Harley-Davidson's Black Peak Edition Brings Sinister Style to the Road Glide

There's little debate over the fact that the Road Glide is one of the top bikes on today's market, but that doesn't mean there's no way to improve on a good thing. The Harley-Davidson Road Glide Black Peak Edition proves it.

Why Is the Road Glide So Popular?

 

The Road Glide is popular because it's the ideal bike for long rides. The motorcycle features a frame-mounted fairing to reduce handlebar weight and improve stability, a Sharknose fairing to shield the rider from wind, and a suspension system designed with long-distance comfort in mind. If you're looking to buy a motorcycle for a long trip, you can't do better than the Road Glide. This impressive bike is equipped with essential touring features, including navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. Add confidence-inspiring handling with a balanced weight distribution, and it's the ideal motorcycle for road-tripping. Plus, it looks incredibly cool.

You can get your hands on a Road Glide for $27,999. That sounds expensive compared to the average price of today's motorcycles, which is between $5,000 and $10,000. However, you have to keep in mind that it's a touring model. Touring bikes typically range in price from $22,000 to $30,000

What Is the HD Road Glide Black Peak?

Though Harley-Davidson is a quintessentially American company, the Road Glide Black Peak is customized in Switzerland by a popular shop known as Bundnerbike. Bundnerbike is renowned for crafting extravagant builds, with some models exceeding $1 million in price.

The Black Peak is still a Road Glide at heart. It maintains all the bike's original mechanical components, including its 117 engine. There is, however, one mechanical change you should know about. The designers made a slight modification to the exhaust system that bumps the power output for the engine up to 109 hp.

The other changes undergone by the Black Peak are aesthetic, but they're quite impressive. First, the design team left the Sharknose fairing in place on the front end but enhanced the appearance with new handlebars and mirrors.

Next, the Swiss company installed a new, low-profile seat and a set of footboards to go with it. Finally, the design team added a new set of gold wheels and incorporated the same color into the mirrors, footboards, and foot controls. The gold provides a unique contrast against the black pearl matte finish of the motorcycle.

Bundnerbike calls the Black Peak an "homage to freedom, adventure, and perfection," and most riders find that it lives up to the hype. The only problem? Upgrading to the Road Glide Black Peak Edition will cost you some serious money. You can expect to pay CHF 49,900, approximately $60,400 in US dollars.

Factory Customization Packages

The easiest and most affordable way to customize your HD Road Glide is to go through Harley-Davidson. The company offers three customization packages for the Road Glide, each with unique features to offer.

1. The Day-Tripper Package

The Day-Tripper package includes several practical upgrades. They include a four-point docking kit for travel accessories, a leather passenger backrest pad, a heel shifter, and a mid-frame air deflector. You can also choose from different style options: chrome or black finish. This customization package is ideal for people who use their bikes for both daily commutes and weekend trips.

2. The Long-Haul Package

If you're a cross-country rider, you already know how important it is to enhance comfort and convenience during long rides. That's what the Long-Haul package does. It includes both the four-point docking kit that comes with the Day-Tripper package and a two-up tour-pak mounting rack. You'll get upgraded to a Sundowner seat and get the same mid-frame air deflectors and heel shifter as you would with the Day-Tripper. Additionally, the HD package includes a passenger footboard and a side stand sensor.

3. The ST Package

The ST Package is a performance package that includes the Pro Street tuner, which enhances engine performance by letting riders adjust key parameters. If you're planning to install additional mods like aftermarket air cleaners or the Screamin' Eagle Stage kit, you should start with the ST Package.

Additional Customizations for the Road Glide

If you want to make a statement while you're out riding but don't want to spend over $60,000 to do it, don't worry. You still have options. Harley-Davidson offers a variety of factory customizations for the Road Glide to get you started.

Enhanced Exhaust System

Harley-Davidson offers several aftermarket exhaust options, including impressive products like the Screamin' Eagle Street Cannon Performance Slip-On Mufflers. Upgrading the exhaust system can enhance both style and performance. Of course, the upgraded exhaust system will look and sound cool. This customization can also improve horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency.

Custom Wheels and Rims

Custom wheels and rims give the Road Glide a whole new look. Harley-Davidson has several options. One of the most popular is the Contrast Cut Agitator Wheels, which add a unique visual appeal to the bike. If you don't like those, don't worry. Custom wheels are available in many styles and finishes.

Upgraded Handlebars and Controls

Want to change your riding position without paying for massive mods like the Black Peak? Installing custom handlebars and controls could help. Tallboy Handlebars are a popular option for personalizing ride positions and creating a unique look, but you have plenty of others. Decide whether you want to take a commanding stance or maintain a more relaxed feel, then choose handlebars and hand grips to match.

Improved Sound System

If you want to enjoy those long journeys as much as possible, you'll need a good sound system. While the Rockford Fosgate system that comes standard on the Road Glide is a solid option, most serious music enthusiasts opt to upgrade the system to include a saddlebag subwoofer for enhanced bass. You can also find aftermarket sound systems for the Road Glide.

Comfort Add-Ons for Longer Journeys

Not all customizations are about looking and sounding cool. If you're interested in a practical upgrade that will make it easier to stay out on the open road for longer, upgrading to a custom seat like the Switchback, Sundowner, or Tallboy can make a big difference. HD also sells storage options ranging from 3,285ci to 4,290ci in size.

Shops That Make Custom Road Glides

 

There are dozens of fantastic shops that operate in the custom motorcycle space, as do plenty of individual mechanics. Some offer greater levels of craftsmanship and execution than others, though. Many of the top design companies are headquartered in Europe, but you still have options if you prefer to work with an American builder. If you're looking for a custom motorcycle builder here in the US, consider one of these top options:

1. Hazan Motorworks in Los Angeles, CA

2. Revival Cycles in Austin, TX

3. Roland Sands Design in Long Beach, CA

4. Untitled Motorcycles in San Francisco, CA

5. Walt Siegl Motorcycles in Harrisville, NH

6. Cohn Racers in Miami, FL

7. Deus Ex Machina in Los Angeles, CA

If you don't mind paying the extra money and going through the hassles of working with international designers, you'll have even more options. Top contenders include:

1. 2Loud Custom in Taipei City, Taiwan

2. Auto Fabrica in London, England

3. FCR Original in Chauvigny, France

4. Hookie Co. in Dresden, Germany

5. Ironwood Custom Motorcycles in Amsterdam, Netherlands

6. Purpose Built Moto in Gold Coast, Australia

These are just a few of the many custom motorcycle builders doing business across the world. You shouldn't have much trouble finding someone closer to home if you are looking for a local builder.

Is It Worth Paying for a Custom Bike?

Bundnerbike is far from the only company that provides customization options for the HD Road Glide. You can also find shops much closer to home that create unique appearance packages and install aftermarket performance upgrades. The question is, is it worth the money?

The answer to this question will be different for every rider. If you have the extra money to spare and you want a motorcycle that's one-of-a-kind and stands out everywhere you go, it's worth paying a professional to mod your bike. If you're a more budget-conscious shopper, you can order factory mods or even install most of the accessories provided by Harley-Davidson at home using the tools you already have.

Buy a Road Glide Today

If you're interested in creating a custom Road Glide bike, the first step is simple. Get in touch to order your new Road Glide and discuss factory customization options. Plenty of people stop there, but you can also find various aftermarket components and accessories to install yourself or pay a custom motorcycle manufacturer to do it for you. The world is your oyster when you own a Road Glide.