The 2015 Road Glide Wait Is Over

The 2015 Road Glide

Harley-Davidson officially “revealed” the 2015 Road Glide this morning along with an updated web site with some additional details.

The “reveal” is a peculiar twist given that we’re a few weeks away from the typical new model launch window.  Here is the corporate press release announcing the 2015 Road Glide.  I’m sure it’s just the first stage of a lot of hype and media buzz planned for the traditional post-Sturgis announcements.

Or being a bit skeptical of marketing motives… maybe this H-D reveal is simply a tactic to take away some of the headlines from the 2015 Polaris, Indian and Victory news?

2015 Road Glide Inner Fairing

Back to the Road Glide.

There are two models.  The Road Glide and Road Glide Special.  Both models include the same specifications from Project RUSHMORE that is currently available on 2014 touring models.  There is the air-cooled, high output Twin Cam 103™ with integrated oil cooler mated to a 6-speed cruise drive transmission, the new Reflex anti-lock braking system (ABS) with dynamically, electronically linked brakes for optimum braking in all conditions.  Both Road Glide models include the redesigned saddlebags for a sleeker look and added new latches that you can operate with one hand.

The 2015 Road Glide Fairing

The 2015 Road Glide Special is basically an elevated experience of riding that includes the new Boom Box 6.5 infotainment system which features a 6.5″ full color touch screen display and it can be operated by convenient new hand controls or by voice command.  It also includes display color options: Orange (default), Blue, Brown, Green, Gray, Purple, Red.

There’s a new handlebar on the Road Glide motorcycle for 2015 that makes the riding position more comfortable for a wider range of riders and the hand grips are now 5 1/2″ closer to the rider.  There is also new gauges which has a 10% larger speedometer and tachometer with 68% wider numbers; 28% larger fuel and volt gauges with 30% wider numbers.

Most distinctive is the new triple-vented fairing that opens and closes to equalize pressure in front and behind the windscreen.  Lastly there is the new dual Daymaker LED headlamps providing better nighttime riding visibility.

I’ll be interested to experience how easy it is to reach and adjust the infotainment system.  Previously anyone under 6 feet tall could have an issue reaching up to the radio system.

I’m looking forward to seeing the new 2015 Road Glide at the local dealer.

Note:  If you’re tracking or curious how accurate any of the previous blog posts were:  Road Glide spy photos HERE.  Early 2014 Road Glide speculation HERE and HERE.

Photos courtesy of H-D.

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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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