The 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a touring motorcycle designed for comfort and style on long-distance rides. It boasts a powerful engine, a comfortable riding position, and a wealth of features that make it a great choice for riders who want to explore the open road.
Engine and Performance
The Road Glide Special is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine, which produces 93 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for highway cruising and passing maneuvers. The 6-speed transmission shifts smoothly, and the belt drive is low-maintenance.
Handling and Maneuverability
The Road Glide Special is a large motorcycle, but it handles surprisingly well. The dual bending valve front fork and hand-adjustable emulsion rear suspension provide a comfortable ride, even on rough roads. The Cornering Enhanced Technologies package, which includes C-ABS, C-ELB, and C-TCS, helps to improve handling and stability in corners.
Comfort and Ergonomics
The Road Glide Special is designed for comfort on long rides. The upright riding position is comfortable for hours in the saddle, and the passenger seat is spacious and well-padded. The windshield provides excellent wind protection, and the heated grips and seats are a welcome addition on cold days.
Features
The Road Glide Special comes loaded with features that make touring more enjoyable. The Boom!™ Box GTS infotainment system provides a clear view of the road and includes AM/FM radio, weather band, Bluetooth connectivity, and MP3 playback. The system also supports voice recognition for phone functions and navigation (when paired with a compatible device). The 6.5-inch full-color TFT display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
Braking
The Road Glide Special features a powerful braking system with Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Linked Braking (ELB), and Cornering Enhanced Anti-Lock Braking System (C-ABS). This system provides excellent stopping power in all conditions.
Luggage Capacity
The Road Glide Special has a spacious trunk that can accommodate a variety of gear. The saddlebags are also large enough to hold everything you need for a weekend getaway.
Verdict
The 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a great touring motorcycle that offers a comfortable ride, powerful performance, and a wealth of features. It’s a great choice for riders who want to explore the open road in style.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Price: The starting price of the 2023 Road Glide Special is $37,999.
- Fuel Economy: The Road Glide Special is estimated to get 42 mpg on the highway.
- Weight: The Road Glide Special is a heavy motorcycle, weighing in at 1,237 pounds. This can make it difficult to maneuver at low speeds.
- Customization: Harley-Davidson offers a wide variety of parts and accessories that can be used to customize the Road Glide Special to your liking.
Overall, the 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a great touring motorcycle that offers a comfortable ride, powerful performance, and a wealth of features. It’s a great choice for riders who want to explore the open road in style. However, its weight and price tag may be deterrents for some riders.
Disclaimer: This review is based on publicly available information and specifications. We haven’t driven the trike ourselves, so your actual experience may vary.
