The first Harley-Davidson bikes hit the road over a century ago. The four founders of the iconic brand first got together in 1903, and the company was incorporated in 1907. While the first bikes were rudimentary, today’s models are anything but plain. That’s especially true of the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King. The newest iteration of the legendary Electra Glide continues to push the boundaries of bike design and engineering, and Harley enthusiasts love the result. So, what is special about Electra Glide? Here are a few reasons the newest Electra Glide is more than just a bike.

 

Looks Can Be Deceiving

 

At first glance, the new Electra Glide looks like it jumped straight out of the 1960s, and that’s no accident. Harley-Davidson’s design team understands the power of nostalgia, and they’re not afraid to take advantage of the love riders have for vintage bikes. However, while the bike may look like a vintage bike from the ‘60s, the underpinnings are all 2023.

 

If you’re looking for a lot of color choices, you’ll be disappointed. The new Electra Glide Highway King’s color selections are limited to two options: Hi-Fi Orange and Birch White or Hi-Fi Magenta and Birch White. However, those two options are both stunning and beat the looks of most types of motorcycles.

 

Power to Spare

 

Next, let’s talk about the power that pushes the bike down the road. The 2023 Electra Glide is powered by the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 114, which provides plenty of “oomph” to propel the big bike. Passing power is more than adequate, and the torque curve is broad enough that riders won’t always feel the need to kick the bike down a gear when passing.

 

Some riders won’t be content with the bike’s engine in its stock form. Of course, HD has options available to boost both the horsepower and torque, so even power-hungry riders will be satisfied. Take a look at the Screamin’ Eagle Stage upgrade options that push the 114’s power to pretty amazing levels.

 

Check Out the Handling!

 

One important addition from the HD design team is the enhanced safety provided by electronics that allow riders to push the envelope when cornering hard or taking a leisurely ride through town. Electronically linked ABS brakes, traction control, and vehicle hold control (VHC) that makes starting on hills easy are all standard on the new Electra Glide.

 

The Accents Make the Bike

 

Back in the ‘60s, HD owners enjoyed a lot of goodies that have now been absent for years. However, the new Electra Glide brings back some of the shiny fittings old-school bikes were famous for. Spoke wheels, whitewall tires, windshields with lower tinting to match the bike’s color scheme, and lots of chrome trim. The combination provides a full package that riders are bound to love.

 

Rider Comfort Is Never Compromised

 

Since most riders buy their new Harley-Davidson to ride, comfort is always an issue. Virtually everyone who’s ridden bikes on longer trips knows the fun is limited when they start getting sore. The ergonomics of the new Electra Glide ensure riders can ride for far longer before feeling uncomfortable. The stock single seat is comfortable right out of the box, so don’t worry about those long days in the saddle.

 

While the bike’s standard seating doesn’t include a passenger seat, don’t worry. You won’t have to leave your significant other behind, as passenger seating options are readily available. Don’t forget that countless aftermarket parts suppliers offer seats worth looking at when exploring different seat options.

 

To make those long rides even more comfortable, HD offers several peg and footboard options that make it easy to change positions while riding. That means even those long jaunts without rest stops will be tolerable.

 

Riders who find it difficult to ride long distances without taking their hand off the throttle love the Electra Glide’s electronic cruise control. Being able to change positions frequently makes those miles fly by with ease. If you’ve got any questions about the new Electra Glide’s comfort features, contact an expert for more information.

 

One last comfort item is worth mentioning. Older models of the Electra Glide had the rider’s right leg too close to the rear-cylinder valve cover, but the HD design team took care of that issue, and riders won’t have to worry about their right calf feeling like it was sitting on a hot charcoal grill.

 

Storage Options

 

The 2023 Electra Glide Highway King’s standard hard bags offer lots of storage space, but the company, as well as aftermarket providers, have numerous options to increase the carrying capacity for those “must-haves” when taking longer rides. There never seems to be enough space to pack extra clothes, camping gear, tools, and other items, but Electra Glide owners quickly find there are several ways to take it all on a trip.

 

Pushing Performance to the Next Level

 

While the Screamin’ Eagle performance upgrades were mentioned previously, they’re worth a bit more consideration. Each stage provides additional upgrades that boost performance, so take the time to evaluate what your performance goals are when choosing an upgrade option. For example, the Stage 1 kit includes bolt-on upgrades that are difficult to install and won’t break the bank. Intake and exhaust systems are replaced, and tuning makes the breathing elements work to increase power and torque.

 

On the other end of the spectrum, Stage IV package is for performance enthusiasts that want to push the performance envelope. The kit includes everything needed to create what Harley-Davidson describes as “your own custom racing machine.” Of course, you’ll also need pretty deep pockets to finance the upgrade, but many owners feel the improved performance is worth the investment.

 

Is the 2023 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Highway King the Right Bike for Your Needs?

 

Harley-Davidson has a large lineup of models and options available, and that means riders can always find a model that meets their vision of the “perfect” bike. The new Electra Glide is a great bike and certainly worth considering for riders who treasure that classic look, so why not check it out now?