The Electra Glide Highway King model is the third installment in the Harley-Davidson Icons Motorcycle Collection and an exercise in nostalgia. Laced wheels, wide-whitewall tires, a two-tone windshield, solo suspension seat and carefully curated colors are all inspired by a true Harley-Davidson icon – the 1968 FLH Electra Glide model, a motorcycle that ruled the road in an era of paper maps and 15-cent burgers. The limited edition Electra Glide Highway King model combines the flair of the Swingin’ 60s with the comfort and technology of a modern Harley-Davidson Grand American Touring motorcycle.
The Icons Motorcycle Collection is an annual program for the limited release of a new model that offers a fresh interpretation of an iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycle. A limited collection, each model is individually numbered and produced only once. Global production of the Electra Glide® Highway King model will not exceed 1,750 examples.
The Icon
In 1968 the Electra Glide model topped the Harley-Davidson motorcycle line. Riders who wanted a little extra touring comfort and convenience could order theirs with the King of the Highway accessories group, which added fiberglass saddlebags, a windshield, a luggage rack over the rear fender, and engine guards.
“In its day this was a really deluxe motorcycle,” said Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice President of Design and Creative Director. “The colors we’ve selected for the Highway King model are reminiscent of the original color options offered in 1968. We carefully matched each color in the lower section of the windshield. In 1968, the accessory fiberglass saddlebags were only offered in white, so we’ve done the same in 2023. The result is a thoroughly modern motorcycle that looks unapologetically old school.”
The Highway King model will be offered in two color options: Hi-Fi Orange (limited to 1,000 produced) and Hi-Fi Magenta (limited to 750 produced). Hard-shell saddlebags are finished in Birch White, and a Black Denim panel on the fuel tank is separated from the primary color with a Birch White accent stripe. The tank badge is very similar to the one used in 1968. An Icons Motorcycle Collection graphic and serialization badge is laser-etched into the console insert.
The detachable windshield features a tinted lower section color-matched to the paint color. A solo saddle with a black-and-white cover and a chrome rail, mounted over an adjustable coil spring and shock absorber, is another nod to the style of Harley-Davidson® FL models from the 1960s. Chrome steel laced wheels and wide whitewall tires add to the nostalgic look, as do the brilliant chrome front fender rails and saddlebag rails, front fender skirt, and Ventilator air cleaner cover. An Electra Glide script is placed on each side of the front fender.
The foundation of the Electra Glide Highway King model is the single-spar Harley-Davidson Touring frame with a rigid backbone design. The entire chassis is designed for the long haul. A single knob hydraulically adjusts the pre-load of emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers for optimal ride and control based on bike load. The 49mm forks with dual bending valve suspension technology deliver linear damping characteristics for a smooth ride.
A Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine delivers power with authority. For the rider focused on performance this engine accepts all applicable Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Stage Upgrade kits. Standard electronic cruise control holds a steady speed for comfort on long rides. Halogen headlamp and auxiliary lamps provide outstanding illumination while maintaining the nostalgic styling. Reflex linked Brembo brakes offer stopping power. A full suite of Rider Safety Enhancements by Harley-Davidson is standard, including Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Brake System, Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System, Cornering Drag-torque Slip Control System and Vehicle Hold Control.
Go to H-D.com to learn more about the complete line of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
