2016–2016 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 HO (FLTRU Road Glide Ultra)

Of course, here is a full article about the 2016 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 HO (FLTRU Road Glide Ultra), written in a professional, informative style.

The 2016 Harley-Davidson Touring Twin Cam 103 HO (FLTRU Road Glide Ultra) marked the triumphant return of the premium, two-up, long-haul touring motorcycle to the company’s lineup. After a two-year hiatus, the Road Glide Ultra was reintroduced not as a minor update, but as a completely redesigned machine incorporating the sweeping customer-led enhancements of Project RUSHMORE. This comprehensive overhaul addressed everything from powertrain performance and rider aerodynamics to infotainment and ergonomics, positioning the model as a flagship for cross-country comfort and capability within the Harley-Davidson family.

Reintroduction and Project RUSHMORE Enhancements

The most significant difference between the 2016 FLTRU and its predecessor (the 2013 model) was its ground-up redesign under the Project RUSHMORE initiative. This program integrated extensive rider feedback into the motorcycle’s development, resulting in a host of functional and technological improvements.

The most visible change was the radically restyled frame-mounted “shark nose” fairing. While retaining its iconic aggressive look, the new fairing was shaped in a wind tunnel to significantly reduce head buffeting for the rider. It featured distinctive triple Splitstream vents that opened and closed to equalize pressure between the front and back of the fairing, providing a smoother pocket of air.

Further enhancements from Project RUSHMORE included:
Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS: This system electronically links the front and rear brakes to provide optimal braking force to each wheel, regardless of which brake control the rider uses, especially under urgent conditions.
Daymaker™ LED Headlights: The new dual headlights offered a powerful, bright-white light pattern for superior nighttime visibility compared to the previous halogen units.
Boom!™ Box 6.5GT Infotainment System: This integrated system featured a 6.5-inch full-color touchscreen with GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity for mobile phones and headsets, and a powerful audio system, replacing the more basic radio of the previous generation.
One-Touch Luggage: The redesigned Tour-Pak® carrier and saddlebags could be opened and closed with a single touch, even while wearing gloves, improving convenience.
Ergonomic Improvements:** The handlebar was pulled back, placing the rider in a more commanding and comfortable position for long distances. Passenger accommodations were also improved with a wider and deeper seat and redesigned backrest.

The High Output Twin Cam 103 Engine in the 2016 Harley-Davidson Touring FLTRU Road Glide Ultra

At the heart of the 2016 Road Glide Ultra is the High Output (HO) version of the air-cooled Twin Cam 103™ engine. Displacing 103 cubic inches (1690cc), this powertrain was engineered to deliver stronger passing power and a more satisfying roll-on throttle response. The “High Output” designation came from the inclusion of a new high-flow airbox and a performance-optimized camshaft. These changes allowed the engine to breathe more freely, resulting in a noticeable increase in low-end torque.

Paired with the 6-Speed Cruise Drive® transmission, the engine provided smooth power delivery across the RPM range. The tall sixth gear kept engine revolutions low at highway speeds, contributing to a more relaxed ride and improved fuel economy on long stretches of road.

Chassis and Handling

The 2016 Road Glide Ultra was built on Harley-Davidson’s robust touring frame, which was stiffened as part of the Project RUSHMORE updates to improve handling and stability. The key to the Road Glide’s handling character is its frame-mounted fairing. Unlike the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing on models like the Street Glide and Electra Glide, the Road Glide’s fairing is attached directly to the frame. This removes the substantial weight and aerodynamic pressure of the fairing from the handlebars, resulting in lighter-feeling steering and enhanced stability, particularly in crosswinds.

The suspension featured stout 49mm front forks and a rear suspension with air-adjustable preload, allowing riders to easily tune the ride for passenger and luggage weight. The 19-inch front and 16-inch rear Impeller cast aluminum wheels were standard, providing a modern look and solid performance.

Specifications

2016 Harley-Davidson FLTRU Road Glide Ultra Specifications
General
Brand Harley-Davidson
Model Road Glide Ultra
Model Code FLTRU
Model Year 2016
Type Touring
Performance
Max. torque 104.7 ft-lb (142 N•m) / 3250 RPM
Size
Length 102.2 in. (2595 mm)
Width 38 in. (965 mm)
Height 56.1 in. (1425 mm)
Wheelbase 64 in. (1625 mm)
Seat height (Laden) 27.4 in. (696 mm)
Ground clearance 4.9 in. (125 mm)
Curb weight 912 lb. (414 kg)
Engine
Type Air-cooled, High Output Twin Cam 103™ with Integrated Oil-Cooler
Displacement 103.1 cu in (1690 cc)
Bore × Stroke 3.87 in. × 4.374 in. (98.4 mm × 111.1 mm)
Compression ratio 9.7:1
Fuel supplying system Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Lubricating system Dry-sump
Oil capacity (w/filter) 4.0 qt (3.8 L)
Transmission
Transmission type 6-Speed Cruise Drive®
Clutch type Wet, multi-plate, hydraulic actuation
Driving system Belt Drive
Primary drive ratio 1.353 (34/46)
Final drive ratio 2.125 (32/68)
Gear ratio 1st: 9.593; 2nd: 6.65; 3rd: 4.938; 4th: 4.0; 5th: 3.407; 6th: 2.875
Chassis
Tire size Front: Dunlop D408F 130/80B17 65H; Rear: Dunlop D407 180/65B16 81H
Rim size Front: 17 in. Impeller Cast Aluminum; Rear: 16 in. Impeller Cast Aluminum
Capacity of fuel tank 6.0 gal (22.7 L)
Fuel consumption (Est.) 42 mpg (5.6 L / 100 km)
Electric
Battery Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V / 28 Ah
Headlight Dual Daymaker™ Projector LED
Infotainment Boom!™ Box 6.5GT with color screen, GPS, and Bluetooth
Brakes & Suspension
Front brakes 32 mm, 4-piston fixed calipers, dual floating rotors
Rear brakes 32 mm, 4-piston fixed caliper
Brake System Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS
Front suspension 49 mm telescopic forks
Rear suspension Low-profile, air-adjustable shocks
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