2012 Harley-Davidson Dyna Tremendous Glide Customized Overview

The title Tremendous Glide has been part of Harley-Davidson’s vocabulary for 41 years. Whereas not a mannequin repeatedly within the lineup because the first SG – penned by Willie G. Davidson – was launched in 1971, the title Tremendous Glide has surfaced on and off through the years.In 2012 the Tremendous Glide Customized continues the custom of representing the core product from the Milwaukee firm: a cruiser that sticks to basic Harley styling, has a low seat peak matched with an easy-going ergonomic match and is powered by a 45-degree, air-cooled, pushrod big-bore V-Twin. The Tremendous Glide Customized, in some ways, is Harley-Davidson.

The SGC perpetuates the Tremendous Glide lineage however brings that lineage into the twenty first century with conveniences like gasoline injection, which gives exact throttle response, and electrical begin – a far cry from the unique Tremendous Glide’s kickstart-only methodology of firing up its Huge Twin.

As a part of the Dyna line, the SGC enjoys different trendy subtleties like the newest era Harley switchgear, now with a brand new, ergonomically pleasant form for the buttons and switches that function with a delicate toggle fairly than the distinct on or off place of earlier switchgear. A flash-to-pass high-beam button is built-in into the headlight swap, whereas a gear-position indicator and RPM readout are actually a part of the LCD inset within the tank-mounted devices.

The SGC even boasts self-cancelling flip alerts. Scoff in the event you like at one thing seemingly so insignificant, however to at the present time there are a selection of high-tech, high-performance bikes available on the market that for some motive live on with out the lowly self-cancelling sign.

A brand new ECU and superior electrical system not solely cut back the quantity of wiring crucial on the S’Glide, however are additionally able to dealing with sooner processing speeds for issues like ABS that’s now out there solely as a part of the optionally available Safety Package deal ($1195). For 2012 Harley made updates particular to ABS on Dynas by means of diminished dimensions for a single electro-hydraulic management unit. Expanded diagnostics functionality for the system means Harley may use one management module for each the entrance and rear brakes fairly than separate models for every brake set.

One other out there improve for 2012 is Harley’s new tubeless Chrome Profile laced (spoke) wheels.

From a distance the wheels appear like some other spoke hoops, however seen up shut you’ll be aware their beneficiant width and seamless edge that blends completely with the Michelin Scorcher tires. The chrome end on the wheel rim is lustrous and gleaming, giving them a liquid metallic look.

Our solely gripe with the wheels is the regrettable location of the tire-balancing wheel weights. On our take a look at unit the weights had been fitted on to the rim, protruding like a sore thumb on the in any other case elegant enchantment of those attractive rims. We’d’ve most well-liked as an alternative to see a spoke-mounted sort of wheel weight.

A Traditional Harley Look, and Journey

Straddling the Tremendous Glide Customized is a snap due to its notably low 26.5-inch seat peak that ought to permit virtually everybody of not less than common peak and inseam to securely plant each boots flat.

The short-ish attain to the buckhorn model handlebar is a welcome ergo high quality, nevertheless, additionally quick is the seat-to-peg distance. Some riders may recognize the peg/seat relation, however the mid-control placement of the spherical rubber pegs exacerbates that quick distance and at instances creates an odd feeling, as if your knees are driving larger than they need to.

Editor Duke, Troy Siahaan and myself all measure in round 5 toes 8 inches, whereas new-ish man, Tom Roderick, is near a dashing six-feet tall. No shock that Tom discovered the SGC’s peg placement unappealing, however the remainder of us common fellas had been equally dissatisfied with the cramped quarters created by the pegs’ location.

One other space the place the Customized will get quick is in rear suspension journey, simply 3.1 inches. “Even my minimal weight brought on the shocks to backside over bigger bumps,” notes Kevin. When the street floor is generally in good restore, the SGC is a easy trip. One other unlucky byproduct of a low trip is proscribed lean angle. Harley claims 29.5 levels of lean for the fitting aspect, with 30.9 levels for the left.

Augering the left-side rubber footpeg into the asphalt isn’t overly intimidating in the event you’ve scrapped a peg or two in your day, however attempting to show to the fitting with identical diploma of confidence will shortly outcome within the disconcerting sound of exhausting components on tarmac.

A hose clamp holding the decrease muffler’s warmth protect in place will get shaved down to close nothingness. On our bike the clamp is now rendered ineffective because the screw head is all however disintegrated, and even the decrease muffler itself is displaying indicators of minor contact with the street. This isn’t essentially a brand new phenomenon on Harley fashions with restricted suspension journey and low seat heights; however we nonetheless point out the tendency towards early contact down as pleasant caveat.

The SG Customized’s Twin Cam 96 (1584cc) is the focus on this Harley. A run on Gene Thomason Racing’s dyno noticed a greatest results of 64.5 hp at 5000 rpm and a wholesome 81.8 ft-lb at 3250 rpm. The SG’s claimed curb weight of 679 kilos, whereas not feathery, contributes to the TC96 feeling extra spirited than what the dyno signifies. The 1597cc Triumph Thunderbird, whereas extra highly effective than the SGC, ideas in at a plump 746 kilos ready-to-ride.

Within the Dyna line the TC96 is rubber-mounted, which suggests there’s a complete lotta shakin’ goin’ on, “particularly at idle and through compression braking,” states Kevin. As soon as underneath energy the Huge Twin smoothes out significantly, notably at cruising speeds, however Tom nonetheless detected vibration at varied factors within the rev vary relying on gear choice.

We applaud Harley for implementing ABS throughout a lot of its product line, both as normal tools or a part of an choices bundle – few cruiser makers have made this daring leap. The system’s presence is splendidly absent to the attention, save for a small telltale cable main up from every wheel hub. And whereas not the least intrusive ABS out there, the system does operate adequately. Sadly, brake efficiency from the only disc and caliper up entrance is merely lackluster.

“I felt like I needed to clamp on the entrance brake lever fairly exhausting to sluggish the bike down,” remarks masterful rider Troy. “Braking energy is definitely first rate, however just like the rear brake, I may use just a little extra really feel from the system.”

The Coronary heart of a Huge Twin Harley at a Stunning Worth

The Tremendous Glide Customized isn’t with out its faults, however with some inventive purchasing within the aftermarket plenty of the bike’s drawbacks are throughout the everyman’s grasp to treatment. H-D’s Twin Cam 103 has supplanted the TC96 as the usual difficulty Huge Boy for plenty of Harleys in 2012, however the 96-incher powering the Tremendous Glide Customized continues to be an iconic large-displacement American V-Twin.

Whereas the Tremendous Glide customized is, fortunately, mild years faraway from the unique Tremendous Glide, it nonetheless encompasses the spirit and essence of Harley-Davidson’s iconic Huge Twin heritage. In the event you’re on the lookout for the mannequin that represents the core of a Harley, you may have the 2012 SGC beginning at $12,999.

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