Last year, when I announced that the 2 Road Glide models (FLTRX Road Glide Custom and FLTRU Road Glide Ultra) would disappear from the 2014 lineup, many among you were surprised and disappointed, and could not understand Harley’s decision. At that time, the Milwaukee executives explained that it was part of the yearly process of discontinuing a couple of models to replace them by new ones.
Well, it seems that sales numbers talk: during last week’s Harley-Davidson earnings report, CFO John Olin said that the Road Glide represented 9% of the 2013 sales volume and consequently will be back, but without mentioning when. But I don’t take a big risk by betting for 1 or 2 model-year 2015 Road Glides. Maybe the successful Indian Chieftain launch, a bagger model that the public nor Harley-Davidson expected from Indian is also part of the decision process for the Harley Road Glide return. The 111″ Indian Chieftain and the 103″ Harley Road Glide models would compete for the 1st time in the same 20k+ touring segment…
Nice. Hope it is even better for the rider.
Good idea,good bike,it’s back.
Throw those loathsome wheels in the swamp.
It was always coming back in some form, They knew it was 9% of when they held it back last year.
Best news since Indian announced its return.
It’s all part of the buzz game. Make a parts bin model, cool paint scheme…Victory Gunner. Something for people to go into a showroom to check out. The Road Glide is being discontinued, hurry up and get yours before it’s too late. The Road Glide is back, this time with an improved 103 from the Rushmore buzz project, better go trade your in. All the brands have to constantly be doing something to stay in the buzzfeed.
was never discontinued/retired? just gettin’ a “refresh,” what we told (OEM dealer)…styling updates, plus it’s “rumored” the folks in the “ivory tower” trying to figure implementation of “twin cool tech” on STREETGLIDE & ROADGLIDE (models w/o fairing lowers)…Milwaukee mgmt never said it was “out?” can’t kill the cash cow! lololol…..was NEVER “Road Glide is being discontinued, hurry up and get yours before it’s too late” – we were all sold out on them already? jus sayin…
PABSBLUERIGID. The Road Glide is not in the 2014 lineup. So, it was retired…temporarily.
9% and a lil scare tactic should bring back sales……………its still the best straight-line, haul ass touring bike in the line up 🙂
IMHO the 2 must have HD are a bay area fxr and a big engine RG
semantics, really? the memo sent to the dealer network was “very specific” that the model was being suject to a refresh, and would be back, “most probably” for 2015.
Pabst Blue Rigid . And why Harley didn’t keep the Road Glide in the 2014 lineup while doing a refresh? All models are refreshed every year without interruption.
I have had three Electra Glide Classics. I rode the hell out of them. Enjoyed the hell out of them. I had two occasions to ride a buddies Road Glide. WOW, what a difference as compared to what I was used to. It seemed like an entirely “different” bike, especially in handling terms. The frame mounted fairing made soooo much difference to getting around corners. At least that was my impression. I know a couple of other friends that have them and they support my perception that they are much “lighter on their feet”. I’d never want to see HD get rid of either series and believe there is room for both in their lineup.
There was something announced about the tool for the faring getting close to worn out. May have forced their hand a bit. Updated it will be even better. Frame mounted fairing is the only way to fly. I do not like a sail mounted on my handlebars.
Rod
I see Twin cooled 120R style motor in this bikes future….redesigned to utilize future advancements
PBR it’s not semantics. The model was officially discontinued after MY2013. The fact that you dealers knew it was only temporary just confirms my point.
Regardless of the reasons it is a great bagger platform and I’m glad it’s being added back in the stable.
The Motor Company finally ….. and actually …. LISTENED to their customers ?
Wow ! Miracles do happen . Even in the depths of Milwaukee !
They keep this up and they might even get the likes of me back in the door
Many of us knew… it was just a 1 year hiatus to fix a fairing manufacturing issue… I thought the rest of you knew?
I used to think batwings were better and loved my FLHX. My son finally talked me into trying a FLTRU and I brought one home 2 weeks later. Definitely lays over better in corners and has better high speed road manners, especially on longer (500+ mi) rides. The frame mount doesn’t throw road debris and wind into my face as much and does seem to handle high crosswinds just a little better. Frame mount fairings aren’t for everyone, but anyone who wants a fairing should try both on a long test ride before buying. I’m still having mental issues with the ‘infotainment system’ on a bike idea, but having not tried it I won’t knock it.
What was the Point of not making the Best Bike that they Manufacturer In the Bagger World Market? They must have a “money reason”.
Rod is correct. Tooling was getting worn out and it was time for a change in fairings for this model anyway so why not miss a couple years and bring it back “new and improved”. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with. I’ve long thought the look was becoming quite dated. Time for something more modern to go with the modern electronics.
Remember when the Road Glide first came out and everyone thought it was ugly? Since then people have had a chance to ride it and appreciate the wind control and handling that comes with a frame mounted fairing.
As one who does a lot of highway miles, I for one am looking forward to seeing the new RG and hoping the inner fairing is more to my taste. A twin-cooled design without lowers would also be cool (bad pun, I know). Until then, I’ll stick to my old FLHX.
The mention of Indian does nothing for me…the bike is not provin yet. Harley just made it past 110 years…building great bikes now we can depend on. My 06 Road Glide is ready for a new home…85,000 miles and still going strong…time to let it go when the 15’s arrive. Thanks for the post Cyril
Too bad, the line-up was looking pretty good without old snoot face in it.
Mr Dick.well I guess there is “looking pretty good” and there is “riding pretty good”.I know what I prefer.
2015 road glide,,110 cu, in, twincooled engine,,that should be like that,,,,,,,,
I’m looking forward to the new Road Glide! I was about to buy a 2013 FLTRU last week. I decided to hold-out, I don’t want to have buyers remorse. If I can get a deal, I can’t refuse on a 2013. I might have to take it.
Uhmm, yeah ! Of course they were going to bring it back !!! No doubt !
Once they redesigned the fairing to accommodate the Project Rushmore gizmos, it’s a no brainer….
BigAlyts is right, too much of a $$$ maker to let it fall by the wayside.
Not to mention the darling of touring customizers everywhere
I’m interested to see what done to the Ol’ Girl & to see how it stacks up against the best of the rest
I have the first FLTRU model in a ’11, and will probably not go back to the Batwing… well maybe for the Limited Ultra! I think this bagger is the best all time dresser. Rode it to Sturgis about 6 months after I bought it; 4000 miles in 10 days and can say it is the ULTIMATE Touring Bike hands down. Looking forward to the’15 FLTRU.
The shark nose lives. Best looking profile in the bagger market. My two cents
Leave a good thing alone, get rid of the CFO. PEACE.
The first time I rode a RG, I was convinced it was the best handling of all the HD touring bikes. I currently have 2, a ’12 CVO and a ’12 Ultra for 2 styles of riding. Solo for sport and Ultra for 2 up with the old lady. I have a deposit with my local dealer for the 2015. IMO, the best looking and handling bike the Motor Company has ever made.Can’t wait to see what they’ve come up with.