The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® delivers a blend of performance, technology, and design precision optimized for touring applications. This model features a liquid-cooled Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine capable of producing 105 horsepower and 130 ft-lb of torque, paired with reduced overall weight and aerodynamic refinements to improve handling and efficiency. The combination of engineering innovations and functional technology creates a touring motorcycle built for both long-distance travel and everyday road conditions.
Engine Performance and Mechanical Specifications
The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine in the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® operates with liquid-cooled cylinder heads that improve thermal management, allowing the engine to maintain consistent output under varying environmental conditions. Producing 130 ft-lb of torque, this engine provides a robust and responsive power delivery suited for heavy touring use.
Fuel economy for this engine is rated at approximately 44 miles per gallon, which balances performance and efficiency for extended rides. The motorcycle's reduced weight and use of cast aluminum wheels, 19 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear, contribute to improved handling dynamics and lower unsprung mass.
Rear suspension employs asymmetric emulsion shocks that can be adjusted quickly to accommodate rider preference or load changes. This system enhances ride quality by allowing fine-tuning of shock absorption, aiding control over diverse road surfaces.
Aerodynamic Design and Structural Elements
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® features a Sharknose fairing designed using computational fluid dynamics to optimize airflow around the motorcycle. This aerodynamic shape reduces wind resistance and minimizes helmet buffeting, which lowers rider fatigue during prolonged rides. The fairing, combined with a streamlined windshield and integrated air vanes, directs air efficiently to maintain rider comfort and stability.
The one-piece seat integrates visually and functionally with the bike's overall profile, providing ergonomic support suitable for long-distance touring. The handlebars offer 27 degrees of adjustability, allowing riders to set their preferred position for control and comfort.
Exterior finishes include seven factory paint options, with several featuring complex finishes such as the Factory Custom Mystic Shift. This paint changes color dynamically when exposed to sunlight, shifting between hues of gunmetal, purple, blue, and orange. Wheel finishes are available in either a black or chrome trim, both with a combination of black and silver elements that complement the bike's overall appearance.
Integrated Technology and Rider Interface
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® is equipped with a 12.3-inch TFT touchscreen display running on the Skyline™ operating system. The display provides a clear and bright interface for navigation, audio control, and ride information without unnecessary clutter. Its touchscreen functionality allows riders to interact directly with the interface, simplifying access to settings and information while riding.
The system supports multiple ride modes, including three pre-set profiles that adjust throttle mapping, traction control, and braking systems to suit different road and riding conditions. Additionally, riders can program a customizable mode to meet specific preferences, allowing for tailored performance management.
Audio output is handled through integrated in-fairing speakers designed to deliver clear and consistent sound levels across various speeds and environments. Bluetooth® connectivity is included, enabling integration with smartphones for hands-free calling, music streaming, and real-time navigation updates.
Rider Safety Enhancements and Braking Systems
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® incorporates a comprehensive set of Rider Safety Enhancements designed to increase stability and control in multiple riding scenarios. The Anti-lock Brake System prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, maintaining rider control under straight-line emergency stops.
Electronic Linked Braking applies braking force to both wheels when the front brake lever is engaged and, on some models, when the rear brake pedal is used. This system improves overall braking efficiency by balancing brake pressure and reducing the risk of wheel lock-up.
Traction Control System minimizes rear wheel spin during acceleration to maintain traction on varied surfaces. The Drag-Torque Slip Control System prevents rear wheel lock-up caused by abrupt downshifting or throttle reduction, particularly on slippery roads. These systems adjust dynamically during cornering to account for lean angle and lateral forces through their cornering-enhanced versions: Cornering-Enhanced ABS, Electronic Linked Braking, Traction Control, and Drag-Torque Slip Control.
Vehicle Hold Control assists in hill starts by maintaining brake pressure after the rider releases the brake lever or pedal. This feature prevents rollback on inclines and enables smoother starts without constant brake input. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System provides continuous monitoring of tire air pressure, alerting the rider to deviations that could affect handling or tire wear.
Structural and Functional Specifications for Touring
The seat height of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® measures 26.6 inches when loaded, contributing to a low center of gravity that improves stability. The bike’s frame-mounted fairing offers structural rigidity and contributes to the overall handling characteristics by maintaining aerodynamic efficiency.
LED signature lighting is integrated throughout the bike, delivering strong illumination and clear signaling without compromising the streamlined design. This lighting setup enhances visibility to other road users.
The handlebars’ adjustability and ergonomic seat design ensure that rider comfort is maintained during long distances, reducing fatigue and improving control.
Visit Raging Bull Harley-Davidson® for a Test Ride
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® is designed to deliver a technically advanced touring experience, combining powerful engine performance with aerodynamic efficiency and sophisticated rider aids. Riders interested in testing the capabilities of this motorcycle will benefit from experiencing the adjustable ride modes, the responsiveness of the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine, and the smooth control afforded by the advanced braking and traction systems. Scheduling a test ride at Raging Bull Harley-Davidson® near Raleigh, NC, allows riders to evaluate the integration of engine power, advanced technology, and safety features firsthand. The customizable ride modes and intuitive touchscreen display provide a functional interface that can be explored during the ride, showcasing the model’s capability and adaptability.