Harley-Davidson Confirms Limited Edition Electra Glide Revival *UPDATE*

Dennis Chung
by Dennis Chung

Harley-Davidson‘s Q1 2021 financial report revealed more details about the mysterious “Revival” model and showed a photo of a near production version of the Custom 1250 liquid-cooled cruiser. We’ll have more on the quarterly report elsewhere, but let’s examine what we’ve learned about these two upcoming models.

We first caught a brief glimpse of the Revival in January, at the end of Harley-Davidson’s 2021 model launch presentation. The video showed part of a fuel tank console with “Revival” prominently displayed.

The Q1 presentation showed a similar image, but with “Electra Glide” added to the label. Looking closely at the original teaser image below, the space above “Revival” has a conspicuously smoother texture than the rest of the panel, a clue that the words “Electra Glide” were edited out of the original image to keep it secret.

The original Revival teaser image had the words “Electra Glide” photoshopped out.

Harley-Davidson is now ready to reveal the Electra Glide connection as it confirms the Revival will launch this month as a serialized limited edition model, the first of what the company calls an “Icons Collection.” The presentation included a photo of the Revival in silhouette, offering a few more clues about what to expect.

UPDATE April 20, 2021: Harley-Davidson confirms details on the Revival and the new Icons Collection will be released April 26. Jochen Zeitz, Harley-Davidson chief executive officer and president, says the “Icons will be extraordinary adaptations of production motorcycles which look to our storied past and bright future.” Only 1,500 units will be made of each icon, with one or two icon models selected each year, with the Electra Glide Revival being this year’s icon.

The overall profile looks like the current Electra Glide Standard, with a batwing fairing, large front fender and hard cases. There are some visible differences, though. The front fender has some additional trim, like earlier FLH models, and the wheel uses wire spokes instead of the Standard’s cast wheel. The tire also looks thicker than the Electra Glide Standard, and it wouldn’t surprise us if it has white sidewalls, too.

The saddle looks flatter and taller than what you’d typically find on current models, and a passenger grab handle similar to those found on Electra Glides of yore is plainly visible.

Despite the retro looks, the Revival will of course be powered by a modern engine. Certification documents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board confirm the Revival as a 2021 model with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.

Harley-Davidson is currently in the middle of the press launch for the Pan America (check back soon for Ryan Adams’ review), so we suspect Harley will want to give that some breathing room before revealing the Electra Glide Revival in full. Expect news to come out next week.

The first quarter report also included a single image of what looks to be the production version of the Revolution Max-powered Custom 1250. Compared to the earlier images of the prototype, the new photo shows some changes indicating it is close to production. The image was accompanied by the phrase “Expand within the cruiser segment,” which suggests the Custom 1250 may be an addition to Harley-Davidson’s existing lineup and not a direct replacement for the Sportster as some expect.

Apart from the functioning lighting, the changes include new bar-end mirrors, a reflector on the front fender, a new bash plate design, a different radiator design, exhaust heat shielding, a new license plate holder with rear lighting and rear brake lines. There’s also a new cover between the cylinder heads similar to the one found on the Pan America. The photo also shows Harley-Davidson-branded Dunlop tires instead of the Pirellis shown on the prototype.

The presentation did not mention when we might learn more about the Custom 1250, but information may emerge from a conference call scheduled for tomorrow.

UPDATE April 20, 2021: Zeitz says this second Revolution Max model will “redefine the premium middleweight cruiser segment.” The word “premium” here would suggest this will not be positioned as a replacement for the Sportster line, though that remains to be determined. Also interesting is that neither Zeitz nor the presentation referred to the name “Custom 1250,” which suggests that the production name may yet be announced.

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Dennis Chung
Dennis Chung

Dennis has been a part of the Motorcycle.com team since 2008, and through his tenure, has developed a firm grasp of industry trends, and a solid sense of what's to come. A bloodhound when it comes to tracking information on new motorcycles, if there's a new model on the horizon, you'll probably hear about it from him first.

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  • Jim L Jim L on Apr 20, 2021

    It'll be a FLHTP with better paint and chrome and they'll charge 10K more than what a FLHTP would cost you.

    • See 1 previous
    • Jim L Jim L on Apr 29, 2021

      I don't need a stereo or a nav. I have a Cardo setup and I can look at a map and know where I have to go at worst. At best, I usually know where I am and have a good sense of direction.

  • Iowa H-BR Iowa H-BR on Apr 29, 2021

    Nice bike but it should be $24,000. A fancy suspended seat, larger engine, and nice paint should not be a $5,199 upcharge. Just when Harley does something nice they trip over their own ego. As if Harley was back 15 years go when demand exceeded supply.

    At $24,000 I would consider it as I've owned 3 HD police bikes but I'm 70 and the bike is getting a bit heavy for just around town trips. Also wondering when they will consider an autos trans. option for us old geezers. The Gold Wing has one.

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