2017–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FLTRX Road Glide)

Transition from the Twin Cam Engine

The most substantial change for the 2017 model year touring family was the replacement of the long-standing Twin Cam engine with the Milwaukee-Eight. The previous generation Road Glide was powered by the Twin Cam 103 engine, a reliable but aging powerplant known for producing significant heat and vibration, particularly at idle.

The Milwaukee-Eight 107 was engineered to address these shortcomings directly. Key differences with the previous model include:

The Heart of the Glide: The Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 107 Engine

The Milwaukee-Eight 107, with a displacement of 107 cubic inches (1,746 cc), served as the standard engine for the FLTRX Road Glide throughout this period. It is a 45-degree V-twin engine designed to deliver strong low-end torque, making it ideal for long-distance touring and effortless cruising. The move to a single chain-driven camshaft from the Twin Cam’s dual-cam design resulted in less mechanical noise and complexity. The powertrain was rubber-mounted within the frame to isolate the rider from harsh vibrations, a hallmark of Harley-Davidson’s touring chassis design.

Chassis, Suspension, and Handling

Alongside the new engine, the 2017-2024 touring models received a major suspension overhaul. The front suspension was upgraded to Showa 49mm forks featuring a dual bending valve design, which provided the linear damping performance of a cartridge-style fork but with reduced weight and complexity.

The rear suspension saw the departure of the previous air-adjustable shocks in favor of modern emulsion-style shock absorbers. These new shocks offered a 15-30% greater range of preload adjustment than their predecessors. Crucially, the adjustment could be made via a single, tool-free hydraulic knob, allowing riders to easily adapt the suspension for a passenger or luggage without needing an air pump.

The Road Glide’s handling characteristics are largely defined by its frame-mounted fairing. Unlike the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing on its sibling, the Street Glide, the Road Glide’s fairing is fixed to the frame. This design removes the weight and aerodynamic pressure of the fairing from the handlebars, resulting in lighter-feeling steering and enhanced stability, especially in crosswinds at highway speeds. The motorcycle is also equipped with Reflex Linked Brembo brakes with optional ABS, providing strong, reliable stopping power.

Technology and Styling

The FLTRX Road Glide of this era features the Boom! Box 4.3 infotainment system as standard equipment, which includes a color screen, two speakers, a radio, and USB/Bluetooth connectivity. An optional upgrade to the Boom! Box 6.5GT system added a larger touchscreen, GPS navigation, and more advanced features. The iconic sharknose fairing houses a triple split-stream vent that opens and closes to equalize pressure behind the fairing, dramatically reducing rider head buffeting.

Stylistically, the model saw various updates to paint schemes, wheel designs (featuring Enforcer cast aluminum wheels), and finishes over its production run, often offering both chrome and blacked-out trim packages to appeal to different rider tastes.