2023 Harley-Davidson Road King Special | A Pointless Motorcycle?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 มิ.ย. 2024
- Is the Harley Davidson Road King Special a pointless motorcycle? A large cruising styled Harley, with big hard panniers on the rear ready for long trips on the road. However no fairing or wind protection up front, what is this bike really meant for.
With Harley's 114 Wilwaukee 8 engine, it has plenty of power and character. Lets find out what the Road King Special is all about.
#harleydavidson #roadkingspecial #roadking
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0:00 Intro
1:36 First Impressions
3:24 Engine
5:05 Riding Position
6:00 Handling
7:42 Specifications
11:05 Unique Feature
13:20 Conclusion
CODE
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Most RoadKing owners, including myself remove the windshield as soon as it gets home. Some put it back on for long trips but better without it.
That is interesting to know 👍 Perhaps Harley knew this before designing the special!
exactly what i did with both my 2002 road king and 2008 sportster.
AND IT'S AN ADDED EXPENSE SINCE IT'S SEPARATE. PROFIT DOLLARS.
@@kimbuie7535 all about $$$
Maybe when the bawls drop you'll get it
This bike is sits at the convergence that tickles your soul: the elements, a machine that you can feel and hear, and the feeling it gives you from riding it, exposed, feeling is power. And the great thing, is you can do this at low speeds. It’s perfect for those countryside tours to have a weekend away. You don’t need the overkill of all the equipment and peripherals. This is about going back to basics. And that really appeals to. A bit of old school charm. And that does wonders for my mental health. It’s not pointless too it’s target market. It’s a thing of awe and beauty. And you felt a touch of that. 👍🏻😎
🙌 Very well said! It is a great bike and offers something quite unique
I have been riding Harleys for 30 years and Japanese bikes before that. My current bike is a Road King Classic. It is enormously practical, comfortable, reliable and very low maintenance. Sure they're expensive but the resale price more than makes up for that. The RK Special can have a quick connect windscreen fitted no worries. Mine has 140,000km on it and I love it. Best damn motosickle ever made!
🤙 I love to hear that! The Classic model is definitely a bike I could see myself falling in love with. Cheers
I have a 2018 Road King Classic. Best touring bike EVER! You are right, it is comfortable, reliable and practical. You do not see a lots of them on the road. Many time other riders come to me and complementing my RK. My has about 44K mile in it, and never an issue, never disappointing me. It is so comfortable, that my wife actually can sleep on the back, when we are cruising on highway.
I had an ‘06 Road King Classic but foolishly let it go. I miss it. In my opinion the Road King is a great motorcycle and very nice looking and so is the RK Special but the Classic is one of the most beautiful motorcycles ever made. It’s a shame that HD dropped it from their lineup.. I’ll have to find a low mileage used one but I can’t bring myself to sell my 2016 FLSTC or my 2010 FLHTK. Guess I’ll just have to make more room in the garage sometime in the near future but first my wife wants to get a new Bronco so it will have to wait a bit.
IV owned 5 Harley Davidsons mostly heritage Softails and road kings from the 88 CI to the 103 CI bikes very very average bikes and over rated the brakes are useless handling very poor I can't even compare what I'm riding nowadays the FJR Yamaha 1300 an amazing very fast and smooth and so much easier and cheaper for parts and servicing the only thing Harley Davidson have going for them are there resale value if I was 2 buy another twin tourer it would definitely be an Indian so much more value 4 money 💰
Pointless!! Bullshit. I’ve been riding for over 30 years owed over 30 motorcycles triumph, kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha , BMW, Buell , Suzuki, sports bikes muscle bikes and the Road King Special is by far my favourite. It’s an amazing motorcycle. I don’t like screens or fairings tho. Just naked bikes and a pure ride.. great review of a great bike.
Haha thanks, glad you enjoyed the review 👍 Yup it's an awesome bike, and I think the slightly strange design makes it even even cooler
Spot on, nothing beats the fresh breeze in our face.
I have a black 2023 Road King Special. I traded up from my Softail custom because the club I ride with do long trips (across the United Statesl. After a couple of such trips on my Softail I decided I needed something bigger. Problem is, I hate fairings. So the Road King was perfect for me. I bought a quick release wind splitter windshield that I leave off most of the time and only put on for the long trips. I have a Bluetooth helmet for music. I'm set.
👍 Sounds like a sensible trade to me, also those rides with your club sound brilliant! Cheers
I own a 2023 RKS and agree with all that fellow RK and RKS owners have said - it's the ideal touring platform precisely BECAUSE it's so stripped down. It's raw, it's real; it's the "KING." Not all of us feel the need to fork over an additional $5K+ for a fairing that blocks our view and adds unnecessary weight. Many of us use comms systems through our helmets. The RK and RKS are the blank canvases of the H-D Touring line, and you can customize to no end. It's often [affectionately] dubbed "the Swiss Army Knife of H-D."
👍 Having ridden and spent some time with it, I can definitely understand that. A very cool and versatile bike for sure
You nailed it Red. I’ve been tempted many times to sell my 2003 Road King but it’s still puts a smile on my face every time.
🤙 Thanks. I don't blame you, they are definitely special bikes. A keeper for sure.
Cheers
It never goes out of style. It’s timeless. Beautiful bike.
I completely agree 👍
Sunshine, Lands End to John O’ Groats using B roads, and this behemoth. That’s not pointless, that’s awesome! Great review.
🙌 Perfection! Cheers I appreciate it
Pointless? It is the most versatile bike they make; a true touring bike that you can customize easily by popping on whatever windscreen you want or take it off and commute. The average rider can change the bars himself or if you have it done it doesn't cost a thousand dollars. Unburdened by stereos, nav, CBs, and too much instrumentation it is a true riders bike. Not everyone likes 50 pounds of black plastic blocking the view of the road. It handles so much better at any speed than the other tourers that they have crowned it KIng.
The FLHR (standard) is the most versatile
For the extra money u could do a stage 3 kit and other stuff
Agreed
Having ridden it, I now agree with you. The lack of massive fairing definitely helps with the handling and riding pleasure. Great bike 👍
You're missing the point. The best apart about the Road King is that it doesn't have any electronics to look dated in a few years, it's simple and clean, and it's CONVERTIBLE. You can get a one of a million different arrangement windshields or fairings for it and put that on our take it off as wanted. It's the best of both worlds. Hot summer day in town? Get all that wind and air... Packing up and taking a long trip? Put that fairing on. Set up camp for the day and want to run into town for dinner or just to do some stuff seeing? Take it off and toss it in the tent (or room).
👍 I agree, a great versatile bike. I didn't realise how many after market screens where available!n
Very good insightful video Red! Ride on brother 😎
Thanks so much, I appreciate it 🙌 Cheers, and you 🤙
I have a Road King Standard. Absolutely my favorite Motorcycle. I was looking at a newer one a couple years ago. The salesman was trying to put me on the Special. I asked what the difference was. It does have the 114 engine but I found the 107 to be plenty powerful. I noticed the special had no windshield, no rear crash bars, no passenger floor boards, no passing lights, a less comfortable saddle, and less than comfortable bars. I then asked how much and as it turned out it was several thousand more than the standard. I told him that was a lot of extra cash for a bike that has less features than the one that I really like in the first place. Sadly, Harley removed the Standard from the lineup this year.
I agree, I still don't get how they manage to charge so much more even with the 114 engine! It is a great bike and I really enjoyed it, but I think it is a bit of a money maker.
TRUTH !!!
I always go for the Standards
Had a 2019 RK
jist sold it and got a 2023 RG (standard)
Several thousand more? I almost bought a standard, but bought the RKS was only $2k more out the door. The 114 is worth it for me because upgrading a 107 to 114 would’ve been more expensive afterwards. I added a windshield for $350. Depends on your situation I guess
So tired of people moaning about bikes with no fairings or screens toughen up. I've ridden bikes without for years and they are easy to live with once you get used to it. Besides I detest screens on bikes they are so ugly and often ruin the look of many bikes. If people are that desperate for protection stick with a car.
Fair enough, we each have our different tastes!
Great review and great HD 👏
Thanks so much I appreciate it 🙌 Yup it is such a cool bike and definitely makes sense
Adding the fork mounted wind deflectors makes the lack of a windshield pretty much unnecessary unless you are exceeding legal highway speeds. Also a seat with a lumbar rest takes away the need to death grip the bars. I bought a windshield and hung it on the wall after doing those two things. Plus I like the open view.
👍 There are definite benefits to no wind shield. Much more involving ride. Thanks thats good to know about the seat as well.
Good review, as always ✌👌
Thanks I appreciate it 🙌
117 is the biggest standard engine FYI.
I know! My apologies I was getting carried away with the stage 1 🥴
@@redangrevival you're apology has being accepted! Great review as always👌
@@robertprosser6856 haha thanks 🙌
The Name says it all...no fairing, free view...King of the Road...
I have a 2014 Road King and I love my fog lamps if for nothing else but nostalgic styling. I don't use my windshield for the majority of my riding, but it's nice to put on when I take longer road trips. The special is a sexy LOOKING bike, but it's missing the classic FLH look that I like.
Such a cool look those light 😎
Alot of us just want a quick release windshield when we go long and want naked local. The Road King is my favorite Harley hands down!
It is so versatile, that is its main benefit
Those Milwaukee 8 engines really come alive with any type of tune. Even a good stage one feels beautifully crisp and responsive. Lots of power upgrades can be had with a torque or power cam... Yeah, you'll probably want a screen on a Road King if you plan to cruise extensively on the motorways and they do love to stretch their legs at higher speeds. Torque is where its at for any road bike 😆... The more the better... Feels like riding a jet turbine, gigantic twist and go scooter 😉
👌 Absolutely loved that power! WOW what a sweet engine and tune. Really hits the spot 😁
Cheers
@@redangrevival THEY SHOULD RUN LIKE THAT STOCK. BUYING A DETUNED BIKE IS EXPENSIVE.
I got a used Road King Special, my 2nd Harley, we mainly had Guzzi's, BMW & Triumph before.
I love this bike, it came with a HD quick detach screen back rest and rack, great for touring 2 up, wife loves it.
For solo I often remove the screen back rest etc.
I never thought of getting a HD but you don't know unless you try one ! Yes they cost a load hence I bought used ! And it's the sort of bike you are going to want to make changes to to suit your needs/taste.
It's quite heavy but solid and handles well, you need to be a confident rider to get the best out of it and you will be rewarded with a great ride, not for everyone but so glad I got it.
The only thing that I missed at first was the chrome but now I have got used to it the black has grown on me, again personal taste !
Thanks for your honest review.
👍 So good to hear from an owners perspective. Sounds like you are really enjoying it and I am not surprised! It is a brilliant bike.
Cheers
Great review! Did you ever find out if it had a Stage 1/2/3 done, or was it still stock?
Thanks I appreciate it. Yes it had a stage 1. So nice 👌
OK all the good things you said exist about the bike is exactly why we love Harleys. I got OLD and a lot weaker so my Harley days are over so I got a Buell 1125R (roughly 420 lbs) still need help if I drop it. But I love riding.
I have a Fatbob 103ci, it’s 9 years old, can’t see me selling it tbh. I’ve also got a KTM with all the touring bits, but if I’m honest the FB will always be my favourite for touring. Great review, spot in with the visceral!
🙌 I can completely see why the Fatbob would be your choice. Cruisers just have so much charm and character. Cheers
First class machine and first class review!
I think it’s a stunning looking bike, but had to chuckle at the comment here saying the opposite. (Some people have no taste haha 😉).
Interesting point, however, as you review pretty much all types of bike, do you find, as we did, that you lose a lot of subscribers when they subscribe for say a sports bike, then they unsubscribe when they see a Harley (or vice versa)? Good angle mate 👍🏼
Bang on the money comment^.
🙌 Thanks so much, thats awesome to hear. Love this bike, rides surprisingly well, and I enjoy the strange concept. Makes it even cooler imo.
Yes I definitely find people subscribe for one kind of bike and then later unsubscribe. I suppose it is an "in the moment" decision for them because they liked that specific bike. Does not put me off reviewing all sorts of bikes though 😂
Cheers and all the best
Great review. Been considering my options lately between a Road King Special, Road Glide Special and a Street Glide Special and this video helps. I’m used to the open feeling having owned a few Harley’s without fairing and wanted to try a fairing bike next, but the more I think about it, the Road King just offers more flexibility and options. Plus, it never goes out of style, the fancy electronics on the other bikes are not there to become obsolete in 5 or 6 years. It’s really the perfect Harley to make your own and become the last bike you’ll ever own, which is what I’m really looking for at this point. A windshield is easily attached in seconds or even a full batwing style fairing.
Thanks so much I appreciate it 👍 Really glad the review was helpful. I think thats a great decision. This bike is really timeless and you can always fit an aftermarket screen if you want.
Cheers
Thank u for a great review …
It is my pleasure. Really glad you enjoyed it 🙌
I’ve ridden lots of Harleys from touring bikes to sportsters. The Road King might be the best all around bike. You get the touring frame, suspension and bags, but it’s more versatile than the touring bikes and more comfortable than the Softail. A windshield is all you really need.
👍 Well said, I completely agree
Absolutely love your jacket! May I ask which brand?
Beautiful video and bike, pleasant as always ✨👍
Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video 👍 Yes it’s is a Merlin Chigwell Light jacket. Great for the summer
@@redangrevival Yes I really do, and also in combination with the mental health initiative, I appreciate the bigger picture of awareness. Very inspiring 👍.
Thanks for the name of the jacket! I will look into it. Looking forward to your next video! Best wishes from the Netherlands, Gert
I road tested the Streetglide special and a RoadKing special I went for the RoadKing, motorcycle riding for me is the view around you and the feel of the surroundings unlike having a fairing in your face all day…
👍 I agree, that is a great thing about the Special, such an involving ride
Great looking, hate to filter on it!
Great review buddy 👍
Thanks mate 🙌 Your channel seems to be going great! Good work
@@redangrevival thanks buddy 👍
I'm on a Road Glide, and I always like the Road King look, its kinda classic looking over here in the states. Some people just prefer the wind and no stereo. HD does make a few detachable windscreen option for the Road King.
I personally prefer the classic looks of the Road King, but personal preference really. Yes I have recently seen many options for after market screens. 👍
Yup
Yeah or other aftermarket brands. Like freedom.
The purpose is: It gives u an option to have a windshield or not have a windshield or u can also add a removable fairing to it if u want that option as well. I have an 18 Road King Special Industrial Grey color and I love it!! Mine came with a removable windshield made especially for that bike. I can also buy an aftermarket fairing to snap on there if I want too. This bike gives u several options for style and wind protection. BEST LOOKING ROADKING IN MY OPINION!!
Yup I think its great! The option to be able to strip it down or spec it to go touring is brilliant.Though I think I did prefer the Standard model they used to make.
All in definitely not a pointless bike
I rode a Street Glide ST 117 and was amazed by its agility and the perfect weight distribution of the bike, so I assume that the Road King Special 114 is even more agile especially at low speed or when maneuvering. As an Italian I appreciated your final "ciao bella"! Thanks for the info.
It is my pleasure, really glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Have a 22 RKS in Flat Green - absolutely love it - Do have a removable windscreen for long trips, but leave it off for day rides etc. Have a stage 1 (w/Chrome Werks Exhaust) engine absolutely sublime! Love this bike!
Such a cool set up 😎 Awesome
Love your channel and watched many of your videos , but gotta say … some people don’t like wind protection. It’s that simple , I have this bike and me and the mrs just done a three week trip riding uk to Sicily 4500 mile trip , I never once wanted wind protection, far from it , it’s so hot I like the wind to cool down . We carried all our camping gear , stayed at hotels too . But with a rack on the back and the panniers carried all our gear no sweat . I did however change the seat and the handle bars both not at all to my liking . But it’s a great tourer . But saying that , any we’ll maintained bike is a great tourer as long as you like it . ❤
Thanks so much that is great to hear 🙌 Yup I can definitely get that. I think one of the great features of this bike is the lack of wind protection and connection with the elements. Sounds like a brilliant trip, i'm very jealous.
Cheers
Very true, I have ridden France, Holland, Belgium, Cornwall on my Fat Bob, zero wind protection but I didn’t want or need it. After all these epic journeys I wasn’t the exhausted one, although I was grinning ear to ear after a 9 hour day in the saddle. Not many bikes will give you that.
All motorcycles are pointless really. All impractical, uncomfortable and dangerous.
In fact imo this is the only Harley that seems to make any sense, because you can actually do long tours on it instead of just nipping to the local cafes for a pose and back to the shed.
I suppose everyone has different tastes. I like this bike because of how strange it is! Must say there are better touring Harley out there though.
@redangrevival This one isn't too much Americana I feel and seems to blend more into the English countryside just like the Speedmaster imo.
Every thing is dangerous. The bike in and of itself self , is just an inanimate object. That takes its charcuterie’s from the rider. Pointless, doubt it. Based on current fuel prices over here in the states. At 4.09 a gallon. I find it more economical to take the bike . Instead of the wife’s car. We, those of us who ride motorcycles know that the first thing you change. On the bike would be handles bars, grips, slip on pipes and the seat. The Road King is the base model for quite a few other touring bikes. They just add extra stuff to them. Cool review, watching from across the pond.
It is more bike than anyone in the UK could use. Get it up to speed hit a village. Get it up to speed hit the ocean. Get it up to speed hit a city, Not much wind in the UK so the Road King is perfect despite it having more power than Brits would ever need. Maybe rain "shield". Ride in Oklahoma in March where the wind would even have the RK leaning and fighting against it. Might I suggest the Honda "Road King" Monkey Bike. Best bike for the UK. I am taking the piss out of you. Ride on!
Freaked me out for a second when I saw you on the "wrong side" of the road!😅
😂 correct side over here!
"I don't know what it's about! It's a big touring Harley Davidson".
Elementary, my dear Watson.
I know a lot of road king owners will take the windshield off. That being said the factory option in my opinion was always part of a selling point. Personally I prefer the windshield and I love the roadking I believe what Harley did was sacrifice the roadking standard because of the highway king which is in reality a roadking with a single post seat. I do expect the roadking standard to return
Yes I think they just had too many similar models that where taking sales away from another. It is very easy to install an aftermarket windshield on the Special model, so still a good option 👍
That’s it precisely. The utility of a bagger, with the visceral dynamics of a cruiser. Best of both worlds and nothing extra. 👍
👌 such a great combination
Yeah, the blacked out version doesn't have a windshield but one can be added. I have a 2019 Road King Police Special. I have to se that the bike absolutely handles very well and can get around tight corners really well. The suspension does suck on most of the Harley bikes.
None of the new road king specials come from the factory with one ..
This is a really cool looking machine and not being a fan of big screens I actually appreciate this but I like the Road King Deluxe more… chrome and spoked wheels you know but it’s not in HD’s line-up anymore?! I would have to go with the Softail Heritage Classic and leave the screen at home. 😊
Brilliant review!
Cheers,
Lupo
It is such a cool bike. I really did appreciate the lack of wind protection actually. I am yet to ride one, but have always loved the Heritage Classic 😁
Cheers
I have a ‘21 RKS and absolutely love riding it. Never rode a bike with a windshield or fairing. Harley’s best touring bagger in my opinion
It is a very cool bike, I can see why so many people like it 👌
From the states. Ride a road king special. Which is Orange and black. Coming from a sportster. It’s a good step up. For those who want a touring bike. With out dropping a lot of cash. Did ride a few of the other models, but decided on this. When a buddy that had this, only 6 months wanted to sell.
i'd never call a road king pointless, they're meant to be modded, any road king is a special piece in your garage.
Having ridden it I now agree 👍
@@redangrevival nice
thanks for your info, please try a street glide special listen to the stereo, enjoy 95% less wind it also has a 114 engine you will love it !!!
It is my pleasure 👍 Thanks yup I’ll add that to the list for sure.
The Road King Classic of circa 2011 was way cool.
👍 Yup I agree, love that classic style. Beautiful bike
My road king special has 181 hp and 164 torque it has a 143 cu in motor in it with carbon fiber wheels and body check it out at moonshine Harley uu tube it's bike build #13 it has blue highlights on engine
😎 now that sounds like a cool bike! A beast. Cheers I will take a look
Hi loving the videos, can you tel me if you have tested/ridden the Triumph America, if so would love to have your thoughts. Cheers
Hi, thanks so much really glad you are enjoying the vids 👍 I am afraid I haven't ridden it, but definitely on the list
@@redangrevival ok thanks, I did ride one in Australia for a while, it was a lovely bike to ride, I was just wondering if you had a comparison to the speedmaster that’s all
Thanks again 👍👍
I currently ride a 2017 softail slim and the RKS caught my attention when it was first released. The only thing that is holding back to trade is the weight of a RKS and it’s maneuverability at slow speed. I’m 5’6 150 pounds.
Yes that is a down side of these big Harleys! They can be a handful at slow speeds. I think it really depends on how much you want the bike. I wouldn't let size out you off
It’s gorgeous
Same thing as the Street Glide and Road glide from bars to rear of bike. If you go on the showroom floor and do a price difference. You will see that fairing, radio, etc is near $10,000 more than the road king. I can't see myself paying 10k for a fairing that will have an outdated radio in a few years. Love my Road King.
Yes that’s very true. Also there are lots of great options for aftermarket screens if you want one for the Special model 👍
It's a Harley so it will always sell to somebody and I'm sure you could get a windscreen from somewhere, even if Harley don't do one. Good review, as ever!
Harley have one specifically for this bike. Removable and about £400/500
Thanks 🙌 Yes a good point, most things with a Harley Badge on will sell! Shows how popular the brand is. This is definitely better than I was expecting though. I like it!
Also, in the States, these bikes are used extensively as police motorcycles.
Such a cool police bike!
I love my 2023 Road King Special. I don’t do fairings. If I want wind protection I wear a helmet.
👌
just test rode one today, those big rims and low profile tires make for a harsh ride over sharp bumps. I would have preferred a Road King Standard, not sure if they're even available anymore.
I agree, I would also opt for the standard. Unfortunately they have discontinued it from the lineup
All that is is a stripped down street Glide who are the higher price. Typical Harley-Davidson less for more
I ride 2022 road king special ..
I have had many diff Harleys .. I also rode 2021 CVO limited .. if u want just one Harley in ur garage it’s gotta be RKS !! it’s a very versatile motorcycle.. u can carry ur laptop to work , u can much thousands of kms , u can pub hop , it’s a bloody good bike ..
I ride with quick detach windscreen n back rest !!jeez it’s a great comfy bike .. “torque on tap “
Sorry gotta stop writing now !!
Haha 😎 That is awesome to hear! From my brief ride I can understand where you’re coming from. Very cool bike.
Cheers
Bought a street Bob in 2013. Would like more bike like street glide but hate stereo and infotainment. So may have to look at road glide with wind screen someday.
I highly recommend it. A great bike and nice upgrade from the Street Bob 👍
Road King special is the best bike I have ever owned it’s an absolute blast
💪 such a cool bike
They call it a road King for a reason you can't ride it from your house to Grandma's house and evaluate a bike
Get that thing out on the highway and you'll see
Like all big Harley’s they are great on the open road.
You can just easily adding a windscreen and you are protected. Another advantage is that the navigation will not be outdated because it lacks one. And thats also very okay because you can choose your own and change easily when needed. And who needs that big screaming stereo like the road or streetglide? Put music by bluetooth in your helmet and you won’t annoy any other road users also. RoadKing Special all the way baby!!
😎 It is a super cool bike for sure!
I just wish they made batwing wind shields for road king. Not a big fan of that see through one
I like your comments about smooth ride. I ride a Heritage and the ride is lovely but I hear the road king has a rubber (vs rigid) mounted engine giving the ride you describe. Heavier and thus less economical to run perhaps. Thanks
I really was surprised by the tide quality, and especially handling! Yes the rubber mounts will for sure soak up some vibrations
🔥
I can see the point of it, especially with the 114 engine. But not at that price. I have extensively toured on motorcycles without fairings. Okay up to 100 MPH. Good exercise. 1990 [Nick J]
👍 It feels like a very special bike when riding it thats for sure!
Mate, most Road King riders in the States that do any touring use a removable windscreen.
Yes, I assume they start off with the standard model though. Not the Special
I just wish they made the rear cylinder head to be larger so it catches more air to cool it down more.... That or copy Moto Guzzi and go for the angled ones as the rear cylinder head always gets so hot at slow speed.
The 1st thing you have to do with a new harleydavidson is take the seat, handlebars and shocks off throw them in the trash
Then worry about the internal breathing and sumping issues
Then you can hit the road
I did it and I love my 2019 flhrxs
Yup sounds sensible. However quite pricey!
@redangrevival very pricey
low rider st or road king special? which one do you like most?
Low Rider ST 👍 Very close though
No windscreen! Perfect!...sounds like a motorcycle
Great bike all around
Let me help you out with this. Here in America there are two major reasons the “very popular” road king is acquired. One, some riders like the wind therapy. And two probably more popular, this is the platform in which the “cholo” styled bikes begin at. 👍✌️
Yup that makes sense for sure. Also good point, great platform to customise with 👍
If you liked this bike, I can't wait to see a review of the Indian Springfield Dark Horse. Similar bikes, but I chose the Indian over the HD.
Yup I'd really like to test ride the Indian at some point 👍
My wife said "I want to be comfortable, but i don't like the look of the fairings, and i don't want a stereo system." So i bought a RK Special, added a sissy bar and windshield, perfect bike.
Also, that bike is bone stock!
👍 the perfect option!
24000 pounds? Man, that's one heavy bike!😉
😂
They killed the Road King with a point i.e. the standard. It didn't have those silly extended bags that can't be set upright if you take them off the bike to clean or whatever. It has aux lights, a proper windscreen, crash bars to protect the bags, plated rather than painted engine bits, proper touring front tire vs the low profile thing on that one that will blow and bend the rim at the sight of a pothole. It was also about $6k cheaper. Some bean counter at HD figured out they were giving away the cow instead of milking us for every udder. So now you pay $6k more and buy all the touring stuff to give it a point. But yes, in general, Road Kings are great bikes. That's why I own one.
I partly agree with you on that. They are great bikes in general, but I think this Special model is just a money making exercise to be honest!
if you dont know what its for dont review it
Brembo.....best in the business.....adequate.
Are we spoilt or what!😂😂
🥴 yup!
Good review overall. Pointless? LOL…you’re funny. Truth is, the RK is the perfect compromise between a completely stripped down bike and a fully loaded bagger. It does it all…except go off-road. For me, the RKS fits my riding style perfectly. And if you have a 3/4 or full-face helmet, you don’t really need a windshield until getting above 50-60 MPH…unless you have other issues. I ride with both a 3/4 and full-face depending on my mood and don’t need a windshield except for those rides when I’m spending a lot of time on the highway above 60 MPH. Additionally, leaving the windshield out was a smart pricing move by HD for consumers. I prefer purchasing my bikes without windshields because I would rather pay for one that fits my height exactly instead of pay for a standard one rolled into the overall bike price and then have to spend more for it to fit my height correctly. If you ride it enough, you’ll either understand why some of us ride the RKS…or not.
I can definitely understand why you ride it 👍
"It's not too loud" ....NEXT!
I’ve been riding HDs all my life. Call me crazy but I am thinking about buying a Hayabusa. Beautiful and extremely fast.
Fair enough, you can't go wrong with all that power! Maybe a change would be fun
DAMN 24 thousand pounds!!!! That's one heavy bike......
😂 £ Sterling
No motorcycle is pointless, as long as there are people willing to buy them and put on the miles. I wouldn't be caught dead on this thing (or most cruisers and pretty much any Harley) but I also enjoy off kilter bikes that most people wouldn't consider purchasing. Motorcycles are a daft idea and are far from sensible; if one puts a smile on your face more than any other, that's the one to get, IMO.
I couldn't agree more 👍 The fact hat this bike is so unnecessary makes me like it even more 😁
Super bike ❤
I don’t like wind screens. Can’t find one that doesn’t make my helmet buffet and shake around.
Yes they can be hard to fit correctly!
Love that bike.
👌 it is a cool bike
Is that kilogram conversion, correct?
When I mention pound I mean the price in pound sterling
@@redangrevival sorry, I meant the Kg. statement...
Absolutely the epitome of a touring bike that’s about the tour. If you need to be protected from the wind there is a might that suggests you don’t get some of the point of it. The voice of God is ‘In The Wind’.
👌 I tend to agree with you. Also very well said! Cheers
It’s certainly a great ride, but I agree with you on the oxymoronicness of the Special’s purpose in life.
👍 it is great fun, but yes it’s certainly a strange concept. I suppose that is it’s charm
Whats not to like it's a roadster on a touring chassis without a fairing and the distraction of all the electronics. It's stable ,comfortable solid , handles well ,great for 2 up. With the ohlins upgrade on back different bars and seat mine is the ferfect balance. Rides much better than my softail. Wife lives riding on it. Perfect for light touri g and cruising around new england. I guess yuo guys just get it. Yes it is more coin than the standard but with the stretched bags the 114 engine all blacked out and other subtle differences it is unique in the hd line up.
Heavy but gets my little heart pumpin those greasy arteries of mine.
I love it, such a cool and characterful bike
What happened to Road King? Where is the classic Road King with the chrome and windshield? They only make the 'special' now, correct? That's not the Road King I grew up drooling on. Btw, yellow and blue? Really? The blue looks like a toy. I'm disappointed...
Buy a secondhand one. No classic this year. All other years have been available
Yes I do prefer the classic Road King as well! Stunning bike. Perhaps they have plans to update it next year 🤞
Watch Million Dollar Bogan, it's an adventure bike! lol.
Love the channel, so great 👍
The American Odyssey. Sort of like the Australian "THE CURSED EARTH" saga. Bogan as Dredd. "I think my tire and wheel is going to come off. I have a giant hole in my manifold (what ever a manifold is). Does anyone have any Harley spare parts? I'm doomed! Bloody Mexico City Toll Gates!"
Oh hush, windshields are cheap
That is a large, cruising bike. It’s not quite a couch or a recliner, instead still has some of the raw enjoyable things about motorcycles.
Yup well said 👍 It is an interesting mixture