2015 Road Glide Spy Photos

2015 Road Glide

We’ve all speculated and here are some recent spy photos that confirm the redesigned 2015 Road Glide which will incorporate many of the Project RUSHMORE updates that were announced on the 2014 touring models.

Clearly the obvious update is the new Road Glide fairing which now exaggerates the “Shark” look with a distinct downward slant, imparting a disgruntled expression for the motorcycle.

In addition, there is a recessed channel in the centerline above the headlight which I will call and it will now be forever known as “Shark Gills” which is the new fairing intake scoop to adjust wind buffeting.  I wonder if that “Shark Gills” term is trademarked yet?

In the automotive world, an air dam (hood scoop), is an upraised component on the hood that allows a flow of air to directly enter the engine compartment.  It has only one opening and is closed on all other sides. Its main function is to allow a direct flow of air to the engine and provide the engine with cooler, denser outside air, increasing power.

The Harley version is only used to minimize wind buffeting on the rider and in these spy photos it’s difficult to determine if the design will also include a bug screen mesh insert?

The photos indicate the use of floating brake rotors and the hard bags feature the one-touch latch release system.  If you look closely at the dashboard the layout is similar to previous spy photo’s I’ve released HERE or the mid-year speculation HERE.

The speculation and dealer rumors that I’ve received indicate there will be no CVO version for the 2015 launch, but it will be great to see this motorcycle return to the model line up.

I wonder if the manual will have any “feeding” suggestions…

UPDATED: August 1, 2014 – Harley-Davidson officially reveals the 2015 Road Glide.

Photo’s courtesy of H-D, Brian Williams/KGP Photography and Motorcycle-usa.com.

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Washington State Moves Motorcycling Issues Forward

I’m talking about Senate Bill 5141 which was signed by Gov. Inslee and took effect on June 14th.

It states that if a motorcyclist approaches an intersection, including a left turn intersection, controlled by a triggered traffic control signal using a vehicle detection device, and that signal is inoperative due to the size of the motorcycle, the motorcyclist must come to a complete stop. If the signal fails to operate after one cycle, the motorcyclist may proceed through the intersection or turn left after exercising due care.

The Washington legislation provided a legal way for motorcyclists to get through a red light and according to the American Motorcyclist Association, 14 other states have passed similar legislation.

In Oregon, motorcycle detection issues remain a problem at traffic lights in both rural and urban areas.  If you’re like me you’ve experienced the frustration and/or jockeyed around so that the auto behind can trigger the light.  And when motorcyclists encounter devices that fail to notice their presence, most riders will proceed through the red light after taking “due caution.”

I’m wondering when the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Oregon Governor’s Advisory Committee on Motorcycle Safety will take up the issue?

Many cagers and law makers believe that motorcyclists are at fault in triggering traffic lights so, in the spirit of reporting both sides… the Oregon Motorcycle Manual and the TEAM Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program offer advice on how to position a motorcycle correctly at traffic stops so signaling devices will hopefully register it.

Photo courtesy of the internet.

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