Harley turn back time
Latest Milwaukee-Eight powered Harley takes cues from the 1950s
Harley-Davidson have pulled the covers off a new HydraGlide Revival model, the firm’s latest addition to their Icons Motorcycle Collection which draws inspiration from the 1950s.
The £29,495 Revival will be limited to 1750 units worldwide and is the fourth model to be released as part of the special line-up.
It follows the £32,595 2023 Electra Glide Highway King and marks the 75th anniversary of Harley’s Hydra-Glide telescopic front suspension E and F models which first arrived back in 1949.
This year’s model also mimics the style of bikes ridden in upcoming movie The Bikeriders, starring Tom Hardy and Jodie Comer.
The bike features a meaty 1868cc Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin, producing 115.1lb.ft of torque at 3250rpm. Capable of a claimed 51.4mpg, this is stuffed into blacked-out chassis derived from Harley’s Softail cruiser range, with the bike holding the closest resemblance to the £23,445 Heritage Classic.
This chassis hides the preload adjustable shock beneath the seat – giving the impression of a hardtail but without the spine snapping discomfort that goes with it.
Each 332kg bike features a numbered plaque for authenticity, as well as a deep glossy red paint job with white panels on the tank to match designs featured on the original 1956 machine.
This being a special Harley, you get swathes of chrome, plus a large 21in screen that goes from clear into a bodywork-matching red.
Also imitating those classic twins is the Harley-Davidson V badging on the 18.9-litre fuel tank, as well as the centrally mounted instrument cluster inspired by the 1954-55 era.
Elsewhere, you’ll find a single 685mm seat, decorated with a
leather valance and white seem piping, plus a studded black leather strap over the fuel tank. It wouldn’t be a classically styled Harley without saddlebags, with the Hydra-Glide wearing a pair of locking leather bags, featuring white seams and leather tassels. They provide 43-litres of capacity.
Where a pillion perch would
‘It’s the 75th anniversary of the Hydra-Glide’
normally sit lies a curved rear fender again finished in deep gloss red – adding to the classic look. As do the spoked 16in chromed rims, which arrive dressed in chunky Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series blackwall tyres.
The engine is equipped with a Screamin’ Eagle High Flow air filter, with the motor also able to be matched to H-D Screamin’ Eagle Stage Upgrade Kits. You wouldn’t want to go into corners too fast mind, with a maximum lean angle of 27.4 degrees on either side.
It’s not heritage at the expense of modernity, however, with features including electronic cruise control and LED headlights. While the speedo may be analogue, a neat LCD insert shows your gear, fuel level, trip, clock, and more.
Bikes are available in dealers now.