Touring Motorcycles

2018Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special

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The 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a heavyweight touring cruiser designed for long-distance riders seeking premium comfort and technology. Known for its distinctive batwing fairing, advanced infotainment system, and stable handling on highways, it combines classic cruiser styling with modern conveniences like cruise control and optional ABS. This machine excels at delivering smooth, confident touring performance across varied terrain.

Capacity: 1868.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 372.0 kg
Seat height: 695 mm
Power: 89.0 HP (65.0 kW) @ 5450 RPM

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

What’s new for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Power	90.0 HP (65.7 kW) @ 5450 RPM	89.0 HP (65.0 kW) @ 5450 RPM
Seat height	685 mm (27.0 inches)	695 mm (27.4 inches)

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 695mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 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

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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: 89.0 HP (65.0 kW) @ 5450 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 137 CO2 g/km
Torque: 150.0 Nm (15.3 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.90 litres/100 km (16.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2392 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 111.1 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Oil & air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
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: 372.0 kg
Wet weight: 388.0 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: 130/60-B19
Rear tyre: 180/55-B18

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Wicked Red, Bonneville Salt Pearl, Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake
Comments: Small windshield. Cruise control. Alarm. Infotainment.

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	2018	2019	2021	2023
Capacity	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc
Dry weight	369 kg	372 kg	372 kg	372 kg	371 kg	371 kg
Seat height	696 mm	685 mm	695 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

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

Rider Reviews

4.8

★★★★★

Rider rating

MotorcycleDB

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special is a top-of-the-line touring motorcycle that delivers both power and style. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine provides the Road Glide Special with ample performance for long rides, while the sleek and aggressive design stands out on the open road. This bike is equipped with top-of-the-line features such as a BOOM! Box GTS infotainment system and Reflex Linked Brembo brakes, making it a fantastic option for riders who prioritize both comfort and functionality.

In addition to its impressive performance and design, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special also offers a smooth and stable ride. The responsive suspension and improved aerodynamics make for a comfortable experience, even on longer journeys. For riders in search of a premium touring motorcycle that offers the perfect blend of power, style, and comfort, the Road Glide Special is definitely worth considering. It's a bike that's built to impress and is sure to turn heads wherever you go.

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