Segment:
Full-size touring motorcycle, premium custom segment.
Target Audience:
Riders seeking long-distance touring comfort with custom styling and significant V-twin performance.
Key Competitors:
Indian Roadmaster, Honda Gold Wing, Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager, Yamaha Star Venture.
Model Distinction:
The Road Glide Custom differentiates itself with its frame-mounted fairing for reduced fork-induced steering effort, contributing to a stable ride, especially at highway speeds.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 103 cubic inch (1690cc) Twin Cam V-twin engine.
Suspension Type:
Dual front telescopic forks with 4.7 inches of travel, rear swingarm with dual shocks featuring adjustable preload.
Braking System:
Dual 32mm, 4-piston front calipers with 300mm discs, single 32mm, 4-piston rear caliper with 300mm disc. Optional Reflex Linked Bosch integrated disc brakes with ABS available.
Engine:
103 cubic inch Twin Cam 103 engine; Engine assembly, disassembly, diagnostics, troubleshooting, performance tuning, emissions control, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled).
Transmission:
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission; Clutch assembly, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, lubrication, troubleshooting.
Fuel System:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI); Throttle body, fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel lines, diagnostics, calibration.
Electrical System:
Ignition system, charging system (stator, regulator/rectifier), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery, lighting (headlight, taillight, turn signals), instrumentation, wiring diagrams, diagnostic codes (DTCs).
Brakes:
Hydraulic disc brakes (front and rear); Brake caliper service, master cylinder overhaul, brake fluid bleeding, ABS system (if equipped), troubleshooting.
Suspension:
Front telescopic forks and rear shock absorbers; Fork seal replacement, fork oil service, shock absorber replacement, adjustments, troubleshooting.
Frame And Body:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, fairing components, seat assembly, saddlebags, fuel tank service, fender replacement.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel bearing service, tire replacement, wheel balancing, specifications.
Exhaust System:
Exhaust pipe and muffler service, gasket replacement, heat shields.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, spark plug replacement, air filter service, drive belt inspection and adjustment, brake fluid flush, clutch fluid flush.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostics, fault code identification and resolution, performance issues, starting problems, electrical gremlins.
Repair:
Complete engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, bodywork repairs.
Installation:
Component replacement procedures, accessory installation guidelines (as applicable to factory specifications).
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and factory specifications.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103, pushrod V-twin
Displacement:
103 cu in (1690 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
3.875 in x 4.38 in (98.4 mm x 111.3 mm)
Valve Train:
Overhead valves (OHV), 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod actuated.
Horsepower Estimated:
Approx. 70-75 HP (at crankshaft, depending on tuning and exhaust)
Torque Estimated:
Approx. 95-100 lb-ft @ 3000-3500 RPM (at crankshaft)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium unleaded gasoline, 91 octane or higher recommended.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
6.0 gallons (22.7 L)
Oil Capacity:
3.7 U.S. quarts (3.5 L)
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 Full Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant or equivalent API SG certified SAE 20W-50 synthetic oil.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Cruise Drive
Primary Drive:
Perimeter, ball bearing, 1.375 in
Final Drive:
Belt, 14 mm pitch, 1.5 in width
Clutch Type:
Clutched, hydraulically operated, 10 plate wet
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
1.0 U.S. quarts (0.95 L)
Transmission Fluid Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission, Lubricant, or Syn3 Full Synthetic or equivalent SAE 85W-140.
ABS Availability:
Optional Reflex Linked Bosch integrated disc brakes with ABS.
Braking:
Standard dual 300mm front discs with 4-piston calipers and single 300mm rear disc with 4-piston caliper. Optional ABS integration.
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED taillight and brake lights, amber incandescent turn signals.
Frame Construction:
Steel, 2-2-1-2-2 tublar, rigid backbone with trike frame design for stability.
Audio System:
Boom!™ Audio system with AM/FM tuner, CB/Voxing, and Jukebox functionality (via USB).
Display:
Fairing-mounted 5.25-inch speakers and integrated display for audio and system information.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
ABS:
Optional Reflex Linked Bosch integrated disc brakes with ABS.
Usb Port:
Standard USB input for audio devices.
First Service:
1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first (oil change, primary chain tensioner check, filter inspection).
Subsequent Oil Change:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km), check tension and condition.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 24 months, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil:
Harley-Davidson SYN3 Full Synthetic Motorcycle Lubricant or equivalent SAE 20W-50 synthetic (API SG).
Transmission Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Lubricant, or Syn3 Full Synthetic or equivalent SAE 85W-140.
Primary Chain Case Fluid:
Harley-Davidson Formula + Transmission Lubricant or Syn3 Full Synthetic.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (for non-ABS models); DOT 4 ESP (for ABS models) for specific systems.
Common Wear Items:
Clutch plates, primary chain tensioner (early hydraulic type), wheel bearings, fork seals.
Potential Electrical:
While generally robust, issues with charging systems (regulator/rectifier) or sensor failures can occur with age.
Engine Performance:
Some riders report needing to optimize fuel mapping for aftermarket exhaust or intake modifications to prevent lean conditions.
Manufacturer:
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, established 1903.
Family Origin:
The Road Glide platform was introduced in 1980, evolving significantly over the decades. The 'Custom' variant emphasizes enhanced styling and premium features.
Platform Updates:
The 2009 model year saw a significant redesign of the touring chassis, and the introduction of the Twin Cam 103 engine on select models began around 2007-2010, becoming standard on many touring bikes by 2011.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (York, Pennsylvania and Milwaukee, Wisconsin assembly plants).