2018 Road Glide Special Harley-Davidson(FLTRXS)│Test Ride and Detailed Review

[@MattLaidlaw]

Hey Guys thanks for watching and supporting my channel. I always try to answer all comments and questions but sometimes that's impossible. Please checkout my Patreon Page to Support my Harley-Davidson content Creation and become part of that community where I can answer all questions. www.patreon.com/mattlaidlaw

[@alainsanmartin6647]

Matt Laidlaw amazing video man, thanks for taking the time

[@cikka05]

I love all your reviews , keep up the great work

[@duffbeer69usa68]

Dude people making negative comments can kick rocks! I’m a fairly new viewer and your videos are awesome and extremely educational. In fact you helped me make my decision in buying the 2018 road king special! Thanks dude keep the videos coming!

[@entiatmule3820]

Best new model HD source on the web!......no frills, just the straight skinny!! Thanks for all the time and effort.

[@armybiker]

Grats on 30,000 subs Matt!! I remember congratulating you for 14,000, only a few months ago. Keep up the awesome vids!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! I appreciate the support.

[@MISERSTYLE]

Great review. Harley Davidson DROP YOUR PRICES.

[@road_king_dude]

MISERSTYLE, preach brother!

[@birddognine]

Hell why not everyone drop their prices? Hell actually shit should just be free.

[@BuddhaRice]

Agreed, $29k for that? Nice bike, but that's a lot of money!

[@gordiehattrick]

You can buy a Challenger RT for that price! HD should really look at their dwindling market and address pricing. Millennials will NEVER spend that much on a scooter....

[@pacman1789]

Gordy Hattrick I agree that they should drop their prices however...A. Their main target audience are not millenials and B. They sure as hell don't make scooters.

[@slyguyaction]

Just bought a 2017 FLTRU and here I am watching Laidlaw’s RoadGlide videos. Haha

[@Alexgvigo]

Another great job promoting Harley Davidson brand and doing what Harley HQ should be doing ! Milwaukee needs to hire you !

[@msaegen118]

Hi Matt. I have been riding for about 40 years now. I have never had a bagger or a windshield. I have been looking at a Street Glide and a Road Glide, both very comparable and with my own personal lack of experiences on the glides I found this video very informative and helpful. Thank you for that. I must say it is a cool job you have! Cheers from Canada!

[@greenbullitt6999]

At $27K these Road & Glide Special touring models deserve the 114 and air suspension in the rear.

[@JustMe-oj1hd]

I traded a 2012 103 road king with cams, exhaust, tuner and intake for a wicked red road glide. The stock 107 was disappointing to me. I know it was stock but I expected more. Then they come out with the 114's this year! Traded back for a 2019 road king special 114 and I love it. I just prefer a road king anyway. I can feel more power on the 114. Much better.

[@Dr.J_theCPA]

Another awesome video. Excellent quality. I live in Florida, moved here from NorCal, I enjoy the scenic routes you guys ride and love the beautiful California skies. You handle these bikes like an expert and your narration is very thorough. Thanks again for all the information and videos.

[@suffolkmike1]

Had a 2017 Ultra Classic and wasn't even thinking of trading till I walked in the dealership and saw this bike. This color hit me more than anything I've seen in a long time. I had to have it so I traded my Ultra in on it in May. Lol Never rode on a Road Glide before but I love the way this fairing handles, plus the look is badass.

[@Blort440]

Hey man, You do great videos. You got the right formula for enjoying the ride as well as showcasing the specs on the bikes. Don't change that. I don't watch your videos to see the scenery, You are the only guy on youtube doing it right. Harley themselves could take lessons from you on how to show off their bikes.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you sir. I appreciate the positive feed back. Thanks for watching !

[@davidjames3985]

Notification squad here. Making motorcycles great again, society needs to men up a little bit, screw the prius lol you still get terrible millage and zero fun whats the point. Love seeing you try new stuff on the editing and format of the videos, congratulations brother. I just sold my HD and bought a small and light dual purpose, definitely super practical, nice fuel economy , goes anywhere but oh boy, I do miss the rumble and speeding off of the lights lol - thats as much fun as you can get without getting a ticket and harleys are made for that-

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! You’re on two wheel and that’s the most important thing. Thanks for the comment !!

[@alexretter945]

What a creative way to do a review. I'm 21 and a very passionate owner of a 2009 dyna..I hope to one day own a used motorcycle dealership. You're an inspiration Matt! Keep doing what you're doing, I've enjoyed all your reviews immensely!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! I appreciate the compliment. Good luck with your future plans.

[@darkoflight4938]

First of all. Congrats on the 30 000 subs there Matt! A true proof of that your content is absolutely fantastic! Great bikes and awesome scenery!!! Your vids just gets better and better. So cool that you listened to my suggestions, the third person view for instance. It really works here. Keep em´coming sir!!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes, I appreciate your constant feedback. I always try to give my viewers what they want.

[@burnsjames08]

Pretty accurate with the height comment. I'm 5'6" with at 2017 Road Glide Special and I'm barely flat footed. Love my bike though, wouldn't trade it for the world.

[@54chewbacca]

You guys are KILLING ME! I'm supposed to buy my new Road Glide next week - And now I can't figure out which one I want!!

[@brindlebeard]

Thanks Matt, very informative video. Road Glide is on my short list for a bike this year. A lot of new bikes in the bagger segment so the competition is real.

[@larrydaniels1]

Thanks Matt! Very informative videos! I appreciate your efforts to improve the videos. I’m a tour bike guy, but I watch all the videos for the info and to pass it on to those I hang with. 👍👍

[@road_king_dude]

Definitely favor the Wicked Red, it seems to have an undercoat of peach pearlescence to it.

[@mrhupen]

Love your videos. Thanks for riding all these when some of us can’t.

[@wooddawg4868]

These new M8 motors are holding their own, its frankly a motor harley should have launched 8 years ago.

[@thehexter1]

Excellent point of the pros & cons. Most dealers would just say how great each bike is and not go into rider size, style & preferences. As you know, every rider is different as are their needs. I ride the '17 Ultra Limited because of long distance riding with my GF. She needs the storage and the security she feels on that particular bike. My other bike is an ADV bike for more of my solo rides and some off-road. Up here in NorCal there are lots of mountain roads both paved and hardpan that are enjoyable. Thanks for the great videos you put out with no yelling, screaming, swearing and "dude" all the time. :-)

[@lonewolf3804]

You're a better salesman than my local dealer!

[@roadglide]

Love the extended bags and the murdered out look on the 2018. The “non special” bags are short showing the attachment bolts. Paint is sublime. I’ll be installing a Denali 120 decibel horn. Would love to see a 16” 200 tire on the rear.

[@stevengough1588]

@Matt Your video just reaffirmed my recent purchase a 2018 FLTRXS in black through the Military Auto Source program. Can't wait to take delivery in March. Next summer will be epic cruising through the Carpathian mountains in eastern Europe.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice man! You’ll love it. Enjoy.

[@garyheinel3767]

First class Gentleman and first class dealer . Very informative and helpful videos. Thanks

[@HOOLIGANfilmz]

That Candy Green is SICK!

[@fixatroll5406]

Excellent video. Sunset rides are my favorite. Harleys are the best.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Agreed!

[@herschelsquirts2338]

That Road Glide Special is beautiful! But I gotta say, I like your buddy's Lowrider S!!!

[@paulbronnenberg2075]

I enjoyed this review .... I have owned both a Roadglide (Sharknose) and my new 2017 Street glide .... so I TOTALLY agree with your comparison .... the Street Glide fairing is much more user friendly .... wind buffeting on either one is no different to me. Thanks for your videos ..!!!

[@drmoto5898]

I wanted one back in 2015 my local dealer advertised 100% book on trade in then wanted to low ball the number by $2000 and so I just bought better shocks, apes and a fairing. It is nice to see the improvements year after year just wish the price and cost of trading in was a friendly environment too.

[@rickbyrne9597]

Nice video, you touch on a lot of topics about the bike including seat comfort. I found that after an hour on my ’17 Road Glide Ultra I was so uncomfortable I had to get off and walk around a bit. I cannot express to the agony suffered on the ride from Ohio to Sturgis and back last summer. The seat is scooped out so it places the rider lower to accommodate a shorter rider. While that is commendable it is a crushing experience for me. The seat also places the rider 1.5” to 2” further forward again designed to accommodate a shorter rider. At less than 5’11” and 240 lbs I am not a big guy. After paying $30k for my Road Glide Ultra I am disappointed at having to pay another $350 for a Tall Boy Seat to correct the bad decision HD made with saddle. Visualize the Pointy Haired Marketing Director overriding Dilbert the Seat Designer on this one. I hope the Pointy Haired Marketing Director sees this so he’ll know why I invoiced him for the cost of my replacement saddle!

[@MrDoyle07]

The saddle they provide with these bikes should be able to be tailored for the height of the rider out the door and not represent a price increase for the rider. That is something that has always bothered me. Dealers should be able to fit the out the door saddle to the rider.

[@sharkzf6]

Beautiful Road Glide! Love that new red color!

[@fredgfysmith6171]

I'd love to ride out to one of your events, have family in Arizona and in Vancouver BC..... You're on the way. If we are able to take the time to do it this year you'll be one our stops for sure.

[@Infinitiwpb]

Matt, thanks for the review bud, this video helped in my purchase of my 2018 wicked red RGS 🤘

[@patriciabramble6704]

I'm 5' 10" and my husband is 6' 4". He loves the road glide. We would love to own one, however we live in Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean. We have to explore the taxes we have to pay to import one. We may purchase a new one or a 2017 model. Beautiful bike.

[@14Marathons]

Another great video, Matt. Always look forward to your videos. I've never said anything negative before, but I was looking forward to "the ride", and I found the spec window distracting, and it seemed like you were repeating yourself from what you said before the ride...sorry....just thought I'd mention it... But, thank you for your informative and enjoyable videos...I have a 2017 Road Glide Special, so I was very interested in this video.

[@HDR20]

Good video. I am 5'5" and been riding touring bikes for a long time lol. Really don't need taller shocks just need a better quality shock like Ohlins, progressives, fox, super Shox, or legends

[@2hotFL]

Great review. Can never make up my mind between the Street and Road Glide. Like the idea of the Street Glide keeping more of the cold wind off my hands because I have problems wearing gloves. Also I hear it's hard to read the info screen on the Road Glide sometimes depending the angle of the sun. One thing I'm sure of, damn good idea to take the test ride on those mountain roads. I'll never get tired of that view!

[@scottwood1953]

Good view of LA he says. Best view of LA is in your rear view mirror. Seriously though great review dig your vids

[@tommycooker3996]

I suspect for MY2019 we will see the 114 coming to the Tourings, given the hit they took on 2017 overall sales and the resulting need to repair that. Plus, it’s what we, the consumers would like to see happening 😃

[@Bikelyfe1031]

And you my friend were correct!!

[@beekeeper95]

That green is amazing!

[@stephensmith1034]

beekeeper95 Its really nice!

[@Steelviper61]

When it comes to touring I think I would rather have the 2018 Goldwing. You just get a whole lot more for your $$$. Not kicking HD cause I own one. Love my softails. Good vid Matt as always man, keep up the good work bro.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man

[@davidknows3320]

I looked at the Gold Wing too. Lots of stuff, very little style. The bike needs curb appeal for me. I tour on a 96" Ultra now.

[@dokatmasali3666]

I am bit cross with honda for 2018 goldwing, they reduced the size of fuel tank and shaped the bags weird. Earlier it was a no nonsense touring beast, now it's just a bit awkward. And with HD providing blacked out I would prefer this. That's just an honest opinion. What do you think?

[@robertbrockett7169]

An honest and insightful review.

[@fredgfysmith6171]

Gotta say i like the look of the standard better, chrome is king. And that 10 layer paint is bitchin.

[@drewp.wiener1205]

Totally agree. I have the 2017 RGS and when I heard they were changing the look for 2018 I was bummed. Once I saw it - no longer. Black-out is a fad - rock the chrome!

[@deanxxi]

Excellent mix of review and ride video

[@scootjockey]

Thank you for this insight into 2018 RGS my 2016 does me just fine but still nice to see the difference between the two of them. T shirt weather in winter,i live in the wrong hemisphere..

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yea, we are spoiled here in So Cal

[@hellbent6344]

If ima get a 2nd Harley it’s gonna be a road glide they look so good.

[@brilwiljeff]

This is a gorgeous bike. I feel like a Dickens character looking at something I could never afford through a department store window.

[@k-2so337]

jeff medvin, a lovely turn of phrase.

[@wooddawg4868]

Can anyone explain why Harley Davidson still uses the CHAIN PRIMARY. The chain primary accounts for noise in shifting and unnecessary maintenance of the chain and other things. The Milwaukee Eight is a new engine from the ground up except for the left engine side . Gear drive is the standard for just about everyone including Indian, Honda, Yamaha, and the no more Victory line of motorcycles.

[@reddog907]

Great review, too bad we get screwed in Canada on the pricing. 2018 RGS is my dream.

[@bobhartman2571]

Love your reviews Matt. I really enjoy watching your vid's. Love the Harley's too.

[@thomasangelo4219]

Great review Matt I ride my Street Glide everywhere over Bridges never had a problem with wind thank you take care

[@MrDoyle07]

It’s interesting to me how you have the lane splitting thing out there. When we do that here (it’s illegal in Michigan) it is necessitated in traffic jams because our engines are air cooled but, people in boxes get really twisted over it, they pull over and block us, they cuss us, they have even run us off the road. It always strikes me funny to see you all doing this and no one in cars ever gives you the bizzniss over it.

[@klh3244]

Another great video Matt! Thanks and ride safe!

[@briannewman2850]

I'm surprised you don't own a Roadglide Matt. Being tall, the RG fairing is more suited for that IMO.

[@hugomartinez3429]

For my college graduation I was promised a new Harley. I have this vision of a club-style Roadster What do you think Matt?

[@k-2so337]

hugo martinez, did u make that promise to yourself?

[@MattLaidlaw]

The roadster is an awesome bike. You’d be breaking ground by making a “club” roadster. I say go for it.

[@SuperSnallygaster]

I love that Hot Rod/Candy Red!

[@markurbancowboy]

Another great video review Matt!

[@Panza1965]

I liked the old route Matt, it helped me focus more on what you have to say :)

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha. Don’t worry my friend. There will still be plenty of the old route ahead of us.

[@fredgfysmith6171]

Maurice OConnor i concur

[@dadtrap]

Matt, a cigarette lighter LOL I had one of those on my 2002 FLHTC never used it but it was a great conversation piece. I guess you could plug your phone charger into it. Got to say Road Glides have always been one of my favorite bikes.

[@rickharris323]

Nice review Matt! I just picked up a 2018 CVO Street Glide and am concerned that I'll need to upgrade the rear shocks to taller units for 2-up riding in the Spring. What kind of rear shocks did you install on your SGS? Other question ... I love the sound of the bike in your videos ... very minimal wind noise but really capturing the rumble of the bike. Are you just throwing the recorder in your pocket during rides, but recording your voice with an external mic inside your helmet that is connected to your helmet cam?

[@fluffykittynoodles]

It's kinda silly they don't offer any engine choices for the touring models. Till then, I'm just gonna dream about that CVO Road Glide.

[@Hoggmedic]

As a taller rider Matt, what would you change initially from the stock Road Glide Special? Bars, seat, windshield?

[@roostfezza7563]

Hi matt, another great review. I do notice though, just looking at your video, that the brakes are different (at least the front is, you cant see the rear) in that the special has a floating disc, where the normal has a solid. I notice that harley is changing these around alot (the sport glide for instance, despite the 'sport' title has a solid front disc). I wish harley would stick to floating. My fatbot S has floating front And rear.

[@NaveMafe]

Nice touring bike,great review Matt,not crazy bout the color or the seat height ,but hey that's just me,cheers!

[@joelpico3493]

I'm disappointed with HD, being 6' 1" why wouldn't HD make available a seat that better suits a tall rider from the factory. I'm having to go aftermarket for a seat. 2nd issue is there is no sound from the exhaust. Quite motorcycle is a no go. Again aftermarket exhaust system. Good video review, well done.

[@rheins989]

I'd like to see a SG and RG with equal setups with the fuel mileage compared on the highway with two riders over a few days. That should give you an idea about what bike cuts the wind better.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Great suggestion. I’ll try to make that happen.

[@taps_1021]

I can't really say which faring is better. I haven't riden a sg to compare in the wind. Hear in the high desert we get crazy wind on a regular basis. 20 to 30 gust is normal.

[@TAMPAHARLEYGROUP]

great job Matt

[@tomdillon363]

Thanks for another great video, Matt! Your assessment of the short travel suspension is spot on. IMO a touring bike should have at least 4" travel to be comfortable on long jaunts. I don't remember hearing anything in your videos about you changing the shocks on your SGS. What shocks did you end up with? I love my RGS; it looks bad ass and that baby "sits down" at 90 and wants to be flogged!!!

[@yanceyboyz]

He did a build guide on his SGS and it shows all the parts including the shocks.

[@SuperSnallygaster]

Great review Matt. Have you ever done a review of a Police/Fire bike?

[@fourftr]

Matt. Back in September I bought my first Harley-Davidson 2017 Road Glide Ultra I’m 6’1” the stock seat has me pushed up towards the tank What seat would you recommend I value your opinion Thanks

[@ronmessico8012]

Holy shit, I didn't know you had your own HD Dealership. What a fucking boss!

[@joelabriola6289]

The prices are out of control! I'm seriously looking at the new 2018 GoldWing, More features better bike and same price. I have been a loyal HD rider since 1994 but I'm loosing faith in the Motor Company. They are loosing the Vision to sell to Rub riders.

[@hughmanatee7657]

I prefer the standard Road Glide, in every way. Beautiful machine, wonderful to ride. Why pay $5,000 more for things I don’t want which are not much anyway? But I would get taller shocks.

[@jasonhodge696]

Dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! again, love your videos!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@geekverve]

Motorcycle.com's review claimed the Street Glide's single DayMaker headlamp was significantly brighter than the Road Glide's dual LED reflector lamps.

[@MattLaidlaw]

The stock headlamp isn’t even a day maker. The daymaker refers to HD’s LED line. It’s a dual halogen headlamp stock. Now the single Daymarker headlamp out of the P&A book is brighter than the stock Roadglide reflector headlamp. It’s more of a concentrated beam though. The Roadglide headlamp gives off more of a dispersed fog lamp illumination

[@joelabriola6289]

Very knowledgeable and informative review.

[@melkorsbane]

Do you notice any major differences in ride comfort between the Road Glide and Street Glide because of how the fairings are attached?

[@Plowhandracing]

Great video Matt … do you think that there would be any ground clearance problems if riding "2 up" and added a tour pack? I think the special and don't think I would like the Road Glide Ultra?

[@MattLaidlaw]

No, just adjust the preload accordingly. You won’t lose much lean angle.

[@CastroRides]

Dude Turnbull canyon is literally right next to me. That’s so cool lol

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice 👍🏻

[@mas3292]

Great review Matt, thanks.

[@hughbrannen7481]

Hey Matt! I'm a fan from New England. Just bought a 2018 Road Glide Standard with the better radio, abs and security. I'm 6' tall. I ride two up most of the time. You mentioned you upgraded you Street Glide with taller shocks to make the ride better. What are they, and can I get them from my dealer?

[@MatthewPaul.]

Which has a better fairing for wind buffering ? The street glide or the road glide? It seems people favor the road glide

[@MattLaidlaw]

Overall I feel like the road Glide does slightly.

[@qf76mnd15]

I can't help it if that old round headlight looks so nostalgic. Lol

[@badbeatking80]

Love my Roadglide!

[@eddieknight2202]

I’m 5’9 135lbs looking for my first bike would you recommend the iron 1200 or the roadster

[@ralpht7665]

Hi Matt, love your videos. I have the 17 RGS in superior blue. Is there a noticeable difference in riding between the 16 and 18 inch rear wheels? Is there a correlation between tire size and the standard shocks? Thank you

[@CPTBUC]

Matt- what are those off white gloves your wearing? I'm bit of a gear guy, like the looks of those. Thanks!

[@isaacbenefield4712]

Can you do a comparison of the regular road king , street glide and road glide for 2018.

[@outdoorsnomad]

Great review Matt.

[@ΑλΜπαντυ]

without fairing which model of the harleys lineup is more compatible with road glide ???

[@indian8952]

Luv the billiard red... trying to decide roadglide or challenger

[@MattLaidlaw]

Do yourself a huge favor - just get the real thing. You won’t be happy with a knock off.

[@jcporosity4764]

I have a 2017 dyna I just hit 1 year this month. Now I want a road glide 2018 idk if i.should wait.for 2019. Trade in my dyna street bob. Any help Matt thanks

[@erwindsouza785]

Are the saddlebags slimmer on the road glide special when compared to the road glide standard?

[@tjwa103]

Hey Matt, Enjoy your videos. I just traded my 16 Road Glide in for an 18 Road Glide M8. Love the bike, suspension and power are major improvements, but I noticed an oil leak coming from the air intake after longer trips. I just finished a 1100 mile trip down the coast and oil leak is to the point of being a safety hazard as far as spewing onto pipes, side bag and rear wheel. I checked oil level and it was low a quart. I have brought the bike to my dealer for the 1K mile service and they are trying to pass this blow by as normal and said they would check it out but may not be able to do anything. I have heard other riders having this same problem. Have you've seen this issue with any of your customers, and what is your dealership telling them? I have other friends with M8's that don't have this problem at all. I hope Harley addresses this issue with the new bikes...Please give me some advice on this problem...Thanks Tom

[@MattLaidlaw]

Is the oil coming out of your intake? Did you change your air filter or is it stock?

[@tjwa103]

Because the bike is brand new and I needed the 1K service I did not bother taking the air filter off I figured I would just bring it to the dealer. It is the stock air filter. The service manager mentioned there are some filters under the rocker box covers they may be clogged or something. Thanks for getting back to me so soon.

[@FourQed]

I understand you can get the " standard " with ABS and the upgraded stereo. For an extra charge of course. Not to sure about the blacked out treatment, but everyone's taste is not the same. Enjoy your videos, very informative. Thank you for your efforts.

[@wolfemanbog4176]

Wow exhaust sounds nice