The Legend Continues: 2007 Harley-Davidson Road Glide FLTR
Written: Feb 26 '08 (Updated Feb 26 '08)
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Pros: Classy, Refined, Powerful
Cons: Expensive
The Bottom Line: Outstanding value in a world class cruising motorcycle. If you want a dresser, this has cruise control, air ride, and Harmon Kardon stereo, standard.
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| George_Chabot's Full Review: 2007 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide |
2007 Harley-Davidson Road Glide FLTR
With my recently renewed interest in motorcycles, I checked out the selection at my local dealer, Granite Mountain Harley-Davidson. There is a vast array of models today, far beyond what had been my recollection of your choice of either a Sportster or a Big Twin, with maybe a Superglide as one of the few differentiated models.
Today the build quality is second to none and you can go over the bikes with white gloves and come away spotless with no fear of oil or grease stains. These are highly refined machines, compared to what I remembered and the mating surfaces and details are all outstanding. I used to praise Japanese bikes for their fit and finish but I can say today that Harley-Davidson has met the challenge and truly produced a product to be proud of.
Take the 2007 Road Glide FLTR, this is a large dresser with most of the available options. This is a cruising motorcycle and the people who want one know it. The other manufacturers try to build something like this but there is just nothing like that Harley sound or the mystique that goes with being a 100 year-old legend.
The bike is striking in appearance, even when sitting still on its kickstand. The Road Glide has a fairing and saddlebags as part of the package, and also a windshield. Harley calls the fairing "shark nose," and that is a good description as you see the dual headlights peeking out of the "mouth." The fairing is frame mounted which is a great feature because it takes the weight of the wind off the forks and handlebars, allowing easier steering and maneuverability.
This Road Glide was a luscious orange in the body color on the fenders fairing, tank, side covers, and saddle bags were brilliant pearl orange with a black slash accent - really classy. Orange has been a traditional color with Harley-Davidson and this gives it a real dynamic retro look that is nearly as loud as the exhaust note. Eight other color combinations are available if orange is not your thing.
Powering up this machine is the new Twin Cam 96 cubic inch (1584 cc) motor. The Twin Cam motor is tried and true, having been introduced in 1989 with its 88 cubic inch iteration. It is the same reliable V-Twin power that Harleys have been sporting for nearly a century. These are rubber mounted for less vibration when idling. The engine cases and barrels are smoothly finished in powder coat silver with all possible parts chromed in keeping with the luxurious lineage of Harley's big dressers.
This 96-inch power plant is updated with Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI), just like your family sedan. No more carburetors and choke starting on a cold engine - just turn on the key and hit the start button and the computer will take care of the rest. The air cleaner is newly redesigned; football shaped, and is of course chromed. The exhaust exits through two large chrome mufflers, one on either side of the bike. The exhaust note is typical Harley - exhilarating.
As you may know, Harley does not advertise their horsepower figures, but this 96 inch long stroker pulls a brutish amount of torque - 92 foot pounds up from 78 on last year's 88 cubic inch model.
Coupling the engine to the rear wheel is a new 6 speed Cruise Drive transmission, which, with the massive amounts of available power moves the bike effortlessly up to speed and maintains it. The final drive is an Aramid belt as all Harleys now use. You can even turn on the electronic cruise control as it comes standard with the Road Glide. Of course the bike has large Dunlop black wall tires on both ends, mounted on styled aluminum wheels. Dual hydraulic disks on the front and a single on the rear bring the beast rapidly down from cruising speed. You can get white walls if you want to make your bike even more retro.
In the driver's seat you can see the nice appointments like the handlebar-mounted dual tachometer/speedometer nacelle, the 40-watt CD/AM/FM/WB/MP3 Advanced Audio System by Harman/Kardon, complete with speakers, dual glove compartments. The bike even has air ride shocks in case you want to change for single/two up riding. Dual chrome mirrors give you a view into the past.
For your stuff, there are hard saddlebags included and these will carry quite a bit compared to a bike with none.
Riding the Road Glide is quite enlightening with a smooth takeoff and very refined acceleration. Of course the exhaust note is going to draw attention, as is the bright paint schemes. It has good low speed maneuverability and is quite nimble in the parking lots jockeying to find a space. The bike does accelerate well when called upon and will easily cruise at 70 mph or more. That's when the 6th gear and cruise control comes in handy.
The traditional Harley 5 gallon fuel tank (regular grade gas) limits cruising range to no more than a couple hundred miles and there is a fuel low warning light that comes on when you are down to a gallon. But you'll want to stop, stretch, and let the people stuck in their ruts imagine for a moment what it would be like to ride such a beautiful machine.
2007 Harley Davidson Road Glide, maybe just the perfect ride.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 24,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2007
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