Test Road Glide Limited 2020
Ride report - Road Glide Limited 2020

DRIVING REPORT – HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE LIMITED 2020

The Harley-Davidson luxury touring bike is set to reveal its strengths and weaknesses in the Harleysite test!

Following the setting sun, these are the unforgettable moments that you can enjoy while relaxing in your chair, leaning back slightly, on the Road Gilde Limited 2020 (FLTRK) can experience.

Thanks to its fairing, which is firmly mounted to the frame, you'll experience a very special riding sensation, which is actually the biggest difference to the Ultra Limited 2020 with the traditional Bat Wing Cladding is.

Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited 2020
Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited 2020

There is the Road Glide Limited in which „Chrome Option“, or „Black Option“ Design Package. The Chrome Option Package features chrome wheels and numerous chrome trim parts, while the Black Option Package offers a black design.

2020 Road Glide Limited
2020 Road Glide Limited

The Tahitian Teal paint finish is a strikingly beautiful color.

The Road Glide Limited I'm riding here has to prove itself in a wide variety of conditions. The itinerary includes lots of country roads and long stretches of highway, which will really put the Road Glide Limited through its paces.

Schönberger Strand Museum Railway Station 2020 Road Glide Limited
Schönberger Strand Museum Railway Station 2020 Road Glide Limited

When I'm cruising down the highway, the rev counter stays in the upper range for quite a while, and you can find out whether a Harley can keep up with that in this report.

Whether a Harley-Davidson is actually intended for this purpose is another matter, because normally riding one is a really calm and relaxed experience.

On long highway trips, the 114 cui engine is put to the test, or so you would think. But let's take it easy. I've been riding around my home near the Baltic Sea, just taking short day trips through Holstein Switzerland and along the coast.

2020 Road Glide Limited
2020 Road Glide Limited

We have fantastic routes here, and the sunsets in August are especially indescribably beautiful. When you're driving along a long straight stretch of coastline and the sun is setting on the horizon in front of you, you feel like you're in a movie!

Sunset on the Baltic Sea Road Glide Limited 2020
Sunset on the Baltic Sea Road Glide Limited 2020

When day turns to night and the Daymaker turns night into day!

When day turns to night, Daymaker LED reflector headlights replace sunlight. These dual headlights are among the best light sources you can find on a motorcycle.

If we now compare this to the Ultra Limited, or even Heritage Softail These two models only reach their full potential when you switch on the standard fog lights. To their credit, they are fairly glare-free, but they should not be switched on as standard, as is the case with the Road Glide's dual headlights.

The photo shows the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic in the mountains of the Picos de Europa National Park.
On the Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic in the mountains of the Picos de Europa National Park in Spain

The fairing is always a key feature of the Road Glide. It is firmly attached to the frame and gives the bike greater torsional rigidity. Combined with a sturdy handlebar that is angled slightly backward, it gives the rider a relaxed yet sporty seating position.

The Road Glide Limited can also be sporty

You wouldn't think so, but a Road Glide Limited can definitely be sporty. I've experienced this many times: despite its total weight of approx. 423 kg, it can be pushed through curves with gusto. The 114 cui engine has enough torque to give it the power it needs to pull out of curves with force.

2020 Road Glide Limited
2020 Road Glide Limited

Traction control

The new complex RDRS system is a real asset. All-weather drivers will enjoy the new traction control. In normal mode, it engages with a slight delay, and in rain mode, it regulates slip so perfectly that the driver is unaware of the active traction control.

traction control

The traction control switch is located in the left-hand dashboard.

Street Glide Special 2020 switch 0226

The Road Glide stays perfectly on track and there is no noticeable loss of power. Even on the highway at higher speeds, the Road Glide Limited with active TC does not lose any power. I would not have expected the traction control system to work so perfectly.

The cockpit of the 2020 Road Glide Limited
The cockpit of the 2020 Road Glide Limited

It was about time that such a little helper was installed, because engines are becoming increasingly powerful and should be able to transfer their power to the asphalt with as little slip as possible.

The hill hold assistant

I never missed this feature before, but now that it's installed, I've used it countless times. It's rare to actually be standing on a hill when you want to start driving again; it's usually on slightly sloping parking lots or driveways where I've often needed it to quickly pull my gloves back on or stow my cell phone safely. You pull the brake lever briefly to brake temporarily. You'll experience this for yourself once you have it available in practice.

Comfort for the passenger!

Well, the looks you get from passengers on other motorcycles that don't have this comfort feature are priceless. It's pure luxury for the passenger, and even the headset can be configured specifically for them. Depending on how you're connected, you can connect either via Bluetooth or cable.

Passenger seat Road Glide Limited
Passenger seat Road Glide Limited

An additional switch below the right-hand backrest controls the volume separately. It's really very convenient, and the folding footboards for the passenger provide more support when braking, for example, than if there were only footrests.

Controls Passenger Road Glide Limited 2020
Controls Passenger Road Glide Limited 2020

However, you have to be careful when loading, as the Road Glide Limited has a gross vehicle weight rating of 617 kg and a payload of 194 kg. With 132 liters of storage space, it's easy to get a little carried away when packing.

The Tour-Pak also comes with a luggage rack as standard, which can hold another 4.5 kg. It's a real problem: once you've owned such a large Harley and gotten used to all that storage space, you'll never be satisfied with anything less.

Footboard Passenger Road Glide Limited 2020
Footboard Passenger Road Glide Limited 2020

And conversely, you will discover every day how flexible you have suddenly become when you can stow all your motorcycle gear in the Road Glide Limited before an outside appointment and it is not really obvious that you have arrived on a Harley.

After these experiences, you will realize how flexible you are and that there are suddenly many more opportunities for motorcycling than you may have experienced before.

Stepless handle and seat heating

When it's cold and wet, the handlebar heating is always welcome, and unlike the seat heating, it doesn't have to be ordered separately. The seat heating can be set to two levels, which is very pleasant in wet and cold conditions. Those who travel all over the world on their Harley will appreciate these two pleasant heaters. With this extra warmth, you can definitely keep going a little longer than expected in bad weather conditions.

Handlebar Heater 2020 Road Glide Limited
Handlebar Heater 2020 Road Glide Limited

The Boom! Box GTS infotainment system

The system's response speed is really great and has noticeably improved compared to its predecessor. I would like to add that I also got along quite well with the previous infotainment system. The navigation always guided me well through many countries. However, the new GTS version has become noticeably better and smoother.

Navigation on the 2020 Road Glide Limited
Navigation on the 2020 Road Glide Limited

Once you have entered your destination, the navigation system will find the right route and, if necessary, redirect you in the event of traffic congestion. The entire system is highly flexible and expandable. There is an additional Bluetooth Whim module for Bluetooth headsets and even Apple Car Play, which can be ordered separately as an add-on in combination with the Bluetooth Wh module, which is then required because of the necessary headset. Google Auto is not expected to be available for the Boom! Box GTS until 2021.

What was less positive.

What really bothers me is that the air ducts next to the headlights can no longer be closed. I can only recommend that anyone who rides in all weather conditions order this extra from their dealer. When the sun is shining, there's no question about it—you're happy to take in every breeze—but the Road Glide Limited is otherwise a touring bike that can keep you protected even in the most adverse weather conditions.

Its strength is actually its ability to be used in all weather conditions. And anyone who has ever sought shelter behind the fairing in 5-degree cold will understand how valuable the flaps are.

Sunset on the Baltic Sea Road Glide Limited 2020
Sunset on the Baltic Sea Road Glide Limited 2020

And basically, the fairing and windshield are very good. However, it's only really good when the air duct flaps can be closed. As soon as it gets cold, the cold air presses down on your upper body. So be sure to order them as well.

As part of cost-cutting measures, the standard second FOB (key) was discontinued in 2020. This is perhaps not such a big deal, as most people just leave it lying around in a drawer anyway, and when they do take it out, the battery is usually dead.

The shift paddle has been omitted. I myself hardly ever used it when shifting gears, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything. However, if you don't want to do without it, this cost-saving measure can be quickly remedied by your trusted dealer.

How does that work with HD Connect What happens next remains to be seen. The important thing is to provide the insurance company with the correct information, otherwise they will assume that the Road Glide Limited is equipped with GPS monitoring as standard.

The conclusion

For me, the Road Glide Limited is one of the best touring bikes ever. It can be sporty, it's very comfortable, and all that storage space can be addictive.

I don't really know how many tens of thousands of kilometers I've ridden on a Road Glide (Special, Limited, and CVO) over the past four years. I wouldn't want to miss a single kilometer of it, because it has always been a very reliable companion and has taken me to various European countries.

With its new features, it is now even safer. Its design is somewhat divisive, but in terms of technology and handling, it is always at the forefront!

The features of the 2020 Road Glide Limited

Standard equipment includes Daymaker LED dual-reflector headlights, the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with a 6.5-inch color touchscreen, voice recognition, navigation system, intercom, high-quality audio system with 25 watts per channel, front and rear speakers, and control joysticks on the handlebar controls. The comfortable seat, footboards for the rider and passenger, six-stage heated handlebar grips, cruise control, and a self-activating immobilizer promise a high level of comfort.

The Price for the 2020 Road Glide Limited starts at €28,455, depending on equipment, according to the manufacturer. (As of 09/2020)

External link to Harley-Davidson

PODCAST – ROAD TEST REPORT ROAD GLIDE LIMITED 2020

Technical data Road Gilde Limited Type FL3 Model (FLTRK) 2020

manufacturer's specifications

  • V2 Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, with 1868 cm3
  • air-cooled V-twin and liquid-cooled exhaust area
  • Power 66 kW (90 hp)
  • Torque at 3000 rpm of 164 Nm
  • Hydraulically assisted clutch
  • Cruise Drive six-speed gearbox
  • Two hydraulically adjustable rear shock absorbers with rotary controls
  • Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) anti-lock braking system, cornering anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, cornering-optimized electronic brake force distribution, traction control, cornering traction control, traction control, and vehicle hold assist.
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Tour-Pak (top case) with 12-volt outlet, integrated backrest.
  • Total luggage capacity of 132 liters
  • Cruise control system
  • Boom! Box GTS infotainment system
  • Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, navigation system, intercom, audio system with 25 watts per channel, front and rear speakers.
  • Self-activating immobilizer
  • Suspension travel: Front 117 mm – Rear 76 mm
  • Rim size: Front T18 x 3.5 7-double-spoke cast alloy wheel, black or partially polished. Rear T18x5 7-double-spoke cast alloy wheel, black or partially polished.
  • Standard tires: Front Dunlop Harley-Davidson D408 F 130/70 B18 63H Rear: D407 T 180/55 B18 80H
  • Tire pressure: front: 2.5 bar rear: 2.8 bar
  • Dimensions and weights: Unladen weight incl. operating fluids: 423 kg – Permissible total weight: 617 kg Payload: 194 kg Tank capacity (reserve): 22.7 l (3.8 l) Seat height, without rider: 735 mm
  • Colors: „Chrome Option“: Vivid Black, Midnight Blue; River Rock Gray & Vivid Black, Silver Pine & Spruce, Stiletto Red, Tahitian Teal „Black Option: Vivid Black, River Rock Gray; Barracuda Silver Denim & Black Denim, Billiard Red & Vivid Black, Scorched Orange & Silver Flux, Zephyr Blue & Black Sunglo

Engine: Twin Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114

Air- and liquid-cooled two-cylinder four-stroke 45-degree V-twin, transverse crankshaft, one gear-driven balance shaft, one lower camshaft driven by a toothed chain, four valves per cylinder operated by rocker arms (OHV), liquid-cooled exhaust section, hydraulic tappets, dry sump lubrication, fuel injection, intake manifold Ø 55 mm, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), contactless transistor ignition, electric starter, 48 A three-phase alternator with 600 W at 2000 rpm and max. 625 W, maintenance-free 12 V/28 Ah battery, regulated catalytic converter

Service data:

Guarantee:four years with unlimited mileage
Initial inspection:after 1,000 miles
Service intervals:Once a year or every 8,000 km
Engine oil change:every 5,000 miles
with filter:every 5,000 miles
Engine oil:Harley-Davidson HD 360
Filling quantity:Oil tank with filter: 4.7 l
Coolant capacity:1.04 l
Spark plugs:6R10
Air filter:fiber optic filter element
Idle speed:850 rpm
Fuel:Super unleaded
Technical data according to manufacturer's specifications / 09-2020

Assistance systems:

Anti-lock braking system and cornering anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution and cornering-optimized electronic brake force distribution, traction control and cornering traction control, traction control, vehicle stability assist, and tire pressure monitoring system.


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