2016 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special — Maintenance & Ownership Guide
Routine Maintenance
Key maintenance tasks to keep your 2016 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special running reliably.
Primary Fluid
Critical for compensator and clutch health; often changed every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
Hydraulic Clutch Fluid
Requires DOT 4 fluid; should be flushed every 2 years to prevent moisture buildup and master cylinder issues.
Common Wear Items
Parts that wear over time on the 2016 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special and should be inspected regularly.
Rear Tire
Heavy touring bikes tend to square off rear tires quickly, typically lasting 8,000-12,000 miles depending on load.
Brake Pads
Reflex Linked system can lead to faster rear pad wear as the system applies rear brake automatically when the front lever is used.
Battery
The high-draw infotainment and security systems can drain batteries if not kept on a tender; standard size is YTX30L-BS (OEM 66010-97).
Popular Upgrades
The most popular aftermarket upgrades for the 2016 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special.
LED Lighting
While it has Daymaker headlights, many owners upgrade the turn signals and rear lights to LEDs for better visibility.
Exhaust Slip-ons
The stock exhaust is very quiet; 4-inch or 4.5-inch slip-ons are the most common first modification for a deeper V-twin sound.
Windshield
The stock 'Special' windshield is very low for styling; touring riders frequently swap it for a taller or 'recurve' shield to reduce buffeting.
Common Replacement Parts
Parts that commonly need replacing on the 2016 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special.
Compensator Sprocket
The stock compensator is a known weak point that can develop a 'clunk' or 'sack of rocks' sound, often replaced with a Screamin' Eagle or Baker unit.
Stator/Voltage Regulator
Common failure point in the charging system that leaves the bike unable to maintain battery voltage.
Used Buying Inspection Checklist
What to look for when buying a used 2016 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special.
Clutch Recall Status
Check if the 0169 recall (clutch master cylinder) was performed; if not, the bike may move unexpectedly when started in gear.
Primary Noise
Listen for a loud clunk on startup or a rattling sound at idle, which indicates a failing compensator.
Infotainment Functionality
Test the touchscreen for dead spots and ensure GPS maps load; the 6.5 GT units are prone to freezing if firmware is outdated.
Saddlebag Mounts
Inspect the one-touch latches and the mounting pins; loose pins can cause saddlebags to fall off while riding.
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