Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles have redefined the way you experience the open road. These bikes are built for highway adventures, offering unmatched comfort, performance, and reliability. Whether you’re planning cross-country road trips or exploring scenic routes, these machines deliver a riding experience like no other. With their high-performance engine and premium features, Harley-Davidson’s legacy in crafting the best touring models stands strong. From smooth handling to modern touring capabilities, these motorcycles ensure every mile feels effortless. When it comes to long-distance cruising, Harley-Davidson’s touring bikes remain the ultimate choice for riders seeking both thrill and luxury.
Key Takeaways
Harley-Davidson touring bikes are designed for comfort, performance, and reliability, making them ideal for long-distance rides.
The Road Glide Limited offers advanced safety features and a powerful Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable ride.
For a blend of style and performance, the Street Glide Special features a sleek design and responsive suspension, perfect for riders who want to make a statement.
The Ultra Limited redefines touring luxury with heated grips, a dual-control heated seat, and an advanced infotainment system for ultimate comfort on long journeys.
If you prefer simplicity, the Electra Glide Standard focuses on essential features, providing a straightforward and reliable touring experience.
When choosing a touring bike, consider your priorities—whether it’s luxury, performance, or simplicity—to find the model that best suits your riding style.
Test riding different models is crucial to experiencing their unique features and determining which Harley-Davidson bike fits your touring needs.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited: A Top Choice for Touring
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited stands out as one of the best options for long-distance touring. This bike combines cutting-edge technology with Harley’s signature design, making it a favorite among riders who crave both performance and comfort. Whether you’re tackling winding mountain roads or cruising along endless highways, the Road Glide Limited ensures every mile feels smooth and enjoyable.
Key Features
The Road Glide Limited is packed with features that elevate your touring experience. Here’s what makes it exceptional:
Milwaukee-Eight® 114 Engine: This powerful engine delivers impressive torque and the iconic Harley rumble, giving you the thrill of on-demand power.
Advanced Braking Systems: Equipped with Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Linked Braking (ELB), the bike ensures precise stopping power and enhanced safety.
Cornering-Enhanced Technology: Features like Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) and advanced cornering systems provide stability and control, even on sharp turns.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This system keeps you informed about tire conditions, adding an extra layer of safety during long rides.
Comfort-Focused Design: The ergonomic seating and spacious storage make it ideal for extended trips.
These features reflect Harley-Davidson’s commitment to engineering excellence and rider satisfaction.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional power and performance, thanks to the Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine.
Advanced safety features like ABS and TPMS enhance confidence on the road.
Comfortable seating and ample storage cater to long-distance needs.
Frame-mounted fairing reduces wind buffeting, ensuring a smoother ride.
Cons:
None worth mentioning for a bike of this caliber.
Ideal For
The Road Glide Limited is perfect for riders who prioritize comfort and performance on long journeys. If you enjoy exploring scenic routes or embarking on cross-country adventures, this bike is tailored for you. Its advanced features and robust design make it a reliable companion for any touring enthusiast.
Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special: Style Meets Performance
The Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special is where style meets performance, making it a standout in the world of touring motorcycles. This bike doesn’t just get you from point A to point B—it turns every ride into an unforgettable experience. With its sleek design and powerful performance, the Street Glide Special is perfect for riders who want to make a statement on the road while enjoying a smooth and comfortable journey.
Key Features
The Street Glide Special comes packed with features that enhance both its performance and your riding experience:
Milwaukee-Eight® 114 Engine: This engine delivers robust power and torque, ensuring you have the performance needed for long rides or quick bursts of speed.
Iconic Batwing Fairing: Designed for aerodynamics, this fairing reduces wind resistance and provides excellent wind protection, keeping you comfortable on extended trips.
Responsive Suspension System: The adjustable front forks and fixed rear mono suspension offer precise handling and a smooth ride, even on uneven terrain.
Blacked-Out Aesthetic: The dark, aggressive styling gives the bike a bold and modern look, perfect for riders who value both performance and appearance.
Ample Storage Options: With saddlebags and optional top cases, you’ll have plenty of space to carry your essentials for any touring adventure.
These features combine to create a motorcycle that’s as functional as it is stylish, making it a favorite among Harley enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Powerful Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine ensures thrilling performance.
Aerodynamic batwing fairing enhances comfort during long rides.
Adjustable suspension provides excellent handling and stability.
Stylish blacked-out design appeals to riders who love a bold aesthetic.
Generous storage options make it ideal for touring.
Cons:
None worth mentioning for a bike that excels in both style and performance.
Ideal For
The Street Glide Special is perfect for riders who want a balance of style, power, and comfort. If you enjoy long touring rides but also want a bike that turns heads wherever you go, this model is for you. Its advanced features and striking design make it a great choice for those who value both performance and aesthetics.
Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited: Luxury and Comfort for Long Rides
The Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited redefines what it means to ride in style and comfort. This bike is the pinnacle of touring luxury, designed for riders who demand the best on long-distance adventures. With its premium features and thoughtful design, the Ultra Limited ensures every journey feels effortless and enjoyable.
Key Features
The Ultra Limited comes packed with features that elevate your riding experience to a whole new level:
Milwaukee-Eight® Engine: This powerful engine delivers smooth performance and ample power, making it perfect for conquering highways and scenic routes alike.
Heated Hand Grips: Keep your hands warm and comfortable, no matter the weather conditions.
Dual-Control Heated Seat: Both you and your passenger can enjoy a cozy ride with this advanced touring seat that offers individual temperature controls.
Tour-Pak Luggage Carrier: This spacious carrier provides plenty of room for your essentials, ensuring you’re always prepared for extended trips.
Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System: Stay connected and entertained with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and voice-recognition capabilities.
Batwing Fairing: This iconic design offers excellent wind protection, reducing fatigue during long rides.
Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS): Advanced safety features like traction control and cornering-enhanced ABS give you confidence on every road.
These features make the Ultra Limited a standout choice for riders who value both performance and comfort.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Exceptional comfort with heated grips and a dual-control heated seat.
Advanced infotainment system keeps you connected and entertained.
Spacious Tour-Pak luggage carrier ensures you have all the storage you need.
Batwing fairing provides superior wind protection for a smoother ride.
Reflex Defensive Rider Systems enhance safety and stability.
Cons:
None worth mentioning for a bike that delivers this level of luxury and performance.
Ideal For
The Ultra Limited is ideal for riders who prioritize comfort and convenience on long journeys. If you’re someone who loves exploring new destinations while enjoying premium features like a heated touring seat and advanced infotainment, this bike is made for you. It’s perfect for those who want to experience the ultimate in touring luxury without compromising on performance or style.
Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard: Simplicity in Touring
The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Standard is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. This bike strips away unnecessary extras, focusing on what truly matters for a pure touring experience. If you’re someone who values the essence of riding without distractions, the Electra Glide Standard delivers exactly that. It’s built for those who appreciate a straightforward yet powerful machine that gets the job done with style and reliability.
Key Features
The Electra Glide Standard offers a range of features designed to enhance your touring adventures. Here’s what makes it stand out:
Milwaukee-Eight® 114 Engine: This robust engine provides smooth power delivery and the iconic Harley rumble, ensuring a thrilling ride every time.
Solo Touring Seat: Designed for comfort, this seat allows you to focus on the road ahead without worrying about fatigue during long rides.
Hard Saddlebags: These durable saddlebags offer ample storage space, making it easy to carry your essentials for any journey.
Touring Body Design: The classic touring frame ensures stability and balance, even on winding roads or highways.
Engine Guard: This feature adds an extra layer of protection while enhancing the bike’s rugged appearance.
Timeless Paint Job: The drool-worthy paint finish gives the bike a vintage yet modern look, making it a head-turner wherever you go.
These features reflect Harley-Davidson’s commitment to delivering a no-frills, high-quality touring motorcycle.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
The Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine offers reliable performance and power.
The solo touring seat ensures maximum comfort for long-distance rides.
Hard saddlebags provide practical storage for your gear.
The simple design focuses on functionality, making it easy to maintain.
The timeless aesthetic appeals to riders who love classic Harley styling.
Cons:
None worth mentioning for a bike that prioritizes simplicity and performance.
Ideal For
The Electra Glide Standard is perfect for riders who want a straightforward touring experience. If you prefer a bike that focuses on the essentials without overwhelming you with extra features, this model is an excellent choice. It’s ideal for solo riders who enjoy long journeys and value the combination of comfort, performance, and classic Harley-Davidson design.
Comparing the Best Harley Touring Bikes
When choosing the best Harley-Davidson touring bikes, it’s essential to compare their features and understand how they cater to your needs. Let’s break down the key aspects—comfort, performance, and value—to help you decide which model suits your riding style.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfort plays a huge role in long-distance touring. Harley-Davidson touring bikes are designed with rider and passenger comfort in mind, but each model offers unique advantages.
The Road Glide Limited excels in rider comfort with its frame-mounted fairing. This design reduces wind buffeting, making it ideal for extended highway rides. Taller riders will appreciate the extra space between the handlebars and seat, which allows for a more relaxed posture.
The Street Glide Special, on the other hand, combines comfort with a sleek, low-profile design. Its batwing fairing provides excellent wind protection, while the responsive suspension ensures a smooth ride on various terrains.
If luxury is your priority, the Ultra Limited delivers unmatched comfort. Heated grips, a dual-control heated seat, and spacious seating make it perfect for long journeys in any weather.
For those who prefer simplicity, the Electra Glide Standard offers a solo touring seat and a classic design that focuses on the essentials. It’s a great choice for riders who value straightforward comfort without extra frills.
Each model caters to different preferences, so think about what matters most to you—whether it’s advanced features, ergonomic design, or minimalist comfort.
Performance and Handling
Performance is where Harley-Davidson touring bikes truly shine. These motorcycles are built to deliver power and precision, ensuring you enjoy every mile of your journey.
The Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine, found in models like the Road Glide Limited and Street Glide Special, provides robust power and torque. This engine ensures smooth acceleration and reliable performance, whether you’re cruising on highways or tackling winding roads.
The Road King stands out for its balanced handling and stability. Its frame-mounted fairing enhances control, especially at higher speeds, making it a favorite among riders who prioritize performance.
The Street Glide Special offers responsive handling, thanks to its adjustable suspension system. This feature allows you to adapt to different road conditions, ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride.
The Ultra Limited takes performance up a notch with advanced safety systems like Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS). These features enhance traction and braking, giving you confidence on every road.
The Electra Glide Standard focuses on delivering reliable performance with its simple yet powerful design. It’s a no-nonsense motorcycle that gets the job done without compromising on quality.
Whether you’re looking for raw power, advanced safety features, or responsive handling, Harley-Davidson touring bikes offer something for every rider.
Price and Value
Price is an important factor when choosing a touring motorcycle, but value matters even more. Harley-Davidson touring bikes are an investment in quality, performance, and durability.
The Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited sit at the higher end of the price spectrum. However, their premium features, advanced technology, and luxurious comfort justify the cost for riders who want the best touring experience.
The Street Glide Special offers a balance of style, performance, and affordability. Its sleek design and powerful engine make it a great value for riders who want a versatile touring bike.
The Electra Glide Standard is the most budget-friendly option. It focuses on the essentials, making it an excellent choice for riders who want a reliable touring bike without breaking the bank.
The Road King provides exceptional value with its classic styling and high-performing engine. It’s a timeless choice for riders who appreciate Harley-Davidson’s heritage and craftsmanship.
When comparing price and value, consider what features matter most to you. Whether it’s luxury, performance, or simplicity, Harley-Davidson touring bikes deliver exceptional value for every dollar spent.
Storage and Features
When you’re planning long rides, storage becomes a crucial factor. Harley-Davidson touring bikes excel in offering practical and spacious storage solutions, ensuring you can carry everything you need for your journey. Each model provides unique storage features tailored to different riding preferences.
Road Glide Limited: This bike offers generous storage capacity with its hard saddlebags and Tour-Pak luggage carrier. The saddlebags are easy to open with one hand, making them convenient for quick access. The Tour-Pak adds even more space, perfect for storing helmets, jackets, or other essentials. You’ll appreciate the thoughtful design that keeps your belongings secure and organized.
Street Glide Special: The Street Glide Special combines style with functionality. Its sleek saddlebags provide ample room for your gear while maintaining the bike’s streamlined look. These saddlebags are lockable, ensuring your items stay safe during stops. If you value a balance of storage and aesthetics, this model delivers both.
Ultra Limited: The Ultra Limited takes storage to the next level. Its spacious Tour-Pak luggage carrier can hold two full-face helmets, making it ideal for riders traveling with a passenger. The saddlebags offer additional storage, and the bike includes small compartments for quick-access items like gloves or sunglasses. This model ensures you’re prepared for any adventure.
Electra Glide Standard: The Electra Glide Standard focuses on simplicity but doesn’t compromise on storage. Its hard saddlebags provide enough space for your essentials, making it a great choice for solo riders. The minimalist design keeps things straightforward while still offering practicality for long trips.
“The Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited stand out for their exceptional storage capacity, making them perfect for extended journeys.”
Harley-Davidson also integrates thoughtful features into their touring bikes to enhance your experience. For example, the Boom! Box GTS Infotainment System, available on models like the Ultra Limited, keeps you connected with GPS navigation and Bluetooth capabilities. Heated grips and seats, found on the Ultra Limited, add comfort during colder rides. The batwing fairing on the Street Glide Special and Ultra Limited not only improves aerodynamics but also houses convenient controls for easy access while riding.
Whether you prioritize maximum storage, sleek design, or advanced features, Harley-Davidson touring bikes cater to your needs. These motorcycles ensure you can pack confidently and ride comfortably, no matter where the road takes you.
Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles offer a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and luxury for long-distance adventures. Each model stands out with unique features, from the Road Glide Limited’s stability to the Ultra Limited’s premium amenities. Whether you prefer simplicity or cutting-edge technology, there’s a Harley-Davidson motorcycle tailored to your needs. To find your ideal ride, visit a dealership and take a test drive. Exploring these bikes firsthand will help you experience their unmatched quality. For more details, check out Harley-Davidson’s online resources and discover the model that fits your touring dreams.
FAQ
What makes Harley-Davidson touring bikes ideal for long rides?
Harley-Davidson touring bikes are built with comfort, performance, and reliability in mind. Their ergonomic designs reduce fatigue during long journeys, while features like advanced suspension systems and powerful Milwaukee-Eight® engines ensure smooth rides. Models like the Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited also offer ample storage and cutting-edge technology, making them perfect for extended trips.
Which Harley-Davidson touring bike is best for beginners?
If you’re new to touring, the Electra Glide Standard is a great choice. Its straightforward design focuses on the essentials, making it easy to handle and maintain. The solo touring seat and classic frame provide stability and comfort, helping you build confidence on the road without overwhelming you with extra features.
How do I choose the right Harley-Davidson touring bike for my needs?
Start by considering your priorities. Do you value luxury and advanced features? The Ultra Limited might be your best bet. Prefer a balance of style and performance? Check out the Street Glide Special. If simplicity and classic design appeal to you, the Electra Glide Standard is a solid option. Test rides can also help you find the perfect fit.
Are Harley-Davidson touring bikes suitable for solo riders?
Absolutely! Models like the Electra Glide Standard cater specifically to solo riders with features like a solo touring seat and hard saddlebags for essentials. Even larger models, such as the Road Glide Limited, offer versatility for solo adventurers who want extra storage and comfort.
What’s the difference between the Road Glide and Street Glide?
The Road Glide features a frame-mounted fairing, which reduces wind buffeting and enhances stability, especially on highways. This makes it ideal for long-distance rides. The Street Glide, on the other hand, has a batwing fairing mounted on the handlebars, offering a sleek look and excellent wind protection. It’s perfect for riders who want a stylish yet functional touring bike.
Can I customize my Harley-Davidson touring bike?
Yes, Harley-Davidson offers a wide range of customization options. You can upgrade seats, add storage accessories, or enhance performance with engine modifications. For example, you might add a Tour-Pak luggage carrier to the Street Glide Special or heated grips to the Electra Glide Standard. Customization allows you to tailor your bike to your specific touring needs.
How does the Road King compare to other Harley-Davidson touring bikes?
The Road King blends traditional Harley styling with modern touring capabilities. It features a high-performing engine and a classic design that appeals to riders who love timeless aesthetics. While it lacks some of the advanced tech found in models like the Ultra Limited, its simplicity and versatility make it a favorite for those who appreciate a more traditional touring experience.
“The Road King is a versatile and classic touring motorcycle that combines Harley’s heritage with practical touring features.”
Are Harley-Davidson touring bikes good for two-up riding?
Yes, most Harley-Davidson touring bikes are designed with two-up riding in mind. The Ultra Limited, for instance, offers a dual-control heated seat and spacious Tour-Pak luggage carrier, ensuring both rider and passenger enjoy maximum comfort. The Road Glide Limited also provides ample seating space and storage, making it a great option for couples who love to travel together.
How do Harley-Davidson touring bikes handle on winding roads?
Harley-Davidson touring bikes excel on winding roads thanks to their advanced suspension systems and cornering-enhanced technology. The Road Glide Limited, with its frame-mounted fairing, offers exceptional stability on sharp turns. The Street Glide Special provides responsive handling, making it a joy to ride on curvy routes.
What’s the maintenance like for Harley-Davidson touring bikes?
Harley-Davidson touring bikes are built for durability, but regular maintenance is key to keeping them in top shape. Routine tasks include oil changes, tire checks, and brake inspections. Models like the Electra Glide Standard, with their simple design, are easier to maintain, while more advanced bikes like the Ultra Limited may require additional care for their tech features. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for the best results.
