Prepare to hear the familiar echo of "everything old is new again" with the introduction of Harley-Davidson's latest offering, the Electra Glide Highway King. This touring bike joins H-D's Icons Collection, which celebrates the nostalgia of two-wheeled classics—a trend that Harley-Davidson has become exceptionally adept at. The 2023 Electra Glide Highway King stays true to this formula, paying homage to the iconic 1968 Electra Glide while incorporating modern advancements like a contemporary touring chassis, a Milwaukee-Eight 114 powertrain, and a comprehensive suite of electronic rider aids.

The new bike draws inspiration from the 1968 Electra Glide FLH model, specifically the Highway King accessory touring package from that era. You might find the Highway King's silhouette familiar because the first bike in Harley-Davidson's Icons series, the 2021 Electra Glide Revival, also took cues from a classic 1960s E-Glide. However, this latest retro tribute pays homage to the 1968 FLH Electra Glide model, which sported a different profile with just a windshield compared to the later batwing fairing.

Given this context, it's no surprise that the Electra Glide Highway King is steeped in nostalgic details, such as wire-spoke steel wheels, thick whitewall tires, a removable windshield, a solo seat, and a thoughtfully curated two-tone color scheme. It also includes nods to the FL models of the '60s, such as a detachable windshield with a tinted lower section matching the bike's paint, and a solo saddle with a black-and-white cover and chrome rail, mounted over an adjustable coil spring and shock absorber. The nostalgic feel is further enhanced by shiny chrome front fender rails, saddlebag rails, a front fender skirt, and a Ventilator air cleaner cover, topped off with Electra Glide script on the front fender. Suddenly, the days of 15-cent burgers and 34-cents-a-gallon gasoline don't seem so distant.

Several of the aforementioned features reflect an accessory package available for the 1968 model, when the Electra Glide reigned as Harley-Davidson's top-of-the-line touring motorcycle. Those seeking the full touring experience could opt for the King of the Highway package, which included fiberglass saddlebags (only in white), a windshield, a luggage rack, and engine guards.

According to Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson's vice president of design and creative director, "In its day, this was a really deluxe motorcycle. The colors we've selected for the Highway King model are reminiscent of the original color options offered in 1968. In 1968, the accessory fiberglass saddlebags were only offered in white, so we've done the same in 2023. The result is a thoroughly modern motorcycle that looks unapologetically old school."

Now, onto what's under the hood. Is there anything new? Not particularly. The Electra Glide Highway King still rides on Harley-Davidson's single-spar Touring frame with a rigid backbone, and the preload of the emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers can be adjusted hydraulically with a single knob. Up front, you'll find the familiar 49mm fork with dual bending valve suspension technology, while power is delivered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine—a robust choice for a classic touring motorcycle. (For those seeking even more performance, Harley-Davidson offers its Screamin' Eagle Stage Upgrade kits.)

Standard features include electronic cruise control, a halogen headlamp, and auxiliary lamps. Reflex-linked Brembo brakes also come as standard, alongside the Rider Safety Enhancements package, which adds essential electronic aids such as Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Brakes, Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking, Cornering Enhanced Traction Control, Cornering Drag-torque Slip Control System, and Vehicle Hold Control.

The Electra Glide Highway King is part of H-D's Icons Motorcycle Collection and will be available in two limited-edition color options: Hi-Fi Orange (1,000 units) and Hi-Fi Magenta (750 units). The fuel tank sports a black panel and a special tank badge reminiscent of the 1968 version, while an Icons Collection graphic and serialization badge are laser-etched into the console. Pricing and availability details are yet to be announced.