Positioning:
The 2017 Road Glide Special is a premium, long-distance touring motorcycle within Harley-Davidson's touring lineup, known for its distinctive fairing design and rider-focused amenities.
Competitors:
Competes with other large-displacement touring motorcycles such as Indian Roadmaster, Honda Gold Wing, and BMW R 1250 RT.
Features:
Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, iconic Batwing fairing with dual Daymaker LED headlights, Boom! Box 6.5 GT infotainment system, integrated hard saddlebags, cruise control, premium suspension.
Engine Systems:
Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-Twin, engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system (EFI), ignition system, exhaust system, emissions control.
Transmission Drivetrain:
6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, clutch assembly, primary drive, final drive, gearbox components, lubrication, troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system, ignition system, lighting (headlights, taillights, turn signals), instrumentation, infotainment system, sensor diagnostics, security system.
Chassis Suspension:
Frame, front fork (RDRS - Road Glide Suspension System), rear shock absorbers, swingarm, wheel bearings, steering head bearings, suspension adjustments, fork seals, shock replacement.
Braking System:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid specifications, caliper service, rotor replacement, brake line maintenance, bleeding procedures.
Bodywork Fairings:
Fairing removal and installation, body panel repair and replacement, saddlebag mounting and latches, seat assembly, fuel tank removal and installation, paint and finish care.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake system checks, tire pressure, clutch adjustment, belt tensioning.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), systematic troubleshooting guides, common problems and solutions, electrical system troubleshooting charts.
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, assembly, and adjustment of all major systems.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, diagnostic connector pinouts.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic owner maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes advanced diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Milwaukee-Eight 107
Displacement:
1745 cc (107 cubic inches)
Configuration:
45-degree V-twin, four-valve per cylinder, pushrod-actuated overhead valves
Cooling System:
Twin-Cooled (oil and liquid cooling for cylinder heads)
Bore X Stroke:
100.0 mm x 111.1 mm (3.94 in x 4.37 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Torque:
111.4 ft-lbs @ 3250 RPM (151 Nm @ 3250 RPM) (Manufacturer Claim)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum octane rating 91
Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin Synthetic SAE 20W-50
Oil Capacity:
5.0 US qt (4.7 L) (with filter change)
ABS:
Standard (Front and Rear Reflex™ linked with optional ABS)
Braking:
Dual 320mm front discs with 4-piston calipers, Single 300mm rear disc with 4-piston caliper, optional ABS.
Lighting:
Daymaker™ LED Headlamp, LED Taillight, LED Front Turn Signals.
Instrumentation:
Analog tachometer and speedometer with multi-function display (gear indicator, fuel level, clock, trip meter, etc.).
Security:
Standard Smart Security System with proximity-based key fob.
System:
Boom!™ Box 6.5 GT Infotainment System
Features:
6.5-inch color touchscreen, AM/FM radio, integrated navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and music, USB port, voice recognition, hand control operation.
Speakers:
Dual front speakers in fairing, 25W per channel amplifier.
ABS:
Reflex™ Linked Brembo® Brakes with standard ABS.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Standard for audio streaming and hands-free calling.
Usb Port:
Provided for charging and audio device connection.
First Service:
1000 miles (1600 km) or 6 months (whichever comes first) - typically includes engine oil, primary oil change, filter replacement, inspection of critical components.
Subsequent Service:
Every 5000 miles (8000 km) or 12 months (whichever comes first) for routine maintenance, with more comprehensive checks at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 10,000, 20,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Genuine V-Twin Synthetic SAE 20W-50
Primary Chaincase Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant or SAE 50
Transmission Oil Type:
Harley-Davidson Formula+ Transmission and Primary Chaincase Lubricant or SAE 50
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific Harley-Davidson recommendation)
Coolant Type:
Harley-Davidson Coolant (for Twin-Cooled systems) - typically a silicate-free, long-life ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Common Issues:
Potential for cam chain tensioner wear (early Twin Cam predecessor, less prevalent on Milwaukee-Eight but still a check item), exhaust header pipe fitment/loosening, infotainment system glitches, electrical connector corrosion in humid environments. The manual provides guidance on diagnosing and addressing these.
Heritage:
Harley-Davidson boasts a rich history dating back to 1903, synonymous with American motorcycle culture and cruiser/touring segment dominance.
Evolution Road Glide:
The Road Glide platform, known for its frame-mounted fairing offering superior wind protection and handling, has evolved significantly, with the 'Project RUSHMORE' update in 2014 bringing major technological and ergonomic improvements.
Evolution Milwaukee Eight:
The 2017 model year marked the debut of the Milwaukee-Eight engine family, replacing the Twin Cam engines, offering increased power, torque, and improved rider comfort.
Manufacturing Location:
United States (Various Harley-Davidson assembly plants)
