Harley-Davidson^® Touring

Harley-Davidson Touring Motorcycles: A Buyer’s Guide

Harley-Davidson® Grand American Touring motorcycles are built for long days and long distances: big fuel tanks, weather protection, hard saddlebags, comfortable two-up seating and torque-rich Milwaukee-Eight® V-Twin engines. They’re a natural fit for East Idaho, where a single day can take you from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone, over Teton Pass to Jackson Hole, or across the Snake River Plain toward the Sawtooths. This guide explains how the Touring models differ so you can narrow down the right one before you schedule a test ride.

The Main Touring Models

• Street Glide® – the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing, low-slung bagger profile and infotainment make it one of Harley-Davidson’s best-known models. A popular pick for riders who want a bagger that is just as good around town as on the highway.
• Road Glide® – recognizable by its frame-mounted “sharknose” fairing. Because the fairing is fixed to the frame rather than the fork, steering feels lighter and many riders find it more stable in crosswinds, which is worth considering on wide-open Idaho highways.
• Road King® and Road King Special – classic styling with a removable windshield (or none at all on the Special) for riders who want touring capability with a more open, traditional feel.
• Limited and Ultra models – the most fully equipped Touring bikes, with a Tour-Pak® trunk for extra storage and passenger comfort, ideal for riders who regularly ride two-up or take multi-day trips. See the Road Glide Limited and Ultra Limited.
• CVO™ Touring – Custom Vehicle Operations versions with Harley-Davidson’s largest engines, premium paint and top-tier audio, produced in limited numbers.

Model names and trims change from year to year, so check our new Touring inventory and used inventory for what’s available now.

What to Consider When Choosing a Touring Bike

• Fairing style: fork-mounted (Street Glide, Electra Glide) versus frame-mounted (Road Glide) changes how the bike steers and handles wind.
• Passenger and luggage needs: if you ride two-up often, a model with a Tour-Pak and passenger backrest will make long rides far more comfortable.
• Weight and seat height: Touring bikes are heavy. Sit on several, practice walking them backward, and ask about seat and suspension options that lower the bike.
• Technology: recent models offer touchscreen infotainment, ride modes and cornering rider-safety aids. Compare features between model years if you’re shopping used.
• Three wheels: if balancing a 900-pound bike isn’t for you, a Harley-Davidson Trike offers touring comfort with three-wheel stability.

Make It Yours

Most Touring owners personalize their bikes over time with seats, backrests, handlebars, lighting, audio upgrades like Harley-Davidson Audio by Rockford Fosgate® and Screamin’ Eagle® performance parts. Our parts center can help you plan upgrades, and our service center can install them and keep your Touring bike on its maintenance schedule.

Touring Rides Near Idaho Falls

A Touring bike earns its keep on the kind of rides East Idaho is famous for. A few favorites to plan around:

• Mesa Falls Scenic Byway: a loop through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest near Ashton with views of Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.
• Yellowstone National Park: head north on US-20 toward West Yellowstone for a full day (or a full weekend) in the park.
• Teton Pass and Jackson Hole: a mountain crossing into Wyoming with big views of the Teton Range.
• Swan Valley and Palisades Reservoir: an easy afternoon ride east along the South Fork of the Snake River.

Before a long trip, schedule a pre-trip inspection at our service center and check tire pressure, load limits and weather. Mountain passes can see snow well into spring and again early in the fall.

New or Used Touring Bike?

Touring bikes hold their value well, and a well-kept used Street Glide, Road Glide or Road King can be a great way into the family. Newer models add features such as touchscreen infotainment and cornering rider-safety aids, so compare model years carefully. Browse our used motorcycles and read what to look for when buying a used motorcycle.

Touring FAQs

What’s the difference between the Street Glide and the Road Glide?

The biggest difference is the fairing: the Street Glide’s batwing fairing turns with the handlebars, while the Road Glide’s sharknose fairing is mounted to the frame. The best way to choose is to ride both back to back.

Is a Touring bike too big for a new rider?

Touring bikes are heavy but have a low center of gravity and smooth power. Many riders build experience on a lighter bike first; the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy is a good place to start.

Can I finance a Touring motorcycle?

Yes. Estimate payments with our payment calculator or visit our finance center. You can also value your trade online.

^* Prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices for base models. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude tax, title, licensing, registration fees, destination charges, added accessories, and additional dealer charges, if any, and are subject to change. Harley-Davidson reimburses dealers for performing manufacturer-specified pre-delivery inspection and setup tasks. Dealer prices may vary.