10 Surprising Features of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles You Probably Didn't Know About

Harley enthusiasts might be missing out on some exciting features. When acquiring a new or pre-owned bike, sales representatives or individual sellers frequently overlook many of its impressive built-in functionalities. This could be due to time constraints or the assumption that buyers will only be interested in the basics. Although these features are outlined in the owner’s manual, most riders are unlikely to browse through it unless searching for something specific.

Since the inception of the first Harley-Davidson motorcycle in 1903, the Wisconsin-based manufacturer has made its mark in the biking community. Harley-Davidson is well-known for seamlessly merging classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. This is exemplified by the 2024 Road Glide, which is equipped with innovative, discreet enhancements that elevate its iconic design. Features such as advanced riding modes, customizable suspension, and hidden diagnostic tools can greatly improve the overall riding experience, often without the rider realizing their presence.

This article serves as your guide to unveiling the hidden conveniences of the Road Glide. It showcases 10 lesser-known Harley-Davidson features that you might not be aware of. Equipped with this information, you’ll be able to maximize your motorcycle’s potential from the get-go. Don’t forget to refer to your owner’s manual for further details and potential differences across various models and years.

Accessory mode

10 Surprising Features of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles You Probably Didn’t Know About

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The 2024 Road Glide showcases a practical accessory mode that enables you to interact with the bike’s electronic features without starting the engine. To engage this mode, ensure your key fob is on hand and press and hold the trip switch. This allows the instruments and accessory circuit to power up while the headlamp and turn signals remain off, conserving battery power as you check your bike’s settings. In accessory mode, the Infotainment Control Unit (IFCU) shows key information such as the fuel gauge and odometer, allowing you to keep track of fuel and mileage without turning the engine on.

For instance, if you need to activate the headlamp briefly for visibility, you can do so by pressing the flash-to-pass button. Once you’re done, simply press and hold the trip switch to turn the motorcycle off. Keep in mind that accessory mode is meant for short-term use; prolonged usage can drain the battery. If the bike is in accessory mode for two hours, it will automatically shut off to prevent battery depletion. To reactivate after an automatic shutdown, just press and hold the trip switch again.

This feature offers a practical means to review essential info and modify settings while saving energy.

Transport mode

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The 2024 Road Glide features a special transport mode designed for safely moving your motorcycle on a trailer or during brief transport. This function allows you to keep the security system enabled without triggering the motion detector, meaning that moving the bike won’t activate the alarm. However, the bike cannot be started in transport mode until it detects the key fob, ensuring that your motorcycle remains secure during transport, eliminating the risk of accidental starts.

Entering transport mode is a straightforward process that requires precise execution. With the security fob present, position the OFF/RUN/START switch to RUN, then immediately switch it to OFF. Within five seconds of turning the switch off, press the left turn signal and the flash-to-pass switch simultaneously. Completing this sequence correctly will display a transport mode icon on the IFCU (Infotainment Control Unit), indicating that the security system is now in transport mode.

Exiting transport mode is equally simple. Set the OFF/RUN/START switch back to RUN while keeping the fob present, disarming the system and allowing the motorcycle to start normally. This feature offers enhanced convenience and security for dealers or owners needing to move the bike without risking system activation or battery drainage.

Rear suspension adjustments

Another frequently overlooked feature in the 2024 Road Glide is its adjustable rear suspension. Many riders assume that suspension settings are fixed, but Harley has engineered this system to allow adjustments to accommodate riding style, road conditions, and varying loads. The initial damping settings (compression and rebound) are calibrated for a solo rider, but if you often have passengers or carry extra weight, you can make incremental changes to enhance your ride.

To elaborate, compression damping affects how the suspension compresses when encountering a bump, while rebound damping controls how quickly it returns to its original position after being compressed. Additionally, preload adjustments are available to help manage the sag of the suspension, whether you’re riding solo or with a passenger, or carrying gear. Ensuring the correct preload maintains the suspension within its ideal operating range, improving stability and comfort.

Making these adjustments requires careful, minor tweaks, as significant changes can lead to overshooting the optimal setting or damaging the shock absorbers. Use the included spanner wrench to adjust the threaded preload adjusters on the rear shocks, and always avoid overtightening. With some trial and error along with a bumpy road for testing, you can achieve the ideal setup that meets your specific riding preferences, transforming your experience into a smoother and more tailored ride.

Adjustable brake lever

One feature that many Road Glide riders might not even be aware of is the adjustable front brake lever. This customization tool significantly enhances rider comfort and control. The front brake lever of the 2024 Road Glide can be fine-tuned to accommodate various hand sizes and riding styles. Whether you have smaller hands or prefer a more instantaneous braking experience, it allows adjustment of the distance between the lever and the handlebar grip.

To make this adjustment, start by slightly pushing the brake lever away from the grip to relieve pressure on the adjuster. Then, rotate the brake lever adjustment thumbwheel to the left or right. Rotating it to reduce the distance brings the lever closer, while turning it the other way increases the gap. This minor modification can lead to a more comfortable reach, resulting in quicker, more confident braking during rides, especially in urgent situations.

It’s crucial, however, to maintain proper finger placement for safe braking. If fingers remain between the lever and grip, it can impede lever functionality, leading to a potential loss of control. Moreover, balancing your braking approach by using both the front lever and rear pedal accordingly is essential to avoiding wheel lock, which could result in skidding or serious accidents.

The adjustable brake lever might seem subtle, but it’s a powerful feature that allows riders to fine-tune their braking experience.

Heated gear connections

While many riders are aware of heated grips and seats, few know that Harley has incorporated power ports specifically designed for heated gear accessories, such as gloves or vests, tucked away beneath the seat. This feature aims to boost rider comfort during colder months, ensuring that critical heated gear is powered up on brisk mornings and winter rides.

Housed in a discreet compartment under the seat, these connections are easily accessible yet unobtrusive, maintaining the classic look of the Road Glide. To use this feature, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to remove the screw or unlock the compartment. Once accessed, you’ll find two connections ready to deliver power directly from the bike’s electrical system. This integration allows riders to benefit from additional warmth without bulky external devices or complicated modifications.

Many riders may not realize these connections’ advantages until they experience the luxury of having heated gear powered directly from their bike. It’s a small detail that can greatly enhance comfort on lengthy rides or in bleak weather, ensuring that comfort and performance coexist.

Hill hold control

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Hill Hold Control, also known as Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), is a feature that might go unnoticed by some riders, but it can significantly improve your experience on inclines. This system utilizes brake pressure to prevent your motorcycle from rolling backward when stopped on a slope. When you come to a complete stop and apply extra pressure on either the front brake lever or rear brake pedal, the VHC activates, retaining the brake pressure even after you release the controls. An indicator light will confirm that the system is active, allowing you to park with peace of mind without a risk of rolling back.

To activate the system, simply apply a bit more pressure than usual when stopping. If you brake hard and maintain that pressure, the system may engage automatically, even without an extra push. However, keep in mind that VHC is not intended to function as a parking brake; it exclusively assists you when starting from an incline.

The system deactivates automatically once you begin to pull away, either by engaging the throttle and clutch or by releasing the brake firmly. If there’s no rider action for five minutes, the VHC will release to avoid overheating. However, it’s worth noting that on very steep hills or uneven surfaces, VHC might not be able to hold the bike entirely, so always be ready to take control.

Customizable infotainment layouts

A hidden feature of the 2024 Road Glide is its fully customizable Skyline OS infotainment system. This allows riders to tailor their dashboard display to suit their individual riding preferences and needs instead of being locked into a standard layout. Whether you prefer a performance-focused setup or a comfort-oriented touring layout, the system enables easy switching between various configurations.

In its standard mode, the display combines digital accuracy with an analog feel, featuring a speedometer, tachometer, and various handy widgets that display navigation data, tire pressure, ambient air temperature, and coolant temperature. If a more dynamic interface suits your style, cycling through available modes such as sport or touring will bring up alternative layouts that emphasize either performance metrics or navigation aids. By pressing the trip button, you can toggle through these modes, giving you a customized display ideal for your specific ride.

This degree of personalization not only boosts convenience but also ensures that critical information is readily accessible.

Concealed USB charging ports

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Across the 2024 Harley lineup (whether you’re riding a Street Glide or a Road Glide), the discreetly integrated USB-C port located in the media compartment on the side of the fairing is a feature many might overlook. This provides a handy way to keep your devices charged while on the move.

When the motorcycle is powered on or in accessory mode, the USB-C port activates, allowing you to connect your phone, media device, or USB drive directly to the bike’s system. To utilize the port, simply push down on the latch, release the spring-loaded door, and open the compartment. Once connected using an appropriate interface cable, securely close the compartment door by pushing until the latch engages. It’s vital to keep this compartment securely closed during rides to prevent items from falling out, and it’s prudent to remove valuable items if leaving the bike unattended.

The versatility of this port means it can charge your phone and facilitate media playback, but it does come with certain restrictions. Not all media devices or file types are compatible with the IFCU, and using media players with hard drives can be problematic as vibrations might damage them. Additionally, the Road Glide primarily uses Bluetooth connectivity for phone functions such as calling and texting, rather than utilizing the USB port.

Hidden diagnostic mode

Many Harley riders may not realize that their 2024 Road Glide includes a built-in health monitoring system. Hidden within the digital dashboard is a diagnostic mode that can prove essential for troubleshooting or simply starting conversations with your mechanic. This feature allows you to access critical system information, including tire pressure, battery voltage, and other vital operational metrics, without the need for a service visit.

Accessing this mode is straightforward: hold the trip button while pressing the ignition switch. After activation, retrieving diagnostic information involves navigating through the bike’s settings menu. Once enabled, the diagnostic mode will provide real-time feedback on various components, allowing you to monitor engine performance and electronic system statuses. For tech-savvy riders, having this feature means identifying potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs, ensuring your bike remains in optimal condition between scheduled services.

What’s intriguing about this feature is its subtle nature; it’s somewhat hidden, almost as if Harley wants to reward the discerning rider who digs deeper into their bike’s technology. You might not think to explore this function, but once you do, you’ll enjoy having direct insight into the Road Glide’s inner workings.

Apple CarPlay

Concluding our list is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay, a system that allows seamless connectivity between your smartphone’s functionalities and your bike’s display without necessitating app downloads. With Apple CarPlay, only Apple-approved applications are displayed, ensuring a streamlined interface designed for road use. Unlike traditional systems that depend on cumbersome modules, CarPlay on the Road Glide is available wirelessly once your phone is paired via Bluetooth — or you can opt for a USB connection.

To activate Apple CarPlay, switch your bike to accessory or ignition mode, and select Apple CarPlay from the home menu. However, keep in mind that CarPlay requires the use of a compatible headset and microphone to function properly. This enhancement ensures a hands-free experience that is perfect for long rides.

Many riders may be unaware of this sophisticated connectivity feature integrated into their Road Glide. Apple CarPlay enables easy access to navigation, music, and communication functions through your bike’s display, keeping you connected while preserving the classic Harley essence.