2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special — Maintenance & Ownership Guide
Routine Maintenance
Key maintenance tasks to keep your 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special running reliably.
Engine Oil
Requires 5.2 quarts (with filter) of 20W-50 synthetic oil. The M8 engine is sensitive to oil levels; overfilling can lead to blow-by in the air cleaner.
Brake Fluid Flush
ABS-equipped Harleys require a brake fluid flush every 2 years to prevent moisture buildup and ABS module failure.
Neck Bearing Lubrication
Steering head bearings should be greased and checked for 'fall-away' every 5,000 miles to prevent notchiness or high-speed wobble.
Common Wear Items
Parts that wear over time on the 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special and should be inspected regularly.
Rear Tire
Heavy touring weight and high torque from the 114 engine typically wear the rear tire every 8,000–12,000 miles.
Brake Pads
Brembo pads provide excellent stopping power but can wear quickly on heavy baggers, especially if the linked braking system is used frequently.
Spark Plugs
The M8 uses two plugs per cylinder (4 total). Some 2020 owners reported early fouling or defective plugs causing misfires.
Popular Upgrades
The most popular aftermarket upgrades for the 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special.
Rear Suspension
The stock 12-inch 'Special' shocks have limited travel (approx. 2 inches), leading to a harsh ride. Upgrading to 13-inch shocks (Ohlins, Legend, or Pro-Action) is the most common comfort fix.
Stage 2 Camshaft
Installing a torque-focused cam (e.g., S&S 475 or Woods 22XE) significantly wakes up the 114 engine's mid-range passing power.
Windshield
The stock 'Special' wind deflector is mostly cosmetic; a taller 'flare' windshield (Klock Werks) is usually necessary to reduce helmet buffeting.
Common Replacement Parts
Parts that commonly need replacing on the 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special.
Battery
The high-compression 114 requires a strong cold-cranking amp (CCA) battery; stock batteries often fail after 2-3 years if not kept on a tender.
Shift Linkage
Stock pot-metal linkages are a known weak point and often fail at the heim joints; many owners replace them with stainless steel versions.
Used Buying Inspection Checklist
What to look for when buying a used 2020 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Special.
Sumping Check
Though 2020 received the updated oil pump, check for oil in the air cleaner or loss of power after long highway runs, which indicates residual sumping issues.
Neck Bearing 'Clunk'
Listen for a clunking sound when hitting bumps or applying front brakes, indicating the steering head needs adjustment.
Service History (1,000 Mile)
The first service is critical for the M8 to check for metal shavings in the magnetic drain plugs and ensure the initial break-in was successful.
RDRS Verification
Check the left-hand controls for the traction control button to verify if the bike was actually equipped with the $995 RDRS option.
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