The Harley-Davidson Road Glide has been an iconic touring motorbike famend for its signature shark-nose fairing design and undeniable on-road performance since 1995. Engineered for long-distance using, the Road Glide affords riders a snug, secure, and secure experience, making it best for cross-country street journeys. Since its debut, the motorbike has slowly turn into higher and higher, to the purpose the place the present iteration of the Road Glide dons the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine.
In addition to its efficiency talents, the Road Glide’s checklist of options has gotten longer and longer as time handed. Today, these embody a big, ergonomically designed seat, superior touchscreen infotainment programs, and a plethora of creature consolation inclusions, alongside countless customization choices to fit your particular person preferences. More importantly, it is also turn into an integral a part of Harley’s wonderful Custom Vehicles Operation (CVO) vertical in latest occasions. With the tone set, let’s dive deeper into the historical past of the Road Glide and take a look at its 10 iconic variations.
In order to provide the most recent and correct data potential, the information used to compile this text was sourced from varied producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Harley-Davidson, RoadGlide.org, Fuel Moto USA, and Auto Evolution.
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10 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
Production Years: 1995 to 2004
When Harley-Davidson first launched the Road Glide in 1995, it definitely made fairly the primary impression on many devoted Harley riders. With its famous Shark Nose fairing serving as the visual centerpiece of this new addition, the primary iteration additionally featured laborious leather-based saddlebags with locks, a removable windscreen, chrome plating, a tank-mounted speedometer, and laced wheels. Sporting an air-cooled, four-stroke, 1,335 cc V-Twin engine with a five-speed transmission, it had a decent-sized powerplant that will make it probably the most formidable touring fashions to ever arrive at dealership flooring.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
1,337 cc (81 cu) |
|
Engine Type |
air-cooled, four-stroke V-Twin |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Transmission |
5-speed |
|
Max Torque |
69 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Auto Evolution)
While it gave potential clients an alternative choice to select from when deciding on a touring bike, it was its mounted Shark Nose fairing that made it so recognizable. Prior to the Road Glide, the one different Harley-Davidson to sport the same fairing was the unique 1983 FXRT Sport Glide sport touring bike. By being set to the bike’s body, the Shark Nose fairing allowed riders to speed up at excessive speeds on the freeway with none disagreeable vibrations making their approach to the handlebars.
Model Highlights
- First fixed-mounted fairing on a Harley-Davidson touring mannequin
- Hard, leather-based lockable saddlebags
- 1,337 cc air-cooled V-Twin engine
- Detachable windscreen
9 Road Glide Custom
Production Years: 2009 to 2013
By the early 2000s, the Road Glide had confidently established itself as the “tourer’s touring bike.” Securing itself as a fan-favorite, it had additionally commenced a sibling rivalry with its Batwing fairing-mounted brother, the Street Glide. When Harley-Davidson launched the Road Glide Custom in 2009, it carried on the unique Road Glide’s efficiency and classy qualities, however at a a lot larger degree. The dealing with was improved extra. And the suspension system was lowered, giving it a extra slammed look. Also, it was now packing the upgraded Twin-Cam 103 engine with an built-in oil cooler.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
103 cu (1,690 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Twin Cam 103 |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Max Torque |
100 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson & Fuel Moto USA)
With the Road Glide changing into increasingly fashionable every year, the Road Glide Custom started setting the brand new commonplace for the beloved touring bike. With a contemporary new look, extra subtle efficiency upgrades, and a rising fan base, this model of the Road Glide reminded riders why it was one among the most in-demand touring bikes on the market. A no brainer inclusion on the checklist, too.
Model Highlights
- Anti-lock brakes
- Smart Security System
- Rubber-mounted Twin Cam 103 V-Twin
- Sculpted seat
- 18-inch entrance wheel with a lower-profile
8 Road Glide Ultra
Production Years: 2010 to 2016
With a popularity as one among Harley-Davidson’s in-demand bikes, the Road Glide expanded on its long-distance touring capabilities with the arrival of the fully-dressed Road Glide Ultra. With its Shark Nose fairing, this bike makes these cross-country street journeys seem like a bit of cake. Featuring extra storage, a glossy profile, and a cushier saddle to maintain two riders comfy for hours, this model of the Road Glide has all of the touring necessities to make each experience an pleasurable expertise.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
103 cu (1,690 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Twin Cam 103 |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Transmission |
6-speed |
|
Max Torque |
105 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
On prime of offering riders with the final word touring expertise, the Road Glide Ultra additionally comes geared up with Boom! Box 6.5GT audio system with touchscreen show and USB connector. So irrespective of the place they’re within the nation, riders may have music, AM/FM radio, and turn-by-turn navigation at their fingertips to maintain them related and entertained all through their journey.
Model Highlights
- Dual Daymaker Reflector LED Headlamps
- Boom! Box 6.5 GT audio system with touchscreen and navigation
- Color-matched Tour-Pak case
- Vented fairing lowers
- 49 mm telescopic entrance forks
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7 Road Glide (Standard)
Production Years: 2017 to 2023
This interval of the Road Glide served as a little bit of a transitioning level for the touring bike as touchscreen dashboards with USB and Bluetooth integration had been changing into the brand new norm. Not solely had Harley-Davidson really begun to begin embracing the digital period, however it additionally launched the company’s V-Twin engine, the Milwaukee-Eight. With twice as many valves as its predecessor, this engine turned the brand new beating coronary heart that will function the extra highly effective and fuel-efficient commonplace throughout most of Harley-Davidson’s lineup.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
107 cu (1,746 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 107 |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Max Power |
76 HP |
|
Max Torque |
111 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
After being available on the market for greater than twenty years, the Road Glide was as fashionable because it ever was. With a extra highly effective V-Twin, extra shade decisions, and much more subtle using expertise accessible, this model of the Road Glide supplied an thrilling, in addition to reasonably priced choice for brand new and returning house owners. In a manner, issues had been higher than ever.
Model Highlights
- Cruise management
- Touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, GPS, and AM/FM radio
- Reflex-linked Brembo brakes
- Adjustable emulsion rear shocks
6 Road Glide Special
Production Years: 2017 to 2023
You would possibly ask, what makes the Road Glide Special so “special”? The reply lies within the engine. While the Road Glide Standard comes geared up with the brand new Milwaukee-Eight 107, the Road Glide Special comes blasting by with the even mightier Milwaukee-Eight 114. Designed to supply riders a more performance-based bagger experience, the Road Glide Special affords extra horsepower, torque, and aerodynamic consolation, together with an equally dependable braking system.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
114 cu (1,870 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 114 |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Max Power |
86 HP |
|
Max Torque |
118 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
Running alongside the brand new base mannequin of the Road Glide, the Special featured bolder shade choices, stretched saddlebags, the selection of blacked-out or chrome engine styling remedies, and extra using expertise. This model of the Road Glide served as a flashier model that prompted onlookers to provide it a second look. Whether the rider favors a glance that’s darkish and sinister, or traditional and conventional, it might fulfill each tastes.
Model Highlights
- Blacked-out or chrome inside elements
- Anti-lock brakes
- 32 mm, 4-piston mounted entrance and rear brake calipers
- Hand-adjustable rear suspension
- Mild metal tubular body
5 Road Glide ST
Production Years: 2022 to 2023
The Road Glide has been in manufacturing lengthy sufficient to the purpose the place it has developed alongside the expertise of its riders. Because it fares so effectively on lengthy stretches of freeway at excessive speeds with none fatigue, a proportion of expert riders demanded extra out of their bikes. That resulted within the arrival of the performance-centered bagger, the Road Glide ST. A step above the Road Glide Special, the Road Glide ST is supposed for aggressive riders who’re skilled sufficient to confidently deal with any sort of using state of affairs.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
117 cu (1,917 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 117 |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Max Power |
106 HP |
|
Max Torque |
127 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
Unlike its predecessors, the Road Glide ST deliberately contains a solo seat, reminding onlookers of the using model this bike is supposed for. It additionally options standard-length saddlebags, a trimmed entrance fender, a blacked-out engine, in addition to Reflex-linked Brembo brakes with ABS as commonplace tools. On the skin, the Road Glide ST would not say as a lot because the Road Glide or Road Glide Special. But irrespective of, this is a bike that likes to let its on-road performance do all the talking.
Model Highlights
- Emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers with a single knob that hydraulically adjusts pre-load
- 49mm forks with twin bending valve suspension
- Boom! Box GTS touchscreen infotainment system
- Two fairing-mount audio system
- Hidden radio antenna
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4 Road Glide 3
Production Years: 2023 to Present
With many devoted Road Glide followers beginning to get previous, they were often faced with the decision to transition into the Trike world. Recognizing this rising demographic, Harley-Davidson launched the model and comfort of the Road Glide to its household of 3-wheeled bikes with the Road Glide 3. Rather than accept a simplified Trike just like the Freewheeler, or the Bat Wing-wearing Tri Glide Ultra, Road Glide riders can nonetheless rock the Shark Nose fairing into their golden years.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
114 cu (1,870 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 114 |
|
Frame Type |
Trike |
|
Max Power |
90 HP |
|
Max Torque |
119 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
On prime of bringing the Road Glide’s Shark Nose fairing to the world of Trikes, the Road Glide 3 still carries the same performance and tech features discovered on the usual 2-wheeled fashions. Much just like the Road Glide Special, the Road Glide 3 comes geared up with the Milwaukee-Eight 114, which generates ample and controllable quantities of energy. Certainly, the sort of engine that thrives effectively on the freeway. It additionally contains a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, USB, and turn-by-turn navigation. For Road Glide followers, this bike is one other reminder to by no means cease using.
Model Highlights
- Electric reverse
- Hand-adjustable emulsion rear suspension
- Blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine
- 2 cubic ft of trunk storage
- Parking brake
3 CVO Road Glide
Production Years: 2009 to Present
For many riders, consolation, model, and efficiency are equally vital. Each particular person could customise sure elements greater than others primarily based on their preferences. When deciding on a Road Glide, one would possibly choose to personalize a inventory mannequin to inject extra character and aptitude into their experience. Alternatively, they might select to put money into the CVO Road Glide, Harley-Davidson’s top-shelf model that comes geared up with one of the best of every part straight from the manufacturing unit.
Performance Specifications (2024 mannequin)
|
Displacement |
121 cu (1,980 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Max Power |
115 HP |
|
Max Torque |
139 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
Within Harley-Davidson’s lineup, the Road Glide has maintained its status as a regular model in the CVO series since 2009. Over the years, these fashions have undergone vital enhancements, changing into each extra highly effective and technologically superior as they adapt to the calls for of the fashionable period. Today, the CVO homes Harley’s largest manufacturing engine up to now.
Model Highlights (2024 mannequin)
- Full LED lighting
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Cornering Traction Control System (C-TCS)
- Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine
- 35 kilos lighter than the 2022 CVO Road Glide
2 Revamped 2024 Road Glide
Production Years: 2024 to Present
After near 30 years as Harley-Davidson’s premiere bagger, the Road Glide obtained a extra dynamic makeover in 2024. A extra dynamic design, more technological and safety upgrades, and better of all… extra energy. Equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin because the inventory engine, a completely built-in touchscreen infotainment, a number of experience modes, and a brand new aerodynamic design (developed by computational fluid dynamics), this new model of the Road Glide really redefines the touring expertise.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
117 cu (1,917 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 117 |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Max Power |
105 HP |
|
Max Torque |
130 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
One standout spotlight of this next-gen Road Glide is that it comes geared up with each main security enhancement ever developed by Harley-Davidson as commonplace tools. These embody Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Linked Braking (ELB), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Brake System (C-ABS) as a number of examples. There’s no scarcity of creature comforts both, so that is simply one of the best non-CVO Road Glide but.
Model Highlights
- Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine
- 12.3-inch TFT shade contact display
- Improved aerodynamics
- Evolved Shark Nose fairing profile
- Selectable experience modes (Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom)
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Harley-Davidson has gone all in with its new CVO line, and this is precisely what’s new
1 CVO Road Glide ST
Production Years: 2024 to Present
The Road Glide ST was produced to fulfill the high-performance needs of among the most skilled riders. Now, the CVO Road Glide ST takes that to the next level, changing into undoubtedly probably the most highly effective and complicated efficiency bagger to ever depart from the H-D facility. With extra horsepower and torque than another H-D touring bike, this bagger offers the final word using expertise for performance-based fanatics.
Performance Specifications
|
Displacement |
121 cu (1,980 cc) |
|
Engine Type |
Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output (HO) V-Twin engine |
|
Frame Type |
Touring |
|
Max Power |
127 HP |
|
Max Torque |
145 lb-ft |
(Specs sourced from Harley-Davidson)
Co-produced by members of Harley-Davidson’s race staff who take part within the extremely aggressive King of the Baggers championship, the CVO mannequin initiatives the same angle with copious amounts of oomph thanks to its Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine. It additionally makes use of a deep solo seat that places its rider in an upright using place, together with some West Coast customized model for some added flare.
Model Highlights
- Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output V-Twin engine
- Dry weight of 800 lbs
- Premium Brembo brakes
- SHOWA rear shock absorbers
- Selectable Ride Modes (Road, Sport, Track, Track Plus, Rain, and Custom)
