5 Small Changes to the 2020 Harley-Davidson Touring Bikes 

All bikes, regardless of family, that come with security just have one fob. This includes softails and sportsters.

My biggest disappointment is that Laidlaw's HD is around 3000 miles from my apartment! Keep up the good work Matt

I bought a 2015 sportster from Laidlaw Harley last month and I gotta tell y'all. This dude is humble and very passionate about HD. he's the boss and he walks around like a regular normal employee, he's much taller in person than in videos. Very nice facility and friendly helpful staff. If you're looking to buy a HD give Laidlaw HD a chance yo earn your business. Thanks 😎

I am really surprised they eliminated the buttons to open and close the vents. I ride in the winter and keeping the cold wind out is a must .

I definitely close my vents when it’s cold. My bike doesn’t hibernate through the winter

Matt - you’re right. Bean counters! Cutting stuff that should be on the bike. I would hate not having a heel shifter on my 2018 115th Anniversary SGS and it’s my first bike with one. I have never upshifted with my toe - not even once. And no second key? Really?? Oh - and BTW - I’m a bean counter CPA.

Harley just gave me more reason to keep my 15 Limited. I want the second key fob in case something goes wrong with or lose one. Like you Matt, I love my heel shifter. The button on the fairing is nice in case you get caught in the Florida rain. The soft bags, I have used them many times. I don't need all this extra connectivity. I would rather have some of the more useful items they are doing away with. I know you say you would throw in the heel shifter if they mention this video since the cost to you is small. The cost is even smaller to the factory. And you stated you would also throw in the extra key fob with a full priced 1000 mile service with mention of the video, which also means the cost to you is small, and even smaller to the factory. I'm sure a lot of people commenting on here possibly feel the same way. Maybe you should mention this to the Motor Company.

Wow,32,000$ motorcycle,harley should give free oil changes,extra fob and bag liners should be standard.What part of touring doesn't Harley understand?

Not wanting to close a vent??? You clearly don't ride in the rain or midwest spring, fall, and early winter

The non closing vents and the cheap looking dull black are the two reasons I chose not to buy a 2020 RG Limited. I’ll just keep my 2018 Special.

Those Road Glide side fairing vents definitely get used in the winter in Oregon. I imagine other states with the same weather. Strange thing to remove. If you don’t use it who care if you do you’re SOL

So glad I bought 2019....heal shifter,closed vents and bags to my hotel room its all about comfort. 2021 will probably come without the front wheel.......most of guys doing wheele anyway Good video!

Ridden nothing but HD since 1987. At my age I 'm sure they don't care about my likes or dislikes. The changes I see are just cheaping , & cost cutting . I'll keep riding my 2017 RK special

Gee, only one key fob! I set my override code, but I have always removed the battery from second fob, tape battery to the outside of fob, wrap it up and hide it in the bottom back of saddle bag..... I also taped an extra saddle bag key in back of fairing pocket, now that I have a CVO, I can use code to unlock bags. Just like always having a back up plan. I would miss the extra fob and the shifter and the vents. Ocala Fl. Great video, super info!! So happy I bought a 2019 CVO Road Glide!!!

I have the initial pissed off feeling that I believe you had. But good on your dealer throwing in free heel shifters and an extra fob if wanted by people!

It doesn't rain in California so you wouldn't need the vent closed on the batwing fairing would you. But here in Minnesota it rains and I thank GOD every day that I can close it on my 2014 limited with the Daytona Blue. Good video anyway thanks

Glad my 2019 Road Glide Special is home and paid for , using the heel shifter and adjusting the vents are key to great riding in New England. Thank you for providing rear shift when requested, class act Matt, even though not a big expense.

Never had a heel shifter until I bought my 2019 Road Glide Special. I almost took it off glad I didn't once you get used to it you will love it👍

Well I think you are correct on initial feelings! First, I have a 2019 Roadglide Ultra and it did come with the bag liners, as ALL the Ultra's have in the past. Second I have been riding with a heal shifter for so long that as you say "muscle memory " is a reflex that riding without one causes me to miss shifts. I have always bought the CVO extended shifter and replaced the stock, it gives just enough extra room. Third, the deletion of the vent doors is a huge mistake! The lower vents on the Roadglide funnel air directly towards the rider, BUT in Florida the sand on the highway picked up from a semi will blind you with them open. Try riding in a monsoon of a rainstorm with the vents open..it's a NO BUENO!! Fourth the key fob delete is nothing short of a bean counter move. Perhaps people don't use both, but there are some that do. When traveling 2 up for instance it's always nice to both have a fob. I mean might as well delete the second Barrel key as well! And as far as the inner fairing goes I have replaced them with a full painted to match inner fairing. But why do some of the fairing and not all?? Those are my thoughts. A premium bike that is deleting bits and pieces just feels like Accounting gone bad!! Sorry but it is just pissing me off!!! Thanks Matt. Did not know of the changes until now.

Excellent post and very good timing (for me). I have a 2017 HD Road Glide Ultra w-25,000 miles. Went to look at the 2020 Road Glide Limited - your "points" were not disclosed by the dealer. While I get the technologies - cutting out the heel shifter, second fob (that I do carry when I travel for 3 to 4 weeks at a time), fairing vent doors I do use in the North East and cutting the bag liners is poor form when I am paying $30K plus. I'll be keeping the 2017 - thanks for the post!!

Thank you Matt.... And yes I use my heel shifter all the time!! So I have to say Boooo on that Harley-Davidson....No soft bags with the Ultra??

Less standards items more high prices. Well done Harley Davidson management.

Horrible that they took the bag liners out they are very useful for traveling

I just want to thank you Matt for all your videos. I've watched them all and as always very professional and honest.

Thanks Matt! Came off Super Sports onto a Roadglide Special, took a while to get used to the heel shifter but, now I couldn’t live without it! Cheers!

I regularly switch from one fob to another, although I always change batteries at the same time. Anyway at least twice in 10 years the 2nd fob has prevented me from having to improvise with the alternative method in order not to get stranded at home after a reasonable period the bike was stopped

Looks like Harley is nickel and dimeing to save themselves a buck but the price of a bike is out of reach .

Always loved the heel shifter.

Good on you guys for adding those things through your dealership. I was expecting big things this year after the sales of harleys last year and I have to say I'm pretty disappointed. The fact that ABS is now standard doesnt not justify the things that were taken away. I think ABS is pretty well standard among most brands now. The one fob and lack of heal shifter seems like a ploy to sell more aftermarket accessories. Again, kudos to your dealership for making up for these faults but I know most dealerships wont do the same. Hope harley either adjusts the prices for the changes or gives those components back in upcoming years.

I’ve ridden in rain when I definitely wanted my vent closed on my 2019 Limited. No. That wouldn’t be a deal breaker, but I’m glad I bought the ‘19.

The gloss/flat black combo is absurd IMO. As far as the "side vents", living in North Dakota I routinely open and close mine on my 2015.

Glad i bought my '19 RGS. For me Harley Davidson is a love hate relationship.

Maybe I'm wrong but as a long time Harley owner, I've never seen the company, until now, cheapen their bikes up like this nickel and dime sh*t. Screw their bean counters and directors who have brought the company down to this level. I happen to want the additional key fob, heel shifter, etc. I was just pricing a new touring machine and did not notice this crap. This is the stuff that is in plain sight. What about the internal things that you can't see? I'll keep my '04 Ultra a little longer and when it comes to replacing it. I'll look at something else or quit riding entirely. After 40+ years, this is what I've got to deal with? I don't think so! And yes, they have increased the price.

I’ve evolved to a road glide! During spring & fall I’m continually opening & closing the vents on the raid glide. It really impacts my comfort level. This should be an option when you purchase the glide.

I just bought a 2019 Road Glide Special and I'm glad it was the 2019 model, because of all the changes you just mentioned I never looked at the 2020 model. Yes the bean counters are stirring HD down the wrong path.

Long time rider, 1st time Harley owner. Bought a new ‘17 ultra limited in early ‘18. Absolutely love it and I couldn’t go without the heel shifter or the bags. The wife is always with me and we are always staying the night somewhere. Also definitely close the vents in the fall PA season. 2nd key fob? Mines always hanging on the key rack at home collecting dust.

So, my 2018 street glide is my 1st touring bike. I’ve had 3 Vrod’s, messed up and took a street glide for a test ride....sold. Street Glide was my 1st heel/toe shifter, man, I love that thing, what’s more, my shoes love that thing!! Will be a must for me from now on I can tell you that. Love your vids man, keep up the good work!!

I wouldn't even know how to ride a dresser without a heel shifter! Very disappointed 😠 Thanks for your transparency Matt!

I totally disagree with you on the side vents Up here in the colder climates I for one keep the doors closed. Don’t get any buffeting. Only buffering is when I close the top vent. IMO Harley-Davidson made a mistake It’s easy for you Westerners saying you always keep them open. I’m talking about the Road Glide Ultra

Your review is 100% spot on! The heel shifter was removed right away (I like the extra room on the footboard and none of my other bikes have one) and I never close my vents as it does cause too much buffeting. One must have on the road glide are vent inserts (Klockworks) as they keep the bugs and bee's off of your lap when they come thru the vents. Its no fun having bee's crawling up your shirt or neck at 80 mph. The key FOB will probably never be used and returned brand new with the vehicle just like all of my others when its trade in time.

Great job Matt on the video ,, I just bought a 2020 Ultra Limited and was disappointed about those 5 changes HD has made. My dealer said that 95% of their customers used the Heel Shifter, FOB and Vent Closer as do I. They called it changes made by the "Bad Decision Department" bean counters and NOT so-called surveys.

I don’t care about the fob. I am disappointed about the lack of heel shifter and more so disappointed in the lack of luggage. One would think luggage would be key in a touring machine. I’d love to know their rationale behind no bags.

I recently traded in my 2015 UL for a 2020 UL. I love the 114, am happy with the tweeks in the the infotainment, but am VERY dissapointed at the things they took away. If you don't like the heel shifter, you had the option of taking it off, now, just another expense. I really have a hard time finding neutral without it!! The one key fob, ehhh, whatever. No CB radio, as a road captain, we used it to communicate on rides, but again, ehhhh. I am dissapointed not to have my soft luggage, but I kept mine from my 2015, so, not SUCH a biggie. Matt, I think you will find a lot of riders are very upset at not being able to close our fairing vents now!!! We ride in the rain/cold, and trust me, it does make a HUGE difference. Overall, I love my 2020 and will continue to ride the best bikes on the road today, but I gotta say, I'm not feeling the love from the motor company like I have in the past.

Heal/Toe shifter since my 97 Fatboy. I currently have a '17 Street Glide Special with the Heal/Toe. I use the Heal shifter all the time. I don't think I could live without it.

Loved how you finish on the Electra Glide Standard, great info on up and coming rides Matt , keepm coming.

Preface, I have a ‘19 Ultra Limited 1: I took the heel shifter off before I left the dealership...never missed it but I did take it home with me 2: I like my backup key FOB 😭 3: I agree about the alway open vents, I never close the top vent on my batwing 4: Sucks about the bags, I like having perfectly fit liners for my saddlebags I love how the app sends a notification that the Livewire is charged...I can see it now sitting around with the buddies “Welp I can head out now guys my bike is charged”

I don’t like not having the heal shifter! Also I have a Road Glide Ultra 2019 I can’t believe they did away with the vent shut offs! It get cold here in the Midwest! I shut mine off all the time. My two cents. Thanks for the video Matt and Ride Safe!

your videos are awesome thanks for taking the time to do these

Matt I have a 2019 ultra limited. I love my bags and extra key fob. The first thing I had done at my 1k service was take the heel shifter off. I have the decorative chrome end cap to cover the surplus shaft that sticks out. I could be happier and really dont feel I need rdrs. I've been riding bike for about 30 years. Stay safe

I close those vents every fall and open em in the late spring

The vent doors being eliminated especially on the Road Glide is just eff'n stupid. Sure you live in a warm weather state so no big deal. So what am I to do in early spring and late fall in the rust belt to avoid the cold wind blowing or rain coming up the pipe? All the vent doors NEED to return if they want returning customers. I was already thinking of a MY20 Road Glide Special but now, not so much. Never used a heel shifter on any bike that had it.

I bought a 2018 FLTRU and rode across Canada coast to coast in 2020. Great trip, but after the first day I broke the big toe on my left foot, thank god for the heel shifter.

Never used a bike with heel shifter until I was 57, and I took to it like a duck to water, love heel shifting. And as an owner of a 2018 Road Glide Ultra, I open and close my fairing vents all the time. When it's hot, they're open, cold they're closed. And yes I did get the 3 bags with my 2018 Road Glide Ultra.

I LOVE MY HEEL SHIFTER!

Pretty soon Harley will only sell a frame and engine under MSRP. Everything else will be optional and add to the price. It will be known as "build your own bike". Buying a Harley will be likened to a trip through a salad bar. Dealer markup only comes into play when the bikes are selling like hot cakes, which today, Harleys are not. Notice how they keep pointing out 5 "small" changes. My question would be how much did Harley drop the MSRP on this year's bike to reflect the 5 "small" changes?

Never had a heel shifter till I bought a used 2004 electra glide ultra classic and now when I ride my other bike I'm looking for it! Didn't think I'd be a fan of it but I love it and wish all bikes had it!

Thanks for the info. I have a ‘15 Ultra Limited Low with the heel shifter. Use it all the time. When I upgrade I would positively want the heel shifter.

I am addicted to the heel shifter. Functional and super cool !

I have a '19 and I close the vent when it is raining or a bit cold out, always use the heel shifter, have the second fob on a nail above my desk with the spare key..What's wrong with me? What's next with the bean counters?? Drop the floor boards and go with pegs?

19 Road Glide Ultra did come with 3 carry bags. I use all 3 of my vents on cold mornings, Ultra Limited doesn't have front fender light on 2020 model. Great video!!!

I have used the close vent button on my Ultra Classic. Helps when riding in the rain.

What about when you get caught in the rain, I had to close the vents a few times in the rain it does make a difference.

The change to the Fairing is a BIG Deal, for folks who ride in the cold. That Sucks👎

Sold my '17 Street Glide now that I'm not riding from TX to PA and back anymore. Bought a 2020 Low Rider S that I absolutely LOVE but I would be lying if I said I didn't miss that heel shifter. Total game changer imo.

The heel shifter was the first thing I took off of my Road Glide Special. One of the best after market parts I've put on it was the Covington's Customs delete spacer for it.

Awesome video as always 👍. But 27k for a Street Glide 😵, thank God I'm not a Street Glide fan.

First thing I did was take the heel shifter off.

Thanks for the video. I bought a 2020 Road Glide Ultra Black a few weeks ago and at first thought it odd but when I thought about it, no big deal. I was pleasantly surprised it still came with the headset. I rode for years loving my heel shifter but had it removed about 2 years ago on my 2015 Ultra Limited Low because I keep breaking the shift spine even though I don’t think I’m an aggressive shifter (never had an issue for years before). I never opened the vent, never used the luggage, never used the extra key fob. So I get it. No worries to me, especially with all the cool new stuff on my bike.

We get lots of rain here in Ireland, I close the vent on my streetglide special in heavy rain when I am getting on down the road, I find it helps keep water out of my face and a huge upgrade was the klockwerks screen, huge difference and improvement over the stock screen, much less wind noise and buffeting and channels water over and to the side. One of the first things I done was take off the heel shifter as it does not allow me move my left foot. I don't have huge feet by the way, man size feet 😉. But I find just being able to move my foot position slightly stops getting leg cramps especially on long trips.

Not really concerned about any of it honestly. I'm a fan of the heal shifter, but, like you said Matt, it's an easy install.

No Heel Shifter? That’s what makes a Harley Davidson touring Bike!

I figured out the heel shift in about 2 seconds and loved it from day one. It's so much easier. This seems like cost cutting to me. Now the vent on the batwing, It always stayed open even when freezing because it caused a whole lot of helmet buffeting closed.

As usual Matt, a detailed well presented review. No profanity or ugly comments, thank you.

Honestly, the new rims on the 2020 SGS and RGS are ugly to me. Should have kept the talon wheels. I'm ok with the one FOB. However, I think more people use the heel shifter than not. If you happen to be wearing shoes that you don't want to scuff with the toe shifter, the heel shifter is really nice. Also, I find shifting with my heel is more satisfying. The vent change is ok with me, but living in SoCal you don't really need it. Riders in areas with more rain probably won't like it.

I like my heel shifter

Great video Matt. If I lived in sunny Ca. I would certainly buy from you. The only thing that is holding me back from buying the EG Standard is that the covers are not chrome. Instead they are a dull aluminum. HD did the same thing with the Dyna Switchback which held me back from buying one of them back in 2014. Anyhow, keep up with the videos, you`re the best reviewer on the web for Harley Davidson.

Thx for the update. I love my heel shifter.

Glad I Purchased a 2019 RGS after seeing them eliminate the doors on the lower vents, the MoCo is in Wisconsin, do they not ride their own machines in cold weather? Completely stupid IMO. I installed screens to stop bees from hitting me in the face, but you still need the doors on the vents, sorry HD. The key fob thing is Meh, I purchased the fancy flip key/fob combo for my bike, they should include that standard since they eliminated the second fob. The elimination of the heel shifter is stupid, and I say that as someone who removes the heel shifter as soon as I get it home. Some guys like it, I dont, but it should be the purchasers choice, if it stays or goes, and it shouldnt have to be purchased seperately if you want it, good on you matt for including them free of charge.

I use the heel shifter everytime, I’d add that option before it left the dealership. 😁

I like the heel shifter. It helped give the bikes character and I liked using it. I can live with one fob, I’ve never needed the second fob on any of my bikes. The always open vent on the Street Glide wouldn’t bother me as when I had my Ultra Limited I always had it open. In Australia, we’ve only had the ABS equipped touring bikes for years so that’s not an issue here.

I ride other bikes with a toe shifter, but I love the heel shifter on my Road King. Keeps your boots looking better too! Just takes a little time to get used to it.

When did the motor company get rid of the front and rear fender lights on the Electra Glide ? Must have toe & heal shifter !! Must have Saddle bag liners !

The road glide looks just fantastic.

Just got the 2020 RG Limited. Don't care about the vents or fob (never used on my other 3), bought the bags off FB Marketplace, dealer gave the heel shifter with deal, and one thing you didn't mention that the old guy I bought the bags from pointed out, no tool kit. Got 4k off during COVID19 hysteria. Keep up the good work.

Heel shifter for sure and I run mine almost level...

Chrome is the only way to go.

Looks like I’ll definitely keep my 2015 RG special SS! Another great review Matt!

Thanks for talking me out of 2020 bike I'll keep my 2019 road glide. I close the vents when it's colder or raining and use the heal shifter when my ankle is soar broke it twice. One time when I was younger kick starting a stroker sportster.

2020?, No thanks, I'll keep my 2016 Road Glide ultra .

Once again Harley's "less is more" bs. I think the air vent doors were/are useful in rain etc... the no heal shifter, leave it on Harley, dont penalize us folks that do use them for people that dont. So because of them now we have to buy the bike and now buy the heal shifter (make it a CHEAP option at least not have us pay full price), the 2nd key fob is nice so when our 1st fob battery dies we have the 2nd one to use until we get a new battery,. You mentioned the "harley connect" which yes is kind of cool but Harley is CHARGING for it, so its not like its this great add on. Other companies offer it for free. Another HUGE issue is the new CVO (TOP OF THE LINE HARLEY) now has no lower fairings. So now not only are there no lowers, but you loose 2 speakers!! You mentioned Harley is adding stuff like abs for free... well why was it $795 plus option on my wife's bike? Again shame on you Harley. Lol wow really, no more 3 bags in the Ultra Limited for 2020? Im glad i got the 2019 Ultra Limited. I actually use them on my over night trips. Again the no vent button on the front bat wing.. i always close it in a heavy rain.... it makes a difference. You say we got all this stuff but its all extra $$$ yet the price didn't really drop, yet they took stuff away... COME ON HARLEY!!!

Great video!! Thanks! I do not think this changes are a big deal. But having two key fob is a must have for me. I got two with my car, and time to time i needed it. All the new add on s are cool! I love Harley! I always did and always will!

Was really irritated with what appeared to be excessive cheapness with excluded items, appreciate you spelling out the added features that seem to more than make up for the cost difference. However, I think we should be able to close the vents. I’ve done that a lot when touring across the country and hit rain. Helped to keep rain off my helmet and didn’t produce excessive head buffeting. Thanks for the vid.

$1900 to black it out??? Hahahaha. Good luck throttling out of your tailspin Harley.

i agree with you Matt - I've been using the heel shifter a long time and i would NOT buy a bike without one. i'm glad i bought a 2019 Ultra where i got the bag inserts as well as the extra fob. I understand these are tough times for the Motor Company but they need to be careful that it doesnt appear to loyal riders that they are cutting items that used to be standard equipment.

Great video and very informative. I do love my heel shifter and that’s the only way I prefer to ride. Everybody has a presence. Kuddos to you on compromising with your clients. Nice job!

I really like the heel shifter on my '17 and do no miss the mark on my boot from the foot shifter only. Plus, I can shift faster with the heel and toe shifter. I assume of you prefer two fobs you could get one, but I do like the second fob for backup. Great job Matt.

Tkx. Matt, your videos are very informative & presented well.

Really liking the blacked out ultra. Heel shifter is a must for me. Bought a 2019 RGS last year. Harley Davidson is the only vehicle manufacturer, motorcycle or car, that makes a person think they should have waited one more year. Lol. Their bikes just keep improving.

Matt, good day. As I sit here reading thru some of my fellow Americans comments I am in awe. I know that you personally read ALL of these comments because YOU CARE. You're a GREAT Man and im staying optimistic that the Motor Company will get thru these difficult times and will continue to thrive however, in my humble opinion it's becoming obvious that they're pulling straws trying to figure out ways to save a buck here and there ALL at the consumers expense when in reality they should consider lowering their price points across the board. 🇺🇸

I too like having to second fob and especially the vents. I ride a Road Glide and do ride in the winter. It makes a big difference to be able to open and close the vents. One more thing I love my heal shifter. I had a hard time getting used to it but I would not want to go without it .