Harley-Davidson, with over a century of heritage, boasts numerous landmark models in its history. Among these, the 1949 Hydra-Glide stands out for introducing the hydraulic telescopic fork. To commemorate its 75th anniversary, Harley-Davidson is launching the limited-edition Hydra-Glide Revival for 2024.

This new release is part of the Icons Motorcycle Collection, a series of limited-edition models that began in 2021 with the Electra Glide Revival, followed by the 2022 Low Rider El Diablo and the 2023 Electra Glide Highway King. Each of these models was produced in limited quantities: 1,500 units for each of the first two models and 1,750 units for the Highway King. Similarly, the Hydra-Glide Revival will have a worldwide production run of just 1,750 units.

The original 1949 Hydra-Glide was a pivotal model for Harley-Davidson, being the first to use a hydraulic telescopic fork, which replaced the girder forks of earlier models. It also featured the Panhead engine with hydraulic lifters, although it lacked rear suspension. The 1990 Fat Boy drew inspiration from the Hydra-Glide's proportions and styling and has been a staple model ever since.

The 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival is based on the current Heritage Classic but includes several retro features to evoke the 1950s era of the original Hydra-Glide. It specifically mirrors the 1956 model, adopting its paint scheme and stylized 'V' tank badges from 1955 and 1956. The speedometer graphics are inspired by the 1954–55 version, and the bar risers feature an insert with the Hydra-Glide logo and each bike's limited-edition serial number.

At the front, the bike features a taller windscreen than the standard Heritage Classic, with a color-matched lower section, reminiscent of the 2023 Highway King. This removable windscreen sits above chrome engine bars. The rear showcases a tasseled, studded, piped, and fringed solo seat, along with matching saddlebags. Despite their retro appearance, the saddlebags are modern, being lockable, water-resistant, and rigid-lined. The tank also sports a studded leather strap.

The 114ci Milwaukee-Eight V-twin engine retains its circular air cleaner cover for a classic look but maintains the same performance as the Heritage Classic, with a claimed 94 hp at 4,750 rpm and 119 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 rpm. These figures can be enhanced with Screamin’ Eagle upgrades if desired.

The chassis and suspension are standard Softail features, including an adjustable monoshock hidden at the rear. The laced wheels and brakes are identical to those on the Heritage Classic. Most dimensions are unchanged, with the Hydra-Glide Revival's solo seat slightly lower at 26.1 inches (compared to the Heritage's 26.3 inches), and the taller windscreen adds approximately 3.5 inches in height. The Hydra-Glide Revival's weight increases to 742 pounds ready-to-ride, up from the Heritage Classic's 730 pounds.

Engine Specifications:
- Engine: 45-degree V-twin; 4 valves/cyl.
- Displacement: 1,868cc
- Bore x Stroke: 102.0 x 114.3mm
- Compression Ratio: 10.5:1
- Transmission/Final Drive: 6-speed/belt
- Claimed Horsepower: 94.0 hp @ 4,750 rpm
- Claimed Torque: 119 lb.-ft. @ 3,000 rpm
- Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
- Clutch: Wet, multiplate assist

Chassis and Suspension:
- Frame: Tubular steel
- Front Suspension: 49mm telescopic, dual-bending valve; 5.1 in. travel
- Rear Suspension: Monoshock, spring preload adjustable; 3.4 in. travel
- Front Brake: 4-piston fixed calipers, floating 300mm discs w/ ABS
- Rear Brake: 2-piston floating caliper, 292mm disc w/ ABS

Wheels and Tyres:
- Wheels, Front/Rear: Spoked steel; 16 x 3.0 in. / 16 x 3.0 in.
- Tires, Front/Rear: 130/90-16 / 150/80-16

Dimensions:
- Rake/Trail: 30.0°/5.7 in.
- Wheelbase: 64.2 in.
- Ground Clearance: 4.7 in.
- Seat Height: 27.0 in. (unladen)
- Fuel Capacity: 5.0 gal.
- Claimed Wet Weight: 742 lb.

With the success of previous Icons Collection models, Harley-Davidson is expected to easily find eager buyers for all 1,750 units of the 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival.