The rumble of Harley-Davidson motorcycles has always evoked a sense of freedom on the open road. As we cruise into 2024, the iconic baggers, the Road Glide and Street Glide, are getting a high-octane upgrade. Harley-Davidson promises more flair, enhanced comfort, and cutting-edge tech in the revamped 2024 models. Let’s take a closer look at what these two powerhouses have in store for enthusiasts.
Sharper, Sleeker Looks
Harley-Davidson has bestowed the 2024 Street Glide and Road Glide with sharper, sleeker aesthetics. Drawing inspiration from the stunning 2023 CVO models, these motorcycles retain their distinct design language while embracing modern enhancements. The Road Glide adopts a massive all-LED unit in a sharper shark-nose fairing, replacing its twin oval headlights. Meanwhile, the Street Glide features an omega-shaped headlight with LED DRLs, housed in a revamped batwing fairing. With sleeker saddlebags and fenders, these bikes redefine visual appeal, though some may argue that the Street Glide has undergone a subtle departure from its traditional charm.
The fairing upgrades go beyond aesthetics, as Harley claims a 60% reduction in helmet buffeting and improved comfort with the redesigned rear suspension and saddle, perfect for those long-haul rides.
Punchier Performance with Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin
Under the hood, or rather, the tank, the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide roar to life with the Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine. This powerhouse receives significant upgrades in the cooling system, addressing concerns about the rear cylinder’s heat. The reworked intake and exhaust flow promise a performance boost, though specific power figures are still under wraps. Electronic ride modes, featuring Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom settings, empower riders to tailor their experience on the road.
TFT Touch Screen and Advanced Cockpit
Harley-Davidson bids farewell to the analog cluster, ushering in a new era with a massive 12.3-inch TFT color touch screen in both the 2024 Road Glide and Street Glide. This sleek upgrade not only modernizes the cockpit but also replaces various switches on the handlebars, offering a minimalist aesthetic. While details about the instrument cluster are pending, we can anticipate features like various viewing modes, widgets, Ride Planner turn-by-turn navigation, and seamless smartphone connectivity. The 2024 models also boast a 200-watt audio amplifier that powers the fairing-mounted speakers, ensuring a harmonious ride.
Release and Price
Enthusiasts itching to experience the revamped Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide won’t have to wait long. According to Harley-Davidson, these machines will hit US dealerships in January 2024, promising a thrilling start to the new year.
As the curtain rises on the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road Glide and Street Glide, it’s evident that Harley-Davidson is not just embracing the future but accelerating towards it. With enhanced performance, futuristic tech, and a design that pays homage to its heritage, these motorcycles are poised to capture the hearts of riders seeking a perfect blend of tradition and innovation. Buckle up for an exhilarating ride into the future of Harley-Davidson.
