Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special - 2016 Specifications and Reviews
The 2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a heavyweight touring cruiser designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort with aggressive styling. Known for its distinctive frame-mounted fairing and low-slung chassis, it delivers 87 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque from its Twin Cam engine, ideal for highway cruising. Best suited for experienced riders who prioritize stability and wind protection on extended tours.
General information | |
| Category | Touring |
| Year | 2016 |
| Model | Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Chrome, 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers |
| Greenhouse gases | 129.9 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Fuel consumption | 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l or 42.00 mpg) |
| Driveline | Chain, 34/46 ratio primary drive |
| Clutch | Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath |
| Transmission type,final drive | Belt |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Oil & air |
| Lubrication system | Dry sump |
| Fuel control | Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC) |
| Fuel system | Injection. ESPFI |
| Bore x Stroke | 98.4 x 111.3 mm (3.9 x 4.4 inches) |
| Compression | 9.7:1 |
| Torque | 138.00 Nm (14.1 kgf-m or 101.8 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM |
| Power | 87.00 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM |
| Engine details | Integrated Oil-Cooler |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Enforcer Cast Aluminum |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. 4-piston |
| Front brakes | Double disc. ABS. 4-piston |
| Rear tyre | 180/65-BW16 |
| Front tyre | 130/70-BW18 |
| Rear Suspension | Twin shocks |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork |
| Trail | 173 mm (6.8 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 26.0° |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Oil capacity | 3.80 litres (0.25 quarts) |
| Fuel capacity | 22.71 litres (6.00 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,625 mm (64.0 inches) |
| Ground clearance | 140 mm (5.5 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,430 mm (95.7 inches) |
| Seat height | 695 mm (27.4 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.2358 HP/kg |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 385.0 kg (848.8 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 369.0 kg (813.5 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Comments | Small windshield. Cruse control. Alarm. |
| Carrying capacity | Saddle bags |
| Light | High beam, running lights, front fender light, directional light bar, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, turn signals, security system (optional), 6-speed, low fuel warning, cruise control (optional), ABS (optional) |
| Instruments | Fairing-mounted electronic speedometer with odometer; time-of-day clock on CD player/stereo; dual trip meter; low fuel indicator light and mileage countdown feature; low oil pressure indicator light; engine diagnostics readout; LED indicator lights; 6-speed indicator light Tachometer with fuel, voltage, oil pressure and ambient air temperature gauges |
| Starter | Electric |
| Color options | Black Denim, Velocity Red Sunglo, Vivid Black, Black Quartz, Superior Blue, Cosmic Blue Pearl, Hard Candy Black Gold Flake, Hard Candy Gold Flake. |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
100 hp
Peak Power
4.8s
0-60 mph
Best For
Track10%
City40%
Cornering40%
Daily Riding60%
Touring97%
Passenger90%
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to experienced riders who are comfortable managing a very heavy, long-wheelbase touring machine at low speeds and in traffic. |
| Purpose | Built for covering long interstate miles in comfort with a fairing, saddlebags, and infotainment rather than for quick sporty rides. |
| Rider Fit | Requires a taller and reasonably strong rider to confidently handle its substantial weight when pushing it around, parking, or executing slow maneuvers. |
| Character | A classic American cruiser-tourer with a torquey V-twin thump, a commanding highway presence, and a relaxed, unhurried riding character. |
| Not Ideal For | Not a good fit for new riders, city commuters wanting nimble handling, or anyone seeking off-road or track capability. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
Rider Reviews
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