Harley-Davidson Road Glide test - the shark has teeth!

In line with the test of the new Harley-Davidson Street Glide, which is structurally similar to the Road Glide, I also had the opportunity to witness Harley's transition to modernity on the flagship among the touring motorcycles. The Road Glide, like the Street Glide, strikes a harmonious balance between heritage and innovation, giving the impression of being crafted from a single mold - a testament to a genuine evolution. Straying too far from tradition would have sparked criticism that Harley had forsaken its roots. Embracing overly futuristic designs and radical technological changes would have alienated loyal Harley enthusiasts who value the brand's core principles. Therefore, if all goes as planned, the new Road Glide will cater to both the traditional Harley riders and entice new customers seeking a blend of heritage and technology.

The new Harley-Davidson Tourer, the Road Glide, is packed with cutting-edge features that set it apart not only from other Harley models but also from many of its competitors. With cornering ABS, traction control, and lean angle-dependent engine drag torque, this bike offers a level of technology that is truly impressive. Riders can choose from four different performance modes, including a rain mode that may not be necessary thanks to the power and torque delivered by the road mode. With 109 hp at just under 5000 rpm and 175 Newton meters of torque at 3500 rpm, the Road Glide delivers smooth and ample power. When riding on dry roads, the Sport mode enhances the dynamic character of the V-twin engine, providing a more aggressive riding experience.

I am intentionally avoiding discussing the sporty nature of the Grand American Tourer, as a Harley-Davidson Tourer weighing 380 kilograms ready to ride is not typically associated with sportiness. However, the Road Glide excels in dynamic performance, thanks to the 1923 cubic centimeter Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, which exudes confidence with its partially liquid-cooled design and smooth operation without any bothersome shaking. You can push the engine up to around 5500 rpm and feel actual power instead of just vibrations and noise. While I have yet to explore all the modes, if the three preset modes do not meet your preferences, you can customize all parameters to your liking in the freely configurable custom mode.

Harley-Davidson has made a significant leap into the future with the controls and, most importantly, the displays on their Tourer model. Featuring a 12.3-inch color TFT touchscreen, Harley-Davidson now boasts one of the largest standard screens on the market - and it is utilized exceptionally well. Users can easily select between three different display modes: Classic, which closely resembles traditional displays, Sport, which elegantly simplifies information to the essentials, and Tour, which provides ample space for navigation, accessible via Apple Carplay on the display. The separate indicators on the left and right may seem unconventional, but Harley-Davidson stands by this design choice. The simplicity of having only the blinker on the left side has proven effective for decades, minimizing distractions for the rider. Music system controls are conveniently located on the right-hand side, ensuring easy access. Any initial frustration is quickly forgotten when the impressive 200-watt system fills the rider's ears with high-quality sound.

When Harley-Davidson introduces the new Harley-Davidson Tourer in the winding French countryside around Marseille, it's clear that this bike is not just meant for cruising on straight roads. Despite its weight, the Harley-Davidson Tourer proves to be surprisingly nimble, especially when compared to its sister model, the Street Glide. The high handlebar position contributes to its agility, making it easier to handle even in tight corners. However, the limitations of the chassis become apparent when pushing the bike to its limits. The non-adjustable 49er fork at the front and the adjustable rear shock absorbers provide some comfort, but more adjustability would enhance the Tourer's performance on challenging roads. The Dunlop tires, sized 130/60-19 at the front and 180/55-18 at the rear, offer good grip in dry and wet conditions, ensuring stable and neutral steering. Overall, the Harley-Davidson Tourer shows potential for dynamic handling, even on rough terrain, and could benefit from further enhancements to fully unleash its capabilities.

The Harley-Davidson Tourer, specifically the Road Glide, showcases a more dynamic performance that highlights the American manufacturer's steadfast refusal to incorporate a smoother braking system. While the cornering ABS functions flawlessly, the manual effort required may present some challenges. Although the Road Glide (and the Street Glide) can be effectively slowed down using the rear brake, thanks to the Combined Braking System, the front brake is automatically engaged when the rear brake is applied, providing adequate deceleration for relaxed cruising. However, riders seeking to fully experience the dynamic capabilities of the Glides may prefer a slightly smoother front brake. Additionally, Harley-Davidson maintains tradition with the gearbox, including the distinctive loud clonk when shifting into first gear. Despite this unique feature, the gearbox offers precise shifting (for a Harley), serving as a nostalgic nod to tradition amidst the ongoing trend of modern touring machines becoming increasingly refined and homogenized.

The seating position on the Harley-Davidson Tourer is once again very comfortable, with the new saddle being even better padded than its predecessor. The upright riding position strikes a balance between comfort and an active riding experience. Just like its lighter sister, the Street Glide, the Road Glide offers a slightly more dynamic ride. This is made possible by the higher handlebars, although they do have a significant drawback in cold temperatures. The hands extend beyond the large front fairing, leaving them less protected compared to the Street Glide, which has handlebars positioned directly behind the Batwing fairing. Despite this, the legs are well-protected on the Road Glide. It's worth noting that wearing a jet helmet on a bagger with a low windshield may not be the best choice for high speeds in cold weather. If you want to look cool, you'll need to endure some discomfort.

If you're torn between the Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide 2024, the decision might come down to personal preference in terms of appearance, as the costs for both are identical. In Germany, the Road Glide starts at just under 32,000 euros, while in Austria it's over 38,000 euros due to additional taxes, and in Switzerland around 31,000 francs. Opting for a different color or choosing black finish over chrome-plated parts will add almost 2,000 euros to the price tag, easily pushing the cost over 40,000 euros in Austria. However, the underlying principle that Harley-Davidson enthusiasts often highlight remains the same for the Road Glide as for the Street Glide and all other American models: When you buy a Harley, you're not just getting a motorcycle, you're embracing a way of life!

The Harley-Davidson Tourer models, Road Glide and Street Glide, are like twin siblings sharing the same engine, chassis, suspension, tires, and electronics. However, they offer distinct riding experiences despite their similarities. The key difference lies in the handlebar positioning: the Street Glide places the handlebars behind the protective Batwing fairing, while the Road Glide positions them higher up. Although this setup on the Road Glide may compromise wind protection by exposing the rider's hands to the wind, it offers advantages in terms of handling. The elevated handlebars on the Road Glide provide better front wheel feedback and easier control, enhancing the riding experience.

Interestingly, the Road Glide's additional weight of almost 12 kilos, mainly due to its bulkier fairing, does not negatively impact its performance. Unlike the Street Glide's Batwing fairing, which rests on the fork, the Road Glide's fairing is attached to the chassis. This design difference gives the Road Glide a more stable and confident handling feel compared to the Street Glide. Ultimately, when choosing between the two models for a Grand American Touring experience focused on comfort rather than aggressive cornering, riders can select their preferred Glide based on personal style preferences.