Harley-Davidson Road Glide
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is not just a motorcycle; it is a moving piece of art. The first time I saw this bike on the road, I could not take my eyes off it. Let me be honest here – I have never ridden this bike myself. I saw a huge guy riding it on a busy street, and from the start of the road to the end, my eyes were glued to that motorcycle. I kept wondering, What bike is this? How big can a bike really be? When he stopped the bike at a crowded place, every single person turned their head to look. This is what the Road Glide does – it demands attention without even trying.
I told myself at that moment – One day, I must ride this motorcycle. Maybe even buy it. I hope that day comes. For now, I can only admire it from a distance and share my thoughts and research about this beast with you.
Now, if you are thinking of buying the Harley-Davidson Road Glide, you must know what makes it so special. Let us go through everything step by step, and I will also explain its main specifications so you can decide if this is the right bike for you.
HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE SPECIFICATION
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin , air/oil cooled |
| Engine cc | 1923 cc |
| Bore x stroke | 103.5 mm x 114.3 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Max power | 105 Hp @ 4600 rpm |
| Max torque | 176 Nm @ 3250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6 speed cruise drive with belt final drive |
| Front suspension | 49 mm dual bending valve efork |
| Front brake | Dual floating rotors, 4 piston fixed calipers ABS |
| Rear brake | Fixed rotor, single piston caliper, ABS |
| Rear suspension | Dual outboard emulsion shocks, preload adjustable |
| Front tyre | 130/60B19, cast aluminum |
| Rear tyre | 180/55B18, cast aluminum |
| Wheelbase | 1625 mm |
| Seat height | 675 mm |
| Ground clearance | 145 mm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 22 L |
| Curb weight | 380 kg |
| Mileage | 18 km/l |
| Price | $27999 - $30150 |
1. Engine and Performance
The heart of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide is its massive Milwaukee-Eight 107 or 114 V-Twin engine (depending on the variant). This engine is built for pure power and smooth cruising. The V-Twin design gives that iconic Harley rumble – deep, loud, and powerful, something no other brand can truly copy.
Why is this engine special? It has a huge amount of torque, which means you don’t need to rev it high to get power. Even at low RPM, the bike pulls strongly. This makes highway cruising effortless. You twist the throttle slightly, and the bike surges forward like a jet.
For long-distance touring, this kind of engine is perfect. It is reliable, smooth, and built to handle thousands of miles without complaint. Riders across the world trust Harley-Davidson engines because they are made to last.
2. Design and Looks
One of the biggest reasons people notice the Road Glide is its unique design. The bike has a frame-mounted fairing with dual LED headlights that look aggressive and stylish. It is big, wide, and muscular – like a heavyweight champion on two wheels.
When I saw it for the first time, I realized this is not just a bike; this is a statement. If you park this motorcycle anywhere, it will stand out. People will come and look at it. Some will even ask for photos. This bike gives you that road presence that very few motorcycles can match.
The wide fairing is not just for looks. It reduces wind buffeting, meaning you can ride long distances at highway speeds without feeling tired from wind pressure. For touring riders, this is a huge advantage.
3. Comfort and Seating
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is designed for comfort. The seat is wide and well-cushioned, perfect for long rides. The rider’s position is upright and relaxed, so you do not feel back or shoulder pain even after hours of riding.
There is also plenty of room for a passenger. If you ride with a partner, they will appreciate the comfort this bike offers. Many touring bikes compromise on passenger comfort, but the Road Glide takes care of both rider and pillion equally well.
When I watched the rider on the street, I could see how comfortable he looked, even though the bike itself is massive. He looked in control, confident, and relaxed – that’s the kind of feeling this motorcycle gives.
4. Technology and Features
The Road Glide is not just about old-school looks; it comes packed with modern technology. You get a large infotainment system with a color touchscreen, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for music and calls, and even voice recognition.
It also has advanced rider aids like ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS), traction control, and linked braking. These features make riding safer, especially on wet roads or during sudden stops.
For a touring bike, having this level of technology is important because it improves both convenience and safety. Long-distance riders appreciate these small but crucial features.
5. Handling and Ride Quality
You might think a bike this big is hard to handle, but Harley has designed the Road Glide surprisingly well. The low center of gravity and balanced chassis make it stable at both high speeds and low speeds.
On highways, it feels like a moving sofa – stable, smooth, and relaxing. Even on corners, the bike behaves predictably. Of course, this is not a sports bike meant for sharp curves, but for its size, it handles wonderfully.
Riders often say that once you get used to the Road Glide’s weight, it becomes very easy to ride. The wide handlebars give good control, and the suspension absorbs most bumps, making the ride comfortable on different road conditions.
6. Storage and Touring Capability
One of the main reasons people buy touring bikes is storage. The Road Glide excels here. It has large saddlebags on both sides that can carry a lot of luggage – perfect for road trips.
These bags are weather-sealed, meaning your belongings stay dry even if it rains. The convenience of having enough space to pack clothes, tools, and essentials without needing extra luggage is a huge advantage.
For riders who love long journeys, this bike is like a home on wheels. You can ride across states or even countries without worrying about space or comfort.
7. Price and Value
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is expensive. There is no denying that. In many countries, it costs as much as a small car. But for people who buy it, the price is justified by the quality, performance, and pride of ownership.
This is not a motorcycle you buy for daily commuting. This is a motorcycle you buy because you love riding and you want the best touring experience possible. It is also a status symbol – owning a Road Glide puts you in a special category of riders who value premium machines.
MY OPINION
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is a dream motorcycle for many, including me. I have never ridden it, but just seeing it once on the road left a strong impression. It is powerful, comfortable, stylish, and built for serious riders who want to travel far and do it in style.
Yes, it is big, heavy, and expensive. It is not for everyone. But for those who can afford it and handle it, this is one of the finest touring motorcycles in the world.
One day, I hope I will ride this motorcycle and maybe even own it. Until then, I will keep admiring it and sharing my love for this machine with others like you.
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