2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide Revival First Look

[Hugh Janus]

The 2024 Icons Collection is a resurrection of sorts in the Hydra-Glide Revival, inspired by the 1949 version of that motorcycle. (Harley-Davidson/)

With 121 years of heritage to draw upon Harley-Davidson isn’t short of landmark models in its back catalog, but the 1949 Hydra-Glide marked a significant turning point by adopting a hydraulic telescopic fork. For 2024, its 75th anniversary is being marked with the limited-edition Hydra-Glide Revival.

The new machine is the fourth in the Icons Motorcycle Collection, a series of limited-run models that debuted in 2021 with the Electra Glide Revival, which was followed by the 2022 Low Rider El Diablo and 2023 Electra Glide Highway King. Each was made in small numbers: 1,500 examples for each of the first two offerings, 1,750 of the Highway King in 2023. The new Hydra-Glide Revival will also be restricted to a run of 1,750 for the entire world.

The 2024 Icons Collection Hydra-Glide Revival will be limited to a run of 1,750 machines worldwide. (Harley-Davidson/)

Although the Hydra-Glide name isn’t one that’s been regularly reused, the original 1949 machine was the first to use the sort of hydraulic telescopic fork that’s ubiquitous on modern Harleys, replacing the girders of earlier machines. It also featured the then-new Panhead engine with hydraulic lifters—which had been introduced a year earlier (but still lacked any rear suspension). While not named as such, the original Fat Boy of 1990 took its proportions and styling cues from the Hydra-Glide and has remained a key model since.

The Hydra-Glide Revival is based on the current Heritage Classic but with additional retro touches to evoke the Hydra-Glide’s heyday in the 1950s. It specifically borrows from the 1956 version of the Hydra-Glide, adopting the 1956 paint scheme and the stylized “‘V” tank badges that were used in 1955 and ‘56. On board, the speedometer’s graphics are inspired by the earlier 1954–55 version and there’s an insert on the bar risers including the Hydra-Glide logo and each bike’s limited-edition serial number.

The 27-inch seat is adorned with tassels, studs, fringe, you name it. (Harley-Davidson/)

Up front, the screen is taller than the standard Heritage Classic and features a color-matched lower section like the design on the 2023 Highway King. That screen is removable and sits above a set of chrome engine bars. The visual changes at the rear include a tasseled, studded, piped, and fringed solo seat and a matching treatment for the saddlebags, but behind the retro style there’s modern practicality as those bags are lockable, water-resistant, and rigid-lined. The leather continues onto the tank with a studded strap.

Classic touches continue with the removable windscreen and “V”style tank badges. (Harley-Davidson/)

The 114ci Milwaukee-Eight V-twin is given a circular air cleaner cover to replicate a more traditional look but peak power and torque figures are unchanged from the standard Heritage Classic, with a claimed 94 hp at 4,750 rpm and 119 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm. Those numbers can be increased with Screamin’ Eagle upgrades if you want or need more.

The Hydra-Glide Revival uses the Milwaukee-Eight 114. (Harley-Davidson/)

The chassis and suspension are also conventional Softail fare, with an adjustable monoshock hidden at the rear, while the laced wheels and brakes are straight from the Heritage Classic. Unsurprisingly, most of the bike’s dimensions are the same as the Heritage Classic it’s based on, with no difference in length or wheelbase. The Hydra-Glide Revival’s laden (with rider) solo seat is a fraction lower than the Heritage’s (26.1 inches versus 26.3) and the new screen makes it around 3.5 inches taller than the machine it’s based on. Weight rises due to the Hydra-Glide’s extras, coming in at 742 pounds ready-to-ride, up from 730 pounds for the Heritage Classic.

Given the success of the previous Icons Collection models, Harley isn’t likely to have any trouble finding buyers for all 1,750 examples of the 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival.

The 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival’s V badge tank. (Harley-Davidson/)
Based on the Heritage Classic, the Hydra-Glide Revival shares a very similar chassis. (Harley-Davidson/)
The Hydra-Glide Revival’s rear fender. (Harley-Davidson/)
Hydra-Glide Revival side view. (Harley-Davidson/)

2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide Revival Specs

MSRP:	$24,999
Engine:	45-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	1,868cc
Bore x Stroke:	102.0 x 114.3mm
Compression Ratio:	10.5:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt
Claimed Horsepower:	94.0 hp @ 4,750 rpm
Claimed Torque:	119 lb.-ft. @ 3,00 rpm
Fuel System:	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate assist
Frame:	Tubular steel
Front Suspension:	49mm telescopic, dual-bending valve; 5.1 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Monoshock, spring preload adjustable; 3.4 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston fixed calipers, floating 300mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	2-piston floating caliper, 292mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Spoked steel; 16 x 3.0 in. / 16 x 3.0 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	130/90-16 / 150/80-16
Rake/Trail:	30.0°/5.7 in.
Wheelbase:	64.2 in.
Ground Clearance:	4.7 in.
Seat Height:	27.0 in. (unladen)
Fuel Capacity:	5.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	742 lb.
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

Source

[Buckster]

[boboneleg]

Now that's a proper looking Harley