AMERICANRIDER. COM JUNE 2026 | 35
menus and settings. Adjusting levers and air deflectors. Pairing smartphones. Setting up Apple CarPlay( which requires a Bluetooth helmet communicator). Finally, once everyone had finished their coffee, gone to the bathroom, done social media posts, and smoked one last cigarette, we were ready to roll.
Many modern motorcycles come with ride modes that change the character of the bike, and that’ s one of the first settings you choose. The Limiteds have four ride modes: Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom. Each mode alters multiple parameters: engine mapping( power delivery), throttle response, engine braking, traction control, ABS, and drag- torque slip control. The Custom mode allows you to mix and match various parameters. I liked the power delivery, extra engine braking, and lower TC / ABS intervention of Sport mode but found throttle response too abrupt, so I created a Custom mode that started with the Sport settings but dialed back throttle response to a more relaxed level. Voila, happy camper.
Easing into the plush seat, I shifted gears inside my head: I turned off my concerns about breakfast( did I really need that second helping of grits?), learning about the bike, and preparing for the ride, and I cranked my situational awareness up to 11. As with many group rides, we had a leader and a sweep, and the rest of us rode in staggered formation between them. Leading our ride was none other than Cody Wyman, who is racing in the Harley- Davidson Bagger World Cup this year( see page 20). Navigation was Cody’ s problem, so all I had to do was concentrate on the ride.
Right, top to bottom: The new Grand Tour-Pak has a flushmount taillight. The lowers have storage compartments and adjustable vents. Comfort for the long haul.
The new Central Cooled system positions the radiator directly behind the front wheel, freeing up the fairing lowers for storage, lighting, and ventilation.