2017 FLTRXS Road Glide Special Impresses ‘American Iron’
All-new Milwaukee Eight engine shines as the heart of the bagger.
Few vehicles encompass the bagger ideology as much as the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special. And the latest model builds upon everything the motorcycle has always done so well. American Iron got the opportunity to ride the new 2017 FLTRXS Road Glide Special and found the bike to be an excellent companion for riders looking to turn trips into journeys.
The main talking point for the Road Glide Special is its new Milwaukee-Eight engine that makes cruising the open road enjoyable. Short after hitting the highway, the reviewer found himself behind a tractor-trailer – something no biker likes to see. After waiting for an opportunity to pass the semi, the rider got a chance to test the bikes motor.
“This new engine has torque (I almost feel guilty about not spelling that with a capital T!) in spades, making downshifting optional under most riding conditions,” says the reviewer. Needless to say, he likes the torque. And who wouldn’t?
The Road Glide Special is an imposing bike because of its size, but the motorcycle still manages to provide riders of all shapes and sizes with a comfortable seating position. American Iron’s reviewer measures 5’8” and has a 30” inch inseam and found the motorcycle to be a good fit.
“I can flat foot stops at traffic lights thanks to a claimed seat height of 25.9” (laden), and the reach to the handgrips is relaxed and natural.” The reviewer also appreciated the Road Glide Special’s seat, and the way the windshield and the front fairing’s ducting that allowed the ideal amount of air to get buy without ruining the ride.
The Road Glide Special, though, is still a bagger. And at the end of the day, it needs to be able to hold a decent amount of gear. To that end, the motorcycle doesn’t disappoint. “The RG Special’s two lockable saddlebags boast a claimed 2.3 cubic feet of storage capacity…I can say that I was able to pack three days worth of personal inventory plus my camera gear,” writes the reviewer.
The new Road Glide Special is filled with attitude, continues to offer a refined ride, and can hold enough gear for lengthy expeditions. As the reviewer from American Iron put it, “Moreover, after spending all day in the saddle, I never felt fatigued or beaten. I always looked forward to the next day’s ride.”
