Harley-Davidson, new 2020 Touring range: wandering spirit and progression [TEST RIDE]

Harley-Davidson®, a name that entered the history of world motorcycling thanks to a motorbike concept that was totally different from any other.
Uniqueness, exclusivity, quality and showiness, these are the adjectives that best identify the motorcycles of Milwaukee.

The years pass, the technologies improve and the motorbikes evolve without forgetting the origins and traditions of this famous brand; they are always true Harley-Davidson purebred but better in everything!
The main innovations concern the engine, aesthetic refinements but above all an extremely advanced and refined electronic sector, worthy of a luxury car.
New models and advanced technologies are part of the plan “More Roads to Harley Davidson” to accelerate the growth of the next generation of riders through new products in additional motorcycle segments and a commitment to strengthening dealerships globally.
The models we had the opportunity to try are 4: the Road King Special, Street Glide Special,UltraLimited and the imposing Road Glide Limited.

Aesthetics and Cycling

From an aesthetic point of view there are no important changes compared to previous versions: the rocker gear lever has disappeared in favor of a traditional one, the storage compartments have been improved, the new Black Finish Option and the aerodynamic penetration of models equipped with a front fairing has been improved to reduce turbulence on the rider.
The solid and tested steel frame combined with the new suspension Showa have made the driving of these touring models even safer and more precise without compromising their proverbial stability
The suspensions, in addition to being very smooth and well calibrated, are fully adjustable to meet the needs and tastes of each rider.
the finish “total black” allows you to have completely black front forks, handlebars, tank console and exhaust for an aggressive, modern and at the same time very elegant look.
To underline the elongated profile and give the bike a sense of speed, the side bags are characterized by a design that extends towards the rear, giving it a true custom aesthetic impact.
The braking system Brembo It is equipped with a combined system reflex which integrates theABS with mode Cornering. It is designed to prevent the wheels from locking during braking and ensure that the driver is able to maintain control while braking. L'ABS It operates independently for the front and rear brakes so that the wheels continue to turn without encountering uncontrolled locking phenomena or emergency situations.
A Milwaukee they know well how to "pamper" their customers, in fact, in addition to countless possible adjustments, an almost infinite series of mechanical, aesthetic and touring options is available to make each motorbike different from any other.
Not to forget the entirely lighting system LED and very aggressive in design, the front light cluster is different for each model and fits perfectly with the style of the motorbike.

Motor

The real highlight of every Harley-Davidson it is its engine, a one-of-a-kind beating heart that has always distinguished these models; its peculiarities and its functioning are the true soul of every vehicle produced by Milwaukee.
The latest version of the mighty has been adopted for this Touring category Milwaukee Eight 114 di 1.868 cc and well 163 Nm of couple!
Usability of use, smooth delivery and torque, these are the three main features of this unit that make driving particularly engaging and satisfying.
The couple back of this “Big Twin” it is impressive and allows exceptional response at any rpm, even at the lowest ones.
The engine cooling (equipped with oil radiator) is mixed, on the Road King Special Street Glide Special it is air operated while on the versions Limited it is both air and liquid. In the versions Limited in fact there are two radiators placed in front of the rider's legs which also provide good protection from the air.

Electronics

The real highlight of these new models is without a doubt the new electronic vehicle management system.
The new service has been introduced HD Connect and the introduction of the inertial platform (IMU) allowed the implementation of the complex system Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS extension).
THEHD Connect it is a technology that connects the rider with his motorcycle through the smartphone via the app Harley-Davidson.
The system transmits key vehicle information through the app and provides the owner with the ability to remotely monitor their motorcycle.
It is possible to always have the status of your vehicle at hand, such as the battery charge status, fuel level, available range, tire pressure, driving modes and much more.
The system also includes theTamper alert, the vehicle location service in the event of theft and the possibility of receiving notifications and service memos, such as the services to be carried out.
Il Reflex Defensive Rider System, managed by the inertial platform IMU, is a technology designed to match vehicle performance to the traction available while driving.
The RDRS includes various assistance systems that allow the driver optimal control of the vehicle in all driving conditions, especially the most adverse ones.
This electronic package includes cruise control, combined braking C-ELB, C ABS with function Cornering, traction control C-TCS, the control of the driving torque in release DSCS extension and on curves C-DSCS, assistance for hill starts VHC and the tire pressure monitoring system TPMS.
The electronic "goodies" don't end here because on all models, except the Road King Special, the GTS Box, an infotainment system worthy of a luxury car that includes, DAB radio, navigation, on-board computer, Bluetooth and much more.
The display is made up of a high resolution screen and can be easily used both via the special joysticks on the handlebars and with the touch screen which also works well with gloves.

The guide

The splendid hills between Casale Monferrato, Asti ed Alexandria they served as the stage for our road test.
All 4 versions have a comfortable driving position, but while the versions equipped with front fairing favor comfort, in particular the Road Glide Limited, Road King Special imposes a slightly forward torso position with the arms "hanging" from the handlebars. This is a sportier setting which on the one hand allows for greater control and a more "happy" ride on roads full of curves and on the other hand exposes the rider completely to the action of the wind, making it tiring during transfers on straight stretches or in highway.
At a standstill, weight is their Achilles heel! Let's go, come on 351 kg of the lightest Road King Special ai 407 kg of the imposing Road Glide Limited.
Maneuvers with the engine off are very difficult, you need to be well trained, especially when reversing. It is almost essential to maneuver these motorbikes with the engine running and to choose maneuvering places with particular care to avoid unpleasant inconveniences.
Once the powerful has started Milwaukee Eight 114 and given a little gas the magic happens, the bikes are all very pleasant to ride, whatever the pace chosen.
Stability is their strong point, there is no imperfection in the road surface that could disturb the rigor of the chassis.
This feature gives the rider a pleasant sense of safety which increases the driving feeling. You easily get in tune with these models and you only need to travel a few kilometers to already call them "you".
The engine borders on perfection, proving fluid, sweet in delivery, excessively rich in torque and almost free from vibrations.
It is so generous that when driving it allows you to change gear earlier by taking advantage of the longer gears, enjoying the powerful back of the Milwaukee Eight 114.
The gearbox has very dry and noisy clutches but has always proved to be precise and smooth to operate, perhaps the use of the rocker lever (optional) would have further improved driving comfort.
Suspensions, brakes and tires have always been up to the task, demonstrating exemplary symbiosis and balance.
The sophisticated electronics performed impeccably, proving effective but also extremely discreet in their operation... you almost forget that they are there.
Harley-Davidson has once again hit the mark by consistently renewing its flagship models without however making any aesthetic changes and without forgetting the traditions that have made this brand famous and loved throughout the world.

Pricing

Speaking of figures, the varied range Touring includes other specimens in addition to the four tested on this occasion. According to what is reported on the US brand's website: here we go by 26.950 euro for a Road King Special, by 29.550 euro is preferably used for Street Glide Special, by 29.900 euro moving on to Road Glide Limited e by 31.300 euro for the 'UltraLimited.

PRO

Motor
Guide
Electronics
infotainment

AGAINST

Weight :
Price
Aerodynamic protection (Road King Special)

Photo: Harley-Davidson®