Motorcycles come in different shapes and sizes, and the Harley-Davidson Road Glide might not be the first one to come to your mind when you think about track records and knee scraping bends. All the more reason for HD’s Factory Racing team to go for a new showcase of its race-ready 2024 Road Glide bike, this time with an European debut in Barcelona, Spain.
This is the first time the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide motorcycle, which races in the U.S., made it to Europe. Racing riders Kyle Wyman and James Rispoli rode their bikes on Monday after the MotoGP race on the 4.6 km, 16 turn circuit. Other guest riders included former MotoGP and World Superbike riders Simon Crafar, John Hopkins, Randy Mamola, and Marco Melandri.
MotoGP is the top class of motorcycle road racing events on road circuits approved by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), and is one of the most thrilling motorsport championships in the world. They teamed up with DORNA and MotoGP at the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya in Montmeló, which became the destination after a big flooding event in Valencia. Harley-Davidson donated a Road Glide motorcycle to be auctioned off to assist in MotoGP’s relief efforts.
“Racing is a core pillar of the Harley-Davidson brand, showcasing our commitment to performance and innovation,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “Partnering with DORNA/MotoGP , we aim to expand our racing footprint globally, fueling the passions of our customers and fans. This MotoGP Test is a pivotal step in realizing these ambitions and demonstrating our dedication to racing excellence.”
“We were riding alongside our heroes, and were able to share our body of work with people we respect so much,” said Wyman. “These are special moments, and memories I’ll not soon forget. I want to thank DORNA, Harley-Davidson and all of the staff who worked tirelessly to put on this event in the most challenging circumstances of recent events.”
While the overcast and cool conditions didn’t allow for outright lap time attacks, Wyman and Rispoli still managed to reach impressive top speeds of over 275km/h on the fastest portion of the track. After warming up the Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glides, the guest riders each had a go at them and shared their impressions:
Crafar: “I was just enjoying it, and trying to figure out how it works. It’s so different. It takes a lot to get your head around it. The engine is just amazing, and I really like the sound. The engine is so good. It’s unreal, and I want one as a street bike.”
Randy Mamola: “The torque is amazing, and the smoothness. This is why I’ve loved motorcycles since I was 12 years old. It’s a motorcycle. And it’s a freaking race bike. Everything is so sweet about the bike. Everything is in the right place. It stops really well. The transmission is insane, and it’s smooth. She’s just a big [bike].”
Marco Melandri: “My laps were better and better as we go. Once I tested the lean angle, I feel much better. It’s not so heavy, and not so big when you ride it. And the engine and the torque is amazing.”
The Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide competes in the U.S. in the Mission Foods King Of The Baggers series, which is an exciting road-course competition between American V-Twin touring motorcycles that are prepared for competition and equipped with saddlebags and have a fairing/windscreen. For the 18-race season, Wyman had 14 podium finishes, with 6 victories.
Harley-Davidson Factory Racing Road Glide racing motorcycles use a stock frame and engine cases. To reduce weight to the 280kg mark, they use carbon fiber bodywork and lightweight components. The motorcycles are powered by modified Screamin’ Eagle Milwaukee-Eight 131 Performance Crate Engines. The team bikes also have upgraded suspension components, including Screamin’ Eagle/Öhlins Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, plus competition intake and exhaust and Dunlop race tires.
