2017 Harley-Davidson RoadGlide Special (FLTRXS) Review │ What's New for 2017 Model year

In-Depth look at the new 2017 Road Glide Special with the New Milwaukee 8 Engine. Test ride and detailed Walk-around of one of Harley-Davidson's Most popular "Baggers". Matt Laidlaw gives a brief history of the bike and high lights some of the major changes that have happened in recent years to to enhance this Motorcycle.
Learn to Ride a Motorcycle from Matt:
www.udemy.com/howtorideamotor...
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www.laidlawsharley.com

[@bugsiez]

This is the only roadglide vid the internet needs.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@billyakins426]

Matt Laidlaw's reviews helping make my decisions easier as always! keep them coming we appreciate them!

[@happytrails1963]

Beautiful bike and enjoy how detailed you break down your reviews. I'm in the market for a new bike and this really helped!

[@CbusLowRider]

Spot on review, man!! I test rode one today, and man was I pleasantly surprised. I have a 2016 FXDLS (Love it too), and I am thinking long and hard about trading it in for one of these. It's not as fast as my dyna, but it handles extremely well. So comfortable, smooth, and nimble! Just a laid back, comfy ride. Which was so surprising for it's weight! So many positives on this bike. It's the first touring chassis Harley I've ridden. Great job by HD designing it. Anyone who is a doubter or on the fence about these, please ride one for yourself! You'll be surprised how good it is.

[@ThePa1nterhowto]

I've done over 10,000 kms on my 2016 RG S and everything you say is spot on. I did ride the street glide M8 recently and noticed the suspension improvements and quietness of the motor. You made a great review

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you. Thanks for watching

[@CEOsario]

Matt, You do a great job. I am an old customer of Laidlaw, actually before you were born. I live back in the San Joaquin Valley now- so I go to Visalia HD. Your video's are great keep it up and you are certainly doing your family and company a great service. Thank you.

[@MattLaidlaw]

+bigbosssario Thank you sir!

[@Eman0430]

Awesome review. I have been ridding an 08 Street Glide . I made the mistake of taking a 2017 Road glide Special for a test ride. The new bike will be delivered today.. Can't wait to hit the North Ga Mountains with it tomorrow.

[@terribrown4178]

Wonderful review. Thank you for posting it. You even made the mechanical stuff so that I could almost understand it.💕

[@SeachangeUnit]

Very, very high quality review. Initially when it started I thought it was another poor audio hack review but with some patience I found your review very enlightening, well edited and comprehensive. You've sold me on the '17 Roadglide. Well done. Would have liked some Audio of the motor through the gears and at highway speed. Appreciate all the information on changes, upgrades and application on who should, would, does buy what and common questions. If I were in the US I would definitely travel to buy from you shop based on this review alone. Well done. Will be watching more of your content for sure.

[@2hotFL]

Great information, the best video I've seen on the Road Glide and how it differs from the Street Glide. There is a Street or Road Glide in my future, this will be a big help in my decision making. I really appreciate you putting to rest all the stories going around about there being this huge difference in the way they handle the wind.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching. I'm glad I could help.

[@brad_Ca]

I always enjoy your videos, you have a really good knack for explaining things. Good job on this video.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Brad C thank you. Thanks for watching.

[@ryanenstad8928]

My first Harley was a 2001 FLTR-I. Really loved that bike. Great review Matt. Ride safe!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Ryan Enstad thanks you too Ryan.

[@grantbartow13]

Always dig your videos. Full of info. Keep it up!

[@Teachering]

Wow! I'm actually checking out a Harley Touring bike. Never thought I'd ever consider one. A beautiful bike. Had a chance to test one out and was thrilled by the experience. A fine review!

[@hans6304]

Teachering same here. Coming from an evo and 103 softail, I think the RG is a beauty!

[@billynotat]

Great review pick up my new road glide s on the 1st of march can't wait

[@scootjockey]

Thank you for your time and effort,great review and Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you. You too, Merry Christmas

[@eringuerrero3884]

sweet review I'm ready to trade up my sport bike for one of these babies great review

[@jeffujcic62]

Well unfortunately showing my old age, I believe that the early predecessor to the Road Glide (which I ride) . Was a bike back in the 1980's known as the "Tour Glide", dual headlights, frame mounted fairing, and also had the rear drive chain completely encased in a shroud.

[@bberge306]

Hello Matt. Thanks for posting this very nicely edited video review! As a result, I now own this exact same FLTRXS, less stage 1 (soon) and the cooling fan...who knows but, with the help of your video I bought one...in Florida otherwise, i would have gone to Laidlaw!

[@paulmessinger5590]

Great video especially the info on the new improved clutch!

[@eddiebenzz]

Met you & your Grandpa. You guys are alright. Dedicated & down to earth. Love your video's you are very thorough & knowledgeable and your presentations are A-1 !!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Eddie B. Thanks again. Stop by anytime.

[@wmgroome]

another great video, Merry Christmas Matt.

[@brandonjohnson5641]

Best Harley Reviews on KZbin.

[@MattLaidlaw]

BRANDON JOHNSON thank you

[@craigboos6246]

Great review and comments...I own the 2017 Road Glide Special ..and love it.

[@e.simons6964]

I appreciate your added incite with regards to engineering and model updates to the H.D. specifics from model to model. I do have a preference for the road glide over the street glide. Not sure why, but think the "big-guy" size has something to do with it.

[@scootlights503]

Matt great review, I've put a few thousands miles on my Olive Gold Road Glide Special the M8 is awesome hit the throttle at 75 and you can feel the front end lift up total passing power incredible amount of torque power really hard to compare to my 2011 FLHR 103,

[@chrissmith7101]

Nice bike and review. All the new improvements are awesome. Makes me want to trade in my 2015 FLTRXS. Maybe in a few years. I'm 5'10" and it fits me perfectly.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice Enjoy

[@andromedach]

How do you deal with the glare off the nav system when the sun is behind you? do they have black instrument backgrounds as an option? Watched a few other RG videos and at times the glare was incredible.

[@wolfemanbog4176]

My first bike is a 2014 street glide got it with 7 miles love it !!!! Rumble it but can't wait to upgrade to a ultra limited 2017 Once I get up to your dealerships

[@MattLaidlaw]

I had a 2014 Street Glide as well. I loved it. The 2017 Limited is an awesome bike.

[@Rev103090]

Great review and great channel.

[@snipsdraper7537]

Just test road and compared the 2017 Road King Special, a 2017 Street Glide Special and a 2015 RoadGlide Special. All awesome machines. I did watch your previous videos on the other bikes also great reviews Mr Matt. The 2015 had nuch taller bars and windshield, super comfortable, vans and hines pipes,. 19995.00, Let me tell ya the difference in the new engine was so smooth, and set ne back in the seat especially on the road king with no fairing. go used or go new, i think i will save a bit more cash and get the new 2017 engine and suspension. great tip also pointing out the handlebar upgrades would be easier and have more options with the Road Glide Special

[@CBVTX]

Thanks for the video. Just bought one.

[@sk8777kid1]

Went from an 03 1100 yamahammer to a 17flhx the biggest thing to getting used to is the clutch.

[@LiVApathy]

Great review. Thank you.

[@carolinarider5237]

Matt you need to open up a dealership in Charlotte NC. I can't buy a Harley from you that far away... 😁

[@dennism103]

I got the stage 2 & luv it!

[@danieltrier4452]

Great Review, like always. Thank you!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you for watching

[@Majorvideonut2]

Great review. One thing I noticed when your group was riding through the curves was that you were not following the ultimate path for safety. You might want to take a look at this info on KZbin and share it with your group. I wish I had known this before I had my accident. Also something that helped me be safer was looking up gyroscope and how the two wheels on a motorcycle are actually two gyroscope wheels. Hope that will help to have safer rides.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Never heard of the Ultimate path. I'll have to look it up.

[@Majorvideonut2]

If you think about it we are riding a machine with two gyro's one in the front and one in the rear. The guys who ride on the rear gyro and hold up the front had better line it up with the rear or it WILL go down with them. Gyro's want to keep the same path that is why they tell you to push down on the one and pull up on the other handle bar. Tires like to stay with the asphalt road surface but the angle must be according to machine. Racing bikes take the lowest angle and they NEVER brake in the corner. Start on a right curve is up near the center line and when apex is spotted it becomes the target you aim for. Brake before entering and low throttle through the corner heading for the apex and adding more throttle at that point back to speed. :>} Oh, keep your eye on where you want to go not on a tree because what you aim at is what you'll hit.

[@Plowhandracing]

Great Review.

[@nolanring2067]

which one handles better the street glide or road glide? ive hard that the road glide does because of how the fairing in mounted but i dont know and wanted to get your option. thanks man!

[@hognut58]

Question concerning the bars, I'm totally into the long ride comfort, I just bought a '17 roadglide ultra, would your jacket have a tendency to "blowup" from wind going up the arms, or do you believe they are still short enough to avoid that?? I'm also a tall rider 6'4.. thanks for the info.

[@gghostrrider]

May I ask what your relationship is to the dealership? You're spot on saying that the RGS is for bigger/ taller riders. Especially the ones before Rushmore. Short guys like Street Glides. What other bikes do you recommend for bigger riders?

[@jimregal928]

very helpful, thank you.

[@bigken62]

Grate vid. I would love to see a in-depth video on the ultra limited. Keep up the good work

[@MattLaidlaw]

bigken62 one is coming. Stay tuned.

[@danceswithnewbs3549]

+zeallistic Really looking forward to that one.

[@e.simons6964]

Hey Matt! Does the 2017 RGS come with the dual "daymaker" headlights?

[@aintnodisco7127]

Great vid and info! Thanks for sharing. I love my 2015 RGS and really need to stop watching these demo vids of the M8 bikes. Foul temptress! All in good time, all in good time (or 100K miles, whichever ;-)

[@captainamerica80]

Matt, love your videos. Have you tried to sell sena at your location? fix all for all.

[@donwinburn1030]

and the sticker price for the bike you rode?

[@Jarhead6]

Thanks so much!

[@pepsilui]

i love the road glide

[@raymontes8846]

I believe this will be my next bike. .....

[@searcher9]

Nice job on the review. Really loved the detail on the history and specs on what and why the bike has what it has. I'm not a Harley hater but I just dont like to fold safely into the flock just because its what "real bikers ride". I've owned a Yamaha, two Victory baggers and an Indian Chieftan. Due to the closing of a local Indian dealer, nowhere close to get my bike serviced, and the flippant attitude of corporate and the feeling of abandonment when I had some questions.....well I find myself in the market for a HD. Thing is, this actually seems like a bike I'd enjoy riding. I appreciate the engineering that went into the Milwaukee 8, and the overall revamping of the chasis and suspension. I also love the look of the sharknose. Anyway, your review put me over the edge. I plan on owning one by spring.

[@MattLaidlaw]

searcher9 thank you for the comment. HD really has stepped up their game a lot in the last 3 years. I think you'll be happy on a FLTRXS.

[@joestrother2583]

informative, thanks for the vid

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you for watching

[@Dachamp2001]

I road the bad boy CVO ultra classic I didn't really care for it I felt cramped my hands were going Numb for some reason and my shins felt like they were on fire in light to moderate traffic. But when I got on the stock 107ci road glide ultra it felt like a Cadillac from the jump Even know that fix fairing freaks me out lol. I was pretty dam comfortable from the jump and I'm not real yall I'm only 5'7

[@robertmuller1909]

We love you. The next time when I am in amerika, I will visit you. Thank you

[@MattLaidlaw]

Robert Müller thank you. See you soon 👍🏻

[@eleizegui]

well done

[@71donkrider]

Thank you sir..

[@tamupike]

Matt. How does the air flow differ from the street glide to the road glide. Do you get more air flow to your chest and shoulder area on the road glide than the street glide due to the venting? The reason I ask is I like the feeling of air flow over my body while riding and have noticed with the street glide there is not much. Thanks in advance.

[@tamupike]

Matt Laidlaw

[@MattLaidlaw]

+Fratres Aeterni No, in fact I feel like the Roadglide blocks more of the body wind than the Streetglide does. The vents just equalize wind pressure in the "rider bubble" to alleviate head buffeting from the wind.

[@dbest1aVlogs]

Nice bike.

[@dennism103]

I'm considering a road glide ultra?

[@stainlessfour5]

Hey Matt. I have a heritage and was wondering is the street glide would be too heavy for me with the fairing. Reason I ask is I’m 6’0 150 lbs

[@MattLaidlaw]

I don’t think so. A lot of it is technique.

[@iancampbell6191]

To help support Matt in the creation of good content you can find him on Patreon. I included a link below. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

[@brspst10braw]

Road Glide Ultra 2017 Matt?

[@freedom6919741]

Matt what seat is on this bike ?

[@tonykittle6432]

Sometime soon can you do a ride reveiw of the Dyna Wide Glide

[@MattLaidlaw]

I'll try. It might be a month or two.

[@scotieroc]

zeallistic Outstanding videos! Keep up the good work. Really enjoy watching!

[@biolong48]

You sure like to comment on how this is a bike for the "guys", I believe you also said "big mans bike". Got a good chuckle from that one as I'm 5'3" and road an Ultra Limited for 7yrs and now a Roadglide. Thanks, but this bike is for women too. Stock windshield works almost perfect for us shorties. Thanks for the review it was very in-depth.

[@bobfaiers8284]

Andy Verstraten I

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Andy Verstraten cool.

[@javonbrandon]

Would t bars fit this bike

[@CactusJack252]

Matt what is your personal preference between the road glide and street glide?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Jacob James I personally prefer the StreetGlide Special.

[@CactusJack252]

So do I. As much as I like the road glides I just can't get use to them. The street glide feels more natural to me.

[@twomontess]

I'm reading about oiling issues with the M8. What are your thoughts?

[@MattLaidlaw]

+twomontess what do you mean oiling issues? The engine has been great. I plan on getting one soon

[@twomontess]

I read a couple of threads about it. I'm waiting for my cvo limited to arive. Just doing research before I commit

[@twomontess]

I read and watched videos of oil pump issues. Some of the bikes have had low miles. Like 150. Now these are 2017. Maybe it was corrected I'm 2018?

[@twomontess]

Don't get me wrong, I demo rode all the new bikes a couple weeks ago. Love them, that's why I'm getting the cvo limited

[@superfloyd1]

Dangerous passing there!

[@tucoespinoza1704]

I know exactly where he is. My grandma lives close from where he is!

[@Dachamp2001]

😂 that M8 is a direct copy of the Yamaha R* 103 CI engine redesign my foot the only difference is the Harley 3 case design and there single cam. In which case a lower redline vs the twin came with higher redline and Harley baker 6spd vs the road star 5spd single case design. So what’s the difference besides taking up the bum dry by Harley with these newer bikes and there upgrades? Even though I love Harleys especially the phatboys but I don’t like the new look or where the rebound knob is or how they have the rear shock mounted at least my 2nd favorite is still the same the road king. No thanks I’ll keep my 04’ fatboy and my R*

[@arrkbiz]

Dude you 6 FOOT AND 6 INCHES??

[@donmontalvo1]

Get a Bad Elf GPS Pro, download HERE and the entire US offline map, turn off data, and never turn back. :) The GPS on Harley is a rebranded Garmin. Harley Davidson would do well to add CarPlay. ;)

[@tomdillon363]

don't you just hate it when those arrogant prius drivers in the passing lane won't get out of your way?

[@tomdillon363]

you do a lot more research on bikes than the dealers in my area. i love your videos, Matt!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Tom Dillon thank you sir. Thanks for watching.