Heritage Harley arrives | H-D launch 1950s inspired Hydra-Glide Revival

Harley-Davidson have pulled the covers off a new Hydra-Glide Revival model, the firm’s latest edition to their Icons Motorcycle Collection that draws inspiration from Milwaukee cruisers of the 1950s.

The £29,495 Revival will be limited to 1750 units worldwide and is the fourth model to be released into the Icons line-up.

It follows the £32,595 2023 Electra Glide Highway King as this year’s special edition and is said to mark the 75th anniversary of Harley’s Hydra-Glide telescopic front suspension E and F models that first arrived back in 1949.

This years model was also chosen to mimic the style of bikes ridden in upcoming blockbuster film The Bikeriders, starring Tom Hardy and Jodie Comer.

The bike itself features a meaty 1868cc Milwaukee Eight 114 V-twin, producing 115.1lb.ft of torque at just 3250rpm. Capable of a claimed 51.4mpg, this is stuffed into blacked out chassis derived from Harley’s Softail cruiser range, with the bike holding the closest resemblance to the £23,445 Heritage Classic.

This chassis hides the preload adjustable rear shock out of view, beneath the riders’ seat – giving the impression of a hard tail with none of the spine snapping discomfort.

Each 332kg bike features a numbered handlebar for authenticity, as well as a deep glossy red paint job with white panels on the fuel tank to match the designs featured on the original 1956 machine.

Being a special Harley, you also get vast quantities of polished chrome, plus a large 21in front screen that goes from clear into a body-matching Redline Red.

Also imitating those fifties twins is the Harley-Davidson V badging on the 18.9-litre fuel tank, as well as the centrally mounted instrument cluster also said to be inspired by the speedometers found back in 1954-55.   

Elsewhere, you’ll find a single 685mm riders’ seat, decorated with a leather valance and white seem piping, plus a studded black leather strap over the fuel tank.

It wouldn’t be a classically styled Harley without saddlebags either, with the Hydra-Glide wearing a pair of locking leather pouches, featuring white seams and leather tassels that are said to be water resistant and rigid inside to retain their shape. These are also said to provide 43-litres of carrying capacity.

Where a pillion perch would normally sit lies a curving rear fender again finished in the deep gloss red – adding to the classic look. As does the spoked 16in chromed rims, which are dressed in chunky Dunlop Harley-Davidson Series blackwall tyres.  

Alongside the heritage look, the motor has been equipped with a Screamin’ Eagle High Flow air filter, with the motor also able to be equipped with all H-D Screamin’ Eagle Stage Upgrade Kits for performance. You wouldn’t want to go into corners too fast mind, with a maximum lean angle of 27.4 degrees on either side.

What’s more, there’s a raft of thoroughly modern features to contend with too, including electronic cruise control, LED headlights and front lamps for better visibility, as well as ABS. Alongside this, whilst the speedo may be analogue, a neat internal LCD display also shows your gear, fuel level, trip, clock, and more.

They are available in dealers now and will be displayed at Daytona Bike Week from 2-9 March. Visit harley-davidson.com for more.