What’s Special About the Limited-Edition 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Earlier this year, the Electra Glide Revival kicked off Harley-Davidson’s new Icons Collection. However, modern recreations of classic models won’t be the only kinds of limited-edition bikes Harley makes. At this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Harley-Davidson revealed a limited-edition version of the 2021 Street Glide Special. But what makes this version of the bagger ‘special’? And is it worth getting in line for?

What makes this limited-edition 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special different from a regular Street Glide?

2021 Harley-Davidson Arctic Blast Street Glide Special side | Harley-Davidson
Spec Harley-Davidson Arctic Blast Street Glide Special Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special Harley-Davidson Street Glide
Engine 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 air/oil-cooled V-twin 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 air/oil-cooled V-twin 1746cc Milwaukee-Eight 107 air/oil-cooled V-twin
Power 90 hp (Roadshow) 90 hp (Roadshow) 83 hp (based on Cycle World dyno testing)
Torque 118 lb-ft 118 lb-ft 111 lb-ft
Transmission Six-speed manual with slip-assist clutch Six-speed manual with slip-assist clutch Six-speed manual with slip-assist clutch
Curb weight 827 lbs 827 lbs 829 lbs
Seat height 27.2″ 27.2″ 27.4″
Ground clearance 4.9″ 4.9″ 5.3″
Front suspension travel 4.6″ 4.6″ 4.6″
Rear suspension travel 2.15″ 2.15″ 2.1″

Mechanically, the biggest difference between the 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special and the ‘regular’ Street Glide is the different engines. However, that’s not the only thing that makes the Special, well, more special.

Firstly, the Special has larger bags and a low-profile engine guard, Ultimate Motorcycling says. It also has a larger color TFT touchscreen display and an upgraded infotainment system with navigation, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay as well as hand and voice commands. Plus, an LED headlight and spoked wheels with an optional blacked-out design.

The side view of a red 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special in front of a yellow building
2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special side | Harley-Davidson

So, how does the limited-edition 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special compare to the ‘regular’ model? For one, it comes standard with the otherwise optional Reflex Defensive Rider System. The standard Harley-Davidson Street Glide already has cruise control ABS-equipped Brembo brakes. However, RDRS adds cornering-enhanced ABS, traction control, rear-wheel-slip control, hill-hold assist, and tire-pressure monitoring. In other words, the extra safety features the new Sportster S has as standard.

But the biggest difference between the limited-edition model and the regular bike is the former’s paint job. The paint scheme is called ‘Arctic Blast,’ and it’s applied by hand at Gunslinger Custom Paint in Golden, Colorado. Yes, even that front honeycomb pattern. This explains the bike’s official name: ‘2021 Harley-Davidson Arctic Blast Limited Edition Street Glide Special.’

How much does the limited-edition 2021 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special cost?

A close-up of the front fairing on a white-blue-and-black 2021 Harley-Davidson Arctic Blast Street Glide Special
2021 Harley-Davidson Arctic Blast Street Glide Special fairing detail | Harley-Davidson

The 2021 Harley-Davidson Arctic Blast Street Glide Special starts at $38,899. In comparison, the ‘regular’ Special starts at $27,099; the non-Special bike starts at $21,999. Oh, and if you want the matching Arctic Blast-painted luggage carrier, it’s an extra $1,699.95.

Those who want one of these limited-edition baggers will have to get in line fast. Harley’s only making 500 examples for the whole world, and orders are already open.

Is the special-edition bagger worth buying?

The side 3/4 view of a gray-and-black 2021 Indian Chieftain Elite by a riverside bridge
2021 Indian Chieftain Elite side 3/4 | Indian

Discounting the $995 RDRS, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Arctic Blast Street Glide Special costs roughly $11K more than the ‘regular’ Special. For some, that might seem like a lot of cash for a paint job.

However, it’s worth remembering that the limited-edition 2021 Indian Chieftain Elite cost about $7000 more than the standard Chieftain. And most of that premium, understandably, came from the hand-applied paint. Though to be fair, the Chieftain Elite also threw in some extra audio and infotainment features.

So, is the limited-edition Special worth waiting in line for? According to NADA Guides, “high-end…and exceptional custom paint jobs” can cost anywhere from $15,000-$30,000. Given that Gunslinger has a decades-long history with Harley-Davidson, the $11K premium is arguably justified. It just depends on whether or not you like the look or not. And if you don’t, the Special has cheaper colors available.

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The Pros and Cons of the 2022 Toyota Sienna’s Fully Digital Owner’s Manual

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to innovation and forward-thinking ideas in the auto industry, a few manufacturers spring to mind. Tesla is one, of course. And BMW has made strides in recent years, especially in its 5 Series. But on the other end of the spectrum, manufacturers like Honda and Toyota are mostly seen as reliable, affordable options. But the 2022 Toyota Sienna is making an interesting leap forward, and it will be intriguing to see if other manufacturers follow suit.

An unexpected innovation in the Toyota Sienna

2022 Toyota Sienna Woodland Special Edition interior | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Toyota has been slow to embrace progress in recent decades, even going so far as lobbying against electric vehicles in Congress. But the company turned heads in late July when it announced the 2021 Sienna would have its owner’s manual available as part of the Toyota Driver’s Companion feature in the Toyota App. Not to be outdone by Siri and Cortana, Toyota’s app features Joya, a virtual assistant eager to help with all of your Toyota-related queries.

Joya (along with the rest of the app) has been added to what’s already the only minivan recommended by Consumer Reports. The 2021 Toyota Sienna has its pros and cons, and one of the positive traits is the “impressive infotainment system.” Perhaps it wasn’t too much of a stretch to use the already included tech to load the owner’s manual digitally along with the rest of the enhancements.

Will the paper manual remain in the Toyota Sienna?

Yes, the hard copy of the manual will still be available. Toyota told Jalopnik that the paper driver’s manual “will still be available with 2021 Sienna models” and that “Driver’s Companion is meant to be an enhancement of the manual.” The company is likely testing the waters with this release.

The 2022 Toyota Sienna includes a Woodland Special Edition that provides limited off-road capabilities — much more than you’d expect from a minivan, at least. Because the app uses Google Cloud services, it’s entirely possible that adventuresome Woodland drivers could find themselves in an area without cell service and need to consult the manual.

It’s reassuring to know the paper version will remain for the foreseeable future. An alternative solution would be to download the information locally, but adding gigabytes of data to the Sienna’s onboard hard drive adds unnecessary complications.

The future of owner’s manuals

Owner’s manuals have been a staple of cars for nearly a century. They’re seldom used but can also provide crucial information in some scenarios. The 2020 Hyundai Sonata received a recall after only a few months due to incorrect tire pressure information in the owner’s manual (and printed on the car itself). The owner’s manual is basically the car’s Bible and must be accurate in the rare event it’s needed. But this hasn’t done much to make them interesting or exciting, so it’s a breath of fresh air to see Toyota taking steps in that direction.

The reputations of these books are so dull that Oreo recently made headlines by disguising its packages to look like Ford owner’s manuals. If manufacturers everywhere moved toward digital versions of the app, where would cookie enthusiasts hide their stash? Augmented reality (AR) is beginning to see applications in luxury cars such as the Audi Q4 e-tron. How far away is Toyota from introducing AR and letting Joya take the driver on an adventure around the vehicle?

The auto industry is probably a few years away from fully digital owner’s manuals — whether or not they’re accompanied by a helpful virtual assistant. But Toyota’s entrance into the space is interesting, and the automaker is taking an unexpected gamble. Whether the risk succeeds or fails, other manufacturers will be taking notes. It’s unlikely we’ve seen the last of the digital owner’s manual.

RELATED: The Toyota Sienna Is Not the Most Fuel-Efficient Minivan

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How to Save Your Brakes as a City Driver

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Look at gas mileage ratings, and you’ll see a big discrepancy between highway driving and city driving. You’ll notice the same differences when comparing the life expectancy of brakes. Traffic lights, road work, and other factors typical of metropolitan streets contribute to wear and tear on your car. If you want to know how to save your brakes as a city driver, read on. These tips might even improve your car safety and save your life.

Tip #1: Don’t wait until the last second to stop

City driving can wreak havoc on a vehicle’s brakes | Ben Hasty/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images

When you drive in the city, pay attention to everything around you, and pay extra attention to what’s in front of you. When you see a stop sign or yellow light ahead, take your foot off the gas and allow your vehicle to slow and coast to a stop. If you see brake lights ahead of you on the highway, do the same thing. This lets your engine perform some of the work and save excess wear and tear on your brakes.

In city traffic, adhere to the three-second rule. Choose a stationary object that’s parallel to the car ahead of you. An intersection, building, or billboard will do the trick. Count to three as your car approaches the object. If it takes less than three seconds to get there, you’re following too closely, Les Schwab Tires reports. Always leave enough space between you and the car ahead to avoid stop-and-go traffic, which wreaks havoc on your brakes.

Tip #2: Save your brakes on steep hills

If you drive in San Francisco or another hilly city, put your vehicle into low gear when heading downhill. Lightly pump the brakes while letting the engine do most of the work.

Riding the brakes all the way down a steep hill is a bad idea because it keeps the pads in constant contact with the rotors. When you balance engine braking and pumping your brakes while driving downhill, your braking system has a chance to cool. It might cause a slight amount of engine wear, but it can save your brake drums, pads, rotors, and calipers.

However, Les Schwab Tires says you should never use this method on icy roads because you could lose control.

Signs that your brakes are wearing out

Potholes, speed bumps, near-collisions, and drivers who merge without warning are just some of the things that make city driving chaotic. Ambulances, red lights, and road maintenance crews also affect city driving in ways that take their toll on brakes.

Pay attention to how far the pedal goes down when you step on it. A pedal that goes closer to the floor than usual is a symptom of worn-out brake pads. Take a peek between the wheel spokes. If they’re less than a quarter-inch thick, they need to be replaced. If your car pulls to one side as you stop, your brake linings might be wearing unevenly. If your pedal vibrates, it could be a sign that your rotors are warped.

Responsible car ownership entails planning to prevent small problems from becoming big headaches. Maintain your vehicle with regular tune-ups to enjoy safer, more efficient city driving.

RELATED: How to Stop Your Car if the Brakes Fail

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Is the 2022 Kia Carnival Pretending to Be Something It’s Not?

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Minivan models are some of the most utility-oriented vehicles in the automotive world. They aren’t known for flash or style, but they are some of the most value-packed premium people movers around. New colors, blacked-out wheels, and all-wheel drive powertrains seem to have the sole mission of putting the minivan on the map in a way that competes with the ever-popular crossover SUV. Is the 2022 Kia Carnival pretending to be something it’s not? 

2022 Kia Carnival | Kia

Critics have already claimed that the all-new 2021 Toyota Sienna is bringing fresh relevance to the formerly drab minivan lineup. Now the 2022 Kia Carnival enters the scene taking design cues from some of its crossover brethren. But it’s a minivan, not an SUV. 

Is the 2022 Kia Carnival worth the hype? 

It’s no secret that the 2022 Kia Carnival has received quite a bit of hype. Especially considering it’s a minivan, Kia’s all-new minivan has made waves with the Korean Grand Carnival debut that showed us an SUV-like van with seating for up to eleven passengers. Now it’s come stateside and it seems that no one is quite sure what to make of it. 

The style is undeniably rugged for a minivan. Black wheels nestled beneath fenders and a front grille that announces the 2022 Kia Carnival’s presence in any school pick-up line give consumers a new perspective on what it might mean to be the owner of a minivan. But is it worth the hype? 

The ability to produce an upscale vehicle with loads of value even in the base model has become Kia’s most recent calling card. New models like the Kia Telluride and the Kia K5 offer fresh designs, long lists of standard equipment, and accessible prices for mainstream buyers. While we can’t say for sure that the 2022 Kia Carnival is worth the ‘hype,’ so to speak, we do think it’s worth some attention and at least a test drive. 

How much is Kia’s new minivan? 

the 2022 kia carnival on display at an indoor auto show with onlookers testing the seats and viewing the exterior
2022 Kia Carnival | Ramesh Pathania/Mint via Getty Images

Kia offers the 2022 Kia Carnival in 5 different trim levels. The base level LX Carnival starts at $32,100. This model offers a good list of features with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote start, and a good safety suite. However, Car and Driver specifies in its review of this minivan that the low points include the fact that the best 2022 Kia Carnival features are reserved for the top trims. 

The 2022 Kia Carnival SX is second from the top and starts for $41,100. Adding the SX Prestige package means adding another $5,000 on top of the SX price. With the SX Prestige package, buyers lose a seat. But the mid-row captain chairs will come heated and ventilated with the ability to recline for the ultimate lounging experience for passengers. 

Car and Driver recommends going with the $37,600 mid range EX model. This version of the 2022 Kia Carnival offers more value with its lower price and welcome upgrades such as a power liftgate. However, there’s no doubt that Kia’s new minivan has something to offer for almost anyone, depending on their budget. 

Is the 2022 Kia Carnival a good van? 

Yes, this is a good minivan. While it’s new and time will ultimately tell, the 2022 Kia Carnival is bringing extra style to the minivan segment. It’s a solid new minivan offering that’s worth getting a little excited about. Still, it is every bit a minivan. 

It may offer some rugged design and a boxier shape to the segment, but those sliding doors don’t lie. However, it’s minivan interior does offer passengers a roomy third row. That’s not something most crossover SUV models can say for themselves. 

The 290 hp V6 engine offers a refined driving experience as it shifts through a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. That said, it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive yet. Nor does the 2022 Kia Carnival bring a hybrid model to the game. Even so, it’s probably worth a second glance––whether you’re shopping for an SUV or a minivan.

RELATED: The Kia Telluride Is Getting Another Redesign

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