2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles: Cycle World described the 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles FLTR Road Glide as “sort of a dresser that isn’t” when it was originally released in 1998.
As a result, the Road Glide had spoked wheels, a front fender without chrome or running lights, and no rear tour trunk, the narrative goes. The most noticeable change is the new frame-mounted fairing, which is a more compact and aerodynamic take on the bodywork originally seen on the 1980 Tour Glide. Its two large storage bins, four analog instruments, and a revised, more powerful AM/FM cassette stereo are hidden under its twin, plexicovered “reflector optic” headlights.
The updated 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Road Glide’s architecture is instantly recognizable from that description, and it’s even possible to picture the path of technological advancement from the days of the “AM/FM cassette audio and four analog instruments” to the current infotainment system, which is operated by an impressive 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen display and offers a wealth of features.
There are other significant updates for 2024 besides that infotainment system. Harley-Davidson updated the suspension, added a full system of electronic rider aids, increased power with a new Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, and improved rider and passenger comfort. 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles also turned the page on its style.
Depending on one’s location, it can occasionally seem like there are almost exclusively Glides on the road. Change is never simple. However, it’s right when it’s right. Fortunately, 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles got it right with the 2024 Road Glide. The new Glide continues to be a dresser that isn’t, which is in keeping with its heritage.
Updates for 2024
From nose to tail, the Road Glide has been probed and prodded. A redesigned shark-nose fairing with a huge LED headlamp and a W-shaped LED running light that incorporates the front turn signals highlights the updated look.
The upgraded Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine powering the Road Glide differs from the 117ci engine powering earlier models such as the Breakout 117 and Low Rider S/ST. This M-8 117 engine generates 19% greater peak torque and 22% more horsepower than the 107ci engine of the previous model. When you consider that it weighed 16 pounds less than its predecessor, you can see that performance improvements were a top priority.
2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles also updated its suspension, improving handling and comfort with longer-travel rear shocks. The new suite of electronic rider aids with ride-by-wire throttle control and adjustable ride modes is one of the other significant modifications. 5.25-inch Rockford Fosgate speakers and a new four-channel, 200-watt amplifier have been added to the audio system.
Pricing and Variants
The base price of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Road Glide is $25,999.
The CVO Road Glide (starting at $44,499), which unveiled the styling for the future of the Road Glide in 2023, stands out thanks to its 500-watt amplifier-powered Rockford Fosgate Stage II four-speaker audio system, its unique suspension setup, and a plethora of styling details, including paint and wheels.
The CVO Road Glide ST, which will be available in 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles for $42,999, is a high-performance version with the greatest horsepower and torque ever produced by a Big Twin production engine—a Milwaukee-Eight 121 High Output engine. The ST’s titanium-wrapped exhaust and forged carbon fiber components allow it to lose 25 pounds of weight.
Fully adjustable Showa suspension is also used. An extra preset ride mode has been added to the electronics sector, increasing the total to five (from four on the standard model). Exclusive to the CVO Road Glide ST, the audio system consists of 6.5-inch Fosgate Stage II speakers driven by 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Audio and a 500-watt amplifier.
The dresser with a top box, the Road Glide Limited, still needs to receive the 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles model revisions.
Competition
In the used market, the Road Glide’s primary rival is itself. That is the Street Glide and the used market. The Road Glide and the 2024 Street Glide both have significant upgrades in terms of technology, engine, etc. The Street Glide is a unique bike with unique looks, a fairing positioned on the fork, and unique ergonomics, but it functions relatively similarly to other bikes.
As you might expect, the closest non-Harley rival is Indian. With a starting price of $26,499, the Indian Challenger boasts a 108ci engine with 122 horsepower and 128 lb.-ft of torque. Getting IMU-managed rider aids, like those included as standard on the 2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Road Glide, will necessitate upgrading to the Challenger Limited ($29,999) or above on the food chain.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Milwaukee-Eight 117, which displaces 117ci (1,923cc) and has 103.5 x 114.3mm bore and stroke dimensions along with a 10.3:1 compression ratio, is the engine used in the Road Glide. According to Harley, it generates 130 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,250 rpm and 105 horsepower at 4,600 rpm.
A revised intake tract including a new aluminum intake manifold provides a smoother and more direct path into the larger 58mm throttle body (up from 55mm), connected to a 50% larger airbox (4.0 liters) than the 107 and 114 engines. Redesigned combustion chambers and oval intake ports with low-profile intake-valve seats for enhanced velocity are among the cylinder head modifications. A boost in compression from 10.2 to 10.3:1 increases low-rpm torque and improves fuel efficiency.
This Milwaukee-Eight 117 employs liquid-cooled cylinder heads—which were taken from the CVO Street Glide and CVO Road Glide models of last year—along with a low-mount radiator that focuses on exhaust-valve cooling to improve heat dissipation. Coolant is circulated first to the less exposed rear cylinder head and then to the front cylinder.
“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 on cruise, allowing you to relax over long-distance rides.
It’s simple to get off the line and maintains excitement in between stoplights thanks to the ample torque at the bottom of the rpm range. The wide and strong intermediate torque of the 117 pulls the bike’s heavyweight out of turn with ease. At the foot lever, the six-speed gearbox shifts with a robust and sturdy feel. The slipper/assist clutch operates reliably and consistently.
Brakes
The Road Glide has a single-piston rear caliper attached to a 300mm disc in the back and two four-piston front calipers coupled to massive 320mm rotors up front. The front brakes’ progressive bite provides stable stopping power, and the brakes operate well.
2024 Harley-Davidson Motorcycles 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, multi-plate 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 |
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