Touring Motorcycles

2016Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special

43 fields on record

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.

Capacity: 1868.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 369.0 kg
Seat height: 695 mm
Power: 87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Power	85.8 HP (62.6 kW) @ 5000 RPM	87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Rear brakes	Single disc. ABS. 2-piston	Single disc. ABS. 4-piston

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?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 695mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and an upright 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 →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Range and running costs

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

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: 87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 146 CO2 g/km
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.20 L/100km (37.9 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 5.0 CO g/km
Torque: 138.0 Nm (14.1 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2358 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 98.4 x 111.3 mm
Compression: 9.7:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 2
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: 695 mm
Dry weight: 369.0 kg
Wet weight: 385.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 140 mm
Oil capacity: 3.80 litres
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
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: 130/70-BW18
Rear tyre: 180/65-BW16

Other

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.
Comments: Small windshield. Cruse control. Alarm.
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

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	2016	2017	2019	2021	2023
Capacity	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc
Dry weight	369 kg	369 kg	372 kg	372 kg	371 kg	371 kg
Seat height	696 mm	695 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	22.7 L