AMERICANRIDER. COM
JUNE 2026 | 39
2026 HARLEY-DAVIDSON ROAD GLIDE 3
Base Price: $ 35,399 Price as Tested: $ 37,849( Blood Orange w / black trim) Website: Harley-Davidson. com Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles Engine Type: Air- / liquid-cooled, transverse 45-degree V-Twin, OHV w / 4 valves per cyl. & VVT Displacement: 117ci / 1,923cc Bore x Stroke: 4.075 x 4.5 in. / 103.5 x 114.3mm Horsepower: 105 @ 4,600 rpm( factory claim) Torque: 129 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm( factory claim) Transmission: 6-speed w / reverse, cable-actuated wet slip / assist clutch Final Drive: Belt Wheelbase: 67.7 in. Rake / Trail: 26 degrees / 3.8 in. Seat Height: 27.9 in.( unladen) / 26.5 in.( laden) Wet Weight: 1,184 lb( factory claim) Fuel Capacity: 6 gal.
Top: The 2025 trike’ s solid axle can cause the rear wheels to bounce over bumps, upsetting the vehicle and wrenching the handlebar back and forth. Above: The 2026 trike’ s de Dion-type rear suspension allows the rear wheels to roll over bumps.
by 68 lb. Rear- wheel travel has more than doubled, from 2.3 to 5.0 inches, allowing the trike to better absorb bumps and reduce side- to- side bump roll. The lighter weight allows the use of softer springs and shock damping settings to make full use of the increased suspension travel.
To allow riders to experience the difference the new chassis makes in terms of handling and comfort, Harley- Davidson set up a demo area during Bike Week in Daytona. Riders were able to ride 2025 and 2026 trikes back- toback through a short handling course that included tight turns through cones and a series of staggered and sequential bumps that only impacted the rear wheels.
Riding through the course at slow speeds, the 2026 trike turned more easily than the 2025 model. But the biggest difference was felt when riding over bumps. On the 2025 trike, the solid rear axle caused the rear wheels to bounce over the bumps, causing the handlebar to wrench back and forth.
The 2026 trike rolled over the bumps smoothly, which was much less jarring.
After the demo, we took some 2026 trikes on a ride around Daytona Beach, and I opted for a Road Glide 3 in Blood Orange. Since it was Bike Week, we spent lots of time idling in traffic while never having to take my feet off the footboards. We endured the slow parade among all the gawkers on Bethune Boulevard and Main Street, then we sat in more traffic.
Riding over pavement seams and speed bumps and navigating turns and intersections was a breeze. We finally made our way to Bellevue Avenue, which hugs the south side of the airport and has some of the best( and fastest) curves in the area. Traffic was light, so we were able to push our pace a bit, and the Road Glide 3 remained planted and stable around every bend.
Harley’ s new trikes are a major leap forward, and the biggest beneficiaries will be passengers who will get jostled around much less than before. If three wheels are on your radar, you should try one out.
The 2026 trike turns easier too, but the wide rear track takes some getting used to.