Harley-davidson Road Glide Special

"Best used touring value if you buy smart and budget for suspension."

The Road Glide Special is the real deal for long-haul touring, and the used market is absolutely flooded with them — which works in your favour. The shark-nose fairing cuts wind better than most bikes twice its price, and that Milwaukee-Eight 114 (post-2018) is genuinely one of Harley's best engines. Smooth, torquey, and surprisingly refined compared to the old Twin Cam units. Buy 2018 or newer if you can swing it. That said, go in with eyes open. Check the front infotainment screen for dead pixels — it's a known gremlin. Inspect the rear suspension hard, because most previous owners rode two-up with luggage and rarely serviced it. The stock shocks are mediocre from the factory and only get worse with neglect. Budget $500-800 for a Öhlins or Progressive swap almost immediately. Used pricing is soft right now, which is genuinely good news. Dealers are negotiable. Private sellers less so — Harley owners are emotionally attached to what they paid new. Walk away from anything with a lowering kit and oversized ape hangers. That bike has been flogged.