Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® near Fairfax, VA
Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC review

2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®

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Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® near Fairfax, VA

The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® represents the next chapter in American long-haul touring — a motorcycle engineered for horizon-chasing confidence, all-day comfort, and unmistakable Sharknose presence. With the liquid-cooled Milwaukee-Eight® 117 powertrain, a redesigned aerodynamic fairing, and a modern rider interface led by Skyline™ OS on a 12.3-inch full-color TFT display, this touring legend blends heritage with innovation in a way only Harley-Davidson® can. For riders who want the rhythm of the open road and the control that today’s technology brings, the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® sets a high bar. At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, our team is ready to help you evaluate this platform’s performance, fit, and customization potential so your next road story starts exactly the way you want it to.

2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Overview

2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Overview

The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® is built to roam, pairing a ride-tuned chassis with the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin to deliver 105 horsepower and a broad, confident wave of torque. A lighter overall feel and a redesigned Sharknose fairing enhance stability while cutting through airflow, and LED Signature Lighting projects a brilliant, modern look. Inside the cockpit, Skyline™ OS anchors a 12.3-inch full-color TFT display offering Apple CarPlay connectivity, Bluetooth pairing for phone and headset, quick access to navigation and media, and intuitive vehicle data. Selectable ride modes keep you in command as conditions change, while Rider Safety Enhancements provide added confidence in low-traction or cornering situations. If you are exploring the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® near Fairfax, VA, you will find a touring platform designed for adaptable comfort: a supportive seat, adjustable handlebars, and roomy saddlebags that keep essentials secured for everyday commutes and cross-state itineraries alike. The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® carries its legacy forward with poise — and a full embrace of modern touring needs.

5 Key Reasons the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Stands Out near Fairfax, VA

5 Key Reasons the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® Stands Out near Fairfax, VA

  • Milwaukee-Eight® 117 performance: A liquid-cooled V-Twin tuned for real-world touring torque and smooth, responsive power delivery.
  • Redesigned Sharknose aerodynamics: A sleeker fairing to help reduce buffeting and enhance stability at highway speed.
  • Skyline™ OS 12.3-inch interface: A full-color TFT with Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and ride-critical data centralized at your fingertips.
  • Ride-tuned chassis and suspension: 49mm Dual Bending Valve fork and dual outboard emulsion shocks for balanced comfort and control.
  • Rider Safety Enhancements: Cornering-aware systems that support traction, braking, and stability in changing conditions.

Beyond its iconic silhouette, the Road Glide® platform thrives on the blend of mechanical refinement and day-to-day usability. The Milwaukee-Eight® 117 provides generous torque for loaded-up touring, the fairing and wind management elevate comfort over long distances, and the modern cockpit helps you stay oriented and connected. Add in selectable ride modes and advanced Rider Safety Enhancements, and you have a motorcycle that answers both the practical and emotional sides of touring — confident, capable, and unmistakably Harley-Davidson®.

Key Features of the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®

Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin

At the heart of this touring icon is the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 — a liquid-cooled, 117 cu in V-Twin built for authoritative roll-on power and long-haul durability. Rated at 105 HP and 130 ft-lbs of torque at 3250 rpm, the engine’s broad, accessible torque curve makes passing effortless and highway miles feel relaxed. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) smooths throttle response, while the 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers gives the Road Glide® a deep, refined note. A 6-speed gearbox with well-spaced ratios complements the engine’s character, delivering strong acceleration in the lower gears and low-rpm cruising in top gear. Whether you are carving sweepers or loading up for a weekend away, the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 is tuned for exactly the kind of torque you want on a Grand American Touring motorcycle.

Sharknose Fairing with LED Signature Lighting

The redesigned Sharknose fairing looks commanding from every angle and is engineered to help enhance stability and reduce buffeting at speed. Its distinctive profile channels airflow more effectively around rider and passenger, aiming to minimize fatigue on all-day rides. LED Signature Lighting leads the way with a crisp, modern beam pattern for increased visibility to the road and to other motorists. From the front, the lighting integrates seamlessly with the Road Glide® silhouette — a functional lighting array that also underscores the model’s premium finish and presence. Paired with adjustable handlebars and a supportive seat, the overall cockpit design feels tailored, refined, and ready for the long game.

Skyline™ OS 12.3-inch Full Color TFT

Skyline™ OS places a commanding 12.3-inch, full-color TFT display at the center of the cockpit. This system brings your navigation, media, and phone functions together with a streamlined interface designed specifically for riding. Apple CarPlay is supported wirelessly or via USB-C, and Bluetooth enables phone and headset pairing for calls, audio, and intercom functionality. Two 5.25-inch fairing speakers powered at 50 watts per channel deliver clear audio on the open road. Riders can select from multiple languages, access vehicle information screens for data like air temperature and oil pressure, and use voice functions where supported. The result is a touring command center that modernizes the experience while keeping critical controls intuitive and within easy reach.

Ride-Tuned Suspension and Chassis Geometry

From urban avenues to interstate miles, the Road Glide® rides with composure thanks to a balanced chassis and suspension package. Up front, a 49mm Dual Bending Valve fork tracks smoothly over imperfect pavement, while out back, 3-inch dual outboard emulsion shocks with preload adjustability help dial in comfort for cargo and passenger weight. With a 64-inch wheelbase, a 26-degree rake, and 6.8 inches of trail, the Road Glide® achieves a planted, predictable feel that still turns in with assurance. Cast aluminum wheels wear Dunlop® Harley-Davidson Series tires — 130/60B19 front and 180/55B18 rear — chosen for all-around touring performance. Dual floating rotors and a 4-piston front caliper setup provide a steady, confident braking feel mile after mile.

Rider Safety Enhancements with Cornering Technology

Rider Safety Enhancements are designed to support you when traction and stability matter most. The suite includes Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Linked Braking (ELB), Traction Control System (TCS), Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS), Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Cornering technology raises confidence further with Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Brake System (C-ABS), Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB), Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS), and Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS). Together, these systems are engineered to help manage braking forces and traction during straight-line and cornering maneuvers, giving riders an added layer of support in variable conditions.

5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®
  1. Fit and Ergonomics: The seat height is 26.6 inches laden, and the handlebar adjustability supports a range of rider sizes for neutral posture on long rides.
  2. Touring Range and Storage: A 6-gallon fuel capacity and hard saddlebags offer day-to-day practicality and room for layers, tools, and travel gear.
  3. Technology Priorities: If navigation, audio, and hands-free communication are key, Skyline™ OS with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth delivers a modern, integrated cockpit.
  4. Confidence Systems: Consider the value of ABS, ELB, TPMS, and cornering enhancements for year-round riding and changing road conditions.
  5. Customization Path: From wind management to luggage add-ons, Genuine Harley-Davidson® accessories make it easy to tailor comfort, storage, and style.

Every touring rider has different needs. If your routes include extended highway time, the fairing’s stability and the seat’s all-day support will shine. If you ride with a passenger frequently, suspension preload adjustability and ergonomic setup become even more important. Riders who plan to integrate navigation and streaming will appreciate Skyline™ OS. Thinking through these factors helps you configure the Road Glide® to match your travel style from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 2026 Road Glide® differ from the Street Glide® in feel and wind management?

The Road Glide® uses a frame-mounted Sharknose fairing that remains steadier relative to the chassis, which many riders feel reduces input from side winds and highway turbulence. The Street Glide® uses a fork-mounted Batwing fairing, offering a different steering feel. Both are excellent; the Road Glide® emphasizes a planted, stable sensation at speed.

What does Skyline™ OS add to the touring experience?

Skyline™ OS centralizes navigation, media, and phone controls on a 12.3-inch full-color TFT display. With Apple CarPlay support, Bluetooth connectivity, and rider-focused menus, you can monitor vehicle information, manage calls and audio, and follow turn-by-turn guidance in a streamlined, glove-friendly interface.

Which Rider Safety Enhancements are included?

Rider Safety Enhancements include ABS, ELB, TCS, DSCS, VHC, and TPMS, with cornering-aware systems C-ABS, C-ELB, C-TCS, and C-DSCS available to help manage braking and traction while leaned over, for added confidence in changing conditions.

What are the key performance specs?

The 2026 Road Glide® features the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 with 105 HP and 130 ft-lbs of torque at 3250 rpm, a 6-speed transmission, ride-tuned suspension, and dual floating front brake rotors. It’s engineered to deliver responsive acceleration and steady, composed touring performance.

Suggested Accessories for the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®
Suggested Accessories for the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide®
  • Windshield options: Fine-tune wind management with height and profile choices to suit rider height and riding posture.
  • Rider and passenger backrests: Enhance long-mile support and reduce fatigue for both rider and passenger.
  • Heated hand grips: Extend your riding season and improve comfort in cold-weather conditions.
  • Highway pegs and foot controls: Add alternate foot positions to reduce pressure points on extended rides.
  • Luggage organization and liners: Keep gear secure and easy to unload with saddlebag organizers and removable liners.

Genuine Harley-Davidson® Parts & Accessories help you personalize comfort, storage, and style without compromising the motorcycle’s engineered balance. Start with wind management and ergonomic add-ons, then dial in luggage organization so everything has its place on your next run.

Why Buy from Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC Harley-Davidson® near Fairfax, VA?
  • Factory-trained service: Our technicians know Harley-Davidson® systems inside and out for precise maintenance and upgrades.
  • Guided fitment support: We help you set bar position, controls, and seating to your body and riding goals.
  • Genuine parts and accessories: We source and install components designed and tested for Harley-Davidson® touring models.
  • Touring expertise: Our team rides — expect practical setup advice for real-world routes and seasons.
  • Community and support: From first miles to long-haul journeys, we are your resource for training, gear, and service planning.

At Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, we focus on the details that matter — proper fit, correct suspension setup, and a thoughtful accessory plan for your routes. Our approach is hands-on and rider-centric, supporting owners near Fairfax, VA, and across the DMV with trusted guidance and Genuine parts. We welcome riders from Dumfries and Laurel who want a professional partner for the life of their motorcycle and the journeys ahead.

Next Steps
  • Explore specifications: Review engine output, suspension, and safety systems to align with your travel plans.
  • Evaluate ergonomics: Consider bar reach, seat shape, and foot position for your height and riding posture.
  • Plan connectivity: Confirm Apple CarPlay setup and Bluetooth pairing for your preferred devices.
  • Outline accessories: Prioritize wind management, storage, and comfort add-ons for your first 2,000 miles.
  • Connect with our team: Ask technical questions and map out your service and maintenance schedule.

If you are narrowing your options on a 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® near Fairfax, VA, we can help you make a confident decision faster with clear answers and a tailored build path. Whether your focus is comfort, tech, performance — or all three — our specialists will help you configure a motorcycle that feels dialed-in from day one.

Request More Info About the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® near Fairfax, VA

When a touring motorcycle gets the power, aerodynamics, and technology right, it changes how far you want to ride — and how often. The 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® brings that feeling to the forefront with the Milwaukee-Eight® 117, a refined Sharknose fairing, and Skyline™ OS that brings navigation, media, and phone into a single, rider-first system. If you are ready to look closer, our team at Harley-Davidson® of Washington, DC, is here to answer your technical questions, compare configurations, and support your customization plan. Tell us how you ride, where you ride, and what you want dialed in for your first season with the bike, and we will provide clear guidance rooted in the platform’s strengths. Reach out to start the conversation about the 2026 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide® near Fairfax, VA, and set your course for the miles ahead.