With the release of Harley Davidson's new 2024 line-up, the Roadglide is the one that catches the eye the most. Not because it looks better than the other bikes but because it seems to be the only one that has had a change. That shark nose front fairing with the two round headlights is now replaced by a large LED robocop looking eye. It seems to be dividing the community a bit. You either love it or hate it, it would seem. It made me think about the Road glide as a centre piece of the Harley line-up and where it began. Has it always been the high rolling, luxury, performance touring machine that it is today? Lets take a look.
Introduction: Setting the Stage
The Genesis: Roll Out of the First Edition
Landing on the motorcycle scene in 1998, the Harley Davidson Road Glide revolutionised the touring bike world. Originating from the Tour Glide structure that had been in existence since 1980, the pioneering Road Glide was a quantum leap ahead of its previous models. Distinctively designed with a frame-mounted fairing, it provided riders with a fixed, aerodynamic shield—contrasting with the conventional fork-mounted fairing of its sibling, the Electra Glide. This crucial innovation significantly enhanced stability and handling at high velocities, setting a new standard for touring motorcycles. Powered by the dependable and durable evolution engine, the debut Road Glide model retailed at £15,500. It not only fortified Harley Davidson's status for creating powerful, lasting bikes but also sparked the iconic legacy of the Road Glide.
More Than Just an Engine: Its Evolution
The pulsating heart of any motorcycle is its engine and Harley Davidson Road Glide's engine evolution has always been at the forefront. Harley Davidson launched the Road Glide with an engine symbolising their unwavering dedication to power and performance. The initial model was infused with an 80 cubic inch (1340cc) evolution engine, setting the gold standard for that era. With each passing year, Harley Davidson continued to push boundaries, adjusting the engine size to meet the rising demand for more power and a smoother travelling experience. The launch of the Twin Cam 88 engine in 1999, followed by the Twin Cam 96, and subsequently, the Milwaukee-Eight engine, illustrated an ongoing strive for progress. Each enhancement in engine size unleashed an increase in horsepower and torque, enabling the Road Glide to uphold its revered reputation as a formidable touring bike.
Diving Deep into the Road Glide: The Resilient Pioneer
Top Speed: The Thrill of Velocity
For motorcycle enthusiasts, top speed stands as a testament to a bike's zeal and competence. The inaugural models managed to hit a top speed of 95mph, illustrating Harley's commitment to maintaining top-notch performance for touring. The embryonic Road Glide versions were capable of achieving highway speeds effortlessly, underscoring the thrill of power under control. Although precise numbers have fluctuated over the years due to optimisations and engine developments, the Road Glide has consistently delivered impressive speeds that satiate the need for a commanding, rapid ride. This quest for speed, in harmony with the bike's stability and comfort, formed the foundation of its growing popularity among long-distance riders who craved performance without sacrificing the pleasure of the ride.
BHP: The Manifestation of Might
BHP, or brake horsepower, serves as a transparent indicator of a motorcycle's innate power, and the Harley Davidson Road Glide has perpetually been a stage for showcasing brute strength. In its early years, the Road Glide BHP averaged at about 60, underpinning its robust performance and propelling it for any kind of ride. With advancing engine technology, so did the Road Glide's BHP. Each new model introduced an increase in horsepower, empowering the bike to brave lengthy travels and demanding terrains with utmost efficiency.
Examination of the Torque Monsters
The term "torque monsters" has been a longstanding epithet for the Harley Davidson Road Glide, acknowledging their mighty pulling power. Even the earliest models distinguished themselves with an impressive torque output of 84ft-lb at 3500rpm, resulting in a bike capable of powering through low-speed pulls and steep inclines with panache.
Quantifying Passion for Harley: Then and Now
Value for Money: The Initial Price Tag
The introductory Harley Davidson Road Glide was positioned as a luxury in the touring motorcycle market, retailing at £15,500. Despite a steep price, it was perceived as a worthwhile investment for earnest riders, given its unparalleled style, performance, and durability.
The Ripple Effect of Inflation: Spinning Comparisons
Fast forward to the present, and the cost of a Harley Davidson Road Glide has understandably escalated due to inflation alongside the incessant enhancements in the bike's specifications. Even with an inflation-adjusted price tag of £27,295, the present-day Road Glide delivers a level of luxury, comfort, and power that far outstrips its progenitors.
Emergence of the Future: The 2024 Prodigy
Sophistication Reinvented: Traits of the New Age Beast
The 2024 Harley Davidson Road Glide showcases peak evolution, armed with features that challenge the common perception of what a touring motorcycle should be. Teeming with state-of-the-art technology such as the Boom!™ Box infotainment system that proffers an unprecedented audio experience and connectivity on the go, the bike retails at £27,295 for the base model.
Conclusion: The Road Glide Odyssey Forges On
The journey of the Harley Davidson Road Glide is a testament to the brand's relentless devotion to progress and rider satisfaction. Every model brings with it advancements that enhance its legacy as a touring powerhouse. The Road Glide's evolution is not just about increased power or advanced features; it's about creating an experience that resonates with the spirit of freedom and adventure that riders crave. The Road Glide remains a defining piece of Americana, an everlasting icon on the open road.
The 2024 Beast: Unleashing the Stats
The 2024 Harley Davidson Road Glide is every rider's dream, boasting a multitude of exceptional features that take the riding experience to the next level. With the latest Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine, this beast of a bike is armed with a whopping 120 horsepower, reinforcing the Road Glide's reputation as a powerful touring machine. This advanced engine allows the bike to reach exhilarating top speeds of up to 110 mph, ensuring riders can get the adrenaline rush they crave.
In terms of torque, the 2024 model maintains the Harley Davidson Road Glide's tradition of being a 'torque monster', delivering an impressive 125 ft-lb at 3500 rpm. This immense torque ensures the bike continues to deliver powerful, smooth rides, whether on open highways or steep city streets.
The bike's technological advancements don't end with the engine. The 2024 Road Glide is a technological marvel, featuring a Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system with a high-quality sound and improved user interface for an enhanced in-ride entertainment experience. This technological prowess, coupled with the bike's remarkable performance, justifies its almost £28k price tag......or does it?
In short, the 2024 Harley Davidson Road Glide combines the brand's rich heritage with modern day technology to bring the ultimate touring experience. As we look to the future, it's exciting to see where this iconic ride will venture next in its evolutionary journey.
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