2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special — Maintenance & Ownership Guide
Routine Maintenance
Key maintenance tasks to keep your 2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special running reliably.
Engine Oil
Requires ~4.5-5.0 quarts of 20W-50 synthetic or conventional oil. The M8 engine is sensitive to oil levels; overfilling can cause carry-over into the air cleaner.
Primary & Transmission Fluids
Primary takes ~34-38 oz; Transmission takes ~28-32 oz. Keeping these separate is critical due to known 'transfer' issues on early M8 models.
Spark Plugs
Uses four spark plugs (two per cylinder). Standard plug is Harley 6R12 or NGK RG6HCC, gapped to 0.031-0.035 in.
Common Wear Items
Parts that wear over time on the 2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special and should be inspected regularly.
Brake Pads
Heavy touring bike (850+ lbs) wears through pads quickly, especially with the Linked Braking system which engages both ends.
Rear Tire
The high torque of the 107 M8 and the bike's weight lead to rapid rear tire wear, typically lasting 8,000–12,000 miles.
Popular Upgrades
The most popular aftermarket upgrades for the 2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special.
Stage 1 Air/Exhaust
Unlocks the classic Harley sound and improves throttle response; requires a tuner to prevent lean-running conditions.
Handlebars
Many riders find the stock 'buckhorn' style bars uncomfortable and upgrade to 10-14 inch ape hangers for better ergonomics.
Windshield
The stock 'Special' windshield is very low (shorty) and offers minimal protection; most owners swap for a taller flared shield.
Common Replacement Parts
Parts that commonly need replacing on the 2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special.
Oil Pump
The 2017-2019 oil pumps are prone to 'sumping.' Many owners replace them with the 2020+ updated version or a Screamin' Eagle high-flow pump.
Hydraulic Clutch Actuator
Early M8 touring models had a recall for the secondary clutch actuator leaking fluid, which could prevent the clutch from disengaging.
Used Buying Inspection Checklist
What to look for when buying a used 2017 Harley-Davidson FLTRXS Road Glide Special.
Primary Oil Level / Transfer
Check if transmission oil is 'migrating' into the primary case. Look for a vent tube installed on the inner primary—a common factory-authorized fix.
Oil Line Clamps
Ensure the 2017 safety recall for oil cooler line clamps was performed to prevent sudden oil loss onto the rear tire.
Infotainment Screen
Check for 'ghost touches' or delamination (bubbles) on the Boom! 6.5 screen, which is expensive to replace.
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