The Harley-Davidson Road Glide, famed for its shark-nosed fairing, boasts a top speed of 125 mph, making it a powerhouse for cross-country cruising. With its Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine delivering 93.8 PS and 158 Nm of torque, you can expect strong performance on long rides. The bike's aerodynamic design minimizes drag, enhancing comfort as you navigate the open road. Plus, advanced tech features, like customizable ride modes and ABS, provide a safer and smoother experience. Should you want to explore more about its comfort and features, there's plenty more to discover.
Key Takeaways
- The Harley-Davidson Road Glide boasts a maximum speed of 125 mph, showcasing its performance capabilities for cross-country cruising.
- Equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, it delivers 93.8 PS and 158 Nm of torque, ensuring powerful acceleration.
- The shark-nose fairing design enhances aerodynamics, reducing drag and improving riding efficiency at higher speeds.
- Advanced technology features like customizable ride modes and traction control optimize performance for various riding conditions.
- With a kerb weight of 387 kg, the Road Glide maintains stability, making it suitable for long-distance touring adventures.
Aerodynamic Shark-Nose Fairing Design
With its aerodynamic shark-nose fairing design, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide enhances your riding experience by significantly improving efficiency on the road. Crafted using advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD), this design minimizes drag, allowing you to slice through the wind effortlessly.
The wind tunnel analysis fine-tuned the fairing and windshield, ensuring that you face less wind buffeting, which can be a significant distraction on long rides. The adjustable air vanes give you control over airflow, letting you customize your comfort level while riding.
You'll notice reduced rider fatigue over those extended journeys, making every trip more enjoyable. The sculpted silhouette isn't just about looks; it also features fully integrated LED lighting that improves visibility day and night, enhancing both safety and style. Additionally, the Road Glide is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine, offering robust power delivery across various riding conditions.
The frame-mounted fairing contributes to improved aerodynamics and stability, allowing for a smoother ride. Plus, the seamless integration of turn signals within the LED package keeps the aesthetic clean.
Every detail, from the refined surfaces to the premium materials, has been thoughtfully designed to elevate your riding experience while ensuring you stay comfortable and confident on the road.
Performance Metrics Breakdown
When you hit the throttle on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide, you'll experience its impressive maximum speed of 125 mph that showcases its performance capabilities. You'll also notice the enhanced throttle response, which makes acceleration smooth and exhilarating. Plus, your weight and riding position can significantly influence the bike's dynamics, affecting both speed and handling. The bike is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, which delivers an impressive 105 HP and 130 lb-ft of torque for an exhilarating ride.
Maximum Speed of 125 Mph
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide boasts impressive speed capabilities, reaching a top speed of around 110 mph (177 km/h). However, some models may come equipped with speed limiters, affecting your maximum speed. Depending on various calibrations and updates, these limiters can range from 96.9 mph to 102.5 mph.
For instance, the latest calibrations have pushed the limit to 102.5 mph, while fuel returns occur at about 98.8 mph. If you're riding a 2024 model, you might notice some users reporting a speed limit of 107 mph, but keep in mind that this could be due to speedometer accuracy issues. The actual top speed you can achieve depends on your specific model year and any software updates you've applied.
With the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine producing 105 horsepower and 130 ft-lbs of torque, the Road Glide's performance is solid. This bike also features ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) for enhanced safety during high-speed rides.
However, remember that your experience can vary based on the bike's weight, rider dynamics, and environmental conditions. All these factors come together to influence your journey, making the Road Glide a thrilling yet nuanced ride.
Throttle Response Improvement
Improved throttle response can transform your riding experience on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide, offering a more dynamic connection between you and the machine.
With throttle tuner adjustments, you can choose between City, Touring, Sport, and Fast modes to match your riding style. The adjustable throttle sensitivity helps reduce or eliminate lag, ensuring that your commands translate to immediate action. You can fine-tune these settings for various conditions, giving you the control you need. The throttle tuner offers over 36 sensitivity settings, allowing for precise customization based on your preferences.
The factory ride modes—Sport, Road, and Rain—enhance your experience further. Sport mode amps up throttle response for spirited rides, while Rain mode offers steadiness for slippery conditions. Plus, the custom mode allows for additional personalization.
The fly-by-wire system, which controls the throttle plate, minimizes backlash to prevent lag. However, keep an eye on wear and tear from frequent use, as this can affect performance.
With the 2024 models featuring the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine, you'll enjoy impressive power and torque.
Together with electronic aids like traction control, these enhancements make for a thrilling ride, ensuring you're always in command of the Road Glide's performance.
Rider Weight and Position
Understanding how rider weight and position affect performance is key to maximizing your experience on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide. The 2024 model's wet weight of 380 kg plays a significant role in its power-to-weight ratio. If you're a lighter rider, you can enhance acceleration and overall performance, thanks to a better power-to-weight ratio.
The bike's weight reduction of 16 pounds from the previous model improves handling and responsiveness, benefiting everyone. Additionally, this weight reduction contributes to a more agile feel when navigating tight corners.
Your riding position also matters. The 720 mm seat height influences your comfort and control, while the ergonomic design, including a sculpted seat and adjustable air vanes, ensures comfort on long rides.
The frame-mounted sharknose fairing boosts stability, especially at high speeds, but it also adds weight.
As you ride, the distribution of weight between you, the bike, and any cargo affects the center of gravity, impacting stability.
Finally, the adjustable rear shock and front suspension allow you to tailor the ride to your preference, aiding in cornering and overall handling. With the right weight and position, you can truly unleash the Road Glide's potential.
Comfortable Long-Distance Touring Experience
Experiencing long-distance touring on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide combines comfort and style, making every ride enjoyable.
The mid-mounted, pull-back handlebars offer laid-back ergonomics, while the low seat height of 25.9 inches caters to various rider heights, ensuring you feel at home no matter your size.
With mid/forward-mounted floorboards, taller riders can stretch out comfortably, reducing fatigue on long journeys.
The redesigned sharknose fairing enhances aerodynamic efficiency, while integrated full LED lighting boosts visibility and safety. The improved acceleration ensures that you can merge into traffic with confidence.
You'll appreciate the streamlined design that minimizes wind buffeting, allowing for a smoother ride.
The high-performance suspension system, with adjustable rear shocks and impressive wheel travel, ensures you glide over bumps effortlessly.
When it comes to practicality, the stretched saddlebags provide ample storage for your gear, making it easy to pack for extended trips.
The hard saddlebags open with a single touch, giving you quick access to your belongings.
Plus, with advanced technology like the Skyline™ OS and customizable ride modes, you can tailor your experience to fit your preferences.
The Road Glide truly transforms long-distance touring into a comfortable adventure, letting you focus on the open road ahead.
Owner Insights: Real-World Experiences
Riders frequently share insights about their time spent on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide, highlighting both its strengths and quirks. Many appreciate how the Milwaukee-Eight™ 117 V-Twin engine delivers robust torque for impressive acceleration and effortless highway cruising. However, you'll want to adjust your riding style, especially when tackling sharp bends, as the cruiser design has its limitations. In wet conditions, the stock tires can be a real concern, so consider upgrading for safety. Additionally, using dry, seasoned wood for heating can improve overall efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
On long rides, the classic cruising stance allows you to stretch your arms, but the foot-forward position can aggravate your lower back over potholes. Hand controls are user-friendly, although some riders wish for a single indicator switch. Heated grips are a desirable feature, especially in cooler weather. The 2024 model's Ride Modes let you tailor performance to your riding conditions, which is a welcome addition. Additionally, the improved suspension system enhances comfort during long rides, making the journey even more enjoyable.
While the Road Glide handles well in dry conditions, be cautious in rain or low visibility as it can impact your ride. Overall, owners find the Road Glide a thrilling companion for long-distance journeys, provided you're aware of its quirks along the way.
Market Positioning Against Rivals
In the competitive landscape of touring motorcycles, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide stands out with its unique design and performance features. Positioned firmly within the Touring and Large Cruiser segments, it caters to riders who value high-speed stability and distinctive aesthetics.
Harley-Davidson aims to maintain its market leadership in North America while expanding into the Asia Pacific region, focusing on profitability through innovation and design enhancements.
The Road Glide's frame-mounted Sharknose fairing offers superior wind protection and stability, setting it apart from rivals like the Indian Challenger, which boasts better suspension travel and an adjustable windscreen for enhanced ride comfort. The Road Glide's frame-mounted fairing contributes significantly to its aerodynamic efficiency, allowing for better handling at high speeds.
While the Challenger is often seen as a more modern option, the Road Glide's iconic look and feel resonate with many enthusiasts.
Ultimately, your choice between the Road Glide and competitors often hinges on personal preferences. If you prioritize a striking design for local rides or the stability for long-distance travel, the Road Glide fits the bill.
However, if comfort over rugged terrain is your main concern, the Indian Challenger might be more appealing. The market positioning of the Road Glide reflects Harley-Davidson's commitment to catering to diverse rider needs.
Performance Enhancements and Customizations
Boosting the performance of your Harley-Davidson Road Glide is easier than you might think, thanks to a variety of upgrades and customizations available.
Start with high-flow air cleaners, like those from Screamin' Eagle®, which allow more air into the engine for improved combustion and increased horsepower. Pair that with a performance exhaust system from Vance & Hines or Rinehart Racing to enhance power and give your bike an aggressive roar.
To fully capitalize on these upgrades, consider an engine tuner, such as the Screamin' Eagle® Pro Street Tuner. This optimizes your fuel-to-air ratio and ignition timing, ensuring your bike runs at its best.
With the Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine already producing 120.2 ft-lb of torque and 89 HP, these enhancements can push your top speed closer to that impressive 110 miles per hour.
Additionally, custom paint jobs and graphics let you personalize your ride. It's also vital to establish clear savings goals for your modifications to ensure you can afford these enhancements without straining your finances.
Don't forget about comfort upgrades like custom seats and driver backrests, which can make long rides more enjoyable.
With a few thoughtful modifications, your Road Glide can truly become a performance powerhouse on the open road.
Cost and Dealer Locations
When considering the purchase of a 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide, it's essential to understand the costs involved. The base price starts at $21,999, but keep in mind that additional features can quickly add to that total.
If you want a color option, expect to pay an extra $750, while adding the ABS option costs $950. There's also a California emissions fee of $200.
Don't forget about the freight charge of $850 and a factory surcharge of $1,000, which can really affect your budget. The bike is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin engine, ensuring a strong performance for your long-distance touring needs.
As for dealer locations, you have several options. Emerald City Harley-Davidson serves your area, while Orange County Harley-Davidson is in Irvine, close to Tustin and Newport Beach.
If you're in the Northeast, check out Freedom Road Harley-Davidson in Branford, Connecticut. For those in California, Mulholland Harley-Davidson in Calabasas supports several nearby communities.
Finally, Chesapeake Harley-Davidson in Darlington, Maryland, is another choice.
Adventure-Seeking Motorcycle Enthusiasts
Adventure-seeking motorcycle enthusiasts are drawn to the thrill of the open road, and the Harley-Davidson Road Glide is a perfect companion for those who crave exploration. With its powerful engine and comfortable design, this bike empowers you to discover new routes and trails, fulfilling your desire for freedom and adventure. Many riders also enjoy starting their day with a hearty breakfast, like the Tomato Basil Farro Egg Bowl, to fuel their journeys. Understanding the importance of safety and preparedness is essential for enjoying long rides.
You'll find satisfaction in venturing into uncharted territories, embracing the challenges that come with off-road riding and long-distance trips across various terrains. You thrive on the adrenaline rush that comes from navigating rugged paths and crossing borders. Engaging with fellow riders through online forums enhances your experience as you share tips and routes for your journeys. In addition, knowing the recommended frequency for maintenance can help ensure your motorcycle remains in top shape for any adventure.
Self-sufficiency is key, as you often prefer traveling independently or in small groups, relying on your skills and quality gear for different riding conditions. The thrill-seeking personality traits you possess drive you to pursue intense, novel experiences, while the camaraderie within the motorcycle culture offers a supportive network of like-minded individuals.
You prioritize safety and preparedness, ensuring you're equipped to tackle any obstacles on your journey. Regular maintenance of your motorcycle is essential to keep it in optimal condition for long rides and various terrains. Engaging with fellow riders through online forums or organized events fosters a sense of belonging, making every ride not just a journey, but a shared adventure.
Frequent Tire Wear Concerns
Frequent tire wear concerns can significantly impact your riding experience, especially on a powerful bike like the Harley-Davidson Road Glide. Uneven tire wear is often a culprit, particularly when tires reach their service limit. You might notice center wear, especially in two-part composite tires where the center is harder than the softer outer edges.
While proper inflation is vital, even correctly inflated tires can wear unevenly, influenced by riding conditions such as highway versus city miles. Additionally, road conditions can play a significant role in tire lifespan, making it essential to be aware of the surfaces you frequently ride on. Understanding the impact of tire maintenance on overall performance can also help extend tire life.
Tire cupping can also pose issues, often stemming from mechanical problems or improper tire pressure. If tires aren't balanced correctly, or if they're poorly installed, you may experience this frustrating wear pattern. Your riding style and the roads you traverse further contribute to these concerns.
To combat these issues, regular tire inspections are essential. Check for adequate tread depth, and ensure proper inflation and balancing.
Visiting a Harley-Davidson dealer for tire maintenance can help you catch problems early. Additionally, consider using tire sealants and balancing fluids to enhance your tire's performance and extend its life, especially during long trips.
Keeping on top of these factors ensures a smoother, safer ride.
Advanced Braking System Features
Advanced braking system features on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide enhance your riding experience by providing superior control and safety.
The Advanced Antilock Braking System (ABS) monitors wheel speed at both the front and rear, preventing wheel lock-up during hard braking by modulating brake pressure. You'll notice a slight pulsing sensation in the hand lever or rear brake pedal when ABS activates, accompanied by a faint clicking sound from the module.
Cornering Enhanced ABS (C-ABS) takes it a step further by adjusting brake force based on your motorcycle's lean angle, ensuring stability while braking in turns. This system enhances control, allowing you to navigate corners with confidence.
Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) applies pressure to both front and rear brakes with a single pedal, dynamically adjusting based on your speed and braking force. The Cornering Enhanced ELB (C-ELB) adds lean-sensitive control, reducing rear wheel lock-up and improving stopping distance.
Additional features like Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) keep your bike stationary on inclines, while the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts you to tire issues, ensuring your ride remains safe and enjoyable. The integration of advanced safety features further enhances rider confidence, making the Road Glide a top choice for cross-country cruising.
Top-Tier Touring Motorcycle Choice
When it comes to long-distance rides, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide stands out as a top-tier touring motorcycle choice. Its Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, boasting 1868 cc displacement, delivers an impressive 93.8 PS at 5250 rpm and a torque of 158 Nm at 3250 rpm.
With a top speed of 177 km/h, you'll enjoy thrilling performance on the open road. The iconic shark-nose fairing not only enhances the bike's aesthetic but also improves aerodynamics, making your ride smoother. The upgraded 12.3-inch infotainment system in the 2024 models ensures you stay connected while cruising, and the comfortable seat height of 695 mm accommodates riders of various sizes.
With a kerb weight of 387 kg and a well-balanced wheelbase of 1625 mm, the Road Glide is stable and easy to handle. Its 22.7-liter fuel tank means fewer stops, letting you focus on the journey ahead. Additionally, the Road Glide features a compression ratio of 10.5:1, which contributes to its powerful performance and efficiency.
Plus, the 16.3 km/l mileage provides decent efficiency for those long hauls. With all these features, the Road Glide proves to be the ultimate companion for your cross-country adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Fuel Tank Capacity of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide?
The fuel tank capacity of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide is 22.7 liters, which is about 6 gallons.
This generous capacity is designed for long-distance cruising, giving you the freedom to ride without frequent stops for gas.
It complements the bike's touring nature, ensuring you can enjoy extended journeys with confidence.
With this feature, you'll appreciate the endurance and convenience it brings to your riding experience.
How Does the Road Glide Handle Wind Resistance at High Speeds?
The Road Glide handles wind resistance at high speeds with its aerodynamic design, featuring a frame-mounted shark-nose fairing.
This fairing cuts through the air, minimizing vibrations and buffeting you might feel. The redesigned windshield and adjustable air vanes work together to direct airflow, enhancing your comfort.
With advanced safety features and a powerful engine, you'll enjoy a stable ride, even in challenging wind conditions, making long-distance cruising much more enjoyable.
What Safety Features Are Included With the Harley-Davidson Road Glide?
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide boasts several impressive safety features to enhance your riding experience.
You'll find dual-rotor disc brakes in the front, along with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for added control.
The Reflex™ Defensive Rider System (RDRS) helps with stability, while the traction control system offers multiple modes for varying conditions.
Plus, you'll appreciate the full LED lighting and tire pressure monitoring system, keeping you safe on every journey.
Can the Road Glide Accommodate a Passenger Comfortably?
Absolutely, the Road Glide accommodates a passenger comfortably.
The passenger seat includes a supportive backrest, enhancing overall comfort during long rides.
You'll find that the ergonomics, like mid-mounted handlebars and floorboards, allow both you and your passenger to relax.
The durable seats and weather-resistant materials add to the experience, making those extended trips enjoyable.
Plus, ample storage options ensure you both have everything you need for the journey ahead.
What Are the Color Options Available for the Road Glide?
When it comes to color options for the Road Glide, you've got plenty to choose from.
Standard colors like Vivid Black and Whiskey Fire are available, along with special two-tone editions like Billiard Red/Stone Washed White.
If you want something unique, check out the custom options like Apex factory paint or exclusive colors for the 2024 CVO models.
These choices let you personalize your ride to match your style perfectly!
