Harley-Davidson introduced this nameplate for the 2014 model year as part of the Project RUSHMORE touring refresh, positioning it as a more performance-focused, better-equipped version of the existing Street Glide bagger. It kept the core batwing-fairing touring formula but added a darker, more custom-styled look and a stronger feature set that helped define Harley-Davidson’s modern “special” touring trim language.
Over the years, it became one of the best-known factory baggers in the Harley-Davidson lineup, sitting between the standard Street Glide and the more premium long-distance touring models. Enthusiasts often associate it with the company’s evolving Grand American Touring era, especially as Harley-Davidson moved from Twin Cam power to Milwaukee-Eight engines and gradually updated chassis, electronics, and rider aids across the Touring family.
For 2024, Harley-Davidson redesigned the Street Glide line and the former Special nameplate was phased out rather than carried forward unchanged. That makes the 2014 through 2023 model years the continuous production span for this exact nameplate.