What’s New on the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide?

The Harley-Davidson Road Glide has played a huge role in shaping the current American motorcycling scene. Without the Road Glide, the American motorcycling culture wouldn’t have been the same as it is now. It is one of the motorcycles that contributed heavily to making Harley-Davidson what it is today.

After being launched in 1998, the Road Glide never stopped selling and became one of the most desirable American motorcycles . This bike features a shark-nose fairing which is something extraordinary in the motorcycling industry. The Shark-nose fairing is large, wide, and bulky, but it is supported by the frame. The fairing does not add weight to the front end and makes steering difficult due to being frame-mounted.

Over the years, the Harley Davidson Road Glide has received several upgrades. However, the classic persona and the spirit of this bike are still the same.

The H-D Road Glide has become a separate brand and identity in the field of motorcycling. It has shaped a new class of touring motorcycles , known as the “ Baggers ”.

As of today, it is still one of the most premium Harley-Davidson motorcycles . It is for those motorcycle enthusiasts who are passionate about biking and those who don’t think twice before going on a motorcycle tour.

Continue reading this article to learn in detail what’s new on the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide. This article explores all the performance and cosmetic upgrades made to the 2024 Road Glide and how it stands out from the rest.

The 2024 H-D Road Glide is now bigger and better than before. There is a massive upgrade in the engine department as the previous 107 cu in Milwaukee-Eight engine is now replaced with the giant 117 cu in engine. When the size increases, the power also increases. The new giant 117 cu in power plant in the 2024 model can now produce an impressive torque of 130 lb-ft (176.25 Nm) at 3,250 rpm and a horsepower of 105 hp.

The new 117 cu in Milwaukee-Eight engine is a lot for most riders. It is surely going to raise the bar for the competitors.

Besides increased displacement size, horsepower, and torque figures, the new engine also features newly designed liquid-cooled cylinder heads. The new heads allow for better thermal efficiency to make riding more comfortable for riders, particularly in hot weather conditions.

The newly installed cooling system on the 2024 H-D Road Glide channelizes air to the rear head first. This in turn makes this comfortable for riders. The fan that points downward also helps in keeping the heat away from the rider as much as possible.

The iconic frame-mounted shark-nose fairing is not the same anymore. It is redesigned to ensure a more premium and modern front look to the bike. It now looks more aggressive and sharp if you see it from the front. The fairing and headlight don’t look separate from each other, unlike the 2024 Road Glide model. The extended W-shaped headlights are neatly integrated into the fairing.

To ensure elegance and neatness, the turn signals are integrated into the headlight instead of installing separately.

The newly developed shark-nose fairing and the redesigned integrated windshield are tested through wind tunnel analysis and computation fluid dynamics (CFD) before making a part of the bike.

As tested, the new design reduces the wind buffeting significantly. This helps in reducing the rider’s fatigue and makes the riding experience highly comfortable. The airflow through the air vents installed in the fairing can also be tuned for more comfort.

The 2024 Road Glide is now available in both chrome and blacked-out trims. It looks stunning and modern in the matte black finish. However, if you prefer the old-school look, you can opt for the chrome trim.

The color schemes are also more attractive and you have many colorful options to choose from. If you look at the 2024 H-D Road Glide, it seems like the bike has spent a year in the gym and has come with more muscles and attitude.

All the old-school-looking analog gauges mounted to the handlebars and fairings in the 2023 model are now removed. The rider can now see all the information on a very interactive large 12.3-inch TFT color touchscreen display powered by Skyline OS. The crystal-clear touchscreen display allows riders to use navigation, change settings, and control the infotainment system easily. Now everything is at the fingertips with this new infotainment system.

The large display screen sits at the center of the fairing. There are two fairing-integrated speakers of 5.25 inches each on either side of the display screen.

Apart from power and entertainment, Harley-Davidson also ensured that handling and comfort were not compromised. Therefore, the 2024 H-D Road Glide model has an updated rear suspension. The previous premium low hand-adjustable rear suspension is replaced with dual 76.2 mm outboard emulsion shocks with preload adjustability.

The rear suspension wheel travel is increased from 2.15 inches to 3 inches. This update is made to make riders feel a considerable difference in the comfort level and handling department.

To ensure the supremacy of the 2024 Harley Road Glide from its previous generations, it now comes with a premium set of electronic rider aids. The ride is now more plush and safe thanks to the advanced ride-by-wire throttle engine management system (EMS) that allows riders to customize the riding experience. This advanced system allows riders to select from four different riding modes ( Rain, Sport, Road, and Custom ).

The ride-by-wire throttle works in conjunction with other safety intervention technology, including the Cornering ABS and Cornering Torque Control System (C-TCS) to make the ride safer.

You may not be able to observe any difference in size and measurements between the 2024 and previous year models. However, if you see it up close or compare the specs sheets, there are minor differences that can make a huge difference in the overall performance.

Starting with the length of the bike, the 2024 Road Glide is 0.8 inches smaller. However, it has a slightly taller seat height of 26.6 inches and also a slightly higher ground clearance of 5.7 inches . On the contrary, the 2023 Road Glide has a seat height of 25.9 inches and a ground clearance of 5.5 inches . However, the wheelbase is the same in both models ( 64 inches ).

The tire specifications, tire brand, and wheel size are the same in both models. However, the wheels' design is different in both models.

Other than that, the small changes in size, dimensions, notable upgrades, and modern techniques have resulted in a reduction in the weight of the latest model. The 2024 Road Glide is 18 lbs lighter than the previous model, having a total wet weight of 838 lbs and a dry weight of 802 lbs .

For a perfect riding posture, the 2024 H-D Road Glide now comes with taller mini-ape hangers handlebars. The newly updated handlebars considerably change the riding posture and make it more upright and comfortable for long-distance rides. The rider can now sit on the saddle with a perfectly straight back and with a slightly higher arm position. Such a posture allows riders to avoid sitting in a slouch riding position which in turn helps in avoiding back pain on longer rides.

All the new upgrades and features in the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide come at a price. The rider now has to pay $4,000 more for the 2024 model. If you want to own one of the most premium American baggers, the 2024 Road Glide now comes at a base price of $25,999. This price increase may sound too much but considering the premium features, upgraded infotainment system, and rider aids in the latest 2024 model, this bike offers a good value.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is not the same anymore. The new model has arrived with several upgrades and changes that not only make the bike look modern and classy, but the difference in performance is also quite notable. A bigger and more powerful engine has made the bike more desirable. The updated rear suspension with improved wheel travel has a positive impact on the handling and comfort of the motorbike. The fairing has been revised for better aerodynamics. The advanced infotainment system and rider aids have taken the overall performance and ride experience of the 2024 Road Glide to another level.