Those impressive speakers are a highlight, and let’s not overlook the photographer capturing the moment at the bottom (that chrome finish is stunning).Photo by Steve Mazzucchi for Gear Patrol
During extended rides, it’s easy to zone out, which can be dangerous. Playing a bit of AC/DC, Metallica, or even Norman Greenbaum on these beauties might actually keep you alert.
Just keep in mind that the navigation’s voice is louder, which is handy until you’re cruising through a quaint town and the music lowers to let the navigation lady guide you.
Touring Insights
Although the Road Glide’s massive fairing may be less stylish than the iconic batwing of its sibling, the Street Glide, this robust ride could be the ideal choice for long hauls.
Thanks to that substantial fairing, the Road Glide stands out as one of the most comfortable highway bikes I’ve ever experienced.Photo by Steve Mazzucchi for Gear Patrol
With its user-friendly operating system and fantastic speakers, the extensive protection it provides allows you to ride 300 miles, say from NYC to Virginia, and arrive at your niece’s piano recital without feeling worn out.
RIDERS of Harley-Davidson motorcycles are just discovering a handy, lesser-known feature that can be utilized even when the bike’s engine is turned off.
This renowned brand, cherished throughout the US, frequently embeds a variety of innovative capabilities into their bikes – many of which may go unnoticed by riders.
Harley-Davidson owners may not be aware of a feature that can be utilized even with the engine offHarley-DavidsonFeatures of the bike are typically outlined in the owner’s manual, although most riders are unlikely to peruse itHarley-DavidsonThis includes the 2024 Road Glide, which features a handy accessory modeHarley-Davidson
While the bike’s features are detailed in the owner’s manual, it’s not common for riders to consult it unless they’re seeking something specific.
Take the 2024 Road Glide, for instance; it comes with an accessory mode that allows interaction with the bike’s electronic systems without needing to start the engine.
Activating this mode is quite straightforward: simply press and hold the trip switch on the key fob. This powers the instrument panel and accessory circuit while keeping the headlamp and turn signal lamps off.
In accessory mode, the Infotainment Control Unit (IFCU) provides crucial information, such as the fuel gauge and odometer, letting you monitor fuel status and mileage without starting the engine.
This can be particularly useful if you need to briefly power the headlamp to survey your surroundings.
Once you’re finished, you can turn the bike off again by pressing and holding the trip switch once more.
However, it’s worth noting that accessory mode is intended for short-term usage; leaving the bike in this mode for an extended period can lead to battery drain.
If the motorcycle remains in accessory mode for two hours, it will automatically shut down to avoid complete battery discharge. Should you need to re-engage the mode after it has shut off automatically, just press and hold the trip switch to resume.
Overall, this feature serves as a practical method to check essential information and adjust settings while conserving energy .
The bike’s engine delivered impressive power, offering smooth acceleration coupled with a raw, exhilarating roar.
The CVO Pan America showcased strong acceleration across various speeds and slowed down effortlessly, making it more manageable on rough terrains.
The seat provided outstanding comfort, enabling long rides to be comfortable, including a 1,025-mile journey in under 24 hours.
Aesthetically, the Pan America was a head-turner, boasting an aggressive fairing and appearance reminiscent of a 1960s muscle car rather than the bulkier adventure bikes popular in the 70s.
Yet, the bike was not without its flaws.
One major drawback was the absence of a standard 12V accessory point, which frustrated the rider, necessitating the use of an adapter or direct wiring to the battery.
The most pressing issue, however, was the intermittent dropout of fourth gear during hard accelerations.
Harley-Davidson faces significant obstacles in the coming year as the European Union prepares to impose $28 billion in tariffs on US goods, including motorcycles, starting April 1.
As a result, the iconic brand may experience price increases in Europe , exacerbating its already considerable challenges.
Harley-Davidson Closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships across the United States.
However, numerous locations have closed for various reasons throughout 2024 – sometimes without any explanation.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson dealerships that have closed this year and their reasons for closure:
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed in October 2024 after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
Harley-Davidson motorcycle riders are beginning to discover a valuable, lesser-known feature that can be utilized even when the engine is not running.
The iconic brand, cherished across the United States, frequently integrates an array of cutting-edge features into their bikes, many of which may go unnoticed by riders.
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Harley-Davidson owners may not know about a feature that can be used even if the bike’s engine is offCredit: Harley-Davidson
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A bike’s features are typically detailed in the owner’s manual, but most riders rarely take the time to read through itCredit: Harley-Davidson
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That includes the 2024 Road Glide, which features a handy accessory modeCredit: Harley-Davidson
While the owner’s manual provides details about the bike’s features, it’s common for riders not to consult it unless they have a specific query.
For instance, the 2024 Road Glide is equipped with a practical accessory mode, allowing users to engage with the bike’s electronic systems without needing to start the engine.
Engaging this mode is straightforward: simply press and hold the trip switch on the key fob. This activates the instruments and accessory circuit while disabling both the headlamp and turn signal lights.
In accessory mode, the Infotainment Control Unit (IFCU) displays crucial information, such as the fuel gauge and odometer, enabling you to track fuel levels and mileage without starting the engine.
This is particularly handy for instances where you may wish to briefly turn on the headlamp to assess your surroundings.
After you’ve completed your checks, you can turn off the bike again by pressing and holding the trip switch.
However, it’s important to note that accessory mode is designed for short-term use, as prolonged activation can deplete the battery.
If the motorcycle remains in accessory mode for two hours, it will automatically shut down to safeguard against full battery drain. Should you need to utilize the mode once more after this automatic shutdown, just press and hold the trip switch to reactivate it.
Overall, this feature offers an efficient way to access essential information and adjust settings while conserving energy.
Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Lineup: 7 New Bikes Unveiled
The motorcycle’s engine delivered robust power, ensuring smooth acceleration with an exhilarating roar.
The CVO Pan America boasted impressive acceleration from low to high speeds while also providing quick deceleration, facilitating control on uneven roads.
Its seat was remarkably comfortable, making lengthy rides effortlessly manageable, including a notable 1,025-mile journey in under 24 hours.
Aesthetically, the Pan America certainly turned heads with its aggressive fairing and presence, reminiscent more of a 1960s muscle car than the bulkier adventure bikes of the 1970s.
Nonetheless, not all aspects of the motorcycle were perfect.
The absence of a standard 12V accessory point frustrated the rider, necessitating the use of an adapter or directly wiring gear to the battery.
Additionally, the most concerning issue was the unexpected drop-out of the fourth gear during periods of hard acceleration.
Harley-Davidson faces considerable challenges in the upcoming year, especially with the European Union set to impose $28 billion in tariffs on U.S. goods, including motorcycles, beginning April 1.
This historic brand is expected to see price increases in Europe, further exacerbating its existing challenges.
Harley-Davidson Store Closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships located throughout America.
However, several locations have closed their doors for various reasons throughout 2024, often without any explanation.
Here’s a list of some Harley-Davidson locations that have shut down this year, along with their closures’ reasons:
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson in Kewanee, Illinois, closed its doors in October 2024 after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON riders might not realize there is a safety feature that could help avert accidents.
Several Harley-Davidson motorcycles, such as the 2024 Road Glide, are equipped with concealed features intended to improve safety and comfort, which many new owners often overlook.
Hidden features on the 2024 Road Glide enhance safety and comfort but often go unnoticed by new owners (stock image)Getty The 2024 Road Glide’s Hill Hold Control helps prevent your bike from rolling backward on hills (stock image)Shutterstock The 2024 Road Glide allows you to modify the rear suspension for enhanced comfort and stability, tailored to your weight, riding style, and road conditions (stock image)Getty Riders can adjust the brake lever’s distance from the handlebar for a more comfortable and responsive experience (stock image)Getty
Since its inception in 1903, Harley-Davidson has played a significant role in American motorcycling , with the 2024 Road Glide showcasing its cutting-edge engineering.
Renowned for its streamlined appearance, the 2024 Road Glide integrates features that enhance riding safety, particularly on inclines.
Among these is the Hill Hold Control (also referred to as Vehicle Hold Control), a feature designed to stop your bike from slipping backward on slopes, as reported by Slash Gear .
When the bike comes to a halt, applying more pressure on the brake holds it steady, offering you greater control on steep terrains.
This system utilizes brake pressure to secure the bike until you’re ready to proceed.
However, it only functions for brief stops.
If idle for five minutes, it disengages to avoid overheating.
There are more features lurking beneath the surface.
The bike’s accessory mode enables riders to monitor critical information, such as fuel levels, without igniting the engine.
To access it, hold down the trip switch, and the bike’s systems activate, allowing everything to run without draining the battery.
Additionally, if you wish to check your surroundings, the headlamp can be activated using the flash-to-pass button without starting the bike.
Just remember not to keep the bike in accessory mode for extended periods; it will automatically shut off after two hours to conserve battery life.
For those who transport their motorcycle, the Road Glide includes a Transport Mode.
This mode keeps the bike’s security features active without setting off alarms during transit.
Harley-Davidson dealership closures in 2024
Over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships are located across America.
Nonetheless, numerous stores have closed for various reasons throughout 2024—some without providing explanations.
Here’s a list of several Harley-Davidson locations that closed last year and their reasons for doing so:
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, closed in October after the owners sold the business to Walter Brothers Harley Davidson in Peoria, Illinois.
Windy City Motorcycle Company opened a two-story dealership at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont, Illinois in 2019 but announced last November that it would close due to declining sales.
This feature is simple to activate, and once enabled, the motorcycle cannot be started without the detection of the key fob.
This proves useful when moving the bike without triggering a full security lock.
Adjusting the suspension is another feature aimed at enhancing the ride.
FOR CONTROL AND COMFORT
The 2024 Road Glide permits adjustments to the rear suspension to correspond with your weight, riding style, and road conditions.
The rear suspension includes compression and rebound damping settings, which dictate how the motorcycle reacts to bumps and returns to its typical position.
Proper adjustments can improve overall riding comfort; however, it’s crucial to avoid excessive alterations to prevent damage to the shocks.
The front brake lever is also adjustable, a feature that not everyone may know about.
Riders with smaller hands or those who prefer an immediate brake response can customize the lever’s distance from the handlebar to meet their preferences.
This minor tweak can significantly enhance comfort and control.
Furthermore, for rides in colder weather, the 2024 Road Glide is equipped with built-in power ports to support heated gear like gloves or vests.
These power ports are conveniently located under the seat, ensuring warmth for riders without the requirement for additional devices or modifications.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON enthusiasts might not be aware of a vital safety feature that could help avert accidents.
Several Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including the 2024 Road Glide, are equipped with hidden functionalities aimed at boosting safety and comfort, which often escape the notice of new riders.
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Hidden features on the 2024 Road Glide enhance safety and comfort but often go unnoticed by new owners (stock image) Credit: Getty
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The 2024 Road Glide’s Hill Hold Control helps prevent your bike from rolling backward on hills (stock image) Credit: Shutterstock
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The 2024 Road Glide lets you adjust the rear suspension for better comfort and stability based on your weight, riding style, and road conditions (stock image) Credit: Getty
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Riders can adjust the brake lever’s distance from the handlebar for a more comfortable and responsive feel (stock image) Credit: Getty
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has played an integral role in American motorcycling, with the 2024 Road Glide exemplifying its cutting-edge engineering.
The 2024 Road Glide is celebrated for its stylish design and features that prioritize safety while riding, particularly on inclines.
Among these is the Hill Hold Control (also known as Vehicle Hold Control), which prevents the motorcycle from rolling backwards on slopes, as noted by Slash Gear.
When the bike is stationary, applying additional brake pressure keeps it secured in place, providing more control when starting on an incline.
This feature utilizes brake pressure to lock the bike until you’re ready to proceed.
However, it functions best for short stops.
If left inactive for five minutes, it disengages automatically to avoid overheating.
There’s more than just this feature hiding in plain sight.
The accessory mode allows riders to view crucial information, including fuel levels, without needing to start the engine.
To activate this, simply press and hold the trip switch; the bike’s systems turn on, ensuring everything stays operational without draining the battery.
Harley-Davidson’s 2025 Lineup: 7 New Bikes Unveiled
If you need to assess your environment, you can also turn on the headlamp using the flash-to-pass button without starting the engine.
However, it’s important not to leave the bike in accessory mode for too long. After two hours, it will automatically turn off to conserve battery life.
For riders who frequently transport their bikes, the Road Glide is equipped with a Transport Mode.
This mode keeps the bike’s security system active without setting off alarms during transit.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
Over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships operate across the United States.
However, numerous locations closed in 2024 for various reasons, with little explanation provided.
Below are a few Harley-Davidson dealerships that closed last year, along with their reasons for shutting down:
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson in Kewanee, Illinois, also closed in October, after the owners sold the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson in Peoria, Illinois.
Windy City Motorcycle Company opened a two-story dealership in Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont, Illinois, in 2019, but announced last November that it would close due to a decline in sales.
Additionally, a Harley-Davidson dealership in West Bend, Wisconsin, temporarily closed for the season from November 2 until April 1, 2025.
Activating these features is simple, and once engaged, the bike can’t be started until it recognizes the key fob.
This is especially useful when relocating your bike without triggering the full security system.
Another feature that enhances the ride is the adjustable suspension.
FOR CONTROL AND COMFORT
The 2024 Road Glide permits rear suspension adjustments tailored to your weight, riding style, and road conditions.
Additionally, the rear suspension includes settings for compression and rebound damping, influencing how the bike reacts to bumps and returns to a neutral position.
Proper adjustments can vastly improve the ride, but caution is needed not to overdo it, as this may damage the shocks.
The front brake lever is also adjustable, a feature many may overlook.
Riders with smaller hands or those favoring a more responsive brake feel can customize the lever distance from the handlebar according to their preferences.
Though a minor change, this adjustment significantly enhances comfort and control.
Moreover, for rides in colder weather, the 2024 Road Glide has integrated power ports for heated gear like gloves or vests.
These ports are conveniently positioned beneath the seat, allowing riders to stay warm without the need for additional devices or modifications.
HARLEY-Davidson has introduced its most powerful motorcycle ever available for public roads, but a significant portion of the fanbase is expressing dissatisfaction with the unveiling.
The iconic motorcycle manufacturer showcased their 2025 CVO Road Glide RR in a promotional video shared on social media, following its announcement at a press conference held in Austin, Texas.
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Harley have revealed a race-replica bike that’s their most powerful production model everCredit: YouTube / Harley-Davidson
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It boasts an impressive 153 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque.Credit: YouTube / Harley-Davidson
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But only 131 units will be produced, with a starting price of $110,000Credit: YouTube / Harley-Davidson
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It represents the highest price the firm has ever charged for one of its bikesCredit: YouTube / Harley-Davidson
The new CVO Road Glide RR is designed on Harley’s touring platform and features a 131 cubic-inch engine that delivers an impressive 153 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque.
However, aspiring owners may find it challenging to obtain one, as only 131 units of this model will be produced, and it carries a hefty starting price of $110,000.
This price point marks the highest ever set by the company for one of its motorcycles, which is said to honor its participation in the renowned “King of the Baggers” motorcycle race series.
During the press event, Jason Kehl, Harley’s Product Development Leader, remarked: “A project like this, a motorcycle of this exclusivity, hand-crafted with only 131 units, wouldn’t be viable without the complete backing of the company.
“This is a ‘factory motorcycle.’ Harley Davidson has referred to that term, pertaining to racing, since 1914.”
For those unaware, Mission King of the Baggers features Harley’s heavier bikes – equipped with fairings and saddlebags – competing against their sole American competitor, Indian Motorcycle.
With this latest model, Harley aims to capitalize on the growing popularity of the racing series, although the response from fans has not met the company’s expectations.
In comments on the unveiling video shared on Facebook, many users voiced their confusion regarding Harley’s choice to launch such an expensive motorcycle.
One commenter said: “Yeah, this is just what people want right now in this economy…spending $150,000 on a Harley after taxes.”
Another remarked: “This is an answer to a question no one asked. You already make $30K bikes with technology that can’t compete against Japanese models priced a third less.”
Harley-Davidson riders point to glaring ‘oversight’ by brand after chain’s stock plummets & dealerships close for good
“Instead of addressing that – you roll out this?”
A third user commented: “If this was the surprise you teased for three quarters, you’re going to disappoint a majority of your audience.
“You’ve missed your target, a swing and miss, HD.”
However, not all feedback was negative.
An optimistic user stated: “For someone who desires the absolute best…here’s your motorcycle, and if I could, I certainly would be interested.”
In a similar vein, Indian released its own race replica, the Challenger RR, in 2023, which was intended strictly for track use—but sales were poor.
Only 29 units were produced, initially priced at $92,229, and the Challenger RR is still available at various dealers for less than the original cost.
In recent months, shares of Harley-Davidson have declined, with motorcycle sales witnessing a third consecutive annual drop.
Escalating prices and interest rates have largely deterred potential buyers.
Harley-Davidson closures in 2024
There are over 650 Harley-Davidson dealerships around the United States.
Nevertheless, various locations have closed for numerous reasons throughout 2024, with little explanation provided.
Below is a list of some Harley-Davidson outlets that have shut down this year:
Reiman’s Harley-Davidson dealership in Kewanee, Illinois, shut its doors in October after the ownership transferred the business to the Walter Brothers Harley Davidson dealership in Peoria, Illinois.
HARLEY-Davidson seems poised to refresh one of its most popular accessories, generating excitement among fans eager to see the brand’s new offerings for the coming year.
Harley-Davidson has reportedly filed a patent to makeover one of its beloved accessories Credit: Getty
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The patent revealed a new design for the Tour-Pak side luggage Credit: Harley Davidson
The patent details a redesigned Tour-Pak luggage for touring models such as the Road Glide and Street Glide, as reported by Top Speed.
These Tour-Paks are storage containers with watertight latches, designed for riders who need to carry essentials on extended journeys.
Although they have been a staple accessory for Harley bikes, it’s been ten years since their last significant design update, leading to a demand for a refresh.
The new patent suggests a redesigned top box capable of separating storage into two compartments.
read more on harley davidson
These updated Tour-Paks are notably thicker and feature a “hump” at the ends, which alters the angle at which they sit on the bike’s rear.
They also come with a passenger headrest, allowing the second rider to comfortably lean back rather than holding tightly to the driver.
Additionally, the design includes two visible speakers for music enjoyment from the backseat.
The overall layout remains similar to the original model, opening from right to left with a key.
However, it seems that there is an opening at the back of the pack, potentially intended for securing valuables.
While the implications of this Tour-Pak redesign for the brand’s future remain unclear, there is a growing interest in Harley-Davidson’s touring offerings.
‘What about the warranties?’ cry drivers after Harley-Davidson dealership closes – its nearest location is an hour away
This storage solution could either accompany a new motorcycle model or serve as an upgrade accessory for existing rides.
Typically, Harley-Davidson unveils its new model lineup in January, so fans can expect clarity on this soon.
The U.S. Sun has contacted the brand for their comments on the newly filed patent.
