The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® offers a balance of advanced engineering, refined powertrain performance, and technology designed for touring riders. This model retains its distinctive Sharknose fairing while introducing refinements that improve handling, rider comfort, and electronic control systems. The combination of a liquid-cooled Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine and aerodynamic features provides a motorcycle built for steady highway travel and confident maneuvering. The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® maintains the brand’s focus on delivering a reliable and controlled ride, supported by modern rider assistance technologies.
Engine Performance: Torque and Efficiency in a Liquid-Cooled V-Twin
The powertrain at the core of the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine. This engine produces 130 foot-pounds of torque and generates 105 horsepower, providing strong acceleration and consistent power delivery. The increase in displacement compared to previous models improves both performance and smoothness. The engine features liquid-cooled cylinder heads that manage heat more effectively during long rides or high-temperature conditions, which helps maintain consistent performance.
Fuel efficiency is rated at 44 miles per gallon, making the engine efficient for long-distance touring. The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine’s design includes modern combustion technology to deliver power while balancing thermal management and mechanical durability. The engine’s characteristic rumble and feel remain true to Harley-Davidson® tradition, but with contemporary engineering improvements that optimize performance and reliability. Reduced overall bike weight and refined engine mounting contribute to improved handling dynamics and rider feedback.
Design Innovations: Aerodynamics and Rider Ergonomics
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® is defined by its Sharknose fairing, which is developed using computational fluid dynamics to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. The fairing reduces air resistance and mitigates helmet buffeting during travel at higher speeds. This aerodynamic design aids in rider comfort by lessening wind fatigue and contributing to a more stable riding experience.
The motorcycle rides on cast-aluminum wheels sized at 19 inches in the front and 18 inches in the rear. These wheels are available with either black or chrome trim, both combining black and silver finishes for a functional and durable design. The one-piece seat is engineered to maintain consistent comfort for long rides, with a shape that aligns with the motorcycle’s overall visual profile.
Handlebar positioning is adjustable up to 27 degrees forward or backward, allowing the rider to fine-tune control and ergonomics. This feature supports different rider preferences and contributes to comfort during extended trips. Paint options include seven factory finishes, such as the Factory Custom Mystic Shift, which changes color depending on light conditions, transitioning through gunmetal gray, purple, blue, and orange hues.
Technology Integrations: Display, Ride Modes, and Audio
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® incorporates a 12.3-inch touchscreen TFT display that offers clear visibility of navigation, entertainment, and bike status. The screen is bright and designed to reduce glare and distraction while providing access to embedded GPS navigation and Bluetooth® connectivity. The operating system, Skyline™ OS, manages these functions with a straightforward interface.
Ride modes are pre-programmed for different conditions, adjusting throttle response, traction control, and braking systems. These modes change the bike’s behavior electronically, allowing riders to select a setting suited to road conditions or riding style. In addition to the preset modes, a customizable ride mode lets the rider adjust parameters such as throttle mapping and traction control settings.
The motorcycle features integrated in-fairing speakers, which deliver clear and powerful audio. The audio system is controlled through the touchscreen and can be adjusted without removing hands from the handlebars, providing easy access to entertainment during rides.
Rider Safety Features: Electronic Systems for Control and Stability
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® includes a set of rider safety systems designed to assist with braking, traction, and stability, especially in variable road conditions. These systems activate as needed without requiring input from the rider unless necessary, maintaining focus on the road.
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is standard and helps prevent wheel lock during sudden stops, improving control. Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) distributes braking force between front and rear wheels to enhance stopping performance and stability.
The Traction Control System (TCS) monitors rear wheel spin during acceleration and reduces it to maintain grip on surfaces with less traction. The Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS) addresses wheel slip during abrupt downshifts or throttle release, especially on slippery or wet surfaces. This system adjusts braking pressure to prevent rear wheel lockup during powertrain deceleration.
Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) assists with stationary starts on inclines by maintaining brake pressure after the rider releases the brake lever or pedal. This reduces the need for continuous brake application on hills and facilitates smoother launches.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) continuously monitors air pressure in the tires and alerts the rider to deviations that could affect performance or safety. Cornering-enhanced variants of ABS, ELB, TCS, and DSCS adjust system response based on lean angle and lateral acceleration to maintain optimal control while turning.
Integrated Ride Experience and Handling Improvements
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® incorporates reduced weight and aerodynamic improvements that contribute to more responsive handling. The combination of the Sharknose fairing, adjustable handlebars, and cast wheels supports stability during long rides and maneuverability in low-speed conditions.
Suspension is equipped with asymmetric emulsion rear shocks, which provide a balance between comfort and control and allow quick adjustments to suit road conditions or rider preference. This suspension design contributes to the motorcycle’s ability to absorb bumps and maintain stability.
The overall frame and chassis are engineered to accommodate the advanced engine and technology suite while keeping the motorcycle balanced. The aerodynamic improvements reduce drag, and the fairing’s shape improves airflow around the rider, reducing fatigue on longer journeys.
Visit Pig Trail Harley-Davidson® for a Test Ride
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® is built to showcase power, control, and long-distance capability, and those traits come into focus when experienced in motion. The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine delivers strong torque, while the liquid-cooled heads manage engine temperature under sustained load. Adjustable handlebars, a touring-ready seat, and an intuitive 12.3-inch touchscreen interface make comfort and connectivity part of the ride. Safety technology, including ABS, traction control, and cornering enhancements, responds intelligently to real-time inputs. To understand how all of this functions together on the road, schedule your test ride at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson® near Bentonville, AR.