Harley-davidson Road Glide Special
The Harley-davidson Road Glide Special has a top speed of 185 km/h, produces 93 hp and weighs 390 kg. Motoryk rates it 8/10.
The Road Glide Special was introduced by Harley-Davidson in 2015 as a premium variant of the Road Glide, featuring the distinctive shark-nose frame-mounted fairing first seen on the original Road Glide in 1998. It brought upgraded components including a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, premium suspension, and refined touring features, distinguishing itself from the standard Road Glide. It remains notable for its unique fairing design that reduces head buffeting at highway speeds and its strong following among long-distance touring riders.
93 hp
Power
150 Nm
Torque
390 kg
Weight
185 km/h
Top Speed
6.0 L/100km (approximately 16.7 km/L) — best estimate based on real-world reports
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Milwaukee-Eight Reliability
The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine is widely regarded as one of Harley's most reliable modern powerplants, with significantly reduced heat and vibration compared to older Twin Cam motors. Regular oil changes every 5,000 miles are critical to maximizing its longevity.
Shark Nose Infotainment Edge
The Road Glide Special's frame-mounted fairing houses a 6.5-inch BOOM! Box GTS touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, giving it a distinct stability advantage over fork-mounted fairings at highway speeds. This tech integration is a major selling point that holds resale value well.
Strong Resale Value
Road Glide Specials consistently retain 70-80% of their value after three years, outperforming many competitors in the touring segment. Watch for front fork seal leaks and primary chain tensioner wear on higher-mileage used models before purchasing.
Generations & Specs by Year
Reintroduced Road Glide with Twin-Cooled Twin Cam 103, reflex linked Brembo brakes, Boom Box infotainment.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine introduced, revised suspension, improved infotainment, quieter and smoother powertrain.
Milwaukee-Eight 114 added as option, Boom Box GTS infotainment, updated chassis and suspension refinements.
Larger 117 Milwaukee-Eight engine standard, updated TPMS, revised styling, enhanced rider safety features.
Used Buyer Review
"Best used touring value if you buy smart and budget for suspension."
$14,000-$22,000 usedThe Road Glide Special is the real deal for long-haul touring, and the used market is absolutely flooded with them — which works in your favour. The shark-nose fairing cuts wind better than most bikes twice its price, and that Milwaukee-Eight 114 (post-2018) is genuinely one of Harley's best engines. Smooth, torquey, and surprisingly refined compared to the old Twin Cam units. Buy 2018 or newer if you can swing it. That said, go in with eyes open. Check the front infotainment screen for dead pixels — it's a known gremlin. Inspect the rear suspension hard, because most previous owners rode two-up with luggage and rarely serviced it. The stock shocks are mediocre from the factory and only get worse with neglect. Budget $500-800 for a Öhlins or Progressive swap almost immediately. Used pricing is soft right now, which is genuinely good news. Dealers are negotiable. Private sellers less so — Harley owners are emotionally attached to what they paid new. Walk away from anything with a lowering kit and oversized ape hangers. That bike has been flogged.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALInspect fairing edges and lower mount tabs for stress cracks
Look under engine for seepage, check dipstick after test ride
Test all audio, GPS, and Bluetooth functions before buying
Listen for ticking or rattling at idle on cold start
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid cruiser, electronics are the weak point
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special
Harley-davidson Electra Glide Ultra
Harley-davidson Road King Special
Harley-davidson Ultra Limited
Harley-davidson Road Glide Ultra
Harley-davidson Road Glide Limited
Compare Harley-davidson Road Glide Special Side-by-Side
compare_arrowsSpecs, power, weight & buyer verdict — head-to-head with the bikes most often cross-shopped.
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Harley-davidson Road Glide Special vs Harley-davidson Road King Special
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Harley-davidson Road Glide Special vs Harley-davidson Ultra Limited
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Harley-davidson Road Glide Special vs Harley-davidson Road Glide Ultra
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Harley-davidson Road Glide Special vs Harley-davidson Road Glide Limited
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special? +
Fairing lowers crack at mounting points: Inspect fairing edges and lower mount tabs for stress cracks (minor) | Milwaukee-Eight oil consumption and leaks: Look under engine for seepage, check dipstick after test ride (moderate) | BOOM! infotainment system freezing or failure: Test all audio, GPS, and Bluetooth functions before buying (moderate)
Is the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special a good motorcycle? +
Best used touring value if you buy smart and budget for suspension. Rating: 8.0/10. Best for: Long-distance riders wanting comfortable, capable touring machines. Avoid if: You want sporty handling or hate dealership servicing.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special? +
The Harley-davidson Road Glide Special produces 93 hp @ 5,020 rpm, with 150 Nm @ 3,250 rpm of torque. Top speed: 185 km/h.
Is the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special good for beginners? +
Not really — the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special is better for experienced riders. Long-distance riders wanting comfortable, capable touring machines Avoid if: You want sporty handling or hate dealership servicing
Is the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special, notably: Primary chain tensioner wear causing noise (Listen for ticking or rattling at idle on cold start). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special good for daily use? +
Long-distance riders wanting comfortable, capable touring machines Fuel: 6.0 L/100km (approximately 16.7 km/L) — best estimate based on real-world reports.
How fast is the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special? +
The Harley-davidson Road Glide Special reaches a top speed of 185 km/h, producing 93 hp at 390 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Road Glide Special? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Road Glide Special, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/road-glide-special/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
