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# Road Glide: Best Model Review & 2025 Buying Guide
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is an icon in the touring motorcycle world, instantly recognizable by it’s distinctive frame-mounted shark-nose fairing. With a legacy of providing riders with long-distance comfort, powerful engines, and modern technology, the Road Glide has consistently evolved to meet the demands of the open road. This review dives deep into what makes the Road glide a top choice for touring enthusiasts, exploring its key features, benefits, and how it stacks up against its competitors. Furthermore, we’ll provide a glimpse into what you might expect from the 2025 models, helping you make an informed decision when considering your next motorcycle purchase.
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## Key Features Analysis
The Road Glide boasts a range of impressive features that contribute to its outstanding touring capabilities and overall riding experience.**Milwaukee-Eight 117 Engine:**
The heart of the Road Glide is the powerful Milwaukee-eight 117 cubic inch engine. This air/oil-cooled powerplant delivers impressive torque and horsepower, providing ample acceleration for overtaking, climbing hills, and maintaining cozy cruising speeds even when fully loaded with luggage and a passenger. It produces a satisfying rumble that Harley-Davidson enthusiasts adore, making every ride a memorable experience.
**Frame-Mounted Shark-Nose Fairing:**
The Road Glide’s signature feature is its frame-mounted shark-nose fairing. Unlike fork-mounted fairings, the frame-mounted design isolates the rider from the weight and movement of the fairing, resulting in more stable and predictable handling, especially at highway speeds. This design considerably reduces rider fatigue on long journeys.
**Infotainment System:**
The Road Glide is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system featuring touchscreen display, integrated navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and BOOM! Box audio. This system allows riders to stay connected, enjoy their favourite music, and easily navigate to their destinations. The touchscreen is glove-friendly, ensuring ease of use while on the road.
**Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS):**
Many Road Glide models come standard with RDRS,a suite of electronic rider aids designed to enhance safety and control in various riding conditions. This includes cornering ABS, traction control, drag-torque slip control, and vehicle hold control. These systems offer an extra layer of confidence, especially when riding in challenging weather or on unfamiliar roads.
**Spacious Saddlebags:**
Touring requires packing essential gear, and the Road Glide delivers with its generous hard saddlebags. These bags offer ample storage capacity for clothing, tools, and other necessities, making multi-day trips a breeze. The saddlebags are also lockable, providing added security for your belongings.
**Comfortable Seating and Ergonomics:**
The Road Glide is engineered for long-distance comfort, featuring a well-padded seat and ergonomically designed handlebars and foot controls. This setup allows riders to maintain a relaxed and upright riding posture, minimizing strain and fatigue, even after hours in the saddle. The passenger seat is also designed with comfort in mind,ensuring an enjoyable experience for both rider and passenger.Key features of the Road Glide include:
* Milwaukee-Eight Engine
* Frame-Mounted Fairing
* Advanced Infotainment
* Rider Safety Systems
* Generous Storage
* Optimized Ergonomics
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## Core Benefits
Riding a Road Glide offers numerous benefits that cater to both seasoned touring enthusiasts and those new to long-distance motorcycle journeys.
**Superior long-Distance Comfort:** The combination of the frame-mounted fairing, comfortable seating, and ergonomic design provides exceptional comfort on long rides. The fairing effectively deflects wind and rain, reducing rider fatigue. The relaxed riding position allows for hours of comfortable cruising.
**enhanced Handling and Stability:** The frame-mounted fairing contributes to significantly improved handling and stability, especially at highway speeds. This design isolates the rider from the weight and movement of the fairing which results in confident control even in windy conditions or when passing large vehicles.
**Advanced Technology for Safety and Convenience:** The integration of technologies like RDRS and the infotainment system enhances both safety and convenience on the road. RDRS provides added peace of mind in challenging conditions, while the infotainment system keeps riders connected and entertained.
**Ample storage for Touring Essentials:** The spacious hard saddlebags provide plenty of room for carrying clothing, gear, and other essentials for multi-day trips. This eliminates the need for bulky backpacks and allows riders to focus on the joy of the ride.
**Iconic Style and Presence:** the Road glide’s distinctive shark-nose fairing and classic Harley-Davidson styling turns heads wherever it goes. Owning a road Glide is not just about transportation, it’s about joining a community and embracing a lifestyle of freedom and adventure.
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## FAQs Section
**What is the difference between a Road Glide and a Street Glide?**
The primary difference between a Road Glide and a Street Glide is the fairing. The Road Glide features a frame-mounted shark-nose fairing, while the Street Glide has a fork-mounted batwing fairing. This difference in fairing design impacts handling, wind protection, and overall aesthetics.Many riders prefer the Road Glide’s frame-mounted fairing for its stability and reduced rider fatigue on long rides.
**What is the fuel economy of a Road Glide?**
The fuel economy of a Road Glide typically ranges from 38 to 45 miles per gallon, depending on riding conditions, speed, and the weight carried. Aggressive riding and heavy loads will reduce fuel economy,while more conservative riding will improve it. The Road Glide’s large fuel tank provides a good range between fill-ups, making it suitable for long-distance touring.
**What are some common customizations for Road Glides?**
Road Glides are highly customizable, allowing riders to personalize their bikes to their preferences. Common customizations include aftermarket seats, exhaust systems, handlebars, windshields, and lighting. Many riders also add accessories like highway pegs, luggage racks, and custom paint jobs to enhance comfort, performance, and aesthetics.
**how often does a Road Glide need servicing?**
The recommended service intervals for a Road Glide are typically every 5,000 miles for routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections. More extensive services, such as spark plug replacement and fluid changes, are recommended at longer intervals, as specified in the owner’s manual. Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your Road Glide in top condition and ensuring its longevity.
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## Competitor Comparison
### Product Comparison Overview
#### Road glide
– **Engine:** Milwaukee-Eight 117 (Various Models)
– **Fairing:** Frame-Mounted Shark-Nose
– **infotainment:** Touchscreen, Navigation, Bluetooth
– **Rider Aids:** RDRS (Optional)
#### Indian Challenger
– **Engine:** PowerPlus 108
– **Fairing:** Frame-Mounted
- **Infotainment:** Touchscreen, Navigation, Bluetooth
– **Rider Aids:** Smart Lean Technology
#### Honda Gold Wing
– **Engine:** 1833cc Flat-Six
– **Fairing:** Frame-mounted
– **Infotainment:** Touchscreen, Navigation, Apple CarPlay
– **Rider Aids:** ABS, Traction Control, Rider Modes
### Key Differences Summary
The Road Glide offers a classic Harley-Davidson experience with its powerful Milwaukee-Eight engine and iconic styling. The Indian Challenger provides a similar frame-mounted fairing and a potent engine, but with a more modern design and technologically advanced rider aids as standard equipment.The Honda Gold wing caters to riders seeking ultimate comfort and refinement, with its smooth flat-six engine, advanced features, and car-like amenities. For riders prioritizing classic Harley-davidson style and a distinctive riding experience, the Road Glide remains a top choice.
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## Ideal User Profile
**Long-Distance Touring Enthusiasts:** The Road Glide is ideally suited for riders who enjoy covering long distances and exploring new destinations on two wheels. Its comfortable ergonomics, ample storage, and excellent wind protection make it a perfect companion for multi-day trips.
**harley-Davidson Brand Loyalist:** The Road Glide appeals to riders who appreciate the heritage, styling, and community associated with the Harley-Davidson brand. it offers a classic riding experience with modern features, catering to enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds.
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## Buying Recommendations & Conclusion
When considering a Road Glide, evaluate your priorities regarding comfort, performance, and styling. If you prioritize a classic Harley-Davidson experience with a distinctive frame-mounted fairing, the Road Glide is an excellent choice. Consider different trim levels and available options, such as RDRS, to tailor the bike to your specific needs.
For 2025, expect harley-Davidson to continue refining the Road Glide with potential updates to the engine, infotainment system, and rider aids. Stay tuned for official announcements and reviews to learn more about the specific changes and improvements.
the Road Glide remains a top contender in the touring motorcycle segment, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and iconic style that appeals to a wide range of riders. Whether you’re a seasoned touring enthusiast or new to long-distance riding, the Road Glide deserves serious consideration.
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