Two new touring flagships with Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117, Grand Tour-Pak and plenty of long-distance comfort in a practical test
In February, I had the opportunity to see the new Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited and the Road Glide Limited from the model year 2026 to ride extensively. Not just briefly around the block, but in such a way that you really get a feel for what Harley-Davidson has put on the road here. Both models come with a new look, new technology and the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 with variable valve timing. And that is exactly what makes them so exciting.
New Limited models replace the Ultra Limited and the previous Road Glide Limited
Before we get to the riding impressions, it's worth taking a look at the positioning. The Street Glide Limited replaces the previous Ultra Limited in the Harley-Davidson range. The Road Glide Limited is the logical further development of its predecessor model. Both machines are based on the current Grand American Touring platform and, in addition to the new Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 engine, feature numerous improvements in the areas of chassis, aerodynamics, comfort and technology.
The result is clearly noticeable in direct comparison with its predecessor. The Street Glide Limited is around 10.9 kilograms lighter than the 2024 Ultra Limited. The weight reduction of the Road Glide Limited is around 5.9 kilograms compared to the predecessor model. This may not sound like much on paper, but it is clearly noticeable on the road.
Street Glide Limited - surprisingly light on the road
What is immediately noticeable about the Street Glide Limited is its handling. It feels surprisingly light for a large touring bike. As soon as it rolls, you quickly forget how much bike you are actually moving. It used to be the other way around, with the Road Glide Limited being the easier bike to handle. This time, the Street Glide Limited clearly has the edge.
Handling and seating position of the Limited models 2026
Of course, maneuvering remains a matter of technique, which is part and parcel of such machines. When maneuvering slowly, it is best not to turn too far. As soon as the machine is rolling, everything becomes easier. While driving, everything seems balanced and controllable.
The seating position fits. You sit relaxed and at the same time active enough to guide the bike cleanly through bends. The new heated comfort seat has been ergonomically designed to bring the hips into a neutral position in relation to the spine. This significantly reduces the strain on the back and neck on long journeys. The driver and front passenger can regulate the seat heating separately in two stages.
The raised clear windshield is about four inches higher than the stock Street Glide and provides a stable windshield. Even in light rain I had no annoying turbulence. An electronically adjustable windshield would be nice, but as it is, it works really well for everyday riding.
In combination with the leg shields and wind deflectors, the Bat Wing fairing provides significantly better aerodynamic protection than the previous Ultra Limited model. Hands and legs stay dry for longer when the weather doesn't play ball. Anyone riding in the rain will notice this immediately. Opinions can be divided on the subject of leg shields, but I personally think that they belong on a large tourer and should not be missing.
LED fog lights and storage compartments in the leg shields
The new LED fog lights, which are now integrated directly into the leg shields, are particularly successful. They not only ensure better visibility, but also give both models a modern and cleaner design than the previous additional lighting on the Ultra Limited. What may not be immediately apparent at first glance is that storage compartments have been integrated into both sides of the leg shields. Together with the remaining storage space, this results in a total luggage volume of around 144 liters.
The Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 in practical use
The 117cc engine with variable valve timing is the heart of both models. With a displacement of 1,923 cc, 175 Nm maximum torque at 3,500 rpm and 80 kW (109 hp) at 5,020 rpm, it offers over 9 percent more torque and over 20 percent more power than the previous Twin Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 of the 2024 Grand American Touring models.
Full throttle and noticeably more sound than in previous years
This is evident when driving: torque is available from around 2,000 rpm and remains present right up to the top. You never have the feeling of having to search for power. The variable valve control optimizes power delivery across the entire rev range. This is particularly noticeable when accelerating out of bends, when overtaking and on mountain roads with a full load. At the same time, the VVT technology improves fuel efficiency in city and highway traffic by 2 to 3 percent, according to the manufacturer.
The sound is also striking. Work has obviously been done on the sound design, both models sound fuller and more present than in previous years. The cylinder head cooling system ensures that the engine does not cause any problems even at low speeds and high temperatures in city traffic.
The charging system delivers a maximum of 58 amps, which is 21 percent more than the 2024 models. Anyone traveling with heated clothing, a navigation system and other consumers will appreciate this.
Road Glide Limited - Character and road
The Road Glide Limited feels different, and that is precisely what makes it so appealing. You sit a little more freely, further away from the cockpit. The position immediately conveys this feeling of the open highway. The handlebars have to be set high, and then you have the feeling that you own the road and the long road. This is precisely one of the most important differences between the two models.
Frame-proof fairing and a riding experience you need to know
The Sharknose fairing on the Road Glide is mounted on the frame and is therefore independent of the steering and front wheel guide. This considerably reduces the steering effort during slow maneuvers, as you don't feel the weight of the fairing over the handlebars. And when you accelerate out of a bend with the powerful VVT 117, you move the Harley as a whole. It's a very special riding experience. Heavy, full, controlled and at the same time surprisingly dynamic.
In direct comparison, the Street Glide offers slightly more protection for hands and legs. With the Road Glide, you are more exposed to the wind. This doesn't matter in good weather, but you notice the difference in the rain. But the special riding experience makes up for it. Anyone who rides a Road Glide knows exactly why.
The Road Glide Limited has a new clear touring windshield that is around four inches higher than the standard windshield. The fairing features a 12.3-inch display, two speakers and two media storage compartments, one of which has a USB-C port.
New Showa suspension for both models
New Showa shock absorbers with Dual Outboard Emulsion technology are used at the rear on both models. Compared to the predecessor, in which only one shock absorber had emulsion technology, both sides now work with the optimized damping. The spring travel at the rear wheel is 76 mm, and 117 mm at the front.
The spring preload can be adjusted hydraulically by hand without tools using a regulator on the left-hand side of the vehicle, without having to remove the case. This is particularly practical if you want to switch quickly between solo riding and traveling as a couple with luggage. The fork has been perfectly matched to the suspension struts and ensures stable, smooth and confident handling.
LED light design as a distinguishing feature
The LED light design is striking on both models and ensures a strong presence on the road. The new LED fog lights in the leg shields bring the Street Glide Limited and Road Glide Limited together visually. In addition, each model has its own style.
State-of-the-art technology and infotainment
The 12.3-inch TFT color touchscreen display with Skyline OS replaces all analog instruments and most switches. Operation is intuitive and navigation and settings are easy to make. Over-the-air updates ensure that the system remains up-to-date. Apple CarPlay is supported, Android Auto is unfortunately not available. However, Android users can stream music and make calls via the system.
The audio system has been completely renewed. The new Rockford Fosgate system uses a 4-channel amplifier with a total output of 200 watts and 50 watts per channel. Compared to the previous BOOM! Box GTS system, this is double the power. Four 6.5-inch loudspeakers, two in the fairing and two in the Grand Tour-Pak, deliver decent sound, even at higher speeds. If that's not enough, Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories can retrofit additional speakers and amplifier upgrades.
There are four riding modes to choose from. Road for everyday use, Sport for maximum performance, Rain for wet conditions and Custom for individual settings.
Safety systems and driver assistance
Both models are equipped with extensive Rider Safety Enhancements. These include curve-optimized electronic brake force distribution (C-ELB), curve-optimized ABS (C-ABS), curve-optimized traction control system (C-TCS), curve-optimized drag torque control system (C-DSCS), vehicle hold assist (VHC) and tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). These systems work in the background and adapt the vehicle's behavior to the available tire traction when accelerating and braking.
Grand Tour-Pak and storage space
The new Grand Tour-Pak is a perfect visual match for the Grand American Touring silhouette. With a capacity of 68 liters, it corresponds to the previous King Tour-Pak and easily accommodates two full-face helmets. Inside there is a 12-volt socket for charging mobile devices, the redesigned luggage compartment lining has a pocket for small items and can be removed for cleaning.
The lockable hard-shell cases together provide a further 68 liters of storage space. The cases have been slightly reinforced and appear more stable than their predecessor. With removable inner pockets and tubular steel brackets on the front edges, they are designed for tough touring use. A new premium luggage rack on the lid of the Grand Tour-Pak offers additional fastening options.
Basically, you can park your bike in the city without any problems, stow your things in the bike and perhaps only at second glance will someone notice that you have arrived on the bike at all.
Further comfort details
In addition to the heated seat and heated grips, the new generation features a number of well thought-out details. There are two connections under the seat for heated Harley-Davidson clothing. The new shift paddle is adjustable and the rear section can be easily removed. The handlebar lever for the front brake is adjustable so that it can be adapted to the rider's hand size.
Adjustable deflectors keep out air turbulence. When retracted, they allow more air to flow to the upper body in warm temperatures. Deflectors below the seat direct the engine heat away from the rider.
Styling and color options
Both models are available in Chrome Trim or Black Trim. The color palette includes Dark Billiard Gray as the base color, Vivid Black, White Onyx Pearl, Iron Horse Metallic, Brilliant Red and the two-tone variants Olive Steel Metallic/Vivid Black and Purple Abyss/Vivid Black.
The new wheel design consists of ten spokes, which are divided into 20 spokes on the rim. The cast light alloy wheels are black on the inside and have a glossy milled finish on the outside to match the rims. The wheel diameter is 19 inches at the front and 18 inches at the rear. The new parts from the Streamliner Collection, inspired by Art Deco design, round off the overall look.
Differences to the predecessor at a glance
Compared to the 2024 models, numerous points have changed in the new Limited models. The Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117 replaces the Twin Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 with over 9 percent more torque and over 20 percent more power. The Street Glide Limited is around 10.9 kg lighter than the Ultra Limited, while the Road Glide Limited is around 5.9 kg lighter than its predecessor model.
New Showa shock absorbers with Dual Outboard Emulsion technology now work on both sides instead of just one. The Rockford Fosgate audio system delivers 100 percent more power than the previous BOOM! Box GTS system. LED fog lights are now integrated into the leg shields, and there are also storage compartments in the leg shields. The charging system delivers 21 percent more power with 58 amps. The new Grand Tour-Pak comes with integrated LED lights and a luggage rack.
Heated comfort seats and heated grips are standard. The Skyline OS runs on a 12.3-inch touchscreen with OTA updates. The sound has been enhanced by revised sound design. New 10-spoke cast alloy wheels and connections for heated Harley-Davidson clothing under the seat round off the package.
Prices for orientation
Recommended retail price for the Limited models in the basic color Dark Billiard Gray: Germany: from 32,900 euros (plus transfer) Austriafrom approx. 42,900 euros Switzerland: from approx. 33,900 CHF Chrome Trim is the standard equipment. Black Trim and special paint finishes are available at extra cost.
My impression
With the Street Glide Limited and the Road Glide Limited, Harley-Davidson has built two very sophisticated touring bikes. Modern technology meets the classic Harley feel. The Street Glide Limited impresses with its better weather protection and surprisingly easy handling. The Road Glide Limited delivers that special riding feeling when you have the road in front of you with the handlebars raised and pull out of the bend with the powerful VVT 117. Both deliver exactly what you would expect from a grand tourer.
The difference lies in the riding experience and personal taste. If you want more protection and lightness, take the Street Glide. For those looking for the feeling of the open road, the Road Glide. Neither model seems overpowered or too weak. Despite their size and equipment, they deliver exactly the performance you need for everyday touring.
If you want even more, you can look towards the CVO, but for most riders this is more than enough. Test riding is a must. Only then will you realize which bike suits your style better.
Technical data Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117
Engine | Milwaukee-Eight VVT 117, 1,923 cm³
Display | 12.3 inch TFT color touchscreen, Skyline OS
Audio system | Rockford Fosgate, 4-channel, 200 watts, four 6.5-inch speakers
Riding modes | Road, Sport, Rain, Custom
Rear suspension | Showa, Dual Outboard Emulsion, 76 mm travel
Front suspension | fork, 117 mm travel
Seat height | 740 mm (without rider)
Wheels | 19-inch front, 18-inch rear, 10-spoke design
Total luggage volume | approx. 144 liters
Grand Tour-Pak | 68 liters, two full-face helmets
Side case | 68 liters total
Seat heating | driver and front passenger separately, two levels
Heated grips | standard
Lighting | fully LED, integrated fog lights
Assistance systems | C-ELB, C-ABS, C-TCS, C-DSCS, VHC, TPMS
Text: Harleysite, photo credits: Harley-Davidson and Harleysite
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