The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is an American touring motorcycle specifically designed for long-distance cruising. It is renowned for its unique shark-nose fairing, comfortable riding triangle, and powerful Milwaukee-Eight engine. However, the stock configuration often compromises in areas such as weight reduction, handling, and braking performance. SuperGear, a high-end brand specializing in Harley modifications, offers a range of carbon fiber covers, suspension systems, brake upgrades, and wheel solutions to help owners enhance both the performance and personalized style of their Road Glide.
Analysis of Stock Structure on the Road Glide
The core structure of the Road Glide includes:
Frame and Suspension System: The frame is made from high-strength steel tubing, paired with traditional upright front forks and rear twin shocks, making it ideal for long-distance riding but limiting its sport performance.
Powertrain: The Milwaukee-Eight 107/114/117 engines deliver ample low-end torque, but there’s considerable room for improvement in terms of heat dissipation and weight reduction.
Braking System: The front features dual floating discs with four-piston calipers, while the rear has a single disc with dual-piston calipers. The braking power is sufficient, but under aggressive riding, it is prone to heat fade.
Bodywork: The large plastic fairing and chrome components add weight and lack a sporty aesthetic.
Wheels: Cast aluminum alloy wheels offer adequate strength but hinder lightweight handling.
With these structural characteristics in mind, SuperGear’s modification solutions can significantly enhance the Road Glide’s performance and aesthetic appeal.
SuperGear Carbon Fiber Bodywork Upgrade
Original Factory Issue:
The stock Road Glide plastic fairings and side panels are pretty heavy, and they can get worn out from too much sun or scratches over time.
SuperGear Solution:
Aerospace-Grade Carbon Fiber Fairings & Side Panels:
These are made from carbon fiber, which cuts the weight by over 30% compared to the factory parts. Plus, they make the bike stiffer and help with wind resistance when you’re going fast.
PrecisionFit Design:
They’re made specifically for the Road Glide’s shark-nose fairing, so they bolt right on without any extra mods. They keep the original lines of the bike but add a more aggressive look.
Improved Weather Resistance:
Carbon fiber is tough stuff. It’s UV-resistant and corrosion-resistant, so it won’t turn yellow or warp even after a lot of use.
Advantageous Comparison:
| Characteristics | Original plastic parts | SuperGear carbon fiber parts |
| Weight | Heavy | 30%+ weight reduction |
| Strength | General | High rigidity and impact resistance |
| Appearance | Traditional chrome/painted | Three-dimensional weave pattern |
SuperGear High-Performance Suspension System Upgrade
Original Factory Issue:
- The stock Road Glide suspension is tuned for comfort, which means it doesn’t give you enough support when you’re leaning into turns. Plus, it can bottom out when you’re carrying a heavy load or riding hard.
SuperGear Performance Suspension Series:
Front Fork Upgrade Options:
Inner Tube Replacement Kit:
This kit swaps out the stock internals with high-damping oil and stiffer springs, giving you better rebound control.
Optional External Reservoir Inverted Forks:
These forks seriously boost stability when you’re cornering.
Rear Shock Upgrade Options:
Multi-Adjustable Nitrogen Shocks:
These shocks let you independently adjust preload, compression, and rebound, so you can dial in the perfect ride whether you’re riding solo or hauling cargo.
Aluminum Alloy Housing + CNC Machining:
These shocks are built to last, with a 50% longer lifespan than the factory shocks.
Real-World Improvements:
Reduced body roll in corners by 40%, making it way more stable through those tight S-curves.
Less fatigue on long rides, which is awesome for those cross-country highway cruises.
SuperGear Advanced Brake Systems Upgrade
Original Factory Issue:
The stock brakes can fade when you’re riding down steep hills or have to brake hard at high speeds. Plus, they don’t always give you a consistent braking feel.
SuperGear Solution:
Front Wheel Upgrade:
High-Performance Calipers + 330mm Floating Rotors:
This setup shortens your stopping distance by a solid 20%.
Steel Braided Brake Lines + High-Friction Brake Pads:
These upgrades give you better brake feel and keep the brakes from overheating.
Rear Wheel Upgrade:
High-Performance Calipers + Larger Vented Rotor:
This helps prevent the rear brake from overheating if you have to drag it a lot.
Advantageous Comparison:
| Scene | Stock Brake | SuperGear Upgraded |
| 100km/h→0 brake distance | 43M | 34M |
| 10 consecutive hard braking decreases | Significant brake force reduction | Performance maintained at 90%+ |
SuperGear Forged & Carbon Fiber Wheel Upgrades
Original Factory Issue:
The stock cast wheels have a lot of inertia, which slows down acceleration and makes it harder to handle in turns.
SuperGear Wheels & Rims Series:
Forged Aluminum Alloy Wheels:
These wheels are 25% lighter than the factory wheels, so you’ll get quicker acceleration.
The spoke design is reinforced, which increases load capacity by 15%.
Performance Improvement Data:
0-100km/h acceleration time is reduced by 0.5 seconds (using the Milwaukee-Eight 114 as an example).
You can lean into turns faster, and the handling feels more like a sport touring bike.
Why Choose SuperGear?
Pro Harley Fit:
All products are designed specifically for the Road Glide’s specs, not just generic aftermarket parts.
Performance Meets Style:
Maximizes performance without sacrificing the classic Harley vibe.
Top-Shelf Materials & Craftsmanship:
Aerospace-grade carbon fiber and forged alloy.
Transformation:
With SuperGear’s comprehensive upgrades, your Road Glide will evolve from a comfy cruiser to a high-performance machine that’s ready for long hauls and twisty roads, all while keeping that iconic American motorcycle soul.