The year 2023 marks the 120th anniversary of Harley-Davidson's iconic legacy, and it is celebrating it in a very big way. While the brand produces top-of-the-line CVOs, each unique to their model year, it has something a bit different planned for this milestone. As the third release of its Icons Motorcycle Collection, Harley-Davidson has revealed the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King as its homage to the old-school, and all-American 1968 FLH Electra Glide. By celebrating the classic vibe of the 60s with modern-day advances in comfort, technology, and performance, this motorcycle will definitely be showing up on the highway to re-live those road trips we dream about. And by dream, we mean cruising across the country without any GPS, social media, or Bluetooth. It's just you, the motorcycle, and the road. That's it... simplicity at its finest.
The Electra Glide Highway King is a perfect example of a modern take on an old classic. This is evident by the motorcycle's use of laced wheels, whitewall tires, two-tone windshield, a solo suspension seat, and a pair of groovy two-tone color schemes: Hi-Fi Orange/Birch White, and Hi-Fi Magenta/Birch White. As part of the Icons Motorcycle Collection, the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King is a one-of-a-kind model, as only 1,750 numbered units will be produced globally. Which means that if you're a prospective buyer looking to get your hands on a modern touring bike that oozes old-school cool, this may be your sign to bust out your checkbook.
The Groovy Look
In case you are unfamiliar with the story behind the original 1968 FLH Electra Glide, this motorcycle was the king of the crop for Harley-Davidson's lineup. Everyone wanted to get their hands on the bike, and upon the reveal of the 2023 model, not much has changed. This was the kind of motorcycle you would ride on your way to see Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd, and then grab some 50-cent cheeseburgers at the local diner afterward. This is the kind of history and vibe that the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King aims to project, and it is passing with flying colors.
“In its day this was a really deluxe motorcycle,” says 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.”
As mentioned, this model will have a limited run of 1,750 units globally in two color options: Hi-Fi Orange (1,000 produced units) and Hi-Fi Magenta (750 produced units) featuring Birch White sub-tones on its hard saddlebags and a Black Denim accent on the fuel tank. The wide white-wall tires and heavy use of chrome further amplify this bike's inspiration from the swingin' 60s, as does the tank badge which references the same one used by the original. While this motorcycle does not sport some of today's modern-day conveniences like touchscreen infotainment systems, turn-by-turn navigation, and a top-notch sound system, that is also the entire point behind this bike.
The Comfortable Ride
As a touring bike, the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King is designed not just for looks, but for comfort. Back in the day, the original FL models would be out riding for hours, days, and in some certain cases, weeks. With that kind of riding in mind, staying comfortable for long stretches of time without any rider fatigue would be a top priority. The first feature that keeps your well-being in mind is its detachable two-tone windshield with matching color fade that provides the ideal amount of protection from the wind on the highway, along with other undesirable hazards like dirt, dust, debris, and bugs. The solo saddle seat comes with a black-and-white cover and a chrome rail, and is mounted atop an adjustable coil spring and shock absorber. Another throwback homage to the original FL models of the 60s with modernized comfort.
This bike, much like the rest of its highway-bound brethren, also comes equipped with Harley-Davidson's signature touring frame, floorboards, engine guard, and saddlebag guard rails. In other words, Harley-Davidson didn't design this bike just so it could collect dust in a garage. This motorcycle is made to conquer all 160,955 miles of highway in the U.S.
The Modern-Day Performance
The original 1968 Harley-Davidson FLH Electra Glide was powered by a Shovelhead V-Twin four-stroke 74 cubic-inch engine. These days that is enough power to match one of Harley's new sportsters. But thankfully, engine technology has made significant strides in the last 55 years now that the 2023 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Highway King is powered by the mighty Milwaukee-Eight 114 cubic-inch engine with 95 horsepower and 122 lb-ft of torque. A very hearty amount of power for this motorcycle to reclaim its rule over the highway, as well as the country roads, and urban streets. As an added bonus, it is eligible to undergo all four of Harley-Davidson's Screamin' Eagle stage upgrade kits.
Cruise control lets the user lock in a steady speed, giving them some ease and comfort for those long rides, and its use of a large Halogen headlamp and auxiliary lamps light up the road by using modern tech with and old-school look. Another upgrade that this bike is happy to receive its improved handling. By installing some of the latest riding tech like Electronically Linked Brakes, Cornering-ABS, Cornering-Traction Control, Drag Torque Slip Control, and Vehicle Hold Control (VHC), this bike is able to handle even the tightest of turns with ease, making way for an even smoother and safer ride.