Harley-Davidson Road Glide

American products are known for their quality and durability and the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is no different. Supersized cruisers are probably the most intimidating motorcycles and the Road Glide is just that. It weights 375kg making the Road Glide among the heaviest bikes in its class. The bike comes with a muscular and massive front cowl that comprises a very impressive 6.5-inch infotainment system. The gadget seems to be there only to add some muscle and may not appeal to all riders. The engine design retains the classic Harley-Davidson V-twin configuration. The company has paid homage to the svelte silhouette of the legendary XR750 with angular graphics on the petrol tank. The graphics not only ups the bike’s aggressive appeal but also contours everything all-round, from stretched saddlebags to the sharp-nosed fairing. The motorcycle comes with all-round LED lights. The Road Glide shouts of superb build quality all over. The crank case’s chrome finish and the switchgear’s plastics are all made with finesse. Even the hand-grips and seats are top-class quality.

Like all touring bikes, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has an upright riding position.  The seat is wide and comfortable with the right padding. High-speed stability is rock solid, courtesy the long wheelbase and the chassis. Riding ergonomics of the bike is really comfortable. The forward-set foot pegs and the large windscreen offers enjoyable riding while touring. The suspension offer a low ride with 4.6 inches of travel in the front and only 2.1 inches at the back. Riders of all height can mount the Road Glide easily. The ride quality is a bit on the firmer side but the suspension system absorbs bumps and thuds on most surfaces. Potholes can be a bit disconcerting if there’s no space to bypass them. 

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is equipped with an air cooled, two-cylinder, Milwaukee-Eight 1.8-litre engine, mated to a six-speed transmission. Though it’s among the heaviest bikes, the weight disappears once the motorcycle comes alive on highways. Overall weight distribution of the Road Glide is superb and it’s engineered for long hauls. The bike’s touring chassis makes the motorcycle extremely easy to cover miles in no time. There’s lots of low-end torque. A twist of the throttle and the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide chugs freely. Overtaking is never a problem at all. The motor never seems stressed for a second. The bike is extremely planted. The clutch is a bit on the harder side but that’s not a worry on highways. Even on city roads, the Harley-Davidson Road Glide’s handling is superb. In sharp corners, the bike retains its composure. 

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide has one of the best equipped safety systems. It comes with disc brakes on both wheels, traction control, antilock braking (ABS) as standard, and electronic-linked braking. The drag-torque slip control system settles abrupt gear downshifts before a corner entry. The robust transmission can withstand the abuse in braking zone and rapid ascents on the straight. Overall, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is an extremely stable motorcycle.

At a starting price of RM 179,900, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide is certainly the most expensive bike in its class. Besides the technology, ride quality, and safety, the Road Glide offers bragging rights, which is the most important thing. It has tremendous road presence. It’s a bike for seasoned riders who love to go on long tours.