Harley-Davidson has unveiled the 2024 versions of its iconic touring motorcycles, the Road Glide and Street Glide, promising a “new era of motorcycle touring.” Building on the significant updates introduced with the CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models in the previous year, the standard 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide receive a host of enhancements, including refreshed styling, improved performance, and advanced technology.
Powerful Performance Upgrades
The heart of these touring machines is the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine, replacing the previous Milwaukee-Eight 107. This powerhouse features new cylinder heads derived from the Milwaukee-Eight 121, offering improved performance and fuel economy. The reshaped combustion chamber, oval intake ports, and enhanced thermal comfort contribute to an efficient and powerful riding experience. With a larger 58mm throttle body and a lighter, simplified airbox, the engine produces 105 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 130 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
Suspension and Chassis Refinements
The chassis, retaining its design from the 2009 overhaul, remains largely unchanged, but the suspension sees an upgrade. Borrowing from the CVO models, the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide now feature an inverted 47mm Showa fork with 4.6 inches of travel and a Showa shock with adjustable preload and rebound, providing a more refined and responsive ride.
Technology and Infotainment Revolution
Harley-Davidson has embraced the digital age with a 12.3-inch touchscreen dominating the cockpit, serving as the command center for the new Skyline OS-powered infotainment system. The system includes rider aids with preset ride modes (Rain, Road, Sport, and Custom), cornering-sensitive traction control, ABS, vehicle hold control, and adjustable throttle maps. The fully modern suite of electronic rider aids allows riders to customize the motorcycle’s performance at their fingertips.
The impressive infotainment system offers a wide range of features, including a 200-watt amplifier powering fairing-mounted speakers. The extensive digital display eliminates analog gauges, providing a sleek and high-tech look to the cockpit.
Aerodynamic Styling
While maintaining the spirit of the originals, the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide showcase a new aesthetic direction. The redesigned look not only enhances the bikes’ visual appeal but also improves aerodynamic efficiency. The batwing and shark-nose fairings, iconic to these models, receive a fresh interpretation, signifying a bold step forward.
Availability
The 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide are set to hit dealerships this month, offering riders a blend of classic Harley-Davidson touring heritage with modern technology and performance enhancements. As Harley-Davidson declares the dawn of a “new era of motorcycle touring,” these models aim to continue the legacy of the Road Glide and Street Glide with a fresh, dynamic approach to American touring motorcycles.
