The 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide is a landmark motorcycle that introduced the heavily publicized "Project Rushmore" overhaul to the brand's iconic batwing-fairing bagger line, featuring a high-output Twin Cam 103 engine, linked brakes, and the modern Boom! Box infotainment system.
Introduction to Project Rushmore and the 2014 Street Glide
When Harley-Davidson rolled out its product lineup for the 2014 model year, the Motor Company introduced the most sweeping customer-driven product development program in its history: Project Rushmore. Among the heavily anticipated models benefiting from this engineering overhaul was the FLHXS Street Glide Special—a hot-rod bagger designed to offer a balance of stripped-down custom styling and long-distance touring capability.
The 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide sat between the standard FLHX Street Glide and the ultra-premium touring models, bringing performance upgrades, updated chassis components, and cutting-edge rider amenities. Understanding the intricacies of this specific model year requires examining how Project Rushmore addressed longstanding rider complaints regarding heat management, braking performance, lighting, and infotainment technology. For collectors, buyers on the used market, and motorcycle enthusiasts, the 2014 FLHXS represents the baseline of modern Harley-Davidson touring evolution.
Engine and Powertrain Specifications
At the heart of the 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide is the High Output Twin Cam 103 engine, displacing 1,690 cubic centimeters (103 cubic inches). While previous iterations of the Twin Cam 103 had proven reliable, the 2014 revision introduced a new camshaft profile designed to improve low-end torque delivery and passing power in the mid-range.
Power is routed through a six-speed Cruise Drive transmission via a hydraulic clutch, which reduced lever effort and self-adjusted over the lifespan of the clutch plates. Unlike the Ultra Classic models that same year, which received the "Twin-Cooled" setup with liquid-cooled cylinder heads, the FLHXS retained an air- and oil-cooled configuration. This design choice kept the classic styling of the engine clean while delivering adequate thermal management for most riding conditions.
| Technical Specification | 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide Value |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | High Output Twin Cam 103, air/oil-cooled |
| Displacement | 103 cu in (1,690 cc) |
| Torque | 104 ft-lb @ 3,250 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed Cruise Drive |
| Fuel System | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | Chrome, 2-1-2 collector exhaust with tapered mufflers |
Chassis, Suspension, and Braking Upgrades
Prior to 2014, critics often pointed to touring-frame flex and inadequate front suspension as weaknesses of Harley-Davidson baggers. Project Rushmore directly targeted these physical limitations. The 2014 FLHXS received a rigid backbone frame paired with a stiffer front fork assembly, increasing the fork tube diameter from 41mm to 49mm. This reduction in front-end twisting significantly improved high-speed stability and cornering composure.
Braking performance also saw a dramatic leap forward with the introduction of Reflex Linked Brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment on the FLHXS. The system electronically links the front and rear brakes dynamically at speeds above 20-25 mph, distributing braking force optimally whether the rider uses the hand lever, the foot pedal, or both. Dual front floating rotors gripped by Brembo calipers ensure stopping power matches the heft of an 800-pound touring motorcycle.
Infotainment and Ergonomics
The most visible change on the 2014 Street Glide Special was the cockpit layout. The iconic batwing fairing was redesigned with a "splitstream" vent beneath the windshield. This central vent opens and closes via a touch button, routing air pressure into the cockpit to equalize negative pressure behind the fairing and drastically reduce rider head buffeting.
Dominating the inner fairing is the Boom! Box 4.3 infotainment system (with the 6.5GT touchscreen option available on upgraded or modified packages). This system integrated Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port for media devices and smartphone charging, GPS navigation (on the 6.5GT), and voice recognition in a weather-resistant housing. Hand-control switches were redesigned with joysticks and thumb-operated buttons to let riders navigate menus without taking their hands off the handlebars.
Cockpit Evolution (Project Rushmore Changes):
- Splitstream Vent (Reduces head buffeting)
- Boom! Box Infotainment (Bluetooth, USB, GPS)
- Redesigned Hand Controls (Joystick and thumb switches)
- Jukebox Media Compartment (USB port integration)
Special-Specific Features and Styling
The "S" designation in FLHXS denotes the Special trim level, which separated the machine from the base FLHX Street Glide through a distinct package of factory-installed custom features:
- Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS: Standard on the Special, optional on the base model.
- Boom! Box 6.5GT Infotainment System: Upgraded color touchscreen with GPS mapping.
- Custom Paint Options: Gloss black inner fairing and hand-selected premium color schemes, alongside traditional Vivid Black.
- Hand-Adjustable Rear Suspension: Low-profile rear shocks that could be adjusted for preload without tools using a hydraulic knob.
- Enclosed Saddlebags: One-touch latch design allowing easy opening with a single gloved hand.
Common Maintenance and Known Issues
While the 2014 FLHXS is celebrated as a major step forward, early-production models of Project Rushmore bikes experienced a few well-documented service bulletins and mechanical quirks that buyers should verify:
- Hydraulic Clutch Master Cylinder Recall: Early 2014 models were subject to a recall involving hydraulic clutch slave/master components that could allow air into the line, causing the clutch to lose disengagement capability. Ensure the dealer or previous owner completed this safety recall.
- Infotainment Software Glitches: First-generation Boom! Box systems occasionally suffered from freezing or Bluetooth pairing issues. Regular firmware updates released by Harley-Davidson resolved most stability problems.
- Inner Fairing Paint Wear: The gloss black inner fairing on the Special model is prone to fine scratching and swirl marks if wiped with dry or abrasive cloths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHX and FLHXS?
The FLHX is the base Street Glide model, while the FLHXS is the Street Glide Special. The FLHXS adds factory upgrades including standard Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS, the Boom! Box infotainment system upgrade, low-profile rear suspension, and a gloss-painted inner fairing matching the bodywork.
Does the 2014 Street Glide Special have cruise control?
Yes, electronic cruise control is standard equipment on the 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide, operated via a convenient toggle switch on the right-hand handlebar control cluster.
Is the 2014 FLHXS engine water-cooled?
No. While Harley-Davidson introduced Twin-Cooled (liquid-cooled exhaust ports) technology for certain 2014 Ultra models, the Street Glide Special utilizes the air- and oil-cooled High Output Twin Cam 103 engine.
How much does a 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHXS weigh?
The bike has a dry weight of approximately 785 pounds and a running order (wet) weight of roughly 810 pounds, depending on fuel levels and installed accessories.
What fuel octane does the High Output Twin Cam 103 require?
The engine features a 9.7:1 compression ratio and electronic fuel injection with knock sensors, but Harley-Davidson recommends using premium unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher) for optimal performance and to prevent spark knock under heavy loads.
Conclusion and Buying Guidance
The 2014 Harley-Davidson FLHXS Street Glide remains a compelling option for riders seeking classic hot-rod bagger styling combined with modern touring ergonomics and safety features like linked ABS brakes. When evaluating a used 2014 model, inspect service records to confirm that all Project Rushmore-era recall campaigns—particularly regarding the hydraulic clutch system—have been executed. Check the electronics, verify the condition of the inner fairing paint, and test-ride the motorcycle to evaluate front-end tracking and transmission shifting before finalizing a purchase.
