Harley-Davidson announced today that it is bringing back the Road Glide and Road Glide Special with both of the baggers getting the Project Rushmore makeover. Both of the 2015 model-year bikes were introduced today at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota and at the National Bikers Roundup in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
“Road Glide has always had an incredibly passionate following, which is why its return to the model line-up is exciting for our customers and our company,” said Matt Levatich, President and Chief Operating Officer of Harley-Davidson Motor Company, in a press released issued by the Motor Company.
So what’s changed? For starters the bikes get a new shark-nose fairing that’s more aerodynamic (thanks to wind-tunnel testing). The Road Glide also gets Dual Reflector Daymaker LED headlights.
“The Road Glide has always been a bike for a rider who’s cut from a different cloth, a person who wants to make a statement as they chase the freedom of the road,” said Michael Goche, Product Planning Manager. “This new model respects that spirit while offering a significant improvement in aerodynamic and ergonomic comfort, LED lighting and the full suite of Project Rushmore features that have been such a huge hit with touring riders around the world.”
The bikes also get an updated audio system – the Boom! Box 4.3 that made its debut on this year’s Project Rushmore Harleys. The system features two amplified 25-watt speakers and a media compartment with USB connector. The system is controlled via twin joysticks that are located on a new handlebar that sits closer to the rider than the previous model. It also features a downward bend and it sits in stiffer triple clamps.
The 2015 Road Glides will be powered by Harley’s High Output Twin Cam 103 V-twin – the rubber-mounted, air-cooled 1690cc V-twin. The bike also gets Harley’s Electronic Sequential Port fuel injection.
The 2015 Road Glide gets a hand-adjustable knob for its air-adjustable rear suspension.
The Road Glide Special also gets some upgrades and the Vivid Black special (the least expensive of the Specials) will cost you $2300 more than the standard model. For that you get linked brakes with ABS and the rear suspension package that comes on the standard model. The Special also gets the Boom! Box 6.5GT infotainment system with its touch screen and GPS and security system.
The rest is in the looks: The Road Glide Special gets a painted inner fairing and pinstriping.
The 2015 Road Glide in Vivid Black will set you back $20,899 while a solid color carrying a price tag of $21,399. The 2015 Road Glide Special in Vivid Black starts at $23,199 while a color version comes at a $500 premium.