THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON HOT ROD BAGGER SCORES IN 2021 WITH NEW STYLES AND CUSTOM FEATURES
Optional chrome finish and new two-tone paint for the Road Glide Special and Street Glide Special
In the Touring series, three self-confident hot rods in bagger style have the suffix Special in their names: the Road King Special, the Road Glide Special and the Street Glide Special. They will score points in 2021 with new features and equipment variants.
All three machines have an extra-flat look and are powered by the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114. They combine a striking presence with the high level of comfort of the Harley-Davidson touring chassis and cut just as good a figure on the boulevard as they do on an extended journey.
For the 2021 model year, Harley-Davidson is offering the Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special models in new two-tone paintwork and with a black or chrome finish. This means customers now have the choice between a dark, modern look or the classic chrome design. All three special models now also have the fan air filter with washable filter element and low-mounted crash bars.
The Milwaukee Eight 114
The Road King Special, the Road Glide Special and the Street Glide Special are powered by the powerful Milwaukee Eight 114 V2, the most powerful and largest engine available ex works for Harley-Davidson touring models. In the touring chassis, the vibration-isolated V-twin, which is equipped with a balance shaft, enables inspiring performance as well as the look, sound and feel of an authentic Harley-Davidson.
• Displacement: 1,868 cubic centimeters (114 cubic inches)
• Compression: 10.5:1
• Torque: 158 Newton meters at 3,250 revolutions per minute
• Four valves per cylinder for an optimal filling level and powerful torque
• Double ignition for uniform, complete and therefore energy-efficient combustion of the fuel-air mixture and high peak performance
• A single camshaft for reduced mechanical running noise brings the exhaust note to the forefront
• Modern cylinder head design, two knock sensors and a liquid-cooled exhaust area allow increased compression for more torque and powerful pulling power
• 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 consumption and offers increased 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 the long haul. With its torsion-resistant construction, it can easily handle a high load and offers superior stability in every driving situation.
• Fork with dual bending valve technology for linear damping characteristics and high riding comfort.
• The two struts of the rear wheel suspension have emulsion shock absorbers and can be easily adjusted hydraulically using a rotary control.
• A lowered chassis gives the special models their crouched hot rod look.
• The cast light alloy wheels in Prodigy design (19 inches at the front, 18 inches at the 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 when braking when driving straight ahead, so that the bike can always be easily controlled. The ABS regulates the braking force on the front and rear wheels independently of one another, thus preventing uncontrolled locking of the wheels during emergency braking.
• The standard RDRS Safety Enhancements (formerly known as Reflex Defensive Rider Systems, 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 every driving situation. In addition to the features mentioned above, it includes cornering ABS, cornering traction control C-TCS, cornering traction control C-DSCS, tire air pressure monitoring system TPMS and vehicle hold assistant Vehicle Hold Control (VHC).
Street Glide Special
The latest incarnation of the original hot rod bagger wears a classic Harley-Davidson batwing fairing. The Street Glide Special impresses with its superior pulling power, 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 dark styling, but also in chrome styling. Here the engine covers and decorative elements, the handlebars, the exhaust system, the tank console as well as elements on the front wheel fork and other features are chrome-plated. Anyone who chooses this option will receive Prodigy wheels in high-gloss black with high-sheen edges.
• Optional two-tone paint: The Street Glide Special is available in both monochrome versions and a two-tone paint finish, namely Gauntlet Gray Metallic with Vivid Black, in both chrome styling and dark design. The following paint colors are also available:
o Chrome styling (with high-sheen Prodigy wheels in Gloss Black)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Black Jack Metallic, Billiard Red, Custom paint: Snake Venom
o Dark styling (with Gloss Black Prodigy wheels)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Billiard Red, Deadwood Green Denim, Gauntlet Gray Metallic, Custom paint: Snake Venom
• Low-mounted crash bars: In order to underline the crouched look and the extra-flat lines of the Street Glide Special, the crash bars with a 32 millimeter cross section are mounted 280 millimeters lower than on the conventional touring models and are also angled slightly forward to accommodate the driver's footwell not restrict.
• LED headlight: Instead of the previously used halogen headlight, a Daymaker LED headlight is now used. This ensures impressive road illumination at night and helps ensure that the motorcycle is less easily overlooked during the day.
• Tank console: The tank with a volume of 22.7 liters now has a side filler neck and a newly designed, flat tank console, which further emphasizes the low lines and sets the Street Glide Special apart from other touring models.
• Tank Medallion: The redesigned Tank Medallion is based on the classic Bar & Shield logo.
Features
• The batwing fairing has a flat screen and an air duct (splitstream vent) that prevents turbulence in the driver's head area.
• The lockable side cases are pulled down to the rear silencers in the rear area and make the Street Glide Special appear even flatter. Their lids can be conveniently opened with just one hand.
• The one-piece two-person seat is optimized for maximum long-distance comfort.
• Exclusive details: The interior paneling and the panels between the side cases and the rear fender are painted in paint. There is also a slim front fender.
• Tail and brake lights integrated into the rear indicators.
• “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 now also compatible with Android Auto. A connected smartphone allows you to access media and streaming services as well as communication and navigation functions on the go without distraction. (Apple CarPlay can only be used with the 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 with numerous chrome-plated features: In addition to the Dark, the Road Glide Special is now also available in chrome styling. With this finish, the engine covers and decorative elements, the handlebars, the exhaust system, the tank console as well as elements on the front wheel fork and other features are chrome-plated. Anyone who chooses this option will receive Prodigy wheels in high-gloss black with high-sheen edges.
- Optional two-tone paint : The Road Glide Special is available in both monochrome versions and a two-tone paint finish, namely Billiard Red with Vivid Black, in both chrome styling and dark design. The following paint colors are also available:
o Chrome styling (with Gloss Black Prodigy wheels)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Billiard Teal, Midnight Crimson, Custom paint: Snake Venom
o Dark styling (with Gloss Black Prodigy wheels)
Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Billiard Teal, River Rock Gray Denim, Midnight Crimson, Custom paint: Snake Venom
• Low-mounted crash bars: To underline the crouched look and extra-flat lines of the Road Glide Special, the crash bars with a diameter of 32 millimeters are mounted 280 millimeters lower than on conventional touring models and are also angled slightly forward to accommodate the driver's footwell not restrict.
• Tank console: The tank with a volume of 22.7 liters now has a side filler neck and a newly designed, flat tank console, which further emphasizes the low lines and sets the Road Glide Special apart from the other touring models.
• Tank Medallion: The redesigned Tank Medallion is based on the classic Bar & Shield logo.
Features
• The distinctive sharknose fairing with flat window gives the Road Glide Special its characteristic design. Three air channels (splitstream vents) reduce turbulence in the driver's head area. The frame-mounted fairing developed in the wind tunnel ensures maximum driving stability even in crosswinds thanks to 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 are pulled down to the rear silencers in the rear area and make the Road Glide Special appear even flatter. Their lids can be conveniently opened with just one hand.
• The one-piece two-person seat is optimized for maximum long-distance comfort.
• Exclusive details: The interior paneling and the panels between the side cases and the rear fender are painted in paint. There is also a slim front fender.
• Tail and brake lights integrated into the rear indicators.
• “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 now also compatible with Android Auto. A connected smartphone allows you to access media and streaming services as well as communication and navigation functions on the go without distraction. (Apple CarPlay can only be used with the optional headset from the Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories range.)
Road King Special
The classically styled Harley-Davidson gains a completely new character in the Special version thanks to custom Bagger style elements and the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine.
New features for the 2021 model year
• Low-mounted crash bars: To underline the crouched look and flat lines of the Road King Special, 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 driver's foot space .
• LED headlight: Instead of the previously used halogen headlight, a Daymaker LED headlight is now used. This ensures impressive road illumination at night and helps ensure that the motorcycle is less easily overlooked during the day.
• Tank Medallion: The redesigned Tank Medallion is based on the classic Bar & Shield logo.
Features
• Dark styling: engine cover, exhaust muffler and heat shields, headlight fairing, front wheel fork, crash bar, luggage protection bar, handlebars, mirrors, hand and foot levers, tank console, driver and passenger running boards, taillights and front indicators in black.
o Model year 2021 paint colors: Standard paint colors: Vivid Black, Black Jack Metallic, Deadwood Green, Custom paint: Snake Venom
• Mini apehanger: The 228 millimeter high mini apehanger handlebars provide custom flair and an active riding position.
• Striking headlight housing underlines the visual effect of the Daymaker LED headlight.
• The lockable side cases are pulled down to the rear silencers in the rear area and make the Road King Special appear even flatter. Their lids can be conveniently opened with just one hand.
• Exclusive details: The panels between the side cases and the rear fender are painted in paint. There is also a slim front fender.
• Tail and brake lights integrated into the rear indicators.
Copyright: Image credit and release Harley-Davidson