The History of the Harley-Davidson Road Glide®: Born to Tour, Built to Last

A Touring Legend Since Day One

In the world of long-distance motorcycles, few names command as much respect as the Harley-Davidson Road Glide®. Launched in 1998 as a bold alternative to the Electra Glide, the Road Glide quickly became known for its signature frame-mounted "sharknose" fairing and commanding road presence. It wasn’t just a new look—it was a new way to experience the road.

Unlike fork-mounted fairings, the Road Glide’s fixed front design reduced handlebar weight and offered better stability at highway speeds. Riders felt the difference immediately, especially in headwinds and during extended trips. It was a game-changer for cross-country riders who needed a machine that could handle serious miles without compromising comfort.

Built for the Highway, Loved Around the World

While its design was divisive at first, the Road Glide earned a fiercely loyal following. Its aerodynamic fairing not only gave it a unique silhouette but also provided superior wind deflection and room for premium touring features.

As the years went on, Harley-Davidson continued to refine the Road Glide formula. In 2009, major chassis upgrades improved ride quality and handling. With the launch of Project RUSHMORE in 2014, the Road Glide returned after a brief hiatus, better than ever—featuring upgraded Boom!™ Box infotainment, dual Daymaker™ headlights, redesigned venting to reduce helmet buffeting, and improved ergonomics.

Fast forward to today, and the modern Road Glide lineup is packed with power and innovation. Riders can choose from multiple trims, including the Road Glide® Special and Road Glide® Limited, equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight® engine platform and optional rider safety enhancements like cornering ABS and traction control.

The Road Glide® in Texas

Here in Texas, the Road Glide was made for the open road. Whether you’re blasting down I-10 from San Antonio or cruising the Hill Country backroads, this bike delivers mile after mile of smooth performance and unmistakable Harley-Davidson attitude.

At Caliente Harley-Davidson, the Road Glide remains a customer favorite. We regularly see riders making the switch to Road Glide after test riding one for the first time—many say they’ll never go back. Between its long-haul comfort, storage capacity, and sleek touring profile, it’s easy to see why.

A Bike That Keeps Evolving

In 2024, Harley-Davidson pushed the platform further with a redesigned Road Glide featuring integrated LED lighting, a new TFT display screen, and subtle styling refinements that give it a fresh but familiar look. It’s lighter, smarter, and more rider-focused than ever before—built for today’s tech-savvy adventurers who still want that classic Harley rumble.

From its humble debut to its current high-performance form, the Road Glide has become more than a motorcycle. It’s a trusted road companion. A symbol of freedom. And a badge of honor for those who live to ride.

Thinking about upgrading to a Road Glide®?
Come experience one for yourself at Caliente Harley-Davidson in San Antonio. We’ve got a strong lineup of new and pre-owned models, plus trade-in support and test rides available daily.