When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I've owned something like 13 new Harley-Davidsons since 2004. My 2024 Road Glide has made riding fun and exciting again. I liken it to the thrill of owning my first HD (a 2004 V-Rod) and the excitement of owning my first touring bike (2010 Road Glide Custom). I traded a 2020 Road King Special in for it. That bike had a rowdy Stage 2 with 475 cam, FM tune, KST bars, Ohlins, yada yada yada. This bike is better in every way.
IMHO:
The Good - Great power with no stage modifications. First Harley I ever bought where that was not an immediate consideration.
Handling-excellent, but dialing in that rear suspension took a few tries.
Infotainment-great but there is a learning curve.
Looks-The thing is beautiful.
The Bad - The seat is horrible, and the windshield is even worse. Took 6 weeks to get a 13" freedom shield, which is excellent. Luckily I had a CVO heated hammock seat to modify which made a world of difference.
Factory stereo is not good. Plan on upgrading, you'll be glad you did. Also, this is a touring bike with no fairing lowers available, which is very disappointing. The rear fender lighting is odd, particularly the "porch light" style license plate light.
The handlebars, to me anyway, are a bit cumbersome. The wrist angle wears on me after about 40 miles. I'm going to put a set of 2023 CVO RG limited bars on mine.
Short of the lack of fairing lowers, these things are fixable, but it seems strange to me that HD brought this bike to market without a compliment of accessories.
I've had both a standard '24 Road Glide and now a CVO ST, I think the bars on the standard RG are way more comfortable. Something about the wrist angle on the CVO ST bars just doesn't seem correct, I was set on keeping them, but I'm not sure they'll be on it much longer.
I followed jwt873's list above and here is my ride. I hope this inspires someone still on the fence.
I got the H-D Outrush helmet (98100-22VX) which comes with Senna headset built in. This works really well for bike to bike communication as well as pair up for Apple CarPlay sync.
Mid deflector is not needed on these bikes any more. I have almost 3K in the 95+ GA heat.
Mustang seat set - 89401GM/89402GM/88403GM - DELUXE 23 FL CVO DRIVER W/DBR GUN METAL THREAD
Python Scalloped 4.5 (muffler only)
Pros:
Heat is gone
Handling
Ride modes
RDRS is amazing
Vehicle hold is built in
Cons:
Still getting used to the lower seat height
CarPlay is finicky sometimes
Last edited by gaAlbany; Sep 12, 2024 at 10:15 AM.
Reason: Adding detail
Besides my first Harley, '92 FXR, this the only one I really don't think I'm going to need a hotter cam in it. I love the "rain" mode for gravel parking lot take-offs. As usual, stock seat sucks, handle bars and risers are twisted and won't stay straight. Not a fan of the grip angle after adding a Corbin sest that sits me back a little. Grip angle was fine with a Harely seat. I think the suspension is the bomb. I did need to make a few adjustments but smoothest front end I've ever had. I'm not really a CVO guy, I bought it for the motor and suspension. Thunderheader, Corbin seat, Kraus risers and bars(not here yet), taller windshield, and paint over the Sceamin Chicken and I'm really happy.
Last edited by fairlydangerous1; Sep 14, 2024 at 11:47 AM.
My 24 street glide is better in ALMOST every way than my 19 street glide was. It’s easier to talk about what I liked better on the 19 since there are fewer things.
I liked the styling better on the 19. The audio sounded better(not a fair comparison though stock vs Rockford stage 3 on the 19). The infotainment just worked every time on the old boom box GTS.
the improvements are worth it if you’re deciding btw two bikes. That said I’m a firm believer that two wheels are two wheels. I could be happy on either.
My 24 street glide is better in ALMOST every way than my 19 street glide was. It’s easier to talk about what I liked better on the 19 since there are fewer things...
I did the same. Where was the ‘19 better?
Hydro clutch
stronger bags
more seat options
no electronics wait time.
more grip options
better front guard
more comfortable bar
better headlight (adaptive II)
way better throttle response.
better seat/tank junction.
Where’s the 24 better?
dash is amazing.
better front M/C
nicer quality seat
more modern bodywork
lighter unsprung weight
more nimble
shorter overall length
better bag clearance
easier P.I.N. starting
bags accommodate piggy-back shocks!
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
