) | 829 lbs (376 kg) |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm (6.4 in) | 134.6 mm (5.3 in) |
| Length | 2,445 mm (90.2 in) | 2,451 mm (96.5 in) |
| Width | 940 mm (37 in) | 960.1 mm (37.8 in) |
| Height | 1,115 mm (43.8 in) | 1,348.78 mm (53.1 in) |
3. SIMILARITIES & DIFFERENCES: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
| Key Similarities | Key Differences |
|---|---|
| Both contain a large front fairing | Both have different windshields |
| Both have a pre-installed passenger seat, hard saddlebags, and full-sized fenders | The MGX-21 is equipped with shaft drive, while the Street Glide is equipped with a belt drive |
| Both have dual exhausts | Both have different fuel tanks |
| Both are equipped with a V-Twin engine | The MGX-21 contains standard footrests, while the Street Glide has floorboards |
| Both of them have front and rear single-disc brakes | The Street Glide has pre-installed crash bars, while the MGX-21 does not |
| The headlight style is different on both motorcycles | |
| The MGX-21 is covered in matte black, while the Street Glide is covered in chrome | |
| The Street Glide has a single-screen display with multiple gauges, while the MGX-21 has dual dial analog and digital meters | |
| Both have different side indicators and side mirrors |
4. DESIGN: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
4.1 Design: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress
The MGX-21 Flying Fortress is a modern bagger motorcycle with a traditional riding position. It is available in only a matte black color scheme, equipped with carbon fiber saddlebags, fenders, rims, and a fuel tank. Like other Moto Guzzi motorcycles, the Flying Fortress also has a horizontally mounted engine that is red in color on top, matching the color of the front Brembo brake. It also has a large front matte black batwing fairing, pre-installed large HARD SADDLEBAGS, and dual matte black exhausts. At the front, it has a 46 mm fork with a wheel travel of 120 mm (4.7 in) and dual 320 mm disc brakes with a tire size of 130/70 R18. At the rear, it has dual spring preload-adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 110 mm (4.3 in) and a single 282 mm disc brake with a tire size of 200/60 R16.
4.2 Design: Harley Davidson Street Glide
The HARLEY STREET GLIDE is a touring motorcycle equipped with modern technology. It has a wide front batwing fairing with a small windshield, a pre-installed hard passenger seat, saddlebags, crash bars, and floorboards. The Street Glide has a chrome body, covering many of its parts, including the suspension, HANDLEBARS, CRASH BARS, engine, and exhaust. The Harley Street Glide has a round front headlight and front and rear full-sized fenders. At the front, it has a 41.3 mm telescopic fork with a wheel travel of 117 mm (4.6 in) and dual disc brakes with a 130/60B19 61H tire. At the rear, it has dual air-adjustable shocks with a wheel travel of 51 mm (2 in) and a single disc brake with a tire size of 180/65B16 81H.
5. ENGINE & PERFORMANCE: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
5.1 Engine & Performance: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress
The Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress has a 90^o V-Twin, air/oil-cooled engine mounted horizontally, with a displacement size of 84.2 cu in (1,380 cc). It has a bore size of 104 mm (4.1 in) and a stroke size of 81.2 mm (3.2 in), which offers a horsepower of 96 hp @ 6,500 rpm and torque of 120 Nm @ 2,750 rpm. The Flying Fortress has a single-disc clutch with an integrated anti-vibration buffer. It also has a fuel tank able to hold 5.4 gal (20.5 L) with Magnetic Marelli Injectors that deliver a fuel economy of 35.2 MPG (15 km/l). Finally, the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 is equipped with a maintenance-free shaft drive with a six-speed transmission.
5.2 Engine & Performance: Harley Davidson Street Glide
The Harley Street Glide has a Milwaukee-Eight, air-cooled, V-Twin engine with an engine size of 107 cu in (1,753 cc). This engine has a hydraulically actuated nine-plate wet clutch with assist & slip. Built with a bore and stroke size of 100 mm (3.94 in) and 111.25 mm (4.38 in), it has a horsepower of 93 hp @5,020 rpm and a torque of 150.5 Nm @ 3,250 rpm. The Street Glide has a fuel tank capable of holding 6 gal (22.7 L) with an ESPFI (Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection) that delivers a fuel economy of 43 MPG (18.2 km/l). It is equipped with a belt drive system with a six-speed transmission.
6. COMFORT & ERGONOMICS: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
6.1 Comfort & Ergonomics: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress
Photo Credit: @Motorcycle.com
The MGX-21 Flying Fortress is a bagger motorcycle with similar ergonomics very similar to touring motorcycles. It has wide swept-back handlebars that provide a straight-back riding position. Its good ergonomics come from its height of 1,115 mm (43.8 in), the seat height of 740 mm (29.1 in) combined with a trail size of 109 mm (4.2 in), and a rake angle of 27^o 50'. The Flying Fortress is a large heavyweight motorcycle with a length of 2,445 mm (90.2 in), a wheelbase of 1,695 mm (66.7 in), a width of 940 mm (37 in), and a weight of 314 kg. Though it is comfortable for riders of all sizes, it is not a beginner-friendly motorcycle.
6.2 Comfort & Ergonomics: Harley Davidson Street Glide
Photo Credit: @credr
The Harley Street Glide is a Grand American Touring motorcycle with wide handlebars and a low seat height of 26.1 in. With a height of 1,348.78 mm (53.1 in), a trail size of 170 mm (6.7 in), and a rake angle of 26^o, it has comfortable ergonomics for all riders. However, because of its heavy weight of 376 kg, it is not recommended for novice riders. The Harley Street Glide has swept-back handlebars and forward-mounted floorboards which offer a straight-back riding position. The motorcycle’s bulky build comes from its overall length of 2,451 mm (96.5 in), wheelbase of 1,625.6 mm (64 in), and width of 960.1 mm (37.8 in).
Also Read: HARLEY DAVIDSON STREET GLIDE VS HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE
7. TECHNOLOGY & FEATURES: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
| FEATURES | MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 | HARLEY STREET GLIDE |
|---|---|---|
| ABS | Standard | Optional |
| Instrument Cluster | Handlebar-mounted | Handlebar-mounted |
| Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Clock | ✔ | X |
| Engine Kill Switch | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speedometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Odometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tachometer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Gear Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel Gauge | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fuel Warning Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low Battery Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Low Oil Indicator | ✔ | ✔ |
| Slip & Assist Clutch | X | ✔ |
8. PROS & CONS: MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 FLYING FORTRESS VS HARLEY STREET GLIDE
8.1 Pros & Cons: Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress
| MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 PROS | MOTO GUZZI MGX-21 CONS |
|---|---|
| Traction control is included | Expensive price |
| Throttle modes are included | Smaller engine than competitors |
| ABS is included | High and wide seat is unsuitable for short riders |
| Infotainment system is included | Not a good sound |
| Reliable braking | |
| Great aesthetics | |
| Easy to maneuver | |
| Suitable for tall and heavyweight riders | |
| Low-maintenance shaft drive is included |
8.2 Pros & Cons: Harley Davidson Street Glide
| HARLEY STREET GLIDE PROS | HARLEY STREET GLIDE CONS |
|---|---|
| Comfortable seats | Heavyweight |
| Pre-installed saddlebags, crash bars, and floorboards | Expensive |
| Cruise control is included | ABS is not standard |
| Infotainment is pre-installed | Difficult to ride through city |
| Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) | Low horsepower |
| Torquey engine | |
| Suitable for all riders | |
| Ideal touring motorcycle |
9. FAQ
9.1 Why is the Moto Guzzi Moto MGX-21 Flying Fortress expensive?
The Flying Fortress has a lot of carbon fiber in its build, including saddlebags, fuel tanks, rims, and fenders, and carbon fiber is an expensive material. Moreover, this model has several standard features, including cruise control, traction control, riding modes, and an infotainment system.
9.2 What are the main differences between the Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress and the Harley Davidson Street Glide?
Both motorcycles have different designs and aesthetic appeal. The Flying Fortress is only available in matte black, while the Street Glide is available in three colors. The Street Glide has a bigger engine capable of producing more torque, but the Flying Fortress is capable of producing more horsepower.
Also Read: MOST COMMON ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLE RIDING MISTAKES & HOW TO AVOID THEM
9.3 Which motorcycle is better for shorter riders: the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress or the Harley Davidson Street Glide?
The Harley Street Glide is a better option for shorter riders because of its seat height of 26.1 in, while the Flying Fortress has a seat height of 29.1 in. The Street Glide is also heavier than the Flying Fortress which makes it more difficult for beginners to handle.
9.4 Which motorcycle is more suitable for longer rides: the Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress or the Harley Davidson Street Glide?
Both motorcycles have powerful engines, good fuel capacity, and mileage, produce decent amounts of torque, and offer comfortable riding positions. Both have pre-installed SADDLEBAGS and FAIRINGS, though the Street Glide also comes with crash bars as well. In conclusion, both models are good options for longer rides.
10. TAKEAWAY
The Moto Guzzi MGX-21 Flying Fortress and the Harley Davidson Street Glide are heavyweight motorcycles with all the features found in touring and bagger motorcycles. Both can be fitted with extra LUGGAGE SPACE and CRASH BARS, but neither of them has a pre-installed backrest or SISSY BAR.
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