Of course. Here is a full article about the 2023–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 117 (FLTRXS Road Glide Special), written in the requested style.
The 2023–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 117 (FLTRXS Road Glide Special) marks a pivotal chapter for one of the most recognizable models in the manufacturer’s Grand American Touring category. Known for its distinctive frame-mounted “shark-nose” fairing, the Road Glide Special has long been a staple for riders seeking long-distance comfort and commanding road presence. The transition to the Milwaukee-Eight 117 as the standard powertrain for the “Special” trim in 2023, followed by a comprehensive redesign for the 2024 model year, represents a significant leap forward in performance, technology, and rider dynamics.
Evolution from Previous Models
Prior to the 2023 model year, the standard engine for the Road Glide Special was the smaller Milwaukee-Eight 114. The larger 117 cubic-inch engine was typically reserved for the brand’s premium CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models or offered as a separate Screamin’ Eagle upgrade. The 2023 model made this high-performance engine accessible as a standard feature on the FLTRXS, delivering a notable increase in torque and horsepower straight from the factory floor while retaining the familiar chassis and design of the previous generation.
The 2024 model year, however, introduced a ground-up redesign, creating a more distinct separation from its predecessors. Key updates for 2024 include:
Updated Engine: A revised version of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 featuring liquid-cooled cylinder heads and Variable Valve Timing (VVT) for a broader powerband, improved thermal comfort, and better fuel economy.
Aerodynamics and Design: A completely new fairing developed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel testing. It features a new “W-shaped” signature LED headlamp and integrated turn signals, designed to reduce rider helmet buffeting by an average of 60%.
Chassis and Suspension: A significant weight reduction of 16 pounds (7.3 kg) compared to the 2023 model. The suspension was also upgraded with new SHOWA components, including a 49mm telescopic front fork and dual rear shocks with 3 inches (76 mm) of travel—a 50% increase over the previous model.
* Technology:** The replacement of the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system with the new Skyline OS. This system is centered around a 12.3-inch TFT color touchscreen and introduces selectable Ride Modes (Road, Sport, Rain, and Custom) that electronically adjust power delivery, engine braking, and rider-aid systems.
Design and Features of the Milwaukee-Eight 117 Equipped Road Glide Special
The core of the motorcycle’s appeal remains its performance-oriented touring design. The frame-mounted fairing, a hallmark of the Road Glide family, keeps the weight of the assembly off the handlebars, contributing to lighter-feeling steering and enhanced stability in windy conditions. The 2024 redesign enhances this characteristic with improved aerodynamics and a more modern, aggressive aesthetic.
Ergonomics were a key focus of the 2024 update. The motorcycle features a redesigned one-piece seat and a wider, flatter handlebar bend that places the rider in a more neutral and commanding position, intended to reduce fatigue on extended journeys.
Powertrain and Performance
The Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-Twin engine is the centerpiece of the FLTRXS. In its 2024 iteration, the 117 ci (1923cc) engine is tuned for strong low-end torque and a responsive throttle. The addition of VVT broadens the torque curve, while the new liquid-cooling system targets the exhaust valve areas on the cylinder heads to more effectively draw heat away from the rider, particularly in slow-moving traffic. This powertrain is paired with a 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, delivering power to the rear wheel via a carbon-fiber-reinforced belt drive.
Technology and Rider Aids
The introduction of the Skyline OS for 2024 brings the Road Glide Special into the modern era of motorcycle technology. The large TFT display is anti-reflective and features a customizable in-dash experience with options for embedded navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity.
The selectable Ride Modes add a new layer of control. Each mode provides a specific combination of power delivery, traction control intervention, Cornering-ABS (C-ABS), and Cornering-Traction Control System (C-TCS) settings. A “Custom” mode allows the rider to tailor these parameters to their personal preference.
Specifications Table
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Road Glide Special |
| Model Code | FLTRXS |
| Model Year | 2024 |
| Type | Grand American Touring |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 1,160 lb. (526 kg) |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | 105 Hp (78 kW) / 4600 RPM |
| Max. torque | 130 ft-lb (176 N•m) / 3250 RPM |
| Lean Angle, Right | 32° |
| Lean Angle, Left | 32° |
| Size | |
| Length | 94.9 in. (2410 mm) |
| Width | 38.4 in. (975 mm) |
| Height | 52.8 in. (1340 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 64 in. (1625 mm) |
| Seat height, laden | 26.7 in. (678 mm) |
| Seat height, unladen | 28.3 in. (720 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in. (145 mm) |
| Curb weight (in running order) | 838 lb. (380 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Milwaukee-Eight 117, 45° V-Twin, Pushrod-operated, overhead valves with hydraulic, self-adjusting lifters; four valves per cylinder |
| Cooling System | Air and Liquid-Cooled Cylinder Heads |
| Displacement | 117 cu in (1923 cc) |
| Bore × Stroke | 4.075 in. × 4.5 in. (103.5 mm × 114.3 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 6-Speed Cruise Drive |
| Clutch type | Wet, multi-plate, assist and slipper |
| Driving system | Belt drive, 32/68 ratio |
| Primary reduction ratio | 46/34 |
| Gear ratios (overall) | 1st: 9.593; 2nd: 6.65; 3rd: 4.938; 4th: 4.0; 5th: 3.407; 6th: 2.875 |
| Chassis | |
| Front Tire | Dunlop H-D Series, bias blackwall 130/60B19 BW-19 |
| Rear Tire | Dunlop H-D Series, bias blackwall 180/55B18 BW-18 |
| Wheels | Combo Cast Laced, Gloss Black |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 6 gal (22.7 L) |
| Fuel consumption | 45 MPG (5.2 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 28Ah, 405 CCA |
| Headlight | Full LED Signature Headlamp |
| Gauges | 12.3 inch TFT Display with speedometer, tachometer, odometer, fuel, range, and trip meters |
| Infotainment | Skyline OS with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay compatible |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | 49mm SHOWA Dual Bending Valve (DBV) |
| Front travel | 4.6 in (117 mm) |
| Rear Suspension | Dual outboard emulsion-technology shock absorbers |
| Rear travel | 3.0 in (76 mm) |
| Rear spring preload | Tool-less hand-adjustable |
