2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Buyer’s Guide

[Hugh Janus]

The Harley-Davidson Road Glide receives major updates for 2024. (Harley-Davidson/)

Ups

• Most significant update ever with a new engine, updated suspension, all-new styling, modern rider aids, and audio system.
• Huge 12.3-inch TFT display enables riders to adjust everything from rider aids to music and navigation.
• More of everything: power, comfort, and performance.

Downs

• Although 16 pounds lighter than its predecessor, the ‘24 Road Glide still weighs a claimed 838 pounds.
• Tallish handlebars may not be to everyone’s liking.
• $4,000 more expensive than last year’s model.

Verdict

Modernized styling, a more powerful engine, and the adoption of high-tech rider aids secure the future trajectory of the definitive bagger.

Overview

When the Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide was first introduced in 1998, Cycle World called it “sort of a dresser that isn’t.”

“To that end,” the story continues, “the Road Glide has spoked wheels, a front fender devoid of chrome and running lights, and no rear tour trunk. Most obvious is the new frame-mounted fairing, a downsized, streamlined version of the bodywork first seen on the Tour Glide of 1980. Housed behind its twin, plexicovered ‘reflector optic’ headlights are a redesigned, more powerful AM/FM cassette stereo, four analog instruments, and two sizable storage bins.”

One can’t help but recognize the architecture of the updated 2024 Road Glide in that description, and even visualize the furrow of technological progress in its wake as it’s moved from the days of the “AM/FM cassette stereo and four analog instruments” to the plow break of today, in which the feature-rich infotainment system is controlled through a dazzling 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen display.

That infotainment system isn’t the only big update for 2024. Harley-Davidson turned the page on the styling, upgraded the suspension, improved rider and passenger comfort, increased power with a revised Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, and included a full suite of electronic rider aids.

The changes are significant—especially so considering the importance of the Road Glide to Harley-Davidson’s lineup. Continuity of style and purpose have made the Road Glide loom large in the American motorcycling consciousness. Depending on where one lives, sometimes it can feel like damn near half the motorcycles on the road are Glides. Change is never easy. But when it’s right, it’s right. Fortunately, with the 2024 Road Glide, Harley-Davidson got it right. The new Glide lives up to its legacy—it’s still, you know, sort of a dresser that isn’t.

Updates for 2024

The Road Glide has been poked and prodded from nose to tail. Revamped styling is highlighted by a new shark-nose fairing, in which a large LED headlamp is accompanied by a W-shaped LED running light incorporating the front turn signals. The redesign isn’t merely superficial either, as the changes are intended to improve rider and passenger comfort.

The Road Glide uses an updated Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine that’s different from the 117ci unit that powers other models like the Breakout 117 and Low Rider S/ST. Compared to the outgoing model’s 107ci engine, this M-8 117 produces 22 percent more horsepower and 19 percent more peak torque. Couple that with a 16-pound weight reduction compared to its predecessor, and it’s clear performance gains were a big priority.

H-D also updated suspension, utilizing longer-travel rear shocks for improved comfort and handling. More big changes include the new suite of electronic rider aids with ride-by-wire throttle control and selectable ride modes. The audio system has been upgraded with a new four-channel 200-watt amplifier and 5.25-inch Rockford Fosgate speakers.

Pricing and Variants

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide starts at $25,999.

The CVO Road Glide (starting at $44,499), which debuted the future of Road Glide styling in 2023, is distinguished by its Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine, a Rockford Fosgate Stage II four-speaker audio system powered by a 500-watt amplifier, a unique suspension setup, and a raft of styling details, from wheels to paint.

New for 2024, the CVO Road Glide ST ($42,999) is a high-performance variant with a Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine that produces the most horsepower and torque of any production Big Twin ever. The ST uses forged carbon fiber parts and a titanium-wrapped exhaust to drop weight by 25 pounds. It also uses fully adjustable Showa suspension. In the electronics department, there’s an additional preset ride mode, bringing the total to five (compared to the base model’s four). The audio system is unique to the CVO Road Glide ST and features a 500-watt amplifier and Harley-Davidson Audio powered by Fosgate Stage II 6.5-inch speakers.

The Road Glide Limited, the top-box-equipped dresser, has yet to receive 2024′s model updates.

Competition

The Road Glide’s biggest competition is arguably itself—in the used market. Well, the used market and the Street Glide. The 2024 Street Glide receives the same major updates as the Road Glide—engine, tech, etc. The Street Glide’s styling, fork-mounted fairing, and different ergos make it its own bike, but it is functionally very similar.

The closest non-Harley competition comes from, you guessed it, Indian. The Indian Challenger (starting at $26,499) has a 108ci engine that produces a claimed 122 hp and 128 lb.-ft. of torque. To get IMU-managed rider aids, the likes of which come standard on the 2024 Road Glide, requires moving up the food chain to the Challenger Limited ($29,999) and beyond. The Challenger is aimed squarely at the Road Glide in every way. And its aim is dead on.

The recognizable shark-nose fairing has an all-new look and was designed using computational fluid dynamics to achieve improved aerodynamic efficiency. (Harley-Davidson/)

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Road Glide uses a version of the Milwaukee-Eight 117, displacing 117ci (1,923cc) with 103.5 x 114.3mm bore and stroke dimensions and a 10.3:1 compression ratio. Harley says it produces 105 hp at 4,600 rpm, and 130 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,250 rpm. A 50 percent larger airbox (4.0 liters), compared to the 107 and 114 engines, is mated to a redesigned intake tract with a new aluminum intake manifold that offers a smoother and more direct path into the larger 58mm throttle body (up from 55mm). Changes to the cylinder head include reshaped combustion chambers, oval intake ports with low-profile intake-valve seats for increased velocity, while a bump in compression from 10.2 to 10.3:1 enhances low-rpm torque and improves fuel economy.

To improve heat dissipation, this Milwaukee-Eight 117 uses liquid-cooled cylinder heads (sourced from last year’s CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models) in conjunction with a low-mount radiator that targets exhaust-valve cooling, circulating coolant first to the less-exposed rear cylinder head and then to the front cylinder.

In his first ride review, Editor-at-Large Blake Conner says, “The counterbalanced Milwaukee-Eight is a soulful partner, providing enough character to remind you that it’s a giant 45-degree V-twin, while also being smooth at cruise, allowing you to relax over long-distance rides.”

Ample torque at the bottom of the rev range makes it easy to launch off the line and keeps things fun between stoplights. The 117′s midrange torque is broad and robust, pulling the bike’s ample weight out of corners nicely. The six-speed transmission shifts with a solid and firm feel at the foot lever. Performance from the slipper/assist clutch is consistent and predictable.

The Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine uses redesigned liquid-cooled cylinder heads. Compared to the outgoing model’s 107ci engine, it produces 22 percent more horsepower and 19 percent more peak torque. (Harley-Davidson/)

Chassis and Handling

The Road Glide uses a steel tube frame with a two-piece backbone and bolt-on rear subframe. Harley claims the Road Glide weighs 838 pounds ready to ride—some 16 pounds lighter than last year’s Road Glide Special, according to Harley. While the frame is essentially unchanged, new rear suspension has 50 percent more travel—3.0 inches, up from 2.1 inches of rear-wheel stroke. Showa emulsion-technology shocks are adjustable for preload, and a conventional 49mm Dual Bending Valve fork up front has been retuned to work in unison with the rear shocks.

While, it’d be nice to see electronically adjustable suspension on a bike at this price point, the suspension provides a comfortable ride that readily eats up road imperfections. When a set of fast sweepers arrives and the rider unleashes nearly 2,000cc of Milwaukee iron, the suspension is firm and controlled. Intuitive handling and turn-in response are impressive considering the weight. Midcorner, the bike remains planted and stable. As ever, cornering clearance is the limiting factor, though H-D’s touring models actually have more cornering clearance than other bikes in the segment.

The new design maintains the recognizable silhouette while treading new territory: Never before has the Road Glide received such significant styling changes. (Harley-Davidson/)

Brakes

The Road Glide uses a pair of four-piston brake calipers and large 320mm rotors up front, and a single-piston rear caliper mated to a 300mm disc in the rear. Performance from the brakes is good, with progressive bite from the front units providing confident stopping power. Linked brakes manage front-to-rear application and ABS as needed, which is a great safety feature.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

We have not had a long-term unit to test for fuel economy at this time. Harley-Davidson claims the Road Glide delivers 44 mpg.

LED taillights are nicely integrated between the rear fender and saddlebags. (Harley-Davidson/)

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

Harley-Davidson’s updates prioritized rider and passenger comfort; reworked cooling strategies improve thermal comfort and aerodynamic changes to the windshield and fairing reduce rider fatigue. Air vanes in the fairing allow riders to adjust airflow to suit conditions.

The Road Glide has a 28.3-inch seat-height. Harley reshaped the saddle to rotate the rider’s hips to a more neutral position and take pressure off the spine. Our tester noted that the seat was “amazingly comfortable,” providing great back support and ample cushioning for long stints on the road.

Feet-forward comfort, a cushy perch, and smooth airflow over the helmet mean riders can blast through the contents of the Glide’s 6-gallon tank in one go. To help riders go the distance, they can blare their tunes over a new audio system that features a four-channel 200-watt amplifier and 5.25-inch Rockford Fosgate speakers—but try to be a good ambassador and forgo the saltier of Lil Wayne’s oeuvre in the school zones.

The Road Glide has 2.42 cubic foot saddlebags—naturally, a bagger wouldn’t be a bagger without them.

The new TFT touchscreen display has plenty of room to simultaneously display pertinent riding data and navigation. Touchscreen functionality makes it intuitive to navigate menus. (Harley-Davidson/)

Electronics

The Road Glide has a ride-by-wire throttle and a six-axis IMU that manages traction control and ABS. Four preset ride modes—Rain, Road, Sport, and Custom—allow riders to tailor throttle maps and rider aids to their liking: Road mode has a mellower throttle response, decreased midrange power, and a high level of traction control and ABS intervention; Sport mode puts full power on tap with a direct throttle response, minimal TC, and engine-braking dialed up; Rain mode offers the mellowest throttle response with reduced power output, more intrusive TC and ABS settings, and less engine-braking; Custom mode allows riders to set each parameter.

Other electronic features include Cornering Electronically Linked Brakes (C-ELB), a system that modulates brake pressure in the rear when only the front brake is applied, or vice versa. C-ABS, CTCS (traction control), and Cornering Drag Torque Slip Control (engine-braking control) are all tied to a six-axis IMU. The Road Glide also has Tire Pressure Monitoring and Vehicle Hold Control.

The Road Glide has a new Skyline OS infotainment system and a 12.3-inch full-color TFT display. The screen uses an anti-glare coating, and can be controlled via touchscreen or bar-mounted buttons. For $349.95, Harley offers an optional navigation package. Riders can also opt to use a third-party app. The system supports Apple CarPlay (but not Android Auto), but Apple requires voice control/helmet audio for the system to work, so you’ll need helmet comms. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are supported and there’s a USB-C connection for music and calls for both Apple and Android devices.

Editor-at-Large Conner says: “Our experience with the system was almost completely positive with just a few quirks. Navigating the menus either via the left and right buttons is logical with well-laid-out menus to find everything from bike settings, tripmeters, modes, and audio control. Better yet is the ability to do most of this with gloved hands on the touchscreen. Most of the bike’s options can be accessed in motion, with just a few requiring the bike being stationary. Out on the open highway with the cruise control set, you can poke around and change your music playlist, or easily make other changes with very little distraction from the road.”

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Road Glide has a two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.

Quality

Harley-Davidson’s fit and finish is top-notch. The Road Glide is loaded with tech and features, and dealer support is excellent.

2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Specs

MSRP:	Starting at $25,999
Engine:	Liquid-cooled, 45-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	1,917cc
Bore x Stroke:	103.5 x 114.3mm
Compression Ratio:	10.3:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/belt
Claimed Horsepower:	105 hp @ 4,600 rpm
Claimed Torque:	130 lb.-ft. @ 3,250 rpm
Fuel System:	Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection, ride-by-wire
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate slipper/assist
Frame:	Steel tube w/ two-piece backbone and bolt-on rear subframe
Front Suspension:	49mm dual bending valve; 4.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Premium Low Hand-Adjustable, spring preload adjustable; 3.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	4-piston fixed calipers, floating 320mm discs w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	4-piston fixed caliper, 300mm disc w/ ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:	Cast aluminum; 19 x 3.5 in. / 18 x 5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:	Dunlop H-D Series bias blackwall; 130/60B-19 / 180/55B-18
Rake/Trail:	26.0°/6.8 in.
Wheelbase:	64.0 in.
Ground Clearance:	5.7 in.
Seat Height:	28.3 in.
Fuel Capacity:	6.0 gal.
Claimed Wet Weight:	838 lb
Contact:	harley-davidson.com

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