I absolutely love the HD Road King Classic (I wish they were being sold in the US). The simplicity, the spoked wheels, the leather bags, the white wall tires, and the avalanche of aftermarket parts. It was such a joy and a beauty to behold. For my retirement, I purchased a brand new 2012 Road King Classic (blue/black) 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. The current 2020 HD Road King and the RK Special, have lots of the same appeal of the 2012 Classic. Though cosmetically different, the 2020 RK it very appealing, with its updated colors, hard bags and Slicer II Cast Aluminum wheels. My favorite 2020 color is Silver Pine/Spruce. My Favorite RKS is the blacked out version in black. Very sexy and I love the 114 Milwaukee 8 engine. I’m 56 years young and have been riding since I was 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 retired now and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford a motorcycle again, but at the very least I have plenty of found experiences. No one will ever take those away. If you own a Road King, enjoy the good times and make lots of good memories. You've picked a winner.
I recently bought a new 2019 R K Special in Midnite Blue after owning a 2015 Road King standard bought new. I freaking LOVE this R K Special! The ride, handling & hydraulic clutch are all INCREDIBLE improvements over my Road King bought new in 2015. The difference is night & day! Customizing my R K Special now. Adding CFR 450 black exhaust with deep cut ends, Arlen Ness deep cut Monster Sucker and Vance & Hines Fuelpak3, among many other cosmetics like Arlen Ness deep cut accessories. I am in eternal love with this bike! JUST BUY ONE!!!
Had a 2000 Heritage Classic with lots of added chrome. Sure, it was one sweet looking ride, but as with the 2002 Firehawk, it took hours to detail it even after riding around the block. With the RKS, I can take it for multiple 100+ mile rides before detailing. To me, that makes this bike worth having.
Thing is, I don't want to change my RK standard to a special. There's nothing special about a blacked out engine. Some people like it and others, like me, not so much. The standard also has way more power than I'll ever use, sure feels different from my TC88. I'll be changing some things but that's what owning a Harley is about, personalization. Ride on.
It’s not a fair comparison adding up the individual cost of the black components because they are installed during assembly, not changed out at the dealer. The stretched bags and 114 engine would cost more in parts but then subtract the price of the windshield, passing lamps, passenger foot pegs etc. and the $3K difference doesn’t make sense. Also powder coating is more environmentally friendly and doesn’t need the chemicals that chrome plating does so it should be cheaper to manufacture.
Stopped to look at the RK special. Nice looking. The salesman tried his hardest to get me into one. Sure, it has the bigger motor but the 107 has plenty of power. But the Special has a less comfortable saddle. It doesn't have a windshield. It doesn't have passing lamps. It doesn't have passenger floor boards. It doesn't have rear crash bars. That's a lot of doesn't haves to spend more money on. Plus the seating position just felt different to me. I will stick to the RK standard.
I agree to a certain extent, the RKS is definitely an appearance and performance package and to some that's worth it to some. I definitely agree that the 107 has plenty of power, and it wont take a full 114 kit to get over well over 100hp (just throw in a cam and BOOM!) Thanks for your comment! Ride Safe!
I like the look of the special. I liked the mini apes. I liked the 114. But my wife felt the seat was terribly uncomfortable. I agreed. No floorboards for her. No windshield made highway speeds above 65 unbearable. And all of those problems for a sticker 3000 above the road king? And I'd have to immediately buy a new seat, windshield and floorboards on top of that? You can guess...I bought a Road King Standard with ABS, security, and a hard candy custom paint job for still 2500 less than a special.
@@jdraupp The special seems more geared toward the bar-hopper crowd that doesn't take highway trips and wants the bragging rights of the 114 and all the custom-looking blackout bits and mini apes. This kind of pricing is reminiscent of Porsche and Ferrari, who will charge you extra for a car with less equipment because it's a "special" or racing edition. Some might be able to get a Harley dealer to swap out some of the easy parts (seat, passenger floorboards) to make the sale.
I hate chrome. I believe everyone who isn't a baby boomer does. I much prefer the blackout look. It's just make the bike look sooooo much better. I would pay the extra 3 grand for the Special just because it has no chrome.
I'm 27 and I like the chrome standard over the special in the Road King. For street glides etc, I like the blacked out look. Maybe because I'm from SoCal and the gangster look is popular here lol.
I used to say (anywho) a lot, but, after several months of therapy and sleepless nights I have overcome, and now (anywho) free. 😎🤘 PS: I would choose the RK standard. I'm not a fan boy of a blacked out bike. and I don't need a 114 my 2015 Road King 103 hauls my 6'4 290 pound ass with no problem. 👍
Wrong. The Special is FAR more comfortable, handles much better, clutch is FAR smoother, etc, etc! I know. I've owned both and now a new 2019 Special. I freaking LOVE this bike!!!!!!!!!!!
I had a 2017 RoadKing standard. Fitted the Torque cams and SE mufflers and high flow A/F Brilliant riding bike. Did 12000km in 5 months. Long story had to back trade. But want a Roadking Special now 😁🤘
I’m 45 that owns a streetbob. The king special is what I’m looking at next to buy. I’m just not ready for the street glide or the road glide yet. I’m just not ready for all that stuff in front of me yet.
What i see , Harley removed from the standard the bag gard + extra light + wind shield and gave 114 engine + Blacked look for 3000$ extra to Road king standard. I rather get the standard. Harley you are taking your loyal customers for stupid. shame !!
All those can be added to the RK Special for alot less than it takes to convert a RK Standard to a Special. That, I believe, is what he was getting at.
summary, 3500 dollars more, with less. No windscreen, no auxiliary lights, no passenger floor boards, no back crash bar, no double up seat. Typical harley bullshit.
I put Blacked out passing lights (LED), pancaked turn signals and a windscreen on my 2018 RK Special. I like the RK, but not a fan of chrome. $2k+ worth or parts and labor. Looks BadA$$ though.
Why would anyone want to take a standard to a special? Harley takes a standard Road King, strips lots of parts off it then ditches expensive chrome and replaces it with with much cheaper black paint/powder coat. Yes, it is the better looking bike imo but to pay more for less is insane! Only HD could pull this off lol
Not really, replacing chrome with black is just part of it. Blacking out all the components that would get rid of the chrome completely is about $5,000 (including swapping the wheels. And this doe'snt include labor cost). Turning that 107 to a 114 parts alone if you did stroked flywheels those run you $850(before tax) + 20 to 25 hours labor (depending on the dealers hourly rate, you are at a minimum of $2k in labor), if you go that route that runs you around $3k just in motor work. If you go the big bore kit way to get to a 114, that is $1,595.95 (before tax) + 6 hours labor (depending on labor rates that puts you over $2k just in motor work). These numbers are not including stretched saddlebags, the option of ABS, the turn signal relocation, front fender, rear fender facia, rear turn signals, etc. Does this information help at all? let me know
Jeeze dude, did it ever cross your mind to tell us what model year you are discussing? that dummy gas cap was designed by king HD dummies..Now lets ride the see what it would cost the convert the Special to the Standard..
It's sad black paint or powder coat is more then chrome which seems to be a longer process to do. I just bought the 2019 Road King Special with that 114 and it amazing but not cheap
I absolutely love the HD Road King Classic (I wish they were being sold in the US). The simplicity, the spoked wheels, the leather bags, the white wall tires, and the avalanche of aftermarket parts. It was such a joy and a beauty to behold.
For my retirement, I purchased a brand new 2012 Road King Classic (blue/black) 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.
The current 2020 HD Road King and the RK Special, have lots of the same appeal of the 2012 Classic. Though cosmetically different, the 2020 RK it very appealing, with its updated colors, hard bags and Slicer II Cast Aluminum wheels. My favorite 2020 color is Silver Pine/Spruce. My Favorite RKS is the blacked out version in black. Very sexy and I love the 114 Milwaukee 8 engine.
I’m 56 years young and have been riding since I was 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 retired now and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford a motorcycle again, but at the very least I have plenty of found experiences. No one will ever take those away. If you own a Road King, enjoy the good times and make lots of good memories. You've picked a winner.
Good on ya mate!.. good memories is all we have at the end of the day!... Ride on from Australia The land of the long rides!
I recently bought a new 2019 R K Special in Midnite Blue after owning a 2015 Road King standard bought new. I freaking LOVE this R K Special! The ride, handling & hydraulic clutch are all INCREDIBLE improvements over my Road King bought new in 2015. The difference is night & day! Customizing my R K Special now. Adding CFR 450 black exhaust with deep cut ends, Arlen Ness deep cut Monster Sucker and Vance & Hines Fuelpak3, among many other cosmetics like Arlen Ness deep cut accessories. I am in eternal love with this bike! JUST BUY ONE!!!
I was in the market for a Harley, but then I came along an 2013 maserati quattroporte GTS 530 HP 13,000 mile for 13k. Did I make the right decision?😀
Had a 2000 Heritage Classic with lots of added chrome. Sure, it was one sweet looking ride, but as with the 2002 Firehawk, it took hours to detail it even after riding around the block. With the RKS, I can take it for multiple 100+ mile rides before detailing. To me, that makes this bike worth having.
Thing is, I don't want to change my RK standard to a special. There's nothing special about a blacked out engine. Some people like it and others, like me, not so much. The standard also has way more power than I'll ever use, sure feels different from my TC88. I'll be changing some things but that's what owning a Harley is about, personalization. Ride on.
instablaster
It’s not a fair comparison adding up the individual cost of the black components because they are installed during assembly, not changed out at the dealer. The stretched bags and 114 engine would cost more in parts but then subtract the price of the windshield, passing lamps, passenger foot pegs etc. and the $3K difference doesn’t make sense.
Also powder coating is more environmentally friendly and doesn’t need the chemicals that chrome plating does so it should be cheaper to manufacture.
Stopped to look at the RK special. Nice looking. The salesman tried his hardest to get me into one. Sure, it has the bigger motor but the 107 has plenty of power. But the Special has a less comfortable saddle. It doesn't have a windshield. It doesn't have passing lamps. It doesn't have passenger floor boards. It doesn't have rear crash bars. That's a lot of doesn't haves to spend more money on. Plus the seating position just felt different to me. I will stick to the RK standard.
I agree to a certain extent, the RKS is definitely an appearance and performance package and to some that's worth it to some. I definitely agree that the 107 has plenty of power, and it wont take a full 114 kit to get over well over 100hp (just throw in a cam and BOOM!)
Thanks for your comment! Ride Safe!
I like the look of the special. I liked the mini apes. I liked the 114. But my wife felt the seat was terribly uncomfortable. I agreed. No floorboards for her. No windshield made highway speeds above 65 unbearable. And all of those problems for a sticker 3000 above the road king? And I'd have to immediately buy a new seat, windshield and floorboards on top of that? You can guess...I bought a Road King Standard with ABS, security, and a hard candy custom paint job for still 2500 less than a special.
@@jdraupp The special seems more geared toward the bar-hopper crowd that doesn't take highway trips and wants the bragging rights of the 114 and all the custom-looking blackout bits and mini apes. This kind of pricing is reminiscent of Porsche and Ferrari, who will charge you extra for a car with less equipment because it's a "special" or racing edition. Some might be able to get a Harley dealer to swap out some of the easy parts (seat, passenger floorboards) to make the sale.
I totally agree. More money for less:\
I hate chrome. I believe everyone who isn't a baby boomer does. I much prefer the blackout look. It's just make the bike look sooooo much better. I would pay the extra 3 grand for the Special just because it has no chrome.
LOL! That is so true, as far as I've seen the baby boomers are the ones that prefer the chrome!
I am not a baby boomer and prefer the look of the standard road king. I own a 2017 standard. Almost bought the special but wanted the chrome.
I'm 27 and I like the chrome standard over the special in the Road King. For street glides etc, I like the blacked out look. Maybe because I'm from SoCal and the gangster look is popular here lol.
@@Silidons91 most younger guys like blacked out look over chrome. There is always exceptions to every rule. But in the end, ride what you like.
@Don Starck I agree. Harley is known to charge extra for what's popular.
Harley's move away from chrome to the blacked-out look just doesn't do anything for me. Just my opinion, different strokes...
I have always liked gobs of chrome on my big bikes. I've got a 13 road king that I need sunglasses just to look at it...
I think they look like budget models compared to a standard road king.
Chrome is fugly. Looks like it’s from 1970. The black looks modern and premium.
@@charkswitlazers As I said, Slick Willie, different strokes.
Dude fantastic review. The Road King Special is a sweet bike. I’d go 10” bars and a removable wind screen be done.
I used to say (anywho) a lot, but, after several months of therapy and sleepless nights I have overcome, and now (anywho) free. 😎🤘
PS: I would choose the RK standard. I'm not a fan boy of a blacked out bike. and I don't need a 114 my 2015 Road King 103 hauls my 6'4 290 pound ass with no problem. 👍
u gut bad taste dood....(
Road King standard rides noticeably smoother due to longer travel shocks in the rear.
Wrong. The Special is FAR more comfortable, handles much better, clutch is FAR smoother, etc, etc! I know. I've owned both and now a new 2019 Special. I freaking LOVE this bike!!!!!!!!!!!
I had a 2017 RoadKing standard. Fitted the Torque cams and SE mufflers and high flow A/F
Brilliant riding bike. Did 12000km in 5 months. Long story had to back trade. But want a Roadking Special now 😁🤘
The Special has AMAZING improvements. Night & day difference3! BUY THE SPECIAL!
I’m 45 that owns a streetbob. The king special is what I’m looking at next to buy. I’m just not ready for the street glide or the road glide yet. I’m just not ready for all that stuff in front of me yet.
Advan black has all the bracket bolts washers and the bags one stop shop and color matched
What i see , Harley removed from the standard the bag gard + extra light + wind shield and gave 114 engine + Blacked look for 3000$ extra to Road king standard. I rather get the standard. Harley you are taking your loyal customers for stupid. shame !!
Just be cheaper to buy a wind-shield and a sissy bar for the Special to turn it into the RK standard and get the best of both?
Basically, if you want a blacked out road king with stretched bags and a 114 that would be the cheaper option
All those can be added to the RK Special for alot less than it takes to convert a RK Standard to a Special. That, I believe, is what he was getting at.
summary, 3500 dollars more, with less. No windscreen, no auxiliary lights, no passenger floor boards, no back crash bar, no double up seat. Typical harley bullshit.
You are my favorite guy on all the internet .I don"t understand how you don't have 20000 subs any way don"t give up you will get there.
THANKS!!! I really appreciate the support!
How about prices for the big bore kit , screaming eagle heavy breather on the special .
What's the brand of the mount for the go pro? So we know which one not to buy!!
for chromed out bikes i prefer the Deluxe, for blacked out the RK special.
Oh yeah and no windshield or passenger floorboards!
I put Blacked out passing lights (LED), pancaked turn signals and a windscreen on my 2018 RK Special. I like the RK, but not a fan of chrome. $2k+ worth or parts and labor. Looks BadA$$ though.
I thought both bikes came with Abs as standard
Prefer the look of the standard but would want it with the 114
Why would anyone want to take a standard to a special? Harley takes a standard Road King, strips lots of parts off it then ditches expensive chrome and replaces it with with much cheaper black paint/powder coat.
Yes, it is the better looking bike imo but to pay more for less is insane! Only HD could pull this off lol
Are you basing the price comparison on replacing chrome with black? Not hearing the justification for 3k over standard
Not really, replacing chrome with black is just part of it. Blacking out all the components that would get rid of the chrome completely is about $5,000 (including swapping the wheels. And this doe'snt include labor cost). Turning that 107 to a 114 parts alone if you did stroked flywheels those run you $850(before tax) + 20 to 25 hours labor (depending on the dealers hourly rate, you are at a minimum of $2k in labor), if you go that route that runs you around $3k just in motor work. If you go the big bore kit way to get to a 114, that is $1,595.95 (before tax) + 6 hours labor (depending on labor rates that puts you over $2k just in motor work). These numbers are not including stretched saddlebags, the option of ABS, the turn signal relocation, front fender, rear fender facia, rear turn signals, etc. Does this information help at all? let me know
gghostrrider seems like he’s pretty clear on all the options on this bike to me 👍.
I love this bike, how much does it cost to rip out all the electronics?
Like what? The fuses?
The standard all day everyday.
I like "anywho", it's kind of your thing. Enjoyed the video, I always like these comparison ones.
Thanks! I've never thought of it as "my thing" but I guess it is lol
I like the standard. Put some 16” carlinni gangsters ape bars 👍
Lol “ I caught it”!
Jeeze dude, did it ever cross your mind to tell us what model year you are discussing? that dummy gas cap was designed by king HD dummies..Now lets ride the see what it would cost the convert the Special to the Standard..
Why did you disable the likes, what happened😂😂😂
Can you do a comparison 2019 heritage 114 and road king S 114?
I'll make that happen!
Easy the heritage is for girls, the rks for men. Job done.
Brian MacLennan I already have a street glide. So I’m looking for more a bar hoper
Or the Heritage is for people who want their bikevto handle better.
It's sad black paint or powder coat is more then chrome which seems to be a longer process to do. I just bought the 2019 Road King Special with that 114 and it amazing but not cheap
Dude your filming style is making me dizzy. LOL
LOL! Sorry about that, I'll make some tweaks in the future!
@@MaverickHarleyDavidson It's good stuff. Beautiful bikes! That Road King Special is freakin NICE!
STOP saying anywho sounds fem.
3K for an uglier bike? no thanks