I Spy: Is A New 2015 Harley-Davidson Road Glide On The Way?
[caption id="attachment_33087" align="alignright"
width="300"] The last time the Road Glide was in the Harley
line up was in 2013, with three iterations: Road Glide Custom (seen
here), Road Glide Ultra, and 110th Anniversary Edition CVO Road
Glide Custom[/caption]
In what seems to be a very rare occasion by Harley-Davidson, spy
photos have snuck out of what we can only speculate to be a new
2015 Road Glide model (see images here on
motorcycle.com), that if not part of the 2015 OE lineup will
probably be released as a mid-year model (Harley has been all about
mid-year models for the past couple years). Many Harley enthusiasts
were shocked to learn that the Road Glide, with its distinct shark
nose fairing, would be completely out of the 2014 lineup, but
die-hard fans new it wouldn't be long before their beloved bagger
was back on the road.
If this truly is the new Road Glide, it appears to have more of a
scowl with the bodylines on the frame-mounted fairing having a
slightly more downward pitched angle than the previous
model-probably in an effort to reduce motorcycle helmet buffeting
and make for a more comfortable and less noisy ride for a wider
range of rider. The more aggressive stance of the fairing is a
rather interesting feature seeing as how many custom builders would
often rework the angel of the Shark Nose fairing and draw it back a
bit so that the bodylines sat more upright to flow better with the
rest of the bike. Also highly noticeable on this new fairing is the
broad oval vent across the top. Similar to the redesigned bat wing
fairing, found on the 2014 Touring models, with the scooped vent,
this new Road Glide fairing would assumingly provide adjustable air
flow directly to the rider.
Word on the street, and as seen in these pictures, is the lighting
within the new fairing will be comprised of dual Daymaker LED
motorcycle
headlights. And more than likely a new 2015 Road Glide will
have the same crowd sourced, Project Rushmore enhancements found on
the 2014 Road King, Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Electra
Glide, Ultra Classic, Ultra Limited, Tri Glide Ultra, CVO Ultra
Limited and CVO Road King.
Some of the Project Rushmore accoutrements include:
Control: Project RUSHMORE bikes pass faster, stop quicker and see
farther at night, thus inspiring rider confidence. Each model
features the new Twin-Cooled⢠High Output Twin Cam 103⢠or the High
Output Twin Cam 103⢠powertrains, Reflex⢠Linked Brakes with ABS
(Anti-Lock Braking System), and Daymaker⢠LED and Dual Halogen
lighting.
Infotainment: New color-screen Boom! - Box infotainment systems
feature the first original-equipment voice recognition and
touchscreen for music, GPS navigation and phone in motorcycling,
with quality audio, [mageProductLink sku="321-71-9064"
title=""]Bluetooth®[/mageProductLink] connectivity, text-to-speech
technology, plus support for intercom and CB communications in a
single module.
Feel: Splitstream venting, which reduces head buffeting by 20
percent, to best-in-class ride for passengers with wider and deeper
seats and new back and arm rests.
Style: The form and the function of many components are improved -
a reshaped Tour-Pak® and saddlebags with convenient One-Touch
latches, sleeker fenders, lighter cast aluminum wheels and
intuitive hand control switches.
We are definitely excited about the idea of the Road Glide
returning as it was sort of the step child of the Harley touring
family for many years. Many people didn't like the look or function
of the frame-mounted fairing (they were used to watching the
fairing and headlights move with the handlebars as they turned). It
wasn't until the last couple years that the Road Glide really began
to gain popularity with rise of the bagger customization trend. The
batwing is old, stale, and boring. The shark nose is youthful,
aggressive, and more aerodynamic. More than likely when a new Road
Glide does roll onto the sales floor again it will be an instant
hit.