The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide evolves with a redesigned fairing, better aerodynamics, and a Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine for power, comfort, and tech-driven touring. Pics: Heather Ware/H-D.
The mighty Harley-Davidson Road Glide remains one of our all-time favourites at BikeReview HQ. Over the past few years, we’ve tested various versions, from the CVO to the Limited and the ST, even comparing the Road Glide to the Street Glide. Now we road test the 2024 Road Glide…
Jeff spent a few weeks getting to know the 2024 Road Glide, while Paul Bailey attended the launch, plus reviewed the CVO and Limited. There is a link to his reviews below…
Now, we have the latest 2024 model in for road testing after sampling it at the Aussie launch, and Harley-Davidson has certainly given it some noticeable updates. The updated Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine features a new cooling system that optimises thermal comfort for the rider while enhancing intake and exhaust flow, boosting overall performance, they say… Well, we agree there.
Read our Road Glide reviews here including all 2024 range models…
Selectable ride modes now include Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom, electronically adjusting the motorcycle’s performance characteristics to suit the rider’s needs. The enhanced infotainment system is powered by the new Skyline OS, displayed on a 12.3-inch TFT colour touchscreen
The best handling Road Glide yet… upgraded suspension, lighter particularly unsprung weight, more power and better electronics. Lots of improvements for 2024…
The screen replaces all analogue instrumentation and most switches, while a powerful 200-watt amplifier drives the fairing-mounted speakers. Harley has also worked on improving aerodynamics, reducing helmet buffeting at highway speeds by an impressive 60 per cent.
“Cranking it into corners feels intuitive, with its wide new ‘bars and well-balanced chassis providing agility unmatched for a machine of this size”…
Suspension and comfort upgrades include an increase in rear suspension travel to three inches and a redesigned one-piece seat that Harley say offers enhanced long-range comfort (we definitely found it comfy, but not so much for the pillion). You can read all the tech info and updates here.
The FLTRXS Road Glide comes in at from $46,495 ride away, and it continues to be a touring favourite. With power to match its size, luxury features aplenty, and undeniable style, it remains a top choice for Aussie riders looking to log serious miles, so long as you can handle the sheer size of a massive Harley tourer, the rewards once on the open road are well worth any hard work in urban areas…
Plus, with the Reflex Defensive Rider System now standard in Australia since 2021, the Road Glide is loaded with advanced safety features. The Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin delivers 120 ft-lbs of torque through its long, wide gears, making for a fast, fluid, and deeply satisfying ride. It hauls arse!
The handlebar bend of the Road Glide and the rider triangle have changed, it is a more comfortable, controlled position.
The new TFT display integrates the multi-language infotainment system with wireless AppleCarplay (via earbuds) and Android users can still stream music and calls but there is no Android Auto. While handlebar-mounted controls, LED lighting, cornering ABS, traction control, hill hold, and torque slip control ensure that this is a thoroughly modern touring machine. Our press bike came in the striking Whiskey Fire finish, which costs an additional $1,465, and looks pretty neat.
The range of colours of the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide lineup.
Other available shades include Billiard Grey as standard, with Vivid Black available for $750 extra, alongside White Onyx Pearl, Blue Burst, Alpine Green, Atlas Silver Metallic, and Sharkskin Blue, all costing $1,465 extra. Chrome trim is standard, while black trim is a $505 upgrade.
Personally, I reckon the 2024 Road Glide is one of the best looking tourers on the market, it now really has a cool bagger look and it handles unreal – it seriously surprised me (and a few sportsbike riders) up on my local twisties…
THE RIDE
Out on the open highway, the 2024 Road Glide feels just as it should—and always has… effortless, commanding, and supremely comfortable. Taking the new Road Glide through Old Road, though, I was immediately reminded why this bike is a grand touring AND King of The Baggers legend. Clutch action is heavy but smooth, as is gearbox shift. But despite its near 400kg weight, the handling is exceptional. Cranking it into corners feels intuitive, with its wide new ‘bars and well-balanced chassis providing agility unmatched for a machine of this size…
I’ve always rated the Road Glide highly, but the 2024 model is a step up in the handling… it is pretty much where I would want an older one to be after set-up with aftermarket suspension, but is right straight out of the box now…
The bike’s 32-degree lean angle, well-designed footboards, and narrow-ish tyres contribute to its impressive cornering ability. However, riders should be mindful of foot placement, as the boards can touch the road under aggressive lean angles, and if your shoe touches down, pull your foot off the board, something to be aware of on any bike with boards. Anyway, it’s awesome fun in the corners.
“Stopping power is really impressive, with decent feel at the lever for a big bike with chunky levers, too”…
Braking performance remains a highlight, with large front and rear rotors paired with four-piston calipers and an advanced ABS system. For a motorcycle tipping the scales at 368kg wet, the stopping power is really impressive, with decent feel at the lever for a big bike with chunky levers, too. And when I really got into it, there was no sign of fade at all. Around town, I just used the rear brake at all times.
Pillion comfort is OK on the Road Glide, without being exceptional, as the pillion seat slopes backwards. There are seat options, though. Eri (@elis_riporider) and I had a good two-up cruise around the beaches…
On longer rides, the Road Glide proves its worth. I did a run north on the M1 from Gosford to Newcastle and back, on cruise, and found it pretty chilled. The high gearing and smooth power delivery make highway cruising a breeze, with the cruise control set at 110km/h and the audio system blasting tunes, but honestly even on full volume I could not fully hear the music… Maybe it is just me.
However, at 187cm tall, I found that while aerodynamic tweaks have helped reduce buffeting, a taller adjustable windscreen would be a welcome addition for ultimate comfort. The redesigned seat and improved rear suspension do wonders for long-distance comfort, particularly on the shit$y M1 concrete slabs that have joins, but additional suspension travel in the rear would be even better!
It’s so close to perfections… a tiny bit more rear travel still, and a taller, adjustable screen and heated grips are what I would want… And for those pillioning a lot, a different pillion seat might be the go.
The M8 117, now updated, impressed me as always. Loads of grunt anywhere on tap, and a decent top-end whack. This thing is not short on power, torque or acceleration. It hauls off turns in any gear, genuinely quick, and I played around a lot with the modes. The presets are all useful and great, particularly in the wet, while Custom allows you to get the power and electronics dialled in for you. Fuel mapping is impressive for a “clean air” tuned motorcycle, initial throttle crack is silky smooth, also.
This thing is not short on power, torque or acceleration. It hauls off turns in any gear, genuinely quick…
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide continues to impress, blending power, technology, and comfort into a highly capable touring machine. Whether you’re carving corners or cruising the open highway, this bike delivers an exhilarating and luxurious experience. If you’re in the market for a big twin tourer with serious performance and style, the Road Glide should be a definite try out on your list. To find your nearest Harley-Davidson dealership, click here...
2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Specifications
Price: From $46,495 (ride away)
Colours: Billiard Grey (std), Vivid Black ($750) – White Onyx Pearl, Whiskey Fire, Blue Burst, Alpine Green, Atlas Silver Metallic, Sharkskin Blue – all $1465 extra. Trim: Chrome (std), Black ($505).
Warranty: Two-years unlimited km
Service: 1600km then every 8000km
Claimed Power: 80kW[107hp]@5020rpm
Claimed Torque: 170Nm@3500rpm
Wet Weight: 368kg
Fuel capacity: 22.7L
Claimed economy: 6L/100km
Engine: Air-cooled Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin, 1923cc, 103.5 x 114.3mm bore x stroke, 10.3:1 compression ratio, ESPFI, two-into-one-into-two exhaust
Gearbox: Primary drive: 34/46. Six-speed ratios – 1st: 9.593, 6.65, 4.938, 4.0, 3.407, 6th: 2.875 Final Belt 32/68 Clutch: Wet multi-plate, cable actuation
Chassis: Mild steel; tubular frame; two-piece stamped and welded backbone; cast and forged junctions; twin downtubes; bolt-on rear frame with forged fender supports; MIG welded.
Rake: 26° Trail: 170mm
Suspension: 49mm dual bending valve forks, 76.2 mm Dual Outboard Emulsion with Preload Adjustability
Brakes: 300mm rotors, Four-piston fixed calipers (f), 300mm rotor, two-piston floating caliper (r), ABS
Wheels & Tyres: Cast Alloy wheels, 130/60 – 19in (f), 180/55 – 18in (r), Dunlop™ Harley-Davidson Series, bias blackwall front and rear
Dimensions:
Wheelbase: 1625mm
Seat height: 720mm
Ground clearance: 145mm
Overall Length: 2410mm
Lean Angle: 32/32 degrees
Instruments & Electronics: Multi-language multi-function Skyline OS touch screen digital full colour 312mm TFT display with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Blutooth Phone, , handlebar mounted controls, Central Screen, Audio System (2x50w speakers), charging port in fairing, LED lighting all around, Ride Modes, ABS (C-ABS), Traction Control (C-TCS), Linked Brakes (ELB), Drag Torque Slip Control (DSCS), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), Tyre Pressure Monitoring (TPMS).
Ratings | Bike Review | 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
Amazing!
The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is a bold evolution of the iconic touring machine, blending power, comfort, and cutting-edge technology. With a redesigned fairing, improved aerodynamics, and the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, this bike promises a smoother, more responsive ride. Join us as we test its performance, handling, and touring capabilities.
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