Custom Harley Road Glide Performance Build
This Road Glide build can be described in 3 words: subtle yet striking. This bike came into the shop stock with the Gunship Grey color and our customer wanted to swap everything (and we mean just about everything) to Carbon Fiber while still keeping the same Gunship Grey color from Harley. This bike delivers performance without sacrificing reliability or comfort. Each piece upgraded on this Road Glide, improves handling, reduces weight, enhances rider control, and sharpens the overall aesthetic.
Below is a full breakdown of the aftermarket components used on this Road Glide, highlighting the performance components. We should note that when the bike was brought in, the engine already had some work done, so we didn't have to tackle that piece for this bike.
Front End Handling Upgrades
The stock front end was removed and replaced using the Kraus KR8 Inverted Front End kit which replaces the factory components and utilizes Ohlins inverted front forks, KR8 triple trees, Kraus radial brake mounts, and KR8 fork guards to protect the fork seals. This upgrade not only improves handling, braking performance, and steering precision it also adds that aggressive style riders want. To complete the front, Carbon Fiber BST Twin Tek Front wheel and over-sized GBrake Oversized 13" rotors. We paired it with Brembo .484 Cafe Front Radial Mount Caliper to deliver the BEST braking power and precision on the market.
This combination dramatically increases stopping power while reducing rotational mass. The bike feels more responsive resulting in sharper turns, more confidence at speed, and improved braking consistency during those spirited rides.
Swingarm and Rear Setup
The stock swingarm was swapped for an all black Speed Dealer swingarm. Speed Dealer sets the standard for delivering the highest quality all billet aluminum swingarm with custom anodizing options to choose from. Best of all Made in the USA.
To complete the rear setup: BST Twin Tek Carbon Fiber wheel and Brembo .484 caliper and GBrake Rear Wave rotor. These changes enhance ride quality and stability through corners or over uneven roads.
Carbon Fiber Details
Moving from front to back with carbon fiber details:
DTF Carbon Fiber Outer front fairing and Hofmann Lower Triple Tree Cover
Hofmann Designs Shorty Front Fender
BST Carbon Fiber Gas Tank and dash
Hofmann OEM Side Covers, Chopped Rear Saddlebags and Chopped Rear Fender.
We asked a local painter to keep the stock Harley color, but allow the carbon fiber details to pop through. The Carbon Fiber pieces reduce weight and elevate the overall aesthetics, reinforcing the performance aspect of the bike.
Exhaust and Engine Components
Since the engine was already complete when the bike came into the shop, the customer wanted to upgrade the exhaust to a new SP Concepts Black ONYX Elsinore Exhaust with Pro Flo headers.
The matte black finish with the welds showing through works perfect for this bike. The air cleaner was paired with Arlen Ness 10-Gauge Inverted Air Cleaner.
Tires and Drivetrain
The BST front & rear Carbon Fiber wheels were wrapped in Metzeler CruiseTec tires, chosen for their grip, stability, and predictable handling characteristics. This tire setup delivers the best of both worlds for both aggressive cornering and long-distance touring conditions.
This bike also came into the shop already having been converted from a belt to a chain drive, so all we had to do was swap it over when the swingarm was installed.
Front & Rear Lighting
Headlight setup seen here features the Custom Dynamics DOT Shark Demon 2 Headlight & Fog Lamp Combo. These are designed to fit 2015-2023 Harley Road Glide Models and provide increased effective lumen output with a simplified Plug and Play wire harness. The Front Turn signals on this bike are Paul Yaffe's Lightening Bullet Turn Signals. They feature white running lights and switch to amber when activated. No load equalizer needed.
In the rear, our favorite go to are the Custom Dynamics Probeam Fillerz Saddlebag LED Lights. These keep the back looking clean, but bright using multiple tubes of LED lights. They available with either a black or chrome finish.
Seat, Controls, and Rider Cockpit
The cockpit and handlebar setup utilizes Thrashin Supply Mid Bend bars, Thrashin Supply 9.5" Pullback risers, Elite Brembo Levers and ODI x Ruffian grips.
The gauges were also relocated using Mymachinist Gauge relocation kit for Road Glide models.
Upgraded foot controls on this bike are Thrashin Supply Apex Floorboards, Shift Lever, Brake Lever, Brake Pedal and Shift lever. These foot control components provide increased grip and rider comfort.
A custom grey Full Lattice Stitch Saddlemen Step-Up seat completes the rider while maintaining long-distance comfort. The seat is designed to improve rider positioning during aggressive riding without sacrificing touring comfort.
Final Thoughts on This Road Glide Build
Every bike is different because every rider is different. Each has their own idea of how they want their bike look. This Road Glide represents a balanced approach to performance touring. Every modification was selected to improve real-world riding performance while maintaining reliability and comfort. The combination of suspension upgrades, modern lighting, premium exhaust, and carefully selected aesthetic details results in a bike that performs as well as it looks.
Builds like this showcase what is possible when performance parts are chosen with intention and installed as a cohesive system. Whether you are carving back roads or logging highway miles, this Road Glide delivers elevated performance across every aspect of the ride.
