Rider Magazine Names Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra ‘Top Touring Bike’

By Jerry Perez - October 12, 2016

Rider Magazine is among the top motorcycle publications in the world, which means that when they release a motorcycle of the year award, it’s a darn big deal.

This year Ride Magazine tested the majority of the industry’s 70 new models released into the market in 2016. Out of all those bikes, the field was narrowed to 10 contenders. Out of those 10, different categories were created, that way a super-sports Ducati Panigale wasn’t evaluated next to a cruiser. Once such categories had a winner, an overall ‘Motorcycle of 2016’ was named.

This year the top award went to the Triumph Bonneville T120, which is certainly a gorgeous retro, yet modern motorcycle. But let’s fast forward to the Harley Davidson. For 2016, Rider Magazine pitted the April Caponord Rally, BMW S 1000 XR, Ducati Multistrada, Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra, Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, KTM 690 Duke, Suzuki GSX-S1000, Triumph Tiger Explorers, and a Yamaha FJR1300A against each other.

As you can see, that’s some pretty heavy competition, but the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra emerged as the best touring bike according to the publication. Their staff described it as, “A favorite for long-distance touring thanks to its aerodynamic, frame-mounted “sharknose” fairing, the Road Glide Ultra benefits from Project Rushmore upgrades and precision liquid cooling in its Twin-Cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 V-twin.”

This may not come to you as a big surprise, but the truth is that Harley faces ever-increasing competition from many manufacturers, and it’s no secret that the company has been struggling to remain relevant with changing trends, preferences and clientele.

Great job, Harley!