Of course. Here is a full article about the 2019–2023 Harley-Davidson Touring FLTRXS Road Glide Special, written in the requested style and format.
The 2019–2023 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 114 (FLTRXS Road Glide Special) is a factory-custom bagger motorcycle that combines long-haul touring capability with aggressive, blacked-out styling. As part of Harley-Davidson’s Grand American Touring line, the Road Glide Special is distinguished by its frame-mounted “sharknose” fairing, a design known for its stability in crosswinds and its distinctive dual Daymaker Reflector LED headlamps. This specific generation marked a pivotal moment for the model, establishing the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin engine as the standard powertrain, a significant step up from the previously standard Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine found in its direct predecessor.
Development and Transition
The Road Glide model has been a staple in the Harley-Davidson lineup for decades, appealing to riders seeking a more performance-oriented touring experience. The transition to the Milwaukee-Eight engine platform in 2017 was a major leap forward from the older Twin Cam engine, offering improved power, better heat management, and reduced vibration.
The 2019 model year specifically elevated the Road Glide Special (FLTRXS) by making the larger 114 cubic inch (1,868 cc) Milwaukee-Eight engine the standard powerplant. Previously, this engine was reserved for CVO (Custom Vehicle Operations) models or available as a premium upgrade. This change solidified the “Special” as a higher-performance variant directly from the factory. Alongside the engine upgrade, 2019 also saw the introduction of the advanced Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, replacing the older 6.5GT unit with a faster, more intuitive interface akin to modern smartphones.
Key Features of the 2019–2023 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 114 (FLTRXS Road Glide Special)
This generation of the Road Glide Special is defined by a combination of power, style, and technology that catered to the modern touring rider.
Powertrain: The Milwaukee-Eight 114
At the heart of the FLTRXS is the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. This air- and oil-cooled V-Twin features four valves per cylinder (eight total, hence the name), a single chain-driven camshaft, and dual counter-balancers. These design elements result in a smoother ride with significantly less idle vibration compared to previous Harley-Davidson big twins. The engine is tuned for massive low-end torque, providing strong acceleration from a standstill and for highway passing maneuvers, even when fully loaded with a passenger and gear. For this generation, the engine produced approximately 122 ft-lb of torque.
Chassis and Styling
The Road Glide Special is built on Harley-Davidson’s robust touring frame. Its most prominent feature is the frame-mounted sharknose fairing. Unlike the fork-mounted “batwing” fairing on models like the Street Glide, the Road Glide’s fairing is fixed to the frame, meaning handlebar inputs are lighter and the motorcycle is less susceptible to being unsettled by wind buffeting.
The “Special” designation dictates the motorcycle’s aesthetic. Most components, including the front end, handlebars, engine, and exhaust, are finished in black rather than chrome. The model comes standard with stretched saddlebags that provide a sleek, custom look and ample storage capacity. It rolls on distinctive, model-specific Prodigy wheels.
Technology and Rider Aids
The 2019 update brought the Boom! Box GTS infotainment system, featuring a full-color touchscreen with improved resolution, faster processing, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. This system manages navigation, communication, and music.
Starting in 2020, the Road Glide Special was available with the optional Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS). This suite of electronic safety aids represented a major technological advancement for the brand and includes:
Cornering Enhanced Antilock Braking System (C-ABS)
Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS)
Drag-Torque Slip Control System (DSCS)
Vehicle Hold Control (VHC)
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
These systems use an inertial measurement unit (IMU) to manage braking and acceleration forces, providing an added layer of safety, particularly in challenging road conditions.
Model Year Evolution
2019: The Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and the new Boom! Box GTS infotainment system become standard equipment. New Prodigy wheels are introduced.
2020: The Reflex Defensive Rider Systems (RDRS) package is offered as an option.
2021: RDRS becomes standard equipment. A new, bright white LED Daymaker headlamp improves visibility. Options for two-tone paint schemes and a chrome finish package are introduced, giving buyers more customization choices.
2022-2023:** The core features remained largely unchanged, with updates primarily focused on new paint colors and cosmetic refinements. The model continued as a cornerstone of the Grand American Touring lineup.
Specifications
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Road Glide Special |
| Model Code | FLTRXS |
| Model Year | 2019–2023 |
| Type | Touring / Bagger |
| Performance | |
| Engine Torque | 122 ft-lb (165 N•m) / 3000 RPM |
| Horsepower (Est.) | ~95 hp |
| Size | |
| Length | 95.7 in. (2430 mm) |
| Seat Height (Laden) | 25.9 in. (658 mm) |
| Ground Clearance | 5.1 in. (130 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 64 in. (1625 mm) |
| Weight (As Shipped) | 818 lb. (371 kg) |
| Weight (In Running Order) | 853 lb. (387 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin, Air & Oil Cooled |
| Displacement | 114 cu in (1,868 cc) |
| Bore × Stroke | 4.016 in. × 4.5 in. (102 mm × 114 mm) |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Lubrication System | Dry Sump |
| Oil Capacity (w/ filter) | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission Type | 6-Speed Cruise Drive |
| Clutch Type | Mechanically actuated 10 plate wet, assist & slipper |
| Primary Drive | Chain, 34/46 ratio |
| Final Drive | Belt, 32/68 ratio |
| Chassis | |
| Front Tire | 130/60B19 61H |
| Rear Tire | 180/55B18 80H |
| Wheels | Black Prodigy Aluminum |
| Brakes | 32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear calipers; Dual floating rotors front, fixed rotor rear |
| Front Suspension | 49mm Dual Bending Valve |
| Rear Suspension | Premium low hand-adjustable rear suspension |
| Fuel Capacity | 6 gal (22.7 L) |
| Fuel Economy (Est.) | 43 mpg (5.5 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V, 28-amp/hour |
| Headlight | Dual Daymaker Reflector LED Headlamps |
| Gauges | Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and voltage gauges; digital display for odometer, trip meters, gear indicator, and range |
| Infotainment | Boom! Box GTS System with full color TFT |
