H-D HISTORY

The History, Evolution & Influence of the Harley-Davidson^® Touring Motorcycles

Long known for their long-distance abilities and the comfort they provide along the way, the motorcycles in the Harley-Davidson® Touring category have deep roots. With a lineage that can be traced back to the very first Harley-Davidson® models, these motorcycles have always been designed and built to endure the test of time—and the rigors of the open road.

Learn more about the origins of this rider category and its evolution as we dig into the deep history of Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles.

THE BEGINNINGS

Archives famously point to the existence of one 1903 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, owned by a man named Stephen Sparough, which was recorded in 1912 as having logged more than 83,000 miles. Not much is known about the motorcycle or its final fate, but one thing is clear: from their very first motorcycles, Harley-Davidson models were built to last.

They were also built to provide riders with a comfortable journey over all those miles. As early as 1912, Harley-Davidson offered a range of accessories aimed at enhancing comfort and utility for long-distance travel. These included the "Universal Luggage Carrier" and the "Tandem Attachment" for two-up riding.

Meanwhile, front-end suspensions had been available since 1907 and the motorcycles were always engineered with an eye for ergonomics. Over the decades that followed, twin-cylinder models were modified and improved further. By 1958, rear suspensions began appearing on Big Twin motorcycles with the launch of the Duo Glide model. But even then, things were just getting started.

THE EMERGENCE OF THE ELECTRA GLIDE^® MOTORCYCLE AND THE TOURING FAMILY

The 1965 model year marked the introduction of the classic FL Electra Glide® motorcycle. The next evolution after the Duo-Glide, the Electra Glide® added fiberglass saddlebags, a windshield, and an electric start. At the same time, the motorcycle parts and accessories line expanded, offering customers even more options to customize and upgrade their own comfort and performance.

By the end of the same decade, the now-trademark "bat wing" fairing became available as an option in 1969, while optional rear trunks followed in 1971. The Electra Glide® motorcycle was the first civilian Harley-Davidson® motorcycle to receive an electric start, and by 1972, it became the first to receive hydraulic disc brakes on the front, with the rear brake switching from drum to disc the following year.

CONTINUING EVOLUTION: THE 1980S AND BEYOND

The 1980s brought yet more significant changes, showing once again that even the best can always be improved. After the Anniversary Edition Electra Glide® motorcycle helped celebrate 75 years of Harley-Davidson in 1978, 1980 saw the arrival of the all-new FLT Tour Glide model. This motorcycle broke the mold, boasting a five-speed transmission, oil bath-enclosed rear chain, a new frame, and a frame-mounted fairing.

Then, in 1984, the groundbreaking Evolution® engine was introduced in 1984, marking a significant step forward in reliability and performance. This decade also saw the introduction of the Electra Glide® Classic model in 1986, which came with a sound system and fairing-mounted gauges.

For 1988, things went in a slightly different direction, design-wise. A more pared-back, spartan version of its ancestor, the FLHS Electra Glide® Sport motorcycle offered a detachable windshield and decidedly lower profile. This model was one of the classics that was eventually honored when the FLHR Road King® model was later added to the Touring line in 1994. This motorcycle brought together a range of original features from years past in a modern package. Bearing a resemblance to that 1988 FLHS, it also included the front fender of the 1965 Electra Glide® motorcycle and the gorgeous two-tone paint schemes found on the original 1958 Duo Glide motorcycles.

One year later, the 1995 model year saw the introduction of electronic sequential port fuel injection on the FLTCUI Electra Glide® Ultra Classic model, another leap forward in performance and efficiency.

THE NEW MILLENNIUM: CONTINUED INNOVATION AND VERSATILITY

Entering a new millennium, the Touring platform's versatility continued to grow with the introduction of CVO™ models, including in the Screamin’ Eagle® Electra Glide®, Screamin’ Eagle® Road Glide®, and Screamin’ Eagle® Road King®. Since its inception, the Electra Glide motorcycle has served police departments around the world, and in later years, the Road King motorcycle. The Electra Glide motorcycle also currently serves in the form of the Peace Officer and Firefighter Special Edition motorcycles. These recent products prove that not only do Harley-Davidson® Touring motorcycles serve comfort and utility but provide the kind of reliability and performance that law enforcement and public safety workers expect.

The 2006 FLHX Street Glide® motorcycle introduced a fresh dynamic to the Touring line, offering a chopped windshield and slammed appearance. This edition of the Street Glide motorcycle was the traditional Harley-Davidson® Touring chassis with a cruiser identity.

More major changes came with the 2009 model year, when the Touring frames were redesigned. The new models got further improved handling and seating position, plus modular frame segments that could also be utilized in the Trike frames. A year later, the 2010 FLHTK Electra Glide Ultra Limited® became the most well-appointed Touring model, outside of our CVO versions. With its name later changed to Ultra Limited, this model secured its place as the gold standard of the line.

PROJECT RUSHMORE AND BEYOND

Still, the most significant changes to the Touring family arrived in 2014 with the unveiling of "Project Rushmore," a comprehensive redesign that included weight reduction, the introduction of an all-new infotainment (Boom!™ Box) system, one-touch saddlebag operation, redesigned aerodynamics, and Twin-Cooled™ engine on specific models.

A NEW ERA

In 2024, Harley-Davidson ushered in a new era of touring performance, technology and design with the release of the all-new Street Glide® and Road Glide® models. These motorcycles were more powerful, lighter, and more dynamic than their predecessors and feature all-new visual design elements that combine a cohesive dynamic flow from the front fenders to the saddlebags. Updated specs also included:

An updated Milwaukee-Eight® 117 V-Twin engine, featuring a new cooling system to enhance thermal comfort for riders and enhanced intake and exhaust flow.
Selectable Ride Modes – Road, Sport, Rain and Custom.
An updated infotainment system that replaces all analog instrumentation and most switches in favor of a 12.3-inch TFT color touch screen.
A new 200-watt audio amplifier powers a pair of fairing-mounted speakers.
Improved aerodynamics to enhance rider comfort and reduce subjective helmet buffeting.
Enhanced rear suspension travel.
A redesigned one-piece seat shape and padding materials to enhance rider comfort.

As standard-bearers in comfort and long-range utility, there’s no better way to go the distance in style than with a member of the Harley-Davidson Touring category. Carve out your own place in this line’s rich history with a Touring motorcycle of your own. See and test drive the latest models at your local Harley-Davidson® dealer. Or explore a wide variety of pre-owned options on the H-D1™ Marketplace today.