New Style Choices and Features for H-D Hot Rod Baggers
A trio of Hot Rod Baggers "with fresh swagger and new features is part of the collection of special motorcycles for 2021. With a slammed stance and muscular M-8 114 power, the Road King Special, Road Glide Special and Street Glide Special models combine commanding street presence with the long-haul capabilities of the H-D Touring chassis. These bikes are designed to rule the boulevard on Friday night and run for the border at daybreak."
Road Glide Special
For 2021, the Street Glide Special and Road Glide Special models are offered with new two-tone paint options, and with a choice of a blacked-out or bright chrome styling treatments, "giving the customer a choice of a look that’s dark and sinister, or brilliant and more traditional." All Special models are now equipped with the high-performance ventilator air cleaner with a washable filter element and a new low-profile engine guard.
Each Special model is powered by the 10.5:1 compression ratio 114 inch (1,868 cc) M-8. In the Touring chassis, the rubber-mounted and counter-balanced engine "delivers inspiring performance and classic Harley look-sound-feel. Engine features include four-valve cylinder heads, dual spark plugs, single camshaft (to reduce mechanical noise), advanced cylinder head design and dual knock sensors."
The Tourers feature Harley's 6-speed Cruise Drive transmission, but the troublesome hydraulic clutch has been dropped in favor of a traditional cable design - Harley has had no end of problems and recalls with the hydraulic clutch. The Tourers also use the Showa dual bending valve internal technology front suspension "for linear damping performance and a smooth ride"; emulsion technology rear shocks "are calibrated for touring and feature a single-knob pre-load adjustment that does not require tools or maintenance."
The lowered rear suspension gives the Special models a "slammed stance" and Prodigy cast-aluminum wheels (19-inch front, 18-inch rear) are exclusive to Special models; the Specials have standard reflex linked Brembo brakes with ABS.