The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is one of the most iconic touring motorcycles ever built—loved for its shark-nose fairing, frame-mounted stability, and unmistakable dual-headlight setup. But if you’re still running stock halogen bulbs, you’re missing out on one of the single biggest performance upgrades you can make: a high-output LED headlight system.
Whether you ride a Road Glide Standard, Special, ST, CVO, Custom Vehicle Ops model, or anything from the early EVO/Twin Cam years, upgrading to LED headlights dramatically improves your lighting power, visibility, and safety in all conditions. Riders immediately notice a wider beam spread, longer throw distance, and a clean white color that transforms nighttime visibility.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about upgrading your Harley Road Glide headlights, including: fitment by model year, the difference between pre-2015 and 2015+ fairings, best LED headlight options, installation steps, DRL wiring, CANBUS notes, troubleshooting tips, and People Also Ask–style FAQs.
Why Upgrade Your Harley Road Glide to LED Headlights?
The Road Glide is built for long-distance riding, but the stock halogen headlights were never designed for today’s highway speeds, LED-filled traffic environments, or low-visibility conditions. Here’s why thousands of Road Glide riders make the switch each year.
1. Massive Increase in Night Visibility
LED headlights produce a sharper, brighter, and wider beam pattern compared to halogen. Quality LED headlights such as Eagle Lights Road Glide LED Systems deliver:
- Up to 6X brighter output than halogen
- Clean white 6000K color temperature
- Longer throw to see farther down dark roads
- Better lighting in corners and turns
- Improved visibility in rain, fog, and low-light conditions
2. Huge Upgrade in Safety
LED headlights help other drivers see you clearly—day or night. Many Road Glide riders report fewer close calls after upgrading, especially in heavy traffic or rural areas.
3. Long Lifespan and Lower Power Draw
Halogen bulbs burn out in ~400 hours. LED headlights last 30,000 to 50,000 hours with zero maintenance. They also draw far less power, helping preserve the charging system on longer rides.
4. Modern Custom Look
The Road Glide dual-headlight layout becomes dramatically cleaner, brighter, and more aggressive with high-output LED modules.
Road Glide Headlight Sizes & Fitment: What You Must Know
The Road Glide uses a unique dual-headlight system housed inside the shark-nose fairing. While Touring models like the Road King and Street Glide use a single 7-inch headlight, the Road Glide uses either:
- Dual 5.75-inch headlight system (pre-2015 Road Glides)
- Single “one-piece” LED assembly (2015 and newer)
The most important factor is the year of your bike.
Harley Road Glide Headlight Fitment by Model Year
Below is the complete LED headlight fitment guide for all Harley-Davidson Road Glide models from the EVO era to the newest Milwaukee-Eight.
✔ Road Glide LED Headlight Fitment (1998–2013)
These years use a dual 5.75-inch headlight system. Each side houses its own individual headlight within the shark-nose fairing.
Compatible LED sizes: Two individual 5.75” LED headlights
Direct fit:
- 1998 Road Glide
- 1999 Road Glide
- 2000–2009 Road Glide
- 2010–2013 Road Glide Custom
- 2010–2013 Road Glide Ultra
Notes for 1998–2013 models:
- Plug-and-play with standard H4 connectors
- No CANBUS issues
- Eagle Lights dual-headlight kits provide a perfect beam alignment for both lenses
✔ Road Glide LED Headlight Fitment (2014 Road Glide)
2014 is a unique year for the Road Glide, as it was released late and has transitional hardware.
- Still uses dual 5.75” headlights
- Uses updated fairing internals
- Most LED kits still plug in without modification
This year is fully compatible with LED upgrades such as Eagle Lights 5.75" Dual Projection LED Kits.
✔ Road Glide LED Headlight Fitment (2015–2025 Road Glide Models)
In 2015, Harley-Davidson redesigned the Road Glide fairing during the Project Rushmore era, introducing:
- A completely new one-piece dual LED assembly
- Single molded housing instead of two separate lights
- Improved DRL and reflector design
Compatible Models (2015+):
- 2015–2022 Road Glide
- 2015–2022 Road Glide Special
- 2015–2022 Road Glide Ultra
- 2017–2020 Road Glide CVO
- 2021–2025 Road Glide Limited
- 2021–2025 Road Glide Special
- 2023–2025 Road Glide ST
- 2023–2025 Road Glide CVO
Compatible LED upgrade type: 2015+ Road Glides require a single Road Glide LED assembly designed specifically for the newer fairing.
Fitment notes:
- Plug-and-play for all 2015–2025 Road Glide models
- No adapters needed
- CANBUS-compatible systems recommended
- Eagle Lights full-assembly LED headlights fit perfectly without modification
Best LED Headlights for Harley Road Glide
Choosing the right LED headlight depends on whether your Road Glide is older (dual 5.75”) or newer (single LED assembly). Below are the best upgrade options.
Best LED Headlights for 1998–2013 Road Glide
- Eagle Lights Generation III 5.75" LED Headlights (Dual Kit)
- Eagle Lights Projection Dual Beam System
- Eagle Lights Infinity Beam 5.75” LED Pair
These provide:
- Perfect beam alignment for both lenses
- Massive increase in down-road visibility
- DOT-compliant cutoff and hotspot control
- High-lumen output for touring at night
Best LED Headlights for 2015–2025 Road Glide
- Eagle Lights Road Glide LED Full Replacement Assembly
- Eagle Lights Generation II Road Glide LED Kit
- Eagle Lights Road Glide Projection Series
Benefits include:
- One-piece, plug-and-play installation
- Integrated DRL halo bars for maximum daytime visibility
- Superior beam depth and width compared to stock
- Perfect fit for 2015–2025 frames
How to Install an LED Headlight on a Harley Road Glide
Road Glide installation is easier than most riders expect. The process varies slightly by year, so below are step-by-step guides for both generations.
Installation Guide for 1998–2013 Road Glide (Dual 5.75” Lights)
Step 1: Remove the Outer Fairing
- Remove the windshield screws
- Remove the outer fairing screws
- Disconnect the turn signal harness (depending on model)
Step 2: Remove the Stock Headlights
- Unscrew each headlight mounting ring
- Disconnect both H4 connectors
- Remove the stock bulbs or sealed units
Step 3: Install Both LED Headlights
- Connect the plug-and-play H4 connectors
- Position headlights into the headlight housings
- Secure with mounting rings
Step 4: Reinstall the Fairing
Reconnect wiring, reinstall screws, and tighten the windshield bolts.
Installation Guide for 2015–2025 Road Glide (Single Assembly)
Step 1: Remove Windshield and Outer Fairing
Remove three windshield screws and the lower fairing screws.
Step 2: Disconnect the Factory Headlight Assembly
Unplug the Road Glide main connector behind the fairing.
Step 3: Install the New LED Assembly
- Plug in the new LED harness
- Position the assembly into the mounting points
- Tighten the bolts securely
Step 4: Reassemble the Fairing
Reinstall the windshield, trim, and screws.
Road Glide LED Headlight Wiring Notes
Most modern LED systems are plug-and-play, but here are some important notes for a clean installation.
2015+ Road Glide DRL Wiring
Some Road Glide LED assemblies include optional auxiliary DRL (daytime running light) wiring. These may include:
- Halo DRL bars
- White DRL strips
- Amber turn signals
DRL wiring is optional but strongly recommended for maximum daytime visibility.
CANBUS Notes for 2014+ Touring Models
The Harley touring CANBUS system monitors electrical load. Quality LED systems (including all Eagle Lights Road Glide kits) include:
- Built-in resistors
- Anti-flicker circuitry
- CANBUS-safe design
This ensures your lights won’t flicker, hyperflash, or throw error codes.
Common Road Glide LED Headlight Issues (and How to Fix Them)
Even with plug-and-play systems, a few common issues can occur.
1. LED Flickering on 2014+ Models
Cause: CANBUS system detecting low-load.
Fix: Use a CANBUS-stabilized LED system (all Eagle Lights assemblies include stabilization).
2. Only One Side of the Headlight Turns On (Pre-2014)
Cause: Loose H4 connector or improper grounding.
Fix: Reseat and tighten connectors.
3. DRL Bar Not Lighting Up
Cause: DRL wire not connected to accessory power.
Fix: Tap the DRL wire into switched 12V power behind the fairing.
4. Condensation Inside the Headlight
Cause: Stock rubber boot reused incorrectly.
Fix: Use the LED-compatible boot included with your kit.
Harley Road Glide LED Headlight Fitment Table
| Road Glide Model Year | Headlight Type | LED Size / Assembly Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1998–2013 | Dual headlights | Two 5.75" LED headlights |
| 2014 | Dual headlights | Two 5.75" LED headlights (updated fitment) |
| 2015–2025 | Single molded assembly | Road Glide LED replacement assembly |
Frequently Asked Questions
What size headlights are on a Harley Road Glide?
1998–2014 Road Glides use dual 5.75-inch headlights. 2015–2025 Road Glides use a single LED headlight assembly.
Are Road Glide LED headlights plug-and-play?
Yes. High-quality systems such as Eagle Lights LED assemblies are plug-and-play for all model years.
Do LED headlights make a big difference on a Road Glide?
Yes, they dramatically improve nighttime visibility, daytime visibility, safety, and overall road clarity.
Do I need a CANBUS adapter for Road Glide LEDs?
No. Quality LED systems for Road Glide include built-in CANBUS stabilization.
How long do LED motorcycle headlights last?
Most LED headlights last 30,000–50,000 hours with zero maintenance.
What is the best LED headlight for a Road Glide?
For 2015–2025 models, a single full-assembly LED headlight such as the Eagle Lights Road Glide LED system is the best option. For 1998–2013 models, dual 5.75-inch Eagle Lights LEDs offer the strongest upgrade.
Final Thoughts: The Best Road Glide Lighting Upgrade You Can Make
Upgrading your Harley-Davidson Road Glide with a premium LED headlight system instantly enhances nighttime visibility, improves safety, modernizes the bike’s appearance, and provides long-term reliability. Whether you ride an early EVO Road Glide, a Twin Cam Road Glide Custom, or a modern Milwaukee-Eight ST or CVO, there is a perfect LED upgrade built for your exact model.
Eagle Lights offers industry-leading LED headlights designed specifically for all Road Glide generations, ensuring perfect beam patterns, plug-and-play installation, and unmatched durability. With the right LED upgrade, every ride becomes clearer, safer, and more enjoyable—day or night.