2014–2016 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 HO (FLHXS Street Glide Special)

The 2014–2016 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 HO (FLHXS Street Glide Special) represents a significant era in the evolution of the company’s popular bagger lineup. This period saw the introduction of Project RUSHMORE, a massive, customer-driven initiative that brought substantial upgrades in power, braking, infotainment, and rider comfort. The FLHXS Street Glide Special model, in particular, was positioned as a premium, factory-custom version of the standard Street Glide, bundling many of the most desirable features into one cohesive package.

These models marked a clear departure from their predecessors (2013 and earlier). Prior to 2014, the Touring line utilized the standard Twin Cam 103 engine, a less advanced audio system, and a different chassis and braking setup. The 2014-2016 generation introduced a suite of enhancements that modernized the riding experience, addressing long-standing feedback from the Harley-Davidson community regarding performance, technology, and convenience.

Project RUSHMORE and the Twin Cam 103 HO Engine

The defining characteristic of the 2014-2016 Touring family was the implementation of Project RUSHMORE. This company-wide effort focused on four key areas: control, infotainment, feel, and style. For the Street Glide Special, this translated into tangible, high-impact upgrades.

At the heart of the machine was the new High Output (HO) version of the Twin Cam 103 engine. While sharing the same 103 cubic inch (1690cc) displacement as the previous engine, the HO variant was equipped with a new camshaft and a high-flow airbox. This resulted in a noticeable increase in low-end torque and improved roll-on acceleration, providing riders with more confident passing power, especially when riding with a passenger or loaded with gear.

Control was significantly enhanced with the introduction of Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS, which came standard on the FLHXS. This system electronically links the front and rear brakes to provide optimal braking force to each wheel, regardless of which brake the rider applies. It was designed to improve stability and control during hard braking situations. The front end was also stiffened with new, more robust 49mm telescopic forks, providing a more planted feel.

Perhaps the most visible upgrade was in the cockpit. The old analog gauges and basic radio were replaced by the Boom!™ Box 6.5GT infotainment system. This system, standard on the “Special,” featured a 6.5-inch full-color touchscreen, integrated GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for phones and headsets, and voice command capabilities, bringing the motorcycle’s technology into the modern era.

The FLHXS Street Glide Special Model

While the standard Street Glide (FLHX) also received many Project RUSHMORE updates, the FLHXS Street Glide Special was a distinct model that included several premium features as standard equipment.

Infotainment: The premium Boom!™ Box 6.5GT with navigation was standard, whereas the base model came with the smaller 4.3-inch screen.
Aesthetics: The Special featured a gloss black painted inner fairing, creating a more custom and integrated look compared to the matte black finish on the standard model. It also included custom pinstriping on the fuel tank and fenders.
Suspension: The rear suspension was a premium, low-profile, hand-adjustable hydraulic system, allowing riders to easily dial in the preload for solo or two-up riding without tools.
Security & Brakes: A factory-installed security system and the Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS were included as standard features.

Other design improvements shared across the platform included a redesigned Batwing fairing with a new “Splitstream” vent. This small, rider-operable vent was engineered to reduce head buffeting by equalizing air pressure between the front and back of the fairing. Additionally, the saddlebags were redesigned with sleek, one-touch latches that could be easily opened or closed with a single hand, a major improvement in convenience over the previous design.

The 2014-2016 model years are often considered the pinnacle of the Twin Cam engine’s development in the Touring chassis, immediately preceding the introduction of the Milwaukee-Eight engine in 2017.

Specifications Table: 2016 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special