2020 Road Glide Gets Rave Review from U.K.’s Mirror
The appeal of the 2020 Road Glide isn’t limited just to the Americas. The comfort and handling impress overseas as well.
Harley-Davidson is a proud symbol of the American spirit. Everywhere you go, their influence on motorcycle culture is felt. That doesn’t stop across the pond either.
Recently, the U.K.’s Mirror reviewed the Road Glide. The 2020 Road Glide is not perfect. But, it is still great. Plenty of low-end torque, good looks, and loads of comfort make it a solid all-around selection.
Styling
Ever the comedians, our UK brothers took a jab at the front styling. “From the front, the Harley Road Glide Special looks like the love child of Batman and Gromit…” says Mirror. “On second thoughts, that image is so disturbing that I’m going to forget I said it. I suggest you do the same.” Can’t say they’re wrong.
Clearly the Road Glide is not meant for high performance. But, the striking looks are sure to get you noticed. “Like a giant Vespa, this is a machine where getting from A to B in style is more important than getting there as fast as possible,” says Mirror.
Performance
“That Milwaukee-Eight engine is both a beauty and a beast, now fitted as standard and offering a tasty 11% more torque over the former 1690cc version,” reports Mirror. “Maximum torque is reached at a ridiculously subterranean 3,000rpm, giving you oodles of creamy grunt from 2,500rpm all the way to the red line at 5,500rpm.” If there’s one thing we enthusiast like in our engines, it’s torque. Good on you Harley for doing this one right.
“I know that’s ridiculously low as well, but since peak power is at 5,020rpm, there’s no point thrashing it until the tacho needle’s bouncing off the pin at 8,000rpm.” Expect to want to push your bike. For better or worse. Your call.
Comfort & Handling
“It’s a waltz rather than the jive of sports bikes, but it’s surprisingly satisfying, like dancing with a large woman who knows her stuff,” says Mirror. They feel this bike is nice and heavy, but also that she’ll treat you right. “The suspension is typically plush, although firm enough not to have a panic attack heeled over on rough roads,” continues Mirror. “And although the twin discs up front have more than enough stopping power in normal riding, if you do find yourself steaming into a corner with too much enthusiasm, there’s nice feel and bite from the back brake if needed.” Regardless of the situation, Harley once again provides a more-than-capable bike.
“For touring, that seat is all-day comfortable,” but don’t let that comfort lull you to sleep. When slowing it down, Mirror recommends a bit of caution. “Since it’s a whopping 860lbs with a full tank of fuel, or about the same as a small elephant, low-speed maneuvering requires a degree of care, as I found at a filling station when I almost found myself in the rarely used but highly embarrassing horizontal motorcycling position.”
Technology
“The touchscreen is your window in the world of what Harley calls infotainment – a sat nav and comms center which allows you to take calls, chat with your mates on a group ride, stream music from your device or listen to the radio,” says Mirror. Thankfully, that stereo system is working for most buyers. “According to Wilmer the boss at Belfast Harley, riders like the sound system so much they do something unprecedented on a Harley and rather than fit louder Screamin’ Eagle pipes, leave the standard exhausts on so they can sing along to Born to be Wild when they’re stuck in gridlock on the M25.”
Conclusion
Overall, Mirror believes the 2020 Road Glide Special is a quality bike. You’ll be perfectly at home and comfortable on the open roads so long as you don’t mind all that weight. “All in all, it would make a much better mount than the ridiculous Batcycle in the Dark Knight trilogy, with its 20-inch front and rear tires.” If it’s better than whatever is good enough for Batman, that means something right?