3/24/23
It’s indisputable that there are some motorcycle silhouettes that are classic, timeless, and quintessential to certain segments. Take the trio of machines reviewed this week: One is classic cruiser—so much so this Harley-Davidson was mistaken constantly for a lovingly restored machine from the early ’50s—and then there’s a standard and a cafe racer sculpted in the image of the many air-cooled parallel-twin machines that became ubiquitous in the ’60s. Cool never goes out of style and these bikes prove it.
Cycle World contributing editor Andrew Cherney had a busy few days at Daytona Bike Week, and he spent much of that time in the fringed and studded saddle of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide Revival. As the latest model in H-D’s Icons Collection, the Hydra-Glide Revival continues the story of building a modern riff on an iconic model from the company’s past. This time it is the Hydra-Glide, the first model from The Motor Company to feature a hydraulic telescopic fork in 1949, although this new model really gets most of its styling from the 1956 model.
According to Cherney: “... the Hydra-Glide’s well-sorted thoroughly throwback vibe is the constant attention of other riders especially at stoplights or gas stations. ‘What year is that thing?’ was a constant refrain we heard…”
Get the full scoop on this time machine in the “2024 Hydra-Glide Revival First Ride” here.
Just a few days later, Morgan Gales rode Royal Enfield’s revised INT 650 and Continental GT 650—two very classically styled parallel twins that thrust the British-turned-Indian brand into the hearts and minds of the greater motorcycling public in 2019. The INT 650 even charmed 1993 World Endurance Champion and longtime CW tester Doug Toland—a man not usually impressed with anything other than ultimate performance—in 2022.
Now the INT 650 and Continental GT 650 get new switch gear, LED lighting, and black-out color options—basically updating the pair with the parts already found on the Super Meteor 650 and Shotgun 650 models. There’s also new Ceat tires, adjustable levers, and new seats. Royal Enfield did just enough to add some value to its two bestselling models without losing the charm that has made them a favorite.
Gales gives you the full breakdown here in our “2024 Royal Enfield INT 650 and Continental GT 650 First Ride.”
As always, there’s more than we can fit into this email. Check out cycleworld.com for additional tests, reviews, and news.
Ride on,
Justin Dawes
Executive Editor
