Harley Davidson Road Glide

Overview

Performance And Engine

The Road Glide’s Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine puts out 108.5 PS @ 5020 rpm and 175 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm, giving it strong low-end power for easy overtaking on Indian highways. This 1923 cc engine is air-cooled, with some updates offering liquid-cooling, and uses electronic fuel injection for smooth throttle response. In real-world riding, the broad torque curve makes acceleration easy, and ride modes like Road, Sport, and Rain help adapt to different Indian road conditions.

The bike uses a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox with a chain final drive, making gear changes easy. It also has Drag-Torque Slip Control, which helps keep downshifts stable during spirited riding. The transmission works with cornering traction control to deliver power safely, even on winding mountain roads. Riders like how easy it is to find neutral, and the gear ratios are set up for comfortable highway cruising at 100-120 kmph.

The Road Glide can reach a top speed of about 177 kmph, with an electronic limiter for safety. Riders in India say it easily maintains high speeds on open highways like NH44, thanks to its sturdy frame and fairing. The wind protection also helps reduce fatigue at speeds over 140 kmph, making it a good choice for fast inter-city travel.

Mileage And Fuel Efficiency

The ARAI-certified mileage is 16-16.66 kmpl under standard test conditions. With its 22.7-litre fuel tank, you can expect about 370 km per fill-up. This efficiency, thanks to BS6-2.0 compliance and fuel injection, puts it among the top premium cruisers in India. Official tests focus on steady riding in both city and highway conditions.

In real-world use, Indian riders usually get 12-15 kmpl, depending on riding style, city traffic, and the bike’s load. Forum users say they see about 13-14 kmpl on highways at 100 kmph, but this drops to 11-12 kmpl in city traffic or during windy monsoon weather. Good fuel quality and regular maintenance can help some riders reach up to 16 kmpl on longer, careful rides.

Features And Technology

The Harley-Davidson Road Glide comes packed with features designed for Indian riders who take on long highways and a variety of road conditions.

1. Redesigned Sharknose Fairing: Frame-mounted with improved aerodynamics and a taller, reshaped clear windscreen for superior wind protection on high-speed Indian runs, reducing rider fatigue during monsoons or dusty rides.​
2. 12.3-inch Skyline OS Touchscreen: Colour TFT display integrates navigation, media, vehicle info, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice recognition; includes USB-C charging in fairing compartments for smartphones during tours.
3. Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 Engine: 106 hp at higher revs and 177.6 Nm torque with variable valve timing for enhanced efficiency and power delivery, tailored for BS6 Phase 2 in India; paired with refined exhaust for highway cruising.
4. Rockford Fosgate Audio System: Upgraded fairing-mounted speakers deliver clear sound at speeds over 120 kmph, overcoming road/wind noise common on Indian expressways; supports MP3, FM, SD card, and flash drive playback.
5. Advanced Rider Aids: Cornering Enhanced ABS (dual-channel, switchable), Traction Control, Drag-Torque Slip Control, and Electronic Linked Braking for confident handling on wet ghat roads or potholed highways.
6. Ride Modes: Rain, Road, Sport, and Configurable modes adjust throttle, ABS, and traction for Indian conditions, such as flooded cities or twisty mountain roads; includes Vehicle Hold Control for hill starts.
7. Comfort Enhancements: Heated seats for rider/passenger, heated handgrips, adjustable windscreen, and revised ergonomics with backrest support; Showa suspension (49mm front forks, preload-adjustable rear) tuned for long-distance Indian touring.
8. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Real-time alerts via the display for Dunlop tubeless radials (130/60-19 front, 180/55-18 rear) on cast aluminium wheels, essential for maintaining grip on varied asphalt.
9. Infotainment Extras: Service Due Indicator, digital odometer, clock, air temperature/oil pressure readout, and DRLs with LED tail light; supports Cruise Control for relaxed NH rides.
10. Touring Luggage: Redesigned Grand Tour-Pak with improved capacity and passenger comfort, lockable saddlebags; 22.7L fuel tank for extended range between Indian fuel stops.
11. Safety and Convenience: Engine Kill Switch, step-up seat, passenger footrests, and LED lighting throughout; a single-piece seat at 720 mm height makes it easy for Indian riders to access
12. Dimensions for India: 2410 mm length, 1625 mm wheelbase, 145 mm ground clearance, 387 kg kerb weight – stable for highways yet manoeuvrable in traffic; 4.7L oil capacity.

Build Quality

Harley-Davidson builds the Road Glide’s frame and components from high-quality steel, so it lasts even in India’s humid, dusty weather. Rubber mounts help reduce vibrations. The Sharknose fairing is made from aerodynamic materials that resist rust and add stability. The cast aluminium wheels and tubeless Dunlop tyres are tough enough for rough stretches on national highways.

Indian users point out the bike’s 387 kg weight, reinforced welds, and powder-coated finish, which help prevent rust during the monsoon. The Milwaukee-Eight engine uses finned aluminium to keep cool in hot weather, and sealed bearings and O-ring chains mean less maintenance, even on long 50,000 km rides. Details like chrome or black trim, resistance to peeling, and a 145 mm ground clearance that avoids scraping on speed bumps show the bike’s quality.

Handling

The updated suspension has 49mm Showa front forks with 130 mm travel, which help absorb potholes and speed bumps while keeping the steering steady at 140 kmph. The rear shocks can be adjusted without tools, making it easy to set up for solo or loaded rides. This setup keeps the bike stable in corners, even on winding mountain roads.

With a 1625 mm wheelbase and a low centre of gravity, the Road Glide is easier to handle in city traffic. The frame-mounted fairing helps prevent shaking during fast lane changes. Users say it tracks well on bumpy highways like NH48, helped by the wide rear tyre and cornering aids for gravel or wet roads common in India.

Comfort

The bike’s low 720 mm seat and comfortable single-piece seat with backrest help reduce fatigue on long rides, like a 500 km trip from Kochi to Ooty. Heated grips and seats keep you warm on chilly mornings or in the hills, and the adjustable windscreen does a good job blocking rain and wind at 120 kmph.

The footboards let you change your position during traffic jams, and the vibration-dampened handlebars and floorboards help keep your hands comfortable on long rides. Passengers get a wide seat with armrests, making two-up trips in Kerala more enjoyable. The Showa rear shocks smooth out bumps, and cruise control makes it easier to relax during long rides in changing traffic.

Styling

The Road Glide’s signature Sharknose fairing is now taller and more angular, helping channel air smoothly and giving the bike a strong look on highways from Delhi to Chennai. Its low, stretched tank and saddlebags highlight the classic bagger style. At the same time, LED lighting strips add a modern touch, even in foggy winters. The 19-inch front and 18-inch rear cast aluminium wheels look tough, and you can choose chrome or blacked-out trim to match your style.

Chrome accents on the exhaust and engine guards shine in the sun, while the single-piece seat blends smoothly into the rear Tour-Pak, giving the bike a long, sleek look that stands out at group rides. The updated ergonomics, with forward controls and mini-ape handlebars, create a strong riding position that mixes classic Harley style with modern updates for city riding.

Colour Options And Variants

Indian dealers offer seven bold colour options, and premium two-tone paint schemes help your bike stand out in traffic.

1. Dark Billiard Gray
2. Vivid Black
3. Blood Orange
4. Purple Abyss
5. Aurora Blue Denim
6. Olive Steel Metallic/Vivid Black
7. Teal Thunder/Vivid Black

There are two main variants, both set up for luxury touring in India. They share the same main features but have different styling.

1. Chrome
2. Black

Value For Money And Pricing

The base Road Glide starts at ₹45,75,000 ex-showroom in Delhi. It offers great value, with features such as variable valve timing for improved efficiency (16 kmpl ARAI), the Skyline OS infotainment system, and advanced cornering aids. The 1923cc engine’s 175 Nm torque and 387 kg weight make it more comfortable for long rides than cheaper cruisers. According to Indian forums, it also keeps 85-90% of its value after two years.

The Road Glide comes with a three-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, a wide service network with over 35 dealers, and low yearly maintenance costs (₹15-20k). This makes it a good choice for riders who travel a lot. Unlike imported bikes, it meets BS6-2.0 standards and is tuned for Indian roads, so you get local value without import hassles.

Other premium baggers and touring bikes under ₹50 lakh in India focus on power, technology, and comfort. The Road Glide stands out for its Harley brand reputation and aerodynamic fairing, and they are:

1. Indian Roadmaster
2. Indian Springfield
3. Indian Challenger Dark Horse
4. Indian Pursuit Dark Horse