2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide Revival Review

I love classic Americana. Hot rods, choppers, you name it. It’s one of the things that make me proud to be from the place that this aesthetic was born. As a kid, I’d spend hours flipping through classifieds I’d grabbed on the way out of the grocery store or on eBay Motors with my search parameters set between 1940 and 1970 and just ogle the pristine restorations and salivate about the project cars that were cheap enough that I could maybe have a chance of purchasing one day – despite not having the mechanical skill to fix. Entire rockabilly albums played in the background as the time ticked by while I fantasized. That is, of course, until my mom yelled at me for blocking the phone line for hours on end with our dial-up connection.

The Hydra-Glide Revival is actually a nod to two prior Harley-Davidsons. The Hydra-Glide name, celebrating its 75th anniversary, dates back to the first hydraulic fork that was equipped to a Harley-Davidson, replacing the springer front end in 1949. The “slash” fuel tank design, emblem, classic round air filter cover, two-toned windshield, seat, and cases, are all nods to the 1956 FLH. Thankfully, that’s where the nostalgia runs out as the rest of the bike is basically a 2024 Heritage Classic. I say thankfully, because the technology of today makes for a much more enjoyable riding experience. From the 114 cubic-inch Milwaukee-Eight V-Twin pulsing between your legs, to the hidden shock (or the fact that there’s a shock at all) soaking up imperfections under your rump, the 2024 Hydra-Glide delivers a much more enjoyable ride in every regard compared to the FLs before it.

After picking up the H-D, I had the realization that I couldn’t remember the last time I rode a Heritage Classic. The last Softail I rode in general was probably a half day in the canyons photo modeling for Evans’ review of the Low Rider ST. During my ride home from the press fleet location, I was immediately surprised at how easily the Hydra-Glide handled for a 742-pound motorcycle. I was equally as surprised when I quickly found the limits of its ground clearance as the large floorboards dug into the freeway on-ramp. With its 26.1-inch seat height, the ground is easily accessible and the saddle itself is a comfortable place to spend time – in solitude, thanks to the single seat.

The Milwaukee-Eight engine provides smooth low-end torque that makes cruising around town, pounding out miles, or strafing canyons an effortless affair, all the while you can be lazy with your shifting and just take advantage of the mill’s torque. H-D says we’re looking at 94 hp at 4,750 rpm and 119 lb-ft of torque (rpm was not specified). The brakes also do a commendable job of getting things slowed down in a hurry. Around town or on the highway, the brakes felt totally solid with little pressure needed at the lever. It wasn’t until I was hustling through the mountains that I felt the single front rotor straining a bit to do the job. That said, with a cruiser having more weight over the rear tire, a combination of braking at both ends gets the situation stopped in a hurry.

As a package, the Hydra-Glide does exactly what you expect it to do. It’s equally ready to soak up miles as it is adept at running errands – and with its 1.5 L of lockable storage, it’s actually pretty handy for that. The lithe handling due to its low CoG makes riding the Hydra-Glide nearly effortless, even if the floorboards touch down quickly. Modern niceties like cruise control are a welcome touch that don’t interfere with the classic aesthetic.

The Icons collection is mostly a styling exercise of what Harley-Davidson says was “inspired by some of our most recognizable and sought-after models.” H-D releases a new bike each year into the collection which started in 2021 with the Electra Glide Revival, followed by the Low Rider El Diablo, Electra Glide Highway King, and now, the Hydra-Glide. I’ve been a fan of each for their own unique mix of style and nostalgia. I wonder what the folks in Milwaukee will come up with for 2025?

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