It’s been over a century since Harley-Davidson launched its first Model 1 motorcycle, and the iconic brand still excels at crafting bikes that are equally at home on suburban streets, city roads, and panoramic highways. Harley-Davidson has even made a mark on racing circuits with some of its rides.
For instance, the Road Glide, a renowned touring model, has competed in MotoAmerica's Mission King of the Bagger racing series and continues to earn accolades. Known for its exceptional touring capabilities, the Road Glide has been a staple in the Harley lineup for over 20 years, with numerous upgrades and redesigns since its 1998 debut.
While the Road Glide Special was a premium option until 2023, it is no longer part of the 2024 lineup. To understand what made the Road Glide Special stand out, let’s compare it with the base Road Glide model.
The Road Glide: A Timeless Touring Classic
The Road Glide has long been celebrated for its stylish design and performance. Recent models continue this tradition with sleek lines, a frame-mounted shark nose fairing, and contrast-cut wheels that enhance its aerodynamic appeal. The bike's upright riding position and floorboards contribute to comfort, while features like anti-lock brakes, traction control, and drag torque slip control add safety.
Modern Road Glides come with Harley-Davidson’s Skyline OS infotainment system, featuring a 12.3" full-color in-fairing screen for GPS, fuel tracking, and connectivity. It’s also AM-FM and Bluetooth compatible for music and calls. The bike is powered by a Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine and starts at $25,999.
The Road Glide Special: Enhanced Comfort and Features
The 2023 Road Glide Special, priced at $27,999, offers several comfort-focused upgrades over the base model. It includes a dual LED headlight setup and triple split stream venting for a smoother ride at highway speeds. The Special also features upgraded suspension and the Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System for enhanced connectivity and entertainment.
However, the Road Glide Special uses the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine, which delivers 95hp compared to the Road Glide’s 105hp. Ultimately, choosing between the Road Glide and the Road Glide Special depends on whether you prioritize cruising comfort or additional power.