“Any ideas what releases Harley will make for 2025? … That said, an upgrade is definitely overdue.” This Reddit comment captures the chorus of riders yearning for a Super Glide revival. With over one million Harley Owners Group members worldwide—a community that spends 30 percent more on merchandise and events than non-members—the clamor for a modern Super Glide remains deafening.
What Harley Actually Released in 2025
Harley-Davidson’s January 2025 announcement delivered two all-new models—the Street Glide Ultra and Pan America 1250 ST—and six refreshed Softail cruisers (Low Rider S/ST, Breakout, Heritage Classic, Fat Boy, Street Bob). All Cruiser models now boast the Milwaukee-Eight® 117 engine with four-valve heads, redesigned intake manifolds, and selectable ride modes—yet no Super Glide Custom surfaced in the official lineup.
Reddit reactions ran the gamut: excitement for the new Street Glide Ultra’s 105 hp boost and taller windshield, contrasted with disappointment that the Super Glide remains sidelined.
Why Riders Are Still Obsessed with the Super Glide
Launched in 1971 as Harley’s first factory custom, the Super Glide pioneered the FX series by mating Sportster front ends to big-twin frames. Riders recount epic cross-country adventures and the “pure, less-is-more vibe” that defined the model’s identity.
One enthusiast proclaimed, “This is by far the best Harley I’ve owned (16th!),” underscoring the Super Glide’s blend of torque, handling, and simplicity that modern Softails only approximate.
As Buell designer Erik Buell once noted, “Bikes are emotion on two wheels”—and for many, the Super Glide embodies that emotion more so than any tech-laden cruiser.
Clues from 2025 Releases
Though absent by name, the Super Glide’s DNA threads through 2025 updates:
- Milwaukee-Eight 117 Variants. Three tunes—Classic, Custom, H.O.—tailor power curves to riders tastes, hinting at a potential Super Glide-specific calibration someday.
- Chassis Enhancements. Hidden mono-shock rear suspension on Softails delivers the plush ride once unique to Dynas, addressing common Super Glide critiques of harshness.
- YouTube Rumors. Channels report an upcoming “Super Glide Custom” powered by the new engine and featuring minimalist bobtail styling—yet Harley’s silence suggests these remain prototypes.
What Riders Really Want
Reddit wishlists converge on three pillars:
- Authentic Simplicity. Fans demand fewer electronics—no over-engineered dashboards or excess rider aids—so the machine feels alive beneath you.
- Performance with Character. The Super Glide’s original air-cooled V-twin rumble and mid-range torque should remain intact, despite modern emissions standards.
- Affordable Icon. With new models pricing north of $20,000, riders fear that the Super Glide will be reborn as a premium niche rather than a mid-tier workhorse.
Customization culture thrives here: forum posts detail aftermarket kits to “detech” 2025 Softails—removing fairings, swapping bars, and fitting peanut tanks—to approximate the Super Glide ethos.
Comeback or Pipe Dream?
Harley-Davidson’s 2025 strategy emphasizes premium touring and CVO exclusives, leaving mid-level factory customs like the Super Glide in limbo. Financial results show global retail sales down from 162,771 to 151,229 units year over year, prompting focus on high-margin models over core classics.
Yet the Super Glide’s spirit endures—in the refreshed Softail platform, the new Milwaukee-Eight 117 Custom tune, and the relentless community advocacy. If Harley listens, a true 2026 Super Glide revival could unite heritage and innovation without sacrificing the “factory-custom” soul that riders still crave.
What would it take for you to put your money—and your ride—behind a new Super Glide?
