Touring Motorcycles

2023Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special

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The 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a premium touring cruiser designed for long-distance riders seeking comfort and commanding presence. Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine producing 100 hp and 160 Nm of torque, it excels at highway cruising with its advanced fairing, generous storage, and smooth power delivery. Known for its distinctive batwing fairing and road-hugging stability, this bike suits experienced riders who prioritize comfort and technology on extended journeys.

Capacity: 1868.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 371.0 kg
Seat height: 663 mm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.0 kW) @ 5020 RPM

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What’s new for the 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special

vs the 2022

Spec	2022	2023
Power	97.0 HP (73.0 kW) @ 5020 RPM	100.0 HP (73.0 kW) @ 5020 RPM

Other years 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering40%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring97%

Two-up90%

Track10%

Best for: Built for covering long interstate miles in comfort with a fairing, saddlebags, and infotainment rather than for quick sporty rides.
Built for: 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.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 663mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special, with a cramped knee angle of around 70 degrees and a slightly forward riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

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Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1868.0 ccm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.0 kW) @ 5020 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 138 CO2 g/km
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.88 L/100km (40.0 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 0.5 CO g/km
Torque: 160.0 Nm (16.3 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.50 litres/100 km (18.2 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2695 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 114.3 mm
Compression: 10.5:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1625 mm
Overall length: 2430 mm
Seat height: 663 mm
Dry weight: 371.0 kg
Wet weight: 386.9 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 130 mm
Oil capacity: 4.90 litres
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags, 2.7 cu ft

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork, 49 mm dual bending valve
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, premium low hand-adjustable
Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Trail: 173 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. 4-piston
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. 4-piston
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 130/60-B19
Rear tyre: 180/55-B18

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Baja Orange, Gray Haze, Bright Billiard Blue/Billiard Gray, Atlas Silver Metallic, Prospect Gold, Industrial Yellow/Vivid Black Black Denim, Gunship Gray, White Sand Pearl, Reef Blue/Vivid Black, Redline Red
Comments: Small windshield. Cruise control. Alarm. Infotainment. USB. Bluetooth.
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Specs last verified against published sources: October 2026.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	2015	2017	2019	2021	2023
Capacity	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc
Dry weight	369 kg	372 kg	372 kg	371 kg	371 kg
Seat height	696 mm	685 mm	695 mm	695 mm	663 mm
Fuel capacity	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB

The 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a stunning bike that delivers both power and style. With its distinctive shark-nose front end and powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, this motorcycle is a force to be reckoned with on the road. The Road Glide Special also comes equipped with advanced technology features, such as a Boom! Box GTS infotainment system and Reflex Defensive Rider Systems, making it a top choice for riders who value both performance and convenience.

Overall, the 2023 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a top-notch motorcycle that delivers on both style and performance. Whether you're a long-time Harley-Davidson fan or a newcomer to the brand, this bike is sure to impress with its powerful engine, advanced technology features, and iconic design. If you're in the market for a new motorcycle that offers the perfect blend of power and style, the Road Glide Special is definitely worth a closer look.

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