Thumbing the starter for the first time brought the black-and-chrome 96-inch mill to life with idle speed perfectly controlled by the closed-loop EFI. Cold or hot, the motor responded well, never hiccupping or hesitating throughout the entire rev band. H-D's Cruisemax tranny shifted quietly and easily through all gears with a relatively light, linear clutch pull. When the need arises, this bike pulls hard through the gears. Torque kicks in around 2500 rpm, bringing the machine up to speed as briskly as needed. Out on the open road, sixth gear is a pleasure to cruise along in, with the tach reading about 2500 at 75 mph. That motor smoothness combined with the rubber-mounted chassis and suspension adds up to one of the plushest, most refined rides I've ever experienced.
Comfort often has a tradeoff, and in this case, it's the soft, nonadjustable front suspension. Even under moderate braking, the frontend tended to dive to a degree that affected handling-nothing that some stronger springs wouldn't take care of. Some of the diving action can be attributed to the dual Brembo calipers up front. Combined with the rear Brembo, the bike slows extremely well for such a large motorcycle. I found the fronts to be a bit grabby, which exacerbated the fork's compression. The rear brake had an intermittent squeal that remained after washing. This bike was equipped with the new ABS option ($795) that prevents wheel lockup. The ABS is a passive system that only engages when the "ABS brain" senses a difference between vehicle speed and wheel velocity. A pulsing feeling comes through the brake controls when the ABS is working. It's strange to be able to stomp the rear brake pedal and not get the bike to skid.
Handling is predictable and well mannered, but one must remember that 1,000 pounds rolling along doesn't like to change direction quickly. H-D has done an amazing job making a large bike feel average in size. This chassis likes a relaxed rider in the saddle-a death grip on the bar can sometimes induce feedback into the bike that can upset high-speed stability. Ground clearance is exceptional, allowing big smile leans before touching down the floorboards.
As well as the Road Glide eats up the miles, it's equally at home as a commuter or honey-do machine. The biggest plus is the lockable, spacious hard saddlebags that easily hold the largest of laptops, spare clothes, shoes, camera gear, etc. We can't confirm if H-D engineers measured or not, but a six-pack of bottles (with carrier) will drop right into the bag-a nice feature when you have to run out to the store and a wonderful excuse/reason/justification to get off the couch and ride.
All in all, the entire Road Glide package works amazing for its intended purpose: touring. But, it also does everything else with style, comfort and grace. Be bold, be unique, get a Glide and get out and ride.
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