Motorcycle specifications Harley-Davidson1870 Street Glide Special FLHXS 2023 Harley, touring à vif

Black or Chrome? The Street Glide Special is available in a choice of dark or light colors. It's a pleasure to dress it up, because it's a winner no matter what. Chrome exults, while dark reinforces the patina of identity.

But the changes for 2021, timid as they are, go a step further. The height of the crashbars has been reduced, the headlight has been upgraded to a Daymaker LED version, and the fuel tank has a new philosophy. A new 'Bar & Shield' tank medallion is assigned, the filler cap is moved to the side and the entire center console is redesigned.
The 'Specials' in the Touring range don't like to sit still. So they roll on, defying the miles and the standstill.

We saw this again recently. It was 2020, and it was a moment of additional, dynamic technology for the Street Glide Special. The grafting of safety solutions has taken this bagger into a dimension until recently reserved for sports bikes and spirited roadsters. While it's still the engine that transmits its energy to the wheels, algorithms now supervise what's going on. Nothing less than dual-level traction control (Standard or Rain) that can be deactivated, anti-dribble by adjusting engine torque, hill-start assist, tire pressure monitoring, cornering ABS and angle-sensitive coupled braking are all part of the RDRS package. The result is a motorcycle capable of coping with a host of tricky situations. In this way, the Street Glide marks its modernity without denying its identity.

The term Special has taken on a more assertive definition in the Touring range. It now means a darker look and a stern that conquers style. To achieve this, the suitcases seem to scrape the ground, gradually covering the tips of the exhausts. As on the Road King and Road Glide from the same "Dark family", most of the chrome has disappeared, having been swallowed up by black: the engine guard, fork tubes, handlebars and controls, mirrors, indicators, tank console, engine covers, air filter cover and exhaust baffles. The Special is also available with 19" and 18" 'Prodigy' wheels. All of which makes yesterday's Street Glide seem like a wise choice, but it's probably because every Glide has its own unique emotion.

Harley touring isn't just about riding... It's also an identity, and an engine. And this bike has taken a big step forward. Inside the frame lives a big Milwaukee Eight twin, increased to 1868 cm3. Equipped with 4 valves per cylinder, a displacement just ahead of the CVOs, a greatly optimized intake and exhaust, dual ignition and a healthy dose of evolution, this block propels Harley into a new dimension. This Special model makes riding a Street Glide even more exciting.
Since the "normal" Street Glide, Harley has raised the level of equipment on its very popular Touring without encroaching on the Electra's territory. A delicate balance that Davidson knows how to handle to perfection. The FLHX's identity has been totally preserved, and the little S added to the end of the name means an improvement in many small details, from the simplest - like the fairing skirt covered in the same color as the body - to the most entertaining, like the BOOM! Box upgraded to a GTS version. Today, the link with the smartphone is even more important. The H-D Connect app lets you know your bike's position, access essential information from a distance (fuel quantity, trips, range, voltage, etc.) and be alerted in the event of an attack on your Harley.

With the Rushmore project, the Street Glide gained a latest-generation multimedia console in version 4.3. Now, MoCO has installed the top-of-the-range H-D infotainment system on this machine. What really catches the eye is the large 6.5" touchscreen connected to a whole range of amenities. You can plug in your iPhone, MP3, SD card and other USB systems. On its own, the system has plenty to keep you busy: voice recognition phone functions, Bluetooth, GPS, radio, 25 watts per channel. With GTS optimization, the Boom Box is much faster to start up and calculate routes. The screen is more resistant, with greater contrast and higher resolution. In addition to more intuitive navigation, the system is compatible with Apple CarPlay. Almost enough to make us forget for a moment the essential metal that makes a mockery of silicon. Listen to the twin-cylinder too, bazar!!!!

With the Milwaukee Eight, power is the name of the game. It gets 90 horsepower out of its guts and, above all, big torque. From 15.2 with the M8 107 ci, the engine now sends out 16.1 mkg thanks to the more generous cubage. Acceleration is stronger, the potential more eloquent. As a bonus, idle vibrations have been reduced by 75% thanks to a balancer shaft. But the essential Harley character is preserved. To find out more about the Milwaukee Eight engine, click here ->
The rear air suspension has been replaced by Showa emulsion elements, which are easier to adjust in preload and more constant. The fork has also been improved, with SDBV technology offering greater efficiency. In 2014, the technical package had already evolved with a 49 mm fork and Reflex coupled brakes. The Street Glide Rushmore is now equipped with dual halogen headlights, a "One-touch" opening/closing system, cruise control, Batwing fairing with air vents, enlarged panniers, more ergonomic controls, etc...
Success always comes at a high price, but this Street Glide Special is sure to keep the charm alive.

M.B - manufacturer's photos