Key Features of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®

Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin

The heart of this motorcycle is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117, a liquid-cooled V-Twin tuned for broad, usable torque. It produces 130 ft-lbs at 3,250 rpm and 105 HP at 4,600 rpm (J1349), with a 10.3:1 compression ratio and Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) for precise fueling. The 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers preserves the signature tone while helping maintain tractable, low-rpm response. Gear ratios across the six-speed box space power smoothly—9.593 in first through 2.875 in sixth—so you can roll out smartly from a stop, settle into a relaxed cruise, or downshift decisively for an overtake. On tour, that balance of immediate torque and calm top-gear cadence is exactly what you want under a loaded bike. Riders will also appreciate the refined thermal management of the liquid-cooled heads, especially when working through traffic or extended urban connectors before the open road.

Redesigned Sharknose Fairing

The Road Glide lineage is defined by its frame-mounted Sharknose fairing, and the 2026 update sharpens both form and function. The new profile brings a lighter, more wind-cheating shape that reduces turbulence at head and shoulder level while preserving the planted, stable feel the platform is known for. LED Signature Lighting enhances conspicuity day and night, and the lighting package throughout the bike—headlamp, tail/stop, and turn signals—is LED for crisp, immediate illumination. Adjustable handlebars allow fine-tuning of reach, wrist angle, and posture to suit different rider builds, and the seat is contoured for sustained comfort over long stretches. Subtle touches—from contrast-cut cast aluminum wheels to paint and graphics like Teal Thunder/Vivid Black—add a modern edge without losing the unmistakable Road Glide stance.

Skyline™ OS 12.3-inch TFT Display

The cockpit centers on a 12.3-inch full color TFT governed by Skyline™ OS, bringing navigation, audio, and vehicle data into a single, easy-to-read panel. Apple CarPlay is supported wirelessly or via USB-C, so you can run maps, calls, and media through the screen with familiar smartphone logic. AM/FM, Bluetooth pairing for phone/media headsets, and multilingual voice recognition deepen flexibility, while two 5.25-inch fairing speakers and a 50-watt-per-channel amplifier keep audio clear at speed. The interface also integrates digital gauges and a vehicle information screen that can show air temperature, oil pressure, and EITMS status, where equipped. The result is a connected tourer that minimizes distraction—big, glanceable tiles, responsive touch behavior at stops, and controls that align with your riding priorities mile after mile.

Rider Safety Enhancements

Harley-Davidson’s Rider Safety Enhancements add a layer of traction and stability management designed to help when the unexpected happens. The suite includes ABS and Electronic Linked Braking to balance stopping forces between wheels, plus a Traction Control System to mitigate rear wheel spin under acceleration. Drag-Torque Slip Control helps manage abrupt engine braking during downshifts or low-traction deceleration. Vehicle Hold Control can keep the bike stationary on grades until you are ready to roll, while TPMS monitors tire pressures and alerts you on the display. Cornering-enhanced variants—C-ABS, C-ELB, C-TCS, and C-DSCS—account for lean angle when braking, linking, or modulating drive, aiming to keep the motorcycle on your intended line. None of these systems replaces skilled inputs, but they are engineered to assist in maintaining control in compromised grip or surprise scenarios.

Ride-Tuned Suspension, Brakes, and Chassis

Composure at speed starts with a balanced chassis, and this motorcycle brings a well-sorted setup. Up front, a 49mm Dual Bending Valve fork manages bumps with a controlled, progressive feel. In back, dual outboard emulsion shocks deliver 3 inches of travel with preload adjustability to fine-tune for cargo and passenger loads. The cast aluminum wheels wear Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series bias blackwall tires—130/60B19 front and 180/55B18 rear—selected for consistent feedback and longevity. Dual floating front rotors with four-piston fixed calipers provide confident braking, complemented by a single rear rotor and caliper. With a 64-inch wheelbase, 26-degree rake, 6.8-inch trail, and 32-degree lean angles left and right, the chassis strikes that sweet spot between touring stability and easy turn-in. At 26.6 inches of laden seat height and 5.7 inches of ground clearance, the cockpit is accessible, while 2.42 cubic feet of luggage capacity helps you pack efficiently for multi-day rides.