The Road Glide is one of seven models of Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles and the only one to have the nickname of ""shark-nose"" because of the way the fairing looks when mounted to the frame. While the frame-mounted fairing makes the Road Glide lighter than the other models, because it reduces weight on the fork and handlebars, riders say wind protection was sacrificed because a shorter windscreen had to be used. Other than the fairing, the 2008 Road Glide maintains the classic lines of a Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle. While the Road Glide is intended to be a cruising motorcycle, it also makes a good commuter or errand-running bike as the lockable hard side cases are roomy enough to hold a laptop or groceries. The vinyl hard-side cases are standard equipment on the Road Glide. The 2008 Road Glide also comes with full-length height-adjustable footboards for both driver and passenger; the driver‘s floorboards come with heel/toe shift levers.
The 2008 Road Glide comes with a bunch of goodies, including a cockpit style instrument panel. This touring bike has two trip meters. One is an odometer while the other trip meter is only used when the fuel reserve is tapped. A gauge light comes on when there is one gallon left in the six-gallon gas tank. Cruise control and a Harman/Kardan audio system with radio, CD, and MP3 capabilities, and a classic leather seat also are standard. An auxiliary port accommodates an iPod. The 2008 Road Glide comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, and a copper pearl and black combination in honor of Harley-Davidson’s 105th anniversary. The Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based company manufactured its first motorized bicycle in 1903, and has been going strong ever since.