Test ride report: Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 114 – 2019 model year
And a comparison of 2019 vs. 2020
At the end of the season, the tour went with the current 2019 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special to European Bike Week in Austria. To get there, I have a journey of around 1,300 kilometers ahead of me, which is an ideal route for the mileage-eater from the touring class. In the driving report to Road Glide Special, it's also about the differences between the 2019 and 2020 models. Check out the video on YouTube.
It is available in the color Scorched Orange / Black Denim In front of me, a strikingly beautiful color that gives the Road Glide a beautiful line. The paintwork really comes into its own in the sunshine. The Special Version is a feast for the eyes straight from the factory, with the engine finished in a beautiful black, as are the telescopic fork and the exhaust system.
The 114 cubic inch engine has 1,868 cc and 90 hp (66 kW), which is available at 5,020 rpm. The decisive factor in the Special, however, is the 163 Nm, which provides powerful drive at 3,000 rpm. The engine is particularly enjoyable when accelerating out of corners.
Harley-Davidson states fuel consumption of approx. 6 liters per 100 kilometers, which is somewhat unusual for us, but it is actually accurate; in some cases, I have even consumed only 5 liters per 100 km.
With a tank capacity of 22.7 liters, a range of 400 kilometers can easily be achieved under normal driving conditions. That's how it should be with a large touring bike—if the next gas station is a long way off on a long trip, there's no need to get nervous.
The Road Glide covers a wide range; it is suitable for long distances and shows off its wide rev range on winding country roads. The ideal cruising speed is between 110 km/h and 130 km/h, fuel consumption is reasonable, and at 130 km/h it can pull away in 6th gear to start overtaking.
Differences between the 2019 and 2020 model years
H-D Connect Harley app
The Model year 2020 receives a wide range of new assistance systems and the new H-D Connect Harley app goes with the large touring bikes with BoomBox GTS For approximately $14 per month or $158 per year, you can activate the new Harley app. This service is free of charge for the first year (as of September 2019).
With the Harley app, you can send your tours directly to your Harley's infotainment system. You can monitor the technical systems and also locate the machine. H-D Connect is transferred to the Harley app Integrated and connected to your Harley, all information is available via Bike Status.
The service includes a mobile phone connection with GPS functionality. As soon as someone looks at the Harley, you receive a warning message on your cell phone, which is a really cool feature.
The new RDRS assistance system package Reflex Defensive Rider Systems
RDRS is your new active assistant
Harley-Davidson is introducing the new RDRS system an active and comprehensive safety system designed to defuse dangerous situations while driving by means of technical intervention. The animation looks very good when, for example, the cornering anti-lock braking system does its job. You can see the animation in the Road Glide Special test drive report on YouTube.
Traction control is a very important feature. It is optimized for cornering and also works on straight stretches. Considering that the 114 Milwaukee-Eight engines now deliver 163 Nm of torque, the rear wheel can spin on wet roads.
The 2019 model still has the ventilation flaps.
Starting with the 2020 model, the ventilation flaps next to the LED reflector headlights are always open. The flaps were removed because, according to Harley-Davidson, experience showed that many of their customers did not even notice the flaps or did not use them. However, a flap set is available, which the dealer can retrofit on request.
VOB – KeylessGo
According to customer surveys, the same thing has happened here as with the flaps. The second VOB spends most of its time in a drawer, and when it is needed, the battery is dead. For this reason, only one VOB will be supplied from 2020 onwards. Ultimately, the alarm system can also be activated via a key combination, which is why a personal key must now be entered when activating a new Harley-Davidson.
The 2019 Road Glide Special
The Road Glide Special with the 114 cui Milwaukee-Eight engine does not have the assistance systems, so you have to be a little more careful when riding in the rain. While it's really fun on dry roads, it's challenging in the rain.
However, it already has the combined anti-lock braking system, which works independently on both wheels. During heavy braking, the braking force is distributed to both wheels, even if only the front or rear brakes are applied.
The Road Glide Special comes in Scorched Orange/Black Denim, and I personally really liked the color, especially in the sunshine. The color design gives the Road Glide a beautiful line, in which the fairing does not look so out of place.
Removable King luggage rack for double seat, black Item No.: 50300058A approx. €325
Air Wing Sissy Bar Bracket, Black Item No.: 52300147 approx. $340
4-point mounting kit, black Item No.: 54246-09A approx. €230
Covers for rear mounting points, small, black Item No.: 48225-10 approx. €50
YouTube: Harley Davidson Road Glide Special 114 – 2019 vs 2020
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More InformationTechnical data
(Information provided by the manufacturer)
Milwaukee-Eight engine 114 displacement 1,868cc
163 NM torque at 3,000 RPM (according to Euro standard EC134/2014)
Power 90 hp / 66 kW at 5020 rpm
Fuel consumption 6L / 100 km
Front tire 130/60B19 61H Rear tire 180/55B18 80H
Weight, ready to drive: 391 kg Fuel capacity: 22.7 L Oil capacity: 4.9 L
Prices are currently listed on the Harley-Davidson website (web link).
