Harley-Davidson’s high-end Street Glide and Road Glide touring motorcycles have been given a hefty makeover for 2024, with a host of big updates aimed at keeping the rider cooler and more comfortable, while an updated stereo system, riding modes and revised suspension go along with a number of styling changes to give the quintessential Harley cruisers greater appeal to fans of the big Hogs.
Harley’s torque-laden 1923cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine receives a new intake and exhaust system to boost power output to 107bhp, but one of the key updates is a revised cooling system, which is said to improve rider comfort – no doubt reducing the amount of heat directed at the rider on warmer days.
The new aerodynamics are also said to increase comfort. Harley says that the new bodywork will reduce helmet buffeting by around 60% at motorway speeds, as well as giving a fresh new look to the baggers, so called because of their integrated rear panniers. The key difference between the two models is the fairing, with the £26,795 Street Glide getting a revised version of the classic Harley-Davidson fork-mounted ‘Batwing’ cowl, while the Road Glide, which carries a £500 premium, gets the larger frame-mounted ‘Sharknose’ fairing. The bikes also get a new one-piece seat, which claims to be more comfortable for most riders, while the rear suspension travel is increased by 75mm too.
The baggers also gain selectable riding modes, with three factory settings – Road, Sport and Rain – joined by a customisable setting. There’s also a huge 12.3” TFT dashboard running what Harley call its Skyline operating system. This does away with all analogue instruments and most of the switches, while the entertainment system benefits from a new 200-watt amplifier to power the fairing mounted speakers.
Bikes should be in showrooms soon, with the Street Glide starting at £26,795 and the Road Glide £27,295 in the base grey colour scheme with chrome finish. Both bikes come in a choice of seven additional colours, which carry a £500 premium, with the option of blacking out the chrome for an additional £1800.
