🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Harley-Davidson

Model:

Road Glide Special

Year:

2015

Product Type:

Service Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Category:

Premium Grand American Touring Motorcycle

Target Audience:

Long-distance riders, touring enthusiasts, those seeking a comfortable and powerful cruiser with substantial luggage capacity and wind protection.

Competitors:

Indian Roadmaster, Honda Gold Wing, BMW R1250RT, Yamaha Star Venture.

Styling:

Batwing fairing, integrated saddlebags, classic Harley-Davidson aesthetic.

Performance:

Torquey V-Twin engine, comfortable ride for long distances.

Technology:

Boom! Box infotainment system, cruise control, ABS, optional infotainment upgrades.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special 2015

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but indicative of comprehensive content)

Type:

Factory Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Detailed diagnostics, repair procedures, specifications for the Twin Cam 103 engine.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, sensors, and diagnostic procedures.

Ignition System:

Ignition timing, coil, spark plugs, ignition module diagnostics.

Transmission:

Six-speed Cruise Drive transmission service, overhaul, clutch service, and lubrication.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter, battery), lighting, instrumentation, and accessory circuits.

Braking System:

Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and service, brake fluid replacement, caliper and rotor service.

Suspension:

Front forks (including Showa Dual Bending Valve - SDBV), rear shock absorbers, and related component service.

Chassis And Frame:

Frame inspection, steering head bearing service, swingarm and pivot shaft maintenance.

Bodywork And Trim:

Fairing removal and installation, saddlebag service, fuel tank, seat, and other body panels.

Comfort And Convenience:

Cruise control system service, infotainment system diagnostics (Boom! Box).

Wheels And Tires:

Wheel bearing service, tire replacement, balancing.

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, lubrication points, inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation.

Repair:

Step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures, including disassembly and reassembly.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for electrical and mechanical systems, including the use of diagnostic tools (e.g., H-D Dealer Diagnostic System).

Specifications And Charts:

Torque specifications, clearance measurements, fluid capacities, wear limits.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual.

Suggested Binding:

Coil or comb binding recommended for lay-flat usability during repairs.

Recommended Paper:

Standard printer paper or slightly heavier stock for durability.

Text Search:

Likely text-searchable (depending on original scan quality), allowing quick access to information.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103™

Displacement:

1690 cc (103 cubic inches)

Bore X Stroke:

3.875 in. x 4.375 in. (98.4 mm x 111.1 mm)

Compression Ratio:

9.0:1

Torque:

Approx. 105 ft-lbs (142 Nm) @ 3,500 RPM (This is an estimate; specific dyno results vary)

Horsepower:

Not typically quoted as a primary spec by Harley-Davidson, but estimated around 75-85 HP at the crankshaft.

Fueling:

Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)

Fuel Type:

91 octane or higher recommended

🔧 Transmission

Type:

6-Speed Cruise Drive

Primary Drive:

Chain, 34/46 ratio

Final Drive:

Belt, 32/68 ratio

Gear Ratios:

1st: 9.593, 2nd: 6.650, 3rd: 4.938, 4th: 3.811, 5th: 3.146, 6th: 2.790

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated, 9-plate, wet clutch

Transmission Fluid:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 50)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

97.4 in. (2474 mm)

Width:

38.4 in. (975 mm)

Height:

52.4 in. (1331 mm)

Wheelbase:

64.2 in. (1630 mm)

Ground Clearance:

5.1 in. (130 mm)

Dry Weight:

842 lbs (382 kg)

Gvwr:

1360 lbs (617 kg)

Fuel Capacity:

6.0 gal (22.7 L)

Saddlebag Capacity:

Approx. 2.4 cu ft total (combined volume)

🛡️ Safety Features

ABS:

Standard (Integrated front and rear braking system)

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Lighting:

Halogen headlight, LED taillight and brake light, turn signals.

Chassis Design:

Steel frame and front fender, designed for stability and rider comfort.

💡 Technology Features

System:

Boom! Box 6.5 GT Infotainment System

Features:

6.5-inch color touchscreen, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, AM/FM radio, weather band.

Audio:

Integrated dual speakers in fairing, with pre-wiring for additional speakers (e.g., saddlebag lid speakers on some trims).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control, operated via handlebar controls.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Smartphone Integration:

Bluetooth pairing for phone calls and music streaming. USB port for device charging and media playback.

Diagnostic Tools:

The manual will detail the use of Harley-Davidson's proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., Digital Technician) for advanced troubleshooting and system updates.

🔧 Maintenance

First Service:

1,000 miles (1,600 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Includes engine oil and filter change, chassis lubrication, clutch/throttle/brake adjustments, and inspection of critical components.

Subsequent Services:

Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Includes engine oil and filter change, chassis lubrication, and inspections. More detailed services are scheduled at higher mileages (e.g., 10,000 miles, 20,000 miles).

Engine Oil:

Harley-Davidson SYN3 (Synthetic) SAE 20W-50 or equivalent API CI-4 certified motorcycle oil.

Engine Oil Capacity:

4.0 US quarts (3.8 L) with filter change.

Primary Chain Case Oil:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 50 transmission oil.

Primary Chain Case Oil Capacity:

2.8 US quarts (2.6 L)

Transmission Oil:

Harley-Davidson Formula+ or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 50 transmission oil.

Transmission Oil Capacity:

2.8 US quarts (2.6 L)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 recommended for clutch and brake systems.

Cam Chain Tensioner:

Earlier Twin Cam engines (pre-2007) had hydraulic tensioners prone to wear; 2015 models use upgraded chain tensioners, but monitoring is still advised.

Oil Leaks:

Potential for minor oil leaks from primary cover, transmission, or engine cases due to gasket aging or improper torque.

Infotainment Glitches:

Some early Boom! Box infotainment systems could experience occasional software glitches or connectivity issues, often resolvable with software updates.

Suspension Tuning:

While the SDBV forks were an improvement, some riders may still seek suspension tuning for optimal comfort and handling based on their riding style and load.

📚 Vehicle History

Founding:

Founded in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Legacy:

Iconic American motorcycle manufacturer known for its V-twin engines, custom styling, and touring capabilities.

Road Glide Introduction:

The Road Glide model line, characterized by its frame-mounted fairing, was first introduced in 1980.

2015 Updates:

The 2015 model year saw significant updates including the introduction of the Project Rushmore features, improvements to the front suspension (Showa Dual Bending Valve), a new infotainment system, and a larger fuel tank. The 'Special' designation typically implies a higher trim level with features like premium paint, chrome accents, and a higher-end infotainment system.

Manufacturing Location:

Primary manufacturing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and York, Pennsylvania, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Awards:

Harley-Davidson touring models frequently receive accolades in motorcycle publications for comfort, performance, and styling. Specific awards for the 2015 Road Glide Special would be detailed in period reviews and may not be universally listed.

Consumer Satisfaction:

Generally high consumer satisfaction for Harley-Davidson touring bikes, attributed to their iconic status, V-twin performance, and touring comfort. Owner reviews often highlight the ride quality and the effectiveness of the batwing fairing for wind protection.