The 2011 Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom balances raw big-twin power with stripped-back Dyna chassis agility. You'll find a rubber-mounted Twin Cam 96 engine paired with a six-speed transmission inside a classic custom cruiser layout. It delivers authentic American V-twin torque without the heavy touring weight found on larger bagger models.
If you're shopping for a used Dyna or researching classic Harley-Davidson specs, you need accurate data on weight, engine output, handling characteristics, and common maintenance issues. This review breaks down what makes the 2011 model unique, how it rides on real roads, and what you should check before buying one today.
Engine Performance and Specifications
Powering the 2011 Super Glide Custom (FXDC) is the iconic Twin Cam 96 cubic-inch V-twin engine, displacing 1,584cc. It pumps out approximately 92 foot-pounds of torque at 3,000 RPM, giving you instant acceleration off the line without needing to rev high.
The motor is rubber-mounted to the frame. This dampens harsh high-frequency vibrations at cruising speeds while letting you feel the traditional Harley pulse at idle. Power travels through a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission, dropping highway RPMs for a relaxed ride at legal limits.
Key factory mechanical specifications include:
- Engine Type: Air-cooled, Twin Cam 96
- Displacement: 1,584 cc (96 cubic inches)
- Torque Output: 92 lb-ft at 3,000 RPM
- Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
- Transmission: 6-speed Cruise Drive
- Final Drive: Belt drive
Handling, Chassis, and Rider Ergonomics
The Dyna chassis gives the Super Glide Custom a sharp, responsive feel compared to Softail models of the same era. You sit low in the bike with a seat height of 26.8 inches, making it easy to plant both feet flat at a stoplight. Mid-controls come standard, positioning your feet directly beneath you for active cornering posture.
Weighing in at roughly 670 pounds dry (around 705 pounds wet), the bike carries its weight low. However, you'll notice the long 64.2-inch wheelbase on tight, low-speed turns. Out on open sweepers and two-lane country roads, the chassis tracks straight and stable. The front 49mm forks and dual rear shocks absorb bumps adequately, though aggressive riders often upgrade the rear suspension for better dampening over rough pavement.
Factory Features and Custom Styling
Harley-Davidson built the Custom variant of the Super Glide to bridge the gap between factory minimalism and custom garage style. You get a distinctive tank-mounted speedometer housed in a polished console, laced steel wheels with chrome rims, and a two-up seat with a tapered profile.
Chrome accents cover the powertrain, primary drive cover, and staggered shorty exhaust headers. The 4.7-gallon fuel tank provides a reliable cruising range of roughly 180 to 200 miles depending on your throttle hand and highway speeds. Dual-piston front brakes and single-piston rear brakes handle stopping duties, providing adequate bite for a machine of this weight class.
Common Issues and Maintenance Checkpoints
Buying or maintaining a used 2011 model requires inspecting specific wear items inherent to the Twin Cam era. Cam chain tensioners on Twin Cam engines received hydraulic upgrades in 2007, making them far more reliable than older spring-loaded versions, but you should still listen for abnormal valve train noise during cold starts.
Watch out for these common maintenance checkpoints:
- Primary Chain Tensioner: Check for excessive wear inside the primary drive housing during routine fluid changes.
- Rubber Motor Mounts: Worn front or rear isolators cause excessive engine movement and vague handling in corners.
- Wheel Bearings: Inspect sealed wheel bearings for play, especially on bikes with high mileage or aftermarket wheels.
- Electrical Grounding: Corrosion at the main frame ground can cause intermittent starter or dash lighting issues.
Buying Guide and Used Market Pricing
When evaluating a used 2011 Super Glide Custom, condition and modification history dictate market value. Many previous owners added aftermarket exhaust systems, fuel tuners like the Power Commander, or handlebar changes. A clean, well-maintained stock bike often commands a premium among purists.
Prices typically range from $6,000 to $9,500 depending on mileage, cosmetic condition, and service records. Always request maintenance logs and check for clean title status before finalizing a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fuel economy of a 2011 Harley-Davidson Super Glide Custom?
You can expect an average fuel economy of roughly 40 to 45 miles per gallon under mixed riding conditions, yielding nearly 200 miles of range from the 4.7-gallon tank.
Is the 2011 Super Glide Custom good for beginners?
Its heavy weight (over 700 pounds wet) and strong low-end torque make it challenging for absolute beginners. Riders with basic motorcycle endorsement training and cruiser experience will find it manageable, but new riders should practice low-speed parking lot maneuvers carefully.
How does the Super Glide Custom differ from the Fat Bob?
While both share the Dyna frame, the Super Glide Custom features laced wire wheels, a narrower front tire, a traditional single headlight, and classic styling. The Fat Bob uses wider dual headlights, solid disc-style wheels, and thicker front forks for a muscular, aggressive stance.
Can you take a 2011 Super Glide Custom on long road trips?
Yes, you can easily tour on this motorcycle by adding a detachable windshield, sissy bar luggage bag, or soft saddlebags. The stock seat is comfortable for a few hours, though long-distance riders frequently swap it for an aftermarket touring saddle.
