2006–2006 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 88 (FLHX Street Glide)

The Street Glide was based on the well-established Harley-Davidson Touring platform, sharing its frame and core powertrain with models like the Electra Glide. However, its design represented a significant departure from the traditional, fully-dressed look of its siblings. Instead of being an evolution of a previous model, the FLHX was a curated collection of styling choices designed to create a lower, cleaner, and more aggressive profile.

Key differences from the existing Electra Glide Standard (FLHT) included a lowered rear suspension, a short, smoked windscreen atop the iconic “batwing” fairing, and the removal of the front fender trim and running lights. The mirrors were moved from the handlebars to mounts inside the fairing for a cleaner look. At the rear, the fender was “cleaned up” by removing the bumperettes and tip light, creating a smoother, more streamlined appearance. The model also featured new, sleek saddlebag latches and a lower-profile, one-piece, two-up seat. These changes collectively gave the bike its signature low-slung, custom look directly from the factory floor.

At the heart of the 2006 Street Glide was the air-cooled, 45-degree V-Twin Twin Cam 88 engine. Displacing 88 cubic inches (1450cc), this engine was the standard for Harley-Davidson’s big twin lineup at the time. For the 2006 model year, the FLHX came standard with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), providing improved throttle response, reliability, and easier cold starts compared to the carbureted versions available on other models. The engine was paired with a five-speed manual transmission and delivered its power to the rear wheel via a belt drive.

The chassis was the standard single-spar, rigid backbone touring frame used across the lineup. The most notable modification for the Street Glide was its suspension. While the front featured a standard telescopic fork, the rear utilized air-adjustable shock absorbers that provided a 1-inch lower ride height compared to the Electra Glide. This not only contributed to the bike’s low profile and a lower seat height but also allowed the rider to adjust the suspension’s firmness with an air pump to accommodate a passenger or luggage. Braking was handled by dual 4-piston calipers on the front wheel and a single 4-piston caliper on the rear.

The introduction of the Street Glide was a pivotal moment for Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle was an immediate commercial success, resonating with a wide range of riders who desired the comfort of a touring bike without the perceived “old-fashioned” look of a full-dress machine. It effectively bridged the gap between the more stripped-down cruisers and the fully-appointed touring models.

The model’s success heavily influenced the direction of the motorcycle industry, popularizing the “bagger” style and prompting both Harley-Davidson and its competitors to develop similar models. The fundamental formula established by the 2006 FLHX—a batwing fairing, hard saddlebags, a lowered stance, and custom-inspired styling—has remained the core identity of the Street Glide through subsequent generations, even as the engine, chassis, and technology have undergone significant upgrades.