The Harley-Davidson Hot Rod Bagger scores in 2021 with new styles and custom features
Optional chrome finish and new two-tone paint finishes for the Road Glide Special and Street Glide Special
In the Touring series, three confident bagger-style hot rods bear the word "Special" in their names: the Road King Special, the Road Glide Special, and the Street Glide Special. They score points in 2021 with new features and equipment variants.
All three machines feature an extra-low profile and are powered by the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. They combine a striking presence with the high comfort of the Harley-Davidson touring chassis and cut a fine figure on the boulevard as well as on extended journeys.
For the 2021 model year, Harley-Davidson is offering the Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special models in new two-tone paint schemes and with a black or chrome finish. This gives customers the choice between a dark, modern look or the classic chrome design. All three Special models now also feature a fan air filter with a washable filter element and low-mounted crash bars.
The Milwaukee-Eight 114
The Road King Special, Road Glide Special, and Street Glide Special are powered by the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 V2, the most powerful and largest displacement engine offered ex-factory for Harley-Davidson Touring models. In the Touring chassis, the vibration-isolated V-Twin engine with balance shaft delivers thrilling performance and the look, sound, and feel of an authentic Harley-Davidson.
• Displacement: 1,868 cubic centimeters (114 cubic inches)
• Compression ratio: 10.5:1
• Torque: 158 Newton meters at 3,250 revolutions per minute
• Four valves per cylinder for optimum filling and powerful torque
• Dual ignition for even, complete, and therefore energy-efficient combustion of the fuel-air mixture and high peak power
• A single camshaft for reduced mechanical noise brings the exhaust sound to the fore
• Modern cylinder head design, two knock sensors, and a liquid-cooled exhaust port area allow for increased compression for more torque and powerful acceleration
• V-Twin with 45-degree cylinder angle for the look, sound, and feel of an authentic Harley-Davidson engine
• Cruise-Drive six-speed transmission for low engine speeds on the highway reduces fuel consumption and offers added driving comfort
• New fan air filter with washable filter element combines optimized intake airflow with dynamic styling
The Harley-Davidson Touring Chassis
The frame of the Harley-Davidson Touring models is built for long distances. With its torsion-resistant construction, it can easily handle heavy loads and offers superior stability in every riding situation.
• Fork with dual-bending valve technology for linear damping characteristics and high riding comfort.
• The two rear suspension struts feature emulsion shock absorbers and can be conveniently adjusted hydraulically using a rotary control.
• A lowered chassis gives the special models their crouched hot rod look.
• The Prodigy-design alloy wheels (19-inch front, 18-inch rear) are reserved for the Special models.
• The Brembo braking system with electronic brake force distribution and anti-lock braking system prevents the wheels from locking up when braking in a straight line, ensuring that the bike remains easy to control at all times. The ABS regulates the braking force on the front and rear wheels independently of each other, preventing uncontrolled wheel lock-up during emergency braking.
• The standard RDRS Safety Enhancements (formerly known as Reflex Defensive Rider Systems, or RDRS for short) form an electronic assistance system package that reliably prevents the available tire grip from being exceeded by drive and braking force in any riding situation. In addition to the features mentioned above, it includes cornering ABS, cornering traction control (C-TCS), cornering drive slip control (C-DSCS), tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and Vehicle Hold Control (VHC).
Street Glide Special
The latest incarnation of the original hot rod bagger features classic Harley-Davidson batwing fairing. The Street Glide Special impresses with its powerful acceleration, typical Harley-Davidson long-distance comfort, and fascinating custom design.
New features for the 2021 model year
- Optionally available with numerous chrome-plated features: In 2021, the Street Glide Special is available not only in a dark style, but also in a chrome style. Here, the engine covers and trim elements, handlebars, exhaust system, tank console, elements on the front fork, and other features are chrome-plated. Those who choose this option receive Prodigy wheels in high-gloss black with polished edges.
- Optional two-tone paint finish: The Street Glide Special is available in both monochrome versions and a two-tone paint scheme, namely in Gauntlet Gray Metallic with Vivid Black, in both chrome styling and dark design. In addition, the following paint colors are available:
o Chrome styling (with gloss-finished Prodigy wheels in Gloss Black)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Black Jack Metallic, Billiard Red, Custom paint: Snake Venom
o Dark styling (with Prodigy wheels in gloss black)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Billiard Red, Deadwood Green Denim, Gauntlet Gray Metallic, Custom paint: Snake Venom
- Low-mounted crash bars: To emphasize the Street Glide Special's low-slung look and ultra-flat lines, the crash bars with a cross-section of 32 millimeters are mounted 280 millimeters lower than on conventional touring models and are also angled slightly forward so as not to restrict the rider's foot space.
- LED headlights: Instead of the halogen headlight used previously, a Daymaker LED headlight is now used. This provides impressive road illumination at night and helps to make the motorcycle less easily overlooked during the day.
- Fuel tank console: The 22.7-liter fuel tank now features a side filler neck and a newly designed, flat tank console, which further emphasizes the low profile and sets the Street Glide Special apart from other Touring models.
- Tank medallion: The newly designed fuel tank medallion is based on the classic Bar & Shield logo.
Features
• The Batwing fairing features a flat windshield and an air duct (Splitstream Vent) that prevents turbulence around the rider's head.
• The lockable side cases extend down to the rear mufflers, giving the Street Glide Special an even sleeker look. Their lids can be opened easily with just one hand.
• The one-piece two-person seat is optimized for maximum comfort on long journeys.
• Exclusive details: The interior trim and the panels between the side cases and the rear fender are painted. There is also a slim front fender.
• Rear and brake lights integrated into the rear turn signals.
• Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with color touchscreen, navigation system, voice recognition (when using a compatible headset), and audio system with two speakers.
Beyond Apple CarPlay, the Boom! Box GTS system is now also compatible with Android Auto. This allows a connected smartphone to access media and streaming services as well as communication and navigation functions without distraction while on the road. (Apple CarPlay can only be used with an optional headset from the Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories range.)
Road Glide Special
The powerful custom bagger is the perfect synthesis of sporty design, good aerodynamics, and the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.
New features for the 2021 model year
- Optionally available with numerous chrome-plated features: The Road Glide Special is now also available in chrome styling in addition to dark styling. With this finish, the engine covers and trim elements, handlebars, exhaust system, tank console, elements on the front fork, and other features are chrome-plated. Those who choose this option receive Prodigy wheels in high-gloss black with polished edges.
- Optional two-tone paint finishThe Road Glide Special is available in both monochrome versions and a two-tone color scheme, namely Billiard Red with Vivid Black, in both chrome styling and dark design. In addition, the following paint colors are available:
o Chrome styling (with gloss-finished Prodigy wheels in Gloss Black)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Billiard Teal, Midnight Crimson, Custom paint: Snake Venom
o Dark styling (with Prodigy wheels in gloss black)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Billiard Teal, River Rock Gray Denim, Midnight Crimson, Custom paint: Snake Venom
- Low-mounted crash bars: To emphasize the Road Glide Special's low-slung look and ultra-flat lines, the 32-millimeter diameter crash bars are mounted 280 millimeters lower than on conventional touring models and are also angled slightly forward so as not to restrict the rider's foot space.
- Fuel tank console: The 22.7-liter fuel tank now features a side filler neck and a newly designed, flat tank console, which further emphasizes the low profile and sets the Road Glide Special apart from other Touring models.
- Tank medallion: The newly designed fuel tank medallion is based on the classic Bar & Shield logo.
Features
• The distinctive shark nose fairing with flat windshield gives the Road Glide Special its characteristic design. Three air channels (Splitstream Vents) reduce turbulence around the rider's head. Developed in the wind tunnel, the frame-mounted fairing ensures maximum riding stability even in crosswinds thanks to its aerodynamic optimization.
• Two Daymaker LED headlights turn night into day and reduce the risk of being overlooked by other road users.
• The lockable side cases extend down to the rear mufflers, giving the Road Glide Special an even sleeker look. Their lids can be opened easily with just one hand.
• The one-piece two-person seat is optimized for maximum comfort on long journeys.
• Exclusive details: The interior trim and the panels between the side cases and the rear fender are painted. There is also a slim front fender.
• Rear and brake lights integrated into the rear turn signals.
• Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with color touchscreen, navigation system, voice recognition (when using a compatible headset), and audio system with two speakers.
Beyond Apple CarPlay, the Boom! Box GTS system is now also compatible with Android Auto. This allows a connected smartphone to access media and streaming services as well as communication and navigation functions without distraction while on the road. (Apple CarPlay can only be used with an optional headset from the Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories range.)
Road King Special
The classically styled Harley-Davidson takes on a whole new character in the Special version thanks to custom bagger styling elements and the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.
New features for the 2021 model year
- Low-mounted crash bars: To emphasize the Road King Special's low-slung look and flat lines, the 32-millimeter-thick crash bars are mounted 280 millimeters lower than on other Touring models and are also angled slightly forward so as not to restrict the rider's foot space.
- LED headlights: Instead of the halogen headlight used previously, a Daymaker LED headlight is now used. This provides impressive road illumination at night and helps to make the motorcycle less easily overlooked during the day.
- Tank medallion: The newly designed fuel tank medallion is based on the classic Bar & Shield logo.
Features
• Dark styling: engine cover, exhaust muffler and heat shields, headlight fairing, front fork, crash bars, luggage rack, handlebars, mirrors, hand and foot levers, tank console, driver and passenger footboards, rear lights, and front turn signals in black.
o Paint colors for the 2021 model year: Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Black Jack Metallic, Deadwood Green, Custom paint: Snake Venom
• Mini ape hanger: The 228-millimeter-high mini ape hanger handlebars provide custom flair and an active riding position.
• Striking headlight housing emphasizes the visual impact of the Daymaker LED headlight.
• The lockable side cases extend down to the rear mufflers, giving the Road King Special an even lower profile. Their lids can be opened easily with just one hand.
• Exclusive details: The panels between the side cases and the rear fender are painted. There is also a slim front fender.
• Rear and brake lights integrated into the rear turn signals.
Copyright: Image credits and approval Harley-Davidson
