2021 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) VS Road King Special (FLHRXS) Test Ride and Review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- A detailed overview and comparison of the two Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycles offered in the 2021 model year. Matt and Andrew go into detail on how the Road King matches up with our models within the H-D lineup and how these two fairing-less touring bikes match up against one another. Get the buyer's tips to help you decide of one of these Kings of the Road is the bike for you.
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Lane splitting blows my mind!! People would shoot you for that or open their doors on purpose where I'm from!!!!
Agree 100% It also depends on how well the state educates the public if they ever changed the law. Just because someone rides a motorcycle doesn't mean those who don't know what's all involved in riding, maintenance, etc.
Yes, it gives me the heebie jeebies seeing it.
I wish lane splitting/filtering was legal all over the U.S.
@@CactusJack252 If I rode a 1200 sportster It might not freak me out as much but I ride an Ultra and the thought of scratching someone's car or my bike gives me too much anxiety.
Shit where u from big dawg
“It opens me up a little bit more, it’s larger, it helps me spread...” well, Matt, that escalated quickly. 😳
Haha, I ride a Road King when I want to get in the mood.
LOL!! I wasn't the only one that noticed that!!!
@@MattLaidlaw how are the road king specials on long rides and higher speeds? Stability wise? Compared to a low rider S?
I like the road king, I just wish they gave it LEDs.
My brain says Road King....but my heart says Special...🤔
Mine did too. I bought a 2020 standard in white and absolutely love it. It rolls nice in the twisties too, love the windshield too. Either way, great bike!
Bro same
Brain, please.
Go with your heart.
You buy a special you will want to replace the shocks as they are shorter and plain terrible. Go legends, fox, or ohlins.
The Road King just makes you smile when you look at it. Great video stay safe my friend God bless
Love my 2011 RK! Pop off the windshield for local riding, toss it on for my 96 mile daily commute or longer rides. It's basically the convertible of the HD touring line. For me the value you get with the RK standard is really hard to beat. Mine is stock except for Python slip-ons, and a passenger backrest. It does everything I ask and more. 🤙
Same brother !
It’s the most modular bike out there
Perfect for short trips, rides to the store for some shopping if u have a tour pack .. commuting to work
Out of state trips
Rack up 400-500 miles in a day no issue at all!!!
2019 FLHR
468 cam, full exhaust, dyno tuned etc
Gonna do bars this winter and 20k mile service (I been doing my own service but the 20k is a biggie)
Totally right about that pop on/off windshield.
Once I tried it and accepted I was old (just turned 40).. the windshield stays on unless it’s warm and not on hwy for more than 20 mins.
I have a shit back .. always hurts
Unless I’m on my bike
I can ride hours and have zero pain
I think it’s the posture .. some ppl speculate it’s the vibration. How about the idle man.. that motor bouncing around on its mounts ..
Bro.. I could wax lyrical all day on the RK
It’s blizzard here now in chi so I’m watching RK vids lol. And sitting on mine in the garage sometimes and making vrooom sounds. We all do it … bet u do too.
Ride safe bro.
And thank u for your service sir
Just in time before bed! I mean it's almost 1am here on the west coast and I have work in the morning, but who cares this is more important
I’m way late to the party here, but this video helped me choose a Road King Standard. The utility is just there. I was not aware that the shocks were different. I also wasn’t sure if I was large enough. I am 5’6” and 180lbs. It’s heavy, but I am having no issues and so glad I went with a touring frame. Thanks!
I’m 5’4 and I did choose the special but even at my size I do fine with it. Technique will overcome what you may lack in size/strength!
Road King standard hands down one of Harleys best values and if your truly interested in the ride and not being distracted by all the gadgets. Only wished they offered the 114 on the standard.
I absolutely love the HD Road King Classic. The simplicity, the spoked wheels, the white wall tires, and the avalanche of aftermarket parts. Such a joy and beauty to behold. For my retirement, I purchased a brand new 2012 Road King Classic that I configured with my preferences. It had the touring trunk, the HD GPS, the BOOM audio twin speakers, adjustable backrest, etc. Unfortunately, in 2017, the divorce lawyers required a sacrifice and my dream motorcycle was lost on the chopping block. But I digress.
In August 2021 I’ll be 58 years young. I’ve been riding since the age of 13. I’ve lost count of the number of motorcycles I’ve had the pleasure to ride and own. Having said that, my 2012 Road King Classic was the best riding experience I’ve had on a motorcycle. I’m a pensioner now and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford one again, but at the very least I had my adventures and journeys. No one can ever take those away. If you own one, enjoy the good times and make lots of memories.
Sorry for your loss 😔 But memories are priceless. All the best, my friend 👊🏻
I bought my used one as a small gift to myself that I could still treat myself to a cheap toy and felt free after my Divorse
@@joeishere500 By chance, I found my old 2012 HD Road King Classic for sale on cycletrader. It matched the VIN I have on my old registration and it still had some of the modifications I installed. I thought about getting it back but somehow it just didn’t feel right. I felt like buying it would be going backwards, like going back to my ex.
I don’t know how I got that emotion but I’m not the type to look back. Every time I’ve traded a motorcycle for a new one, I’ve been it’s only owner. So though I found my old HD Road King Classic, I found myself not wanting to look to the past but to look towards the future. If I get another HD Road King, it will be a current offering. Hopefully, if I do get another, it will be my last ride and it will be something that I can pass on to my son when he’s older. He’s only 9 years old as of this writing.
Also, I really want to reproduce a 65 Ford Mustang with him. That’s on the bucket list. But I digress.
I can’t say enough good things about the HD Road King. Although I found mine being resold, I can only send it’s new owner good wishes and the hope of more adventures and stories.
A part of my soul rides along it without me, and I feel fine with that. Here’s too not looking back.
I have the 2020 Road King Special. Love the bike. Great video. I really enjoyed it.
How much 💰
Nice. I just got a 2021 RKS a few days ago. Absolutely love it.
@@My.name.goes.here. congratulations. You will love it.
I like the looks of the standard Road King. Very classic Harley Davidson lineage designed into the bike plus better comfort. Doesn't need anything, keep it bone stock, ride as designed by the factory.
You must be a blast at parties....😕
Just got RK 2021.
You might be right I don’t think it needs anything
Trading my 04 sporty monday for the road king standard
I was just waiting for this video! I traded in my 2014 SGS for a 2021 RKS and couldn't be happier! After riding my SGS for 7 years I was ready to ditch the fairing and get back to the open space the RKS offered! The look of the RKS made the choice easy between the Standard and Special, I just love that blacked out look and I was lucky enough to get my Special in the "rogue" color Black Jack Metallic! I think there's a few things you overlooked on both Road Kings. With the tech available now with getting great speakers in your helmet; taking calls, navigation info and music is not an issue anymore. Plus you can throw a windshield on the RKS for the long run and then remove when you don't need. With my helmet speakers and a windshield I can get the best of a fairing with out all that mass! Great video!!
i love both bike.. but I think I'm leaning towards the Special.. but then again I love the classic Chrome look. So hard to deiced
Only Matt could make a road king look small. 😂
Yea, people say the same thing about me.
I’m currently riding a 2019 slim and love it. But I’m also drooling over a RK Special. I’m 5’6”. Can’t quite flat foot the RK. Is going to a shorter rear shock the best option? How much would it effect ride quality? I also ride two up about 30% of the time. Thanks in advance.
What kinda md of replies did you get? I'm in the same boat.
I'm not sure why HD even mass produces 2 engines.?
107 or 114 ?
Just make em all 131's🤠
Heck they don’t even give you a 131 with a CVO
@@andromedach , THEY SHOULD
Great review guys! Still waiting to get the RKS. Once I'm done savoring my current Breakout 107.
The RKS really is the sexiest bike In Harleys line up. Hell... In the last 20 years.
Hi Matt, i m 5' 5" and this is my third Road King standard. Did not lower it, use thick soled HD boots. Best bike I ever had
Nice man. You must have good technique and skill
How is the reliability of the 2022 roadking, have they fixed the sumping issues? Because I’m considering getting a new 2022 thanks for the videos, and your narrative
@@samcabasa6609 no sumping issues with mine. I have done 20,000 miles in 2 years. Mostly in 80+ temperatures, two up and luggage, with no problems. I had the head bearing replaced and a new battery. Had the fork down tubes replaced under warranty after a year because of damage to the lacquer finish. I just had the new ones covered in clear film and they are good now. I would recommend doing that from the start. The standard is mor comfortable than the special and goes around corners better ie without touching the road. You will notice that the new ST models have been raised to the same height.
I love the Road King (FLHR) and I'm 5′ 6 tall.
Did you get it lowered? What seat do you use?
@@steviestevie9704 Not lowered, OEM seat. Look for a suitable shoe with a little more sole, it is perfect.
Every year I watch these videos and think this is the year I buy a Harley.
I never buy a Harley 😔
What are you waiting for?
We only live one short time, then it’s over. Go get your Harley-Davidson, and “LIVE” your dream.
Just do it!!!🏍💨🔥🔥🔥
🇨🇦✌️😎
You know it makes sense!!
“IN THE END… We only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have,and the decisions we waited too long to make.”
― Lewis Carroll
As Adam Sandoval always says in his videos, "Buy the Damn Bike!". You only live once, get out and live.
@John Williams, Every year that goes by that you don't buy one, is a year full of excitement, enjoyment, adventures and memories that you lost out on. It doesn't have to be the newest, have the biggest engine or even be sexy. Having two wheels under you and the wind in your face is such an amazing and freeing feeling. Now being the end of the month and end of the year would be the best time to buy if you get it from a dealer. Good luck and I hope you're able to experience the love of riding sooner rather than later.
Lionel here in California (central valley). First for your info, the Road King was introduced in 1994, replacing the FLHS, Electra Glide Sport. I've put on 100s thousands of miles on the Road Kings. Ridden in 38 states on Hog rallies. I have a 2008 with 69,000 and a 2003 with over 207,000 miles. The 03 had 95 inch at 51k and hasn't been touched since. Same starter, stator, rotor, primary chain, and clutch.
They are a very good handling touring bike. I just put the tour pak on and go. The RK is nimbler than the rest of the baggers due to the fact that the front end is so much lighter. The Softails don't hold a like to the baggers. Whether it's ride, comfort, or handling. The newest are an improvement though.
I liked the video, good info.
Love these comparisons Matt. Hope to see more like this. Street Glide and Road Glide against specials, Street Bob against Softail Standard, Low Rider S against Fat Bob, or even the Heritage against the Sport Glide. For me it would be hard to decide between these two. I like the blacked out look, but I also like the windshield and the extra lighting and longer suspension travel. Probably lean a bit more toward the Standard.
Wwywi
Roww
They should offer the 114 for the chrome Road King just like they offer the 114 for the chrome Street Glide.
The RKS is my favorite Harley! I have the 2017 model in olive gold and don’t foresee myself ever getting rid of it. Nice comparison Matt and very informative video! 🤘🏾🤩
I have the 2017 RKS love it!! Put a windshield on it for long highway rides which I do slot of. Best bike around for me.
I love my 2020 Roadking in Stiletto red.
Nope. The Road King has the classic look I love. I don’t like the special at all
The special has its own character but I would still need passing lights and a wind shield but that’s my look
Great Video Matt👍
Straight to the point, and clear description of the 2 models.
Awesome 😀👍
I can’t get over this edit. I absolutely love the ride with the audio commentary/video in the corner.
Thank you for this feedback! I always struggle with which format to go with on these videos. Thank you
After test riding Indians, BMWs, Hondas and the entire Harley line, the Road King Special, in my opinion, is the best riding bike of them all. They do list the pros and cons of the bikes well as if you would be better on a Heritage or the Road King models or something with a fairing. Tough choice but it all depends on you riding style. Another great informative video from Laidlaw and the crew. They are straight up honest and very informative in their reviews. Note: what I found is if you are interested in a Special, don't procrastinate, they sell out quickly.
Ohh hell yeah!! Love this channel!
I love you
hi, there. my height is 5'4 " flat footed with riding shoes I can be 5 '6 . do you think I can handle this bike. I am currently using the rebel 500.
I’m 5’4 and ride a road king special. It sits a bit lower than the standard. I had to do a few things like get a seat that pushes me forward. But yes, it can be managed. Might have to do a few things to make it work because it is made with bigger people in mind. Don’t know that I would recommend it as a first big cruiser. But if you have experience on big cruisers and a bit of extra cash to make a few changes, you’re fine.
Black is the best color for a motorcycle!
I just have to say that I think the Road King Special is one of the coolest touring type motorcycles out there. If I walked into a Harley-Davidson dealer today with the intention of buying a brand new bike ... Well, it would be a black Harley-Davidson Road King Special. No doubt. Thanks for a well made and informative video (again). You guys have basically set the standard for what I like to see, when I search the web for an interesting American motorcycle review.
How great would it be to have the choice of either the 107ci or the 114ci motor for the RK standard. My retirement present to myself when they come back to Australia. Great review matt as usual, and love the dual comments regarding these bikes. Well done, my set HD channel on the tube.
I think the first Laidlaw video I ever watched was years ago when Matt had the road king with the apes and spoke of riding with apes. Wow these videos have come so far the quality of them is just outstanding. And always with a strong supporting cast. I really look forward to each new video as it comes out. Great job as usual Matt. 👍🏻
I am thinking about a new Road King. I really enjoy my 1998 RK. Obviously the power and suspension on the new one are much improved over my old one. Can you comment on the pros and cons of the new 18 inch rear and 19 inch front tire setup vs my old twin 16s. Do they handle better at the expense of some comfort?
Wished they would put the light bar on the Special makes no sense! I want to be seen by cagers. That’s my only complaint! Great Informative Video Matt keep them coming.
Looks a lot like my Sportster 1200 low T it’s got Harley Street Glide bags and Drag Specialty brackets Black Hills Gold/Black Quartz and a Tour Pak!
Dude hopefully we cross paths out there on the SoCal roads someday. Got my 2020 Special six months ago and the rides since have been all of my best. Just a simple Memphis Shades fairing on front solves the highway speed and still gives you the road in your face. Swapping out rear suspension for Legends or Öhlins is next (I’m 6’4” 220lbs and could use a little more rear travel) and I just recently added an Adaptive Daymaker and Drag Specialties Predator III Extended seat. But here’s a lame-geek video of the bike I threw together a couple of months ago: th-cam.com/video/DGGnzexv8YE/w-d-xo.html
I want a road king and then gangster style it out.
Who is more easy to drive ?I mean front wheel standard is 18/17” special 19”
This make difference or ? Tnx about your answer ....
Picking up a 2020 King today! You guys forget to mention, you can add a windspilitter to the Special.
Thanks Matt! That’s just what I wanted to see. Thanks for posting..I love the standard CHROME!!!!!
Had a Road King Classic, rode it for 14 years loved that bike!!
I bought a 2017 RKS ,coming from 08-17 fat bob chassis & 16 Lowrider S..it fit me like a glove..I'm only 5'8 and I felt right at home. Biggest difference was how much better the FL chassis is on the open road , so much better. The wind blast wasnt to noticable until I reached 75-80 but the floor boards are much better than the forward controls on the fat bob,but then again I could tuck into the pocket better because I'm small. Even though the RKS comes pretty "custom" looking from the factory, no Harley rider can resist the bug to make it your own !! Thanks to the parts catalog it's so easy to get what you need , I did axle nut covers,brawler seat,grips,brake pedal, shift pedal,shifter linkage, LEDs all the way around, Stage 2 (admittingly I went with all S&S internals) and Kerker Stouts slipons. Harley head pipes are good so I didnt go full exhaust. Mine was Hot Rod Red Hard Candy Metalflake..best color IMO..loved that bike. Lost it during to Covid job loss. But I'm going to be back on my feet soon and that's the first thing I'm going to replace.
I have the classic chrome and black on my Roadglide. I'd get the Special. 14 inch meat hooks dark 14 inch windshield. LED Ground lighting and black LED Passing Lamps
I’m gonna be trading in or selling my softail low rider outright and be getting a road king standard from you guys within the next few weeks!
Doing the same.
I'm new to your channel and a new rider. I took my MSF course at HD NC. And I just got my first HD motorcycle ever. It is a 2014 RK with 8k miles, all I can say is awesome bike. Keep doing what you do Matt. Love the knowledge you give on your channel. Thanks from NC.
Road King nicely replicates the classic Panhead look. Why doesn't Harley-Davidson give us more variations on the nostalgia theme? They have over a century of bikes to work from.
Road King special HAS to be the meanest lookin bike on the planet. Any manufacturer PERIOD
Just love the chrome chrome and more chrome
I bought the 2023 Road King Special. Because it was blacked out. The Road King looked too much like my 04 Heritage (ie too much chrome). Think I definitely made the right choice for me.
Just bought the RKS. Im in love with the bike. The difference between the 107 and 114 was huge for me. Well worth the extra money.
Nice honest opinions Matt. I have a RKS but still love the standard. Maybe next time. Thanks from the UK :)
Great video as always Matt! I really like the RKS, but I like the wind protection and stereo with the fairing, so I went with a 2020 RGS. Question, how do you get such good exhaust audio for the riding portions of your videos?
Rode a ‘13 Heritage and can tell you that stock it did not make a great all day touring bike. My ass and hands were numb after an hour. The Road King was only about a$1k difference in price at that time and wish I wud have gotten it. As it is I rode the Heritage for a year and jumped to an Ultra. But I love that 40s/50s styling of the Heritage and Road King Classic.
Breaking it down very well Matt, keep it coming big guy.
Thank you sir!
2021 Road King Special in Deadwood Green is #1 on my list of bikes I want right now!
Harley-davidson is the best....wow nice brother.
👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks for the reviews. Hows the helmet buffeting between the RK and a Road Glide?
Hello guys, it's impossible to find the black led indicator model for road king 2021 special in France.
Can someone help me?
thank you
Finally been waiting for this review to drop
Great review guys. Love both the standard and special but at 5.5 tall I am best sticking with my Softail Low Rider. Thanks guys.
I am in no way tall, 5'7, but i don't have an issue riding a RK at all. I don't think size is that important on making a decision on these bikes
Could the Road King Standard's shock be but on the Rpad King Special?Thanks, great vid!
Hi guys, I was really really sold on purchasing a new fatboy, but after seeing this I'm back at the beginning again. Seems like for similar money you get more for the money with a road king over the fatboy
Great video. Very informative. Not all riders are guys. Im 5' 6 female and ride a road king special. Maybe say rider instead of guy.
Both motorcycles are beautiful but something about the road king standard is my pick because of that classic look.
Minority groups within larger groups feel like their voices aren’t heard unless they’re organized into a faction.
King of the Road !
wow ..my friend jesse was right about your work.you got skilZ.i cant imagine all the hardwork and dedication one needs to make videos with this much quality.my goodness you make our 4k t.v come to life.wowzers you have won our respect.gr8 vid's amazing content..thanks though..from north philly..oh your rides are like no words can explain thanks Mr.Matt.L your team is world-class kick ass..
Thank you! Thanks for checking out the channel. Enjoy the ride my friend.
Road King standard but why did they take the heal toe shifter off it. and changed the wheels, to stories on the wheels dealer said preform better, but the police bikes went back to the original because the preform better and give a better ride ???? Who is wright, I like heal toe shifters and that was what was on them so why do they want me to pay extra for them.
quit moving around- damn. get a mounted better camera to make these reviews better please
Just to say, if you are 6’6” do you still ride with the standard seat on the RK? I’m 6’3” and my bump hurts after a an hour of riding, so I bought a Le Pera Maverick Daddy Long Legs seat and it felt so much better. Greetings from Belgium.
Yea, for tall riders we need to move it back for sure.
I definitely like the lookout the road king and plan on getting one so after I retire 😊 I do also like the soft tail be I want to take a trip and I think the road king would be a better choice
I live out in Lancaster am having a hard time with the dealership out here and in SCV. Looking at both of these bikes
Dude checks both ways 4 or 6 times, i do the same thing and still get surprised. Cant be too careful
HD needs to bring back the classic!
You always come across as so authentic and even handed in your presentations. You're a real solid continuation of your company's heritage, adding value to both customers and a national audience.
Thank you sir 🙏
Lane splitting is so foreign to me. I have the Road King Special, it's a great bike.
Can you install bigger fuel tank on haritage motorcycle ( is there aftermarket option) ?
I KNOW YOU HAVE A SET WAY TO SHOW THE MOTORCYCLES TWO AT A TIME, BUT THIS GET VERY CONFUSSING BEFORE YOU GET DONE TALKING
Why does the 2022 RK standard get 43 mpg to 2021 RK standard 45 mpg?
I have a 2020 Road King standard and a 2022 Road King Special. Love the Road King.
Why does the road king standard have a 32 degree lean angle when the road glide has a 31 degree right side and a 29 degree left side lean angle? I don’t get it.
Great video! My dream bike isa a Road king special.
Thanks Matt for another great video. One thing I have found in my experience is that the Road King makes me feel like I am sitting “on top” of the bike. The Softail frames do have that “in the bike” feel.
Funny, I had the opposite experience comparing both 2020 Road King Special and Fatboy.
Wow! Really good comparison video. Exactly what I was looking for. Road king standard it is. Subscribed. 👍🏼
I'm also looking at the standard version.
Thank you so much for the informative Video 👍👌
Riding in bicycle lanes is uncool gentlemen
Great video otherwise
Such a pity harley davidson has decided to discontinue the road king standard, 2023 was going to be the year I'd purchase one.
I realise that the special is still available and it's a beautiful bike but for me I would like the option of a windshield and the special doesn't come with one. I realise their are after market ones available but I think they take away from the look of the special
Did you see HD’s announcement today (5/2)? I figured it was getting either the Icon or CVO treatment.
Can you put a windshield on the RK Special??
For me it’s FLHR vs FLHT. Totally stuck.
✊😎👍
Waiting on that chrome RKS.....
I bet it'll come. The street and road glide special now have the chrome option so I bet it will be soon