Driving report Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 – model year 2019
And a comparison 2019 vs 2020
At the end of the season, the tour went to the European Bike Week in Austria Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 2019 To get there, I have to drive around 1,300 kilometers ahead of me, so it's an ideal route for the mile-eater from the touring class . The driving report for the Road Glide Special also talks about the differences between the 2019 and 2020 models. Also watch the video on YouTube.
It stands before me in the color Scorched Orange / Black Denim , a strikingly beautiful color that gives the Road Glide a nice line. The paint shows off particularly well in the sunshine. The special version is a feast for the eyes from the factory, the engine is beautifully black, as are the telescopic forks and the exhaust system.
The 114 cubic inch engine has 1,868 cc and 90hp (x66kw) at 5020 rpm. The crucial thing about the Special is the 163 Nm, which ensures a powerful drive at 3000 rpm. The engine is particularly fun when accelerating out of a curve.
Harley-Davidson states a consumption of around 6 liters per 100 kilometers, it's a bit unusual for us, but that actually works, I sometimes only used 5 liters per 100 km.
With the tank capacity of 22.7 L, a range of 400 kilometers can easily be achieved during normal driving. That's how it has to be with a big tourer. If you don't have to get to the next gas station on the big tour, you don't have to get nervous right away.
The Road Glide covers a wide spectrum, it is suitable for long journeys and it shows off its wide speed range on winding country roads. The ideal cruising speed is between 110 km/h and 130 km/h, consumption is kept within limits and at 130 km/h it can also pull through in 6 gear to start overtaking.
Differences between the 2019 and 2020 model years
HD Connect Harley app
The 2020 model year will receive a variety of new assistance systems and the new HD Connect Harley app launched on the large tourers with BoomBox GTS For around €14 per month or €158 per year, you can activate the new Harley app . This service is free for the first year (as of September 2019)
With the Harley app you have the opportunity to send your tours directly to your Harley's infotainment system. You can monitor the technical systems and also locate the location of the machine. HD Connect is integrated into the Harley app and combines everything with your Harley; all information can be accessed via the bike status.
The service includes a mobile phone connection with GPS function. As soon as someone tries to watch the Harley, you will receive a warning message on your phone, which is a really cool feature.
The new RDRS assistance system package Reflex Defensive Rider Systems
RDRS is your new active assistant
In the 2020 Touring models, Harley-Davidson is introducing the new RDRS system , an active and comprehensive safety system that is intended to defuse dangerous situations with technical intervention while driving. In the animation it looks very good, for example when the cornering anti-lock braking system does its work. You can see the animation in the driving report for the Road Glide Special on YouTube.
A very important feature is the traction control, it is optimized for cornering and also works on straight roads. If you consider that the 114 Milwaukee-Eight engines today have 163 Nm of torque, the rear wheel can spin on wet roads.
The 2019 model still has the ventilation flaps
As of the 2020 model, the ventilation flaps next to the LED reflector headlight are always open; the flaps were removed because, according to Harley-Davidson, it was their experience that many of their customers did not even notice the flaps or do not use them. However, a flap set is offered that the dealer can install later if desired.
VOB – KeylessGo
According to customer surveys, the same thing happened here as with the flaps. The second VOB lies in a drawer most of the time and when it is needed, the battery is empty, which is why from 2020 only one VOB will be included. Ultimately, the alarm system can also be activated using a key combination, which is why a personal key must now be entered when activating it when purchasing a new Harley-Davidson.
The Road Glide Special 2019
The Road Glide Special with the 114 cui Milwaukee-Eight engine doesn't have the assistance systems, so you have to be a little more careful, especially when driving in the rain. What's really fun on dry roads takes a toll on you in the rain.
But it already has the composite anti-lock braking system, the ABS works independently on both wheels. When braking hard, the braking force is distributed across both wheels, even if you only apply the brakes at the front or rear.
The Road Glide Special has the color Scorched Orange / Black Denim, I personally really liked the color, especially in the sunshine. The color design gives the Road Glide a nice line in which the fairing doesn't look so artificial.
Removable King luggage rack for double seat black Art No.: 50300058A approx. 325.-€
Air Wing Sissybar bracket black Art. No.: 52300147 approx. 340,-€
4-point mounting kit black Art. No.: 54246-09A approx. €230
Covers for rear attachment points small, black Art. No.: 48225-10 approx. 50,-€
YouTube: Harley Davidson Road Glide Special 114 – 2019 vs 2020
Technical data
(Information according to the manufacturer)
Milwaukee-Eight engine 114 displacement 1,868ccm
163 NM torque at 3,000 rpm (according to Euronorm EC134/2014)
Power 90PS / x66 Kw at 5020 rpm
Fuel consumption 6L / 100 km
Front tire 130/60B19 61H Rear tire 180/55B18 80H
Weight Ready to drive 391kg Fuel capacity 22.7 L Oil quantity 4.9 L
Prices are current on the Harley-Davidson website (web link)
