2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special (FLHRXS) Review and Test Ride
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- Опубліковано 11 кві 2024
- The Road King Special is back for another year without the Road King standard. The "Special" version came about in the 2017 model year as a style-first play on the popular fairing-less touring machine. Generally speaking the Road King special has a bigger motor, more blacked out components, and a style that is more fit for profiling down your favorite main street. But the Road King didn't receive the new body style that was applied to some of the other touring bikes like the Road Glide and Street Glide. Is this a calculated move by the MoCo? Or will the desirability of the Road King suffer as a result?
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I think your typical Road King rider does not want an infotainment system. We see it as just more cheap electronics that will fail at the worst possible time. Not to mention the forced relationship with a dealership that comes with all the electronics.
Totally agree. All the focus is going to this performance bagger craze because that’s what is selling right now. It’s all about the SG and RG “sport touring” and the low riders. It’s a shame but I’d go with what’s selling also if it were my pocketbook. But yeah there are still folks like us that want clean and simple.
That's why I still have my 2022 Road King Standard. I also have a 2018 Heritage 114 with s&s cam,oil pump ,and cam
plate. 115 hp and 125 torque. The Heritage is for sale. Love my Road King Standard.
I have a 2008 classic 96TC. 555cams… pulls like a Harley SE stage2 on a m8 107
Simple bike. Love it. I think the special defeats the point of the FLHR IMO. Standard comes with tons of shit.
@@roberthodges6401road kings are special man. I traded my 2019 FLHR for a 2023 FLTRX. Landed up getting an old FLHRCI when the big motor road glide broke and was told I’d be down for 3 weeks ..Landed up something small ..
I love that old road king tho.
I have owned both a Road King and Road Glide. No forced relationship with the dealer. Not sure where you got that information from.
The RK has everything you need and nothing you don’t. I don’t need GPS or an infotainment system. I wouldn’t trade my deadwood green RKS for anything. To me the road king is the quintessential bike for HD. Slimmed down and absolutely beautiful with endless customization options.
I’ve never gotten more compliments on any HD I’ve ever owned (Dyna, Breakout ) than my blacked out 23’ RKS.
I literally can not park anywhere (gas station , gym , stores, etc) without someone stopping and fawning.
This bike is the literally the best blending of a classic look in a modern iteration. Effing LOVE this bike …
After 60,000 miles on it, I love my M8 Road King, classic, chrome, and so versatile: touring capable with windshield and tour pack, or a cruiser in its “naked” configuration with ape/beach handlebars. Most importantly NO BS FAIRING blocking the view and gimmick electronics that will date the bike in 5-7 years. Road King is my absolute favourite! The RK Classic is the real deal, it got pulled only because it competed too well against RG/SG sales.
I appreciate the comment! Good to hear from an Actual owner. I would actually like to see the RK Classic make a come back!
Thanks for the response Matt! Yes, I too would love and I hope to see the Road King Standard comeback with a 121 engine and better suspension! Only that will make me upgrade my 107 M8!
Just got a road king special and I love how nimble it is. I love it in snake venom but I saw one out an event maybe you could help me out it was like a numbered special king like number 140 out 500 flat black and orange, it was absolutely beautiful. Nobody knows the exact color or year
What year is your RK? You said you have 60000 on it. I have a 2019 with 50000 and I get a lot of people who say they can’t believe I have that many
@@robertfagan8833 Harley bikes are usually numbered for anniversary editions, such as 100th anniversary in 2003, 120th in 2023, etc. or most recently the Revival editions.
I have a 22 RKS! It’s a model that doesn’t get nearly enough love. I’m not a fairing guy, love the clean classic look! Thanks for the video.
Agreed! It doesn't get enough love. A lot of the people around here ride them though!
At the same time I get it from a business standpoint. The sport touring and performance bagger is what’s moving right now but I fall right into that “what the touring frame but don’t want to sign up for a lot of those extras” segment.
I love my RK
Wife has a 2023 road king special - really awesome bike, maybe the best all around bike Harley offers. We have Cardos and phones so there is no need for infotainment screens anymore.
Great vid. I have a 2019 Roadking classic and love it. I prefer the simple look and functionality of a bike that is sheer motorcycle. No infotainment, no gps, no speakers, just you on the bike rolling through
Well said. Thanks for the comment
08 RK. First Harley, first bike. No regrets. Don't like fairings blocking my view and I love the classic look. I can take off the windshield for a better look and no electronics. I have a Cardo and my phone - all I need. ❤
The Road 👑 King 👑 is really THE 'thing' .. !!!
( - makes me sing !!! )
Still have my 2004 Road King Classic... Lava Red... Still get compliments to this day about how nice the stock paint is.
I really enjoy your bike reviews, honestly I watch them all even if I’m not interested in the bike because you do such good job and like to support your page.
Much appreciated man. Thank you!
I've owned 2 Road Kings, a 2001 standard, and my current 2019 Special. I owned a Street Glide and Road Glide in between, but I've never been happier than on the King. It's the perfect mix between cruiser and tourer in my mind.
If I was looking at getting a new bike it would 100% be the Road King Special but I’m still in love with my 2020 Slim.
Happy 2023 RKS owner here. Good review.
Mickey is so well spoken, I’d swear he’d been making you tube videos for years.
Thanks Matt and crew, you nailed it again. I have a 21 blacked out RKS, I’m 6’4”, 260lbs. Added stage 2 torque kit, Legend front and rear suspension, Wind splitter wind shield. Screaming Eagle slip ons, just to name a few. I am not a tech guy, Sena good enough for me. Keeping it simple! Perfect bike for my riding style! Doesn’t matter what you ride, just ride!
I really appreciate the honest information and perspective on these videos. Also really nice production value, nice camera work and editing. I'm a Road King fan as well so thanks for posting this!
Great looking bikes and probably the next bike I'll own. Infotainment isn't for everybody and there are alot of great fairing and windshield options out there.
That white road king @ 2:37 is sick!
Great video Matt. I’m one of those waiting to see if they’re gonna update the look of the RKS as well. I’m really hoping on a RKS ST. I think that’d be the ultimate freeway crusher.
I hope the Road King NEVER goes away! If HD decides to send the Road King into exile, that would be a tragic mistake!
I agree! It’s a non-negotiable bike in the lineup.
Road king was my forsy touring platform, ibe singe upgraded to an ultra limited, i took Matt's advice and bought the ultra and wkrked backwards, so I detached the tour pack and went to a solo seat, but then i have the ultra spec up front with heated grips, extra lights and lower leg fairings. Ill probably always go this route now and customise ultra's....that said the road king has a special place in my heart.
Matt... you always make awesome videos and reviews!!! I learn something new every time I watch one of your videos!!! The Road King Special looks pretty darn nice! John...
Thank you! I appreciate the comment. Thanks for watching! Glad I can be educational!
I love my ‘18 Road King Standard. 46k miles. The road glide and street glide are cool and all. I do go through phases where I want to trade in for one of the glides but I always end up thinking that the electronics will be outdated in half a decade. My grandpa had his road king from 97 until he sold it in 2021 due to his dementia. He started to get lost while out riding so he sold her before myself or my brother got our endorsement. Bummer. But my next bike will be another King.
Another great review Matt. You do a great job explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each bike and what type of rider this is for.
I have a new black 24 RKS on the way from the European Distribution Centre in Belgium.My 1st touring Harley.Can't wait.
Nice! So you live in Belgium? Awesome man. Enjoy!
@MattLaidlaw No.I live in Co. Cork in the Republic of Ireland.My dealer is Waterford Harley Davidson.The distribution centre for Europe is in Belgium.Thanks for the great vids Matt.If I ever get to California I'd love to pop into you guys.
Hello guys, I got my Road King Special from Laidlaw's in 2022 Dave (lefty) steered me to the bike. Thank you Lefty. I am trying to figure out if I will do a S/Eagle stage II or lll next month. I think i need to schedule a meeting with your Chef Mechanic to find out the pros and cons and go from there. Love my Road King Special. See you all soon. Great content Matt.
Thanks Daniel. We appreciate the business. I don't think the stage 3 for that model year is CA compliant. I do think the stage 2 is though. Yes, call Steve or Ty in our service Dept and they are guide you on your available options. Glad to hear you're enjoying the bike. Thanks again!
@@MattLaidlaw Hi Matt, Thank you for your information . I actually made a mistake. I am looking at the cam kit with a tuner or cam kit along with pistons and adding a tuner and whatever ells I would need. I guess it would be the S/E I kit or S/E II kit not the III. My bad.
After test riding all models, the Road King Special is the best riding motorcycle they make in my opinion but I still like my batwing for touring.
Always great info you give us. Keep up p the great work
Just bought a 2024 vivid black Road King 2 weeks ago and I absolutely love it. Been such a great bike to ride. I looked at the Street Glide and Road Glide but for me I really liked no fairing, again that's just me. All 3 are awesome but I'm so happy I chose the Road King 👑
Love the video Matt hope all is well brother so glad I could meet you a few months ago 🤘🏻🇺🇸
Thanks for stopping by!
I ride a Road King Standard. It is my favorite Harley and my favorite bike of any bike I have ridden. I like taking the windshield off when I want. The bike has not infotainment to distract from the raw riding experience that I enjoy. And of all the touring models it is the lightest by nearly 100 pounds. Riding down the road you do indeed feel like the king of the road on it. A few years ago I was in a Harley dealership comparing the standard to the special. The sales guy really wanted to sell me a special. And yes, the special did gave the larger engine. But the 107 is no slouch. The special did not come with a windshield. It did not have rear crash bars or passing lamps. It had rear foot pegs instead of foot boards. And The seat and handlebar position of the special just was not as comfortable to me. The kicker was for all of the items the special did not have, it cost more than the standard by a fair amount. I really was hoping to get a new Road King. Is there any chance it will return to the lineup in the near future?
I think the simplicity of the road king is the appeal. There is something about not having all the tech. I still would choose a road glide but I think king is super cool!
Personally i think H-D should have kept the Road King standard in the lineup even though the RKS is a good bike
I got a ‘21 RKS and totally love it. I’m not a fan of the big fairing up front . Personally think it’s Harley’s nicest bagger
Honored to still be in your videos Matt!! Miss you guys!
It’s impossible not to reference you man. You and Matt are why I’m now here 🖤
When are you coming back?
You’ll always be in my videos.
Another great review Matt. Thanks. RK May be next buy.
Infotainment, to me at least has no place on a motorcycle. My phone is good enough for that. I agree with myself about the :P
Love the new paint on the building! Oh of course love the RKS too!
Road King rocks 👍🏻🇨🇦
Well said Mickey, really appreciate your SMOOTH talk about bikes man. Keep it coming.
Police road kings, great option to start on, I hear ya fellas! 🤘🏻🤙
🤙
Great Review on the Road King. As someone that rides from Vegas to Helmet frequently, the wind will beat you up. I was looking into this model and now will be considering other models. That Icon looks nice.
Love the video Matt, those RK Specials are my favorite new Harley. (BTW that Billard Gray looks better every time I see it)
But hard to part with my Superior Blue, Billet Silver 2017 RK, the perfect blend of some of my favorite features. Besides the gorgeous color it has the 16" high profile rear tire and hydraulic clutch that the 2016's had but with the newer M8.
I love the option of riding without a windshield and NOT seeing gauges or lights, having nothing blocking my view except my fists on those lovely ape hangers I installed.
And I really love the only part of the bike I see from my seat is 95% painted steel or chrome as the good Lord intended man to ride! 😉
Matt- great video as always and thank you for shining some love on the oft- forgotten RK. I’m on a ‘21 RK Std. with a stage 2. Love it. I would like to have that 117 with the new water cooling vs. oil cooled 107, but NO WAY would I give up the look and feel of the ‘21. I do hope they bring back the Std. every few years, though I doubt the work and cost to re-design and build make it worth it. I fear the RK’s fate is to be the Dyna of 2027 (I shudder at the thought). Long live The King!
I traded my 14 SGS in for my 21 RKS in Black Jack Metallic and have never regretted it! I reached a point where I felt the fairing and infotainment system had become more of distraction to the ride than an enhancement. I found that the stereo system was never loud enough to compete with wind at highway speeds so it was not used. I found I preferred having all my audio streaming to my helmet from my phone. Plus I found that I missed that wide open view the fairing was robbing me of. I do have a small windshield that I put on during the winter months or if I’m doing a long trip. It’s big enough to block the wind off of my chest. I’m happy to be back on a Road King, which is where I started back in 2006 with a Road King Custom.
I ride a RKS, 14” bars, detachable batwing faring with an awesome sound system, Fox remote reservoir rear shocks, etc. I absolutely love my RKS and would not ride anything else.
If you are looking for a touring chassis and a factory faring is not a must have for you, I highly suggest you take a very serious look at the RKS.
Thanks for the comment.
the older model can take a wicked beating,Danny from australia road from Cali to deeb in the south american mountains and back,tough Machine
I've always liked Road Kings, had the 2015 with the 103 engine. It took me around Dallas Fort Worth for years. The touring chassis bikes are appealing to me because of the amount of accessories there are. Also for guys Matt's height it's a good choice. Thanks for the great review.
I bought CVO RK 2014, Kept it. Picked up RKS 2017 > Road Glide Special 2019 > RKS 2021. I think there is a dedicated Road King crowd. (Myself Included) It is a Touring chassis so you can add wild or mild touches to it, beef up your motor and performance or ride it stock. You can ride straight no fairing, removable fairing or serious fixed fairing. (FXRP style even) Other than building one I think if Harley offered like a Road King ST with 131 and Inverted Forks I couldn’t give them my money fast enough 😂.
I do think dealerships may be backed into a bit of a corner on a lot of pre-24 tourers, especially the RKS. Hard to justify 25K for that when for a coupe grand more you can get the better 117 motor and electronic goodies. Might have to do some screamin APR specials or customization package offers to get folks to think about giving them a try.
Matt thanks for a great Video and an awesome representation on all RKS. With all honesty I frequent Laidlaws HD dealership hoping a RK Standard shows up for sale so I can make the purchase. I'm still hoping I will make my first NEW RK purchase from Laidlaws. If not I guess I will run my 2010 FXD Dyna till it gives up the ghost. Not all of us want a blacked out RK. Yes the RK specials are great looking but I still prefer passing lamps, chrome, non stretched saddle bags, and a removable Winshield. Thank again Matt. Keep the rubber side down. ✌
Just traded my 21 RGS for a 24 RKS. I've had a Street Glide Std, a Road Glide Special, and I loved them both, but I've always wanted a Road King and I'm so stoked to finally have one. I installed the 20" windshield and some fork fangs and it's the best, quietest, smoothest ride I've had on a touring bike yet. Absolutely optimal wind protection and the looks are killer. The only downside to the RKS are the handlebars. They're probably ok if pulled back towards you, but they don't look awesome like that. When positioned in line with the forks they feel like your wrists are turned outwards and are super uncomfortable. My solution was I bought a set of take-off OEM Road Glide bars off eBay and installed them. Absolutely perfect riding position! LOVE my Road King!!
I had a nice ‘09 Heritage but no ABS and no cruise control, so I bought my ‘21 Road King and love it! I ride it fine and am only 5’5” in height!
Still love the classic RK, wish HD would bring it back out. The Heritage only has one front break & a 5 gal. tank.
True
Hi Mr. Matt and Laidlaw team! Thank you for all your efforts and energy to provide information videos and sharing riding adventures!
I am a Road King fan also. I own a '14 Road King CVO (titanium) and owned previously a '08 Road King Classic (black and silver).
I enjoy the riding experience without the stereo, fairing. I enjoy the exposure to experience all my senses being stimulated!!
I was hoping that '24 would bring an anniversary addition or possibly a CVO version of Road King (it has been 10 years since last CVO version).
Perhaps you can suggest this to Harley Davidson?? Please?
Thank you again for sharing your passion and your teams passion for riding and Harley Davidson experience!!
Thanks for the comment! I agree, it could have been a good opportunity to make a 30 year anniversary edition. They had a lot going on this year already though. By you making this comment it may get read by someone at H-D. Thank you for the feedback. I think there's a lot that can be done with the RK. Lots of opportunities.
@@MattLaidlaw thank you for your kindness and kind thoughtful, thoughts filled reply! Keep up the great work with videos!
RK standard the best front passing lights, tank decals better than plastic badges, real old school looks
Another great video! I am one of those people that miss the RK standard, hope they bring it back. Haven't seen Andrew on the videos lately, does he still work for Laidlaws HD?
‘23 FLHRXS Billiard Blue - love it! Clear 21’ touring windshield black framed. Rode 4 days straight, never noticed the wind or felt even the slightest bit of discomfort! Fairing electronics are distracting and block the view which motorcycles are famous for providing. H-D needs to make a retrofit water-cooled heads kit for our 114’s - please!😁
I'm with you for the RK. Really disappointed that HD dropped the RK standard. Just love that ride and look.
I wish they would come out with a road king spe cial st. Performance bagger on the touring chassis with no fairing.
I don’t like driving fairing bikes even years later, I like my bikes as bare bones as possible. The RK Special looks great, I like the forks quite a bit. Might get one and take off the blinkers
Would be nice if yall would post the height of the riders like in the corner or something. Otherwise loving this whole thing 😊
I'd like to see Harley design a "club style" fairing for the Road King special to drive up interest.
Miss my RKS, but RGS serves me better. Good video as always Matt!
Thanks, Matt! Great overview! Sold my Low Rider ST as it was just too small for my 6'6" frame. Looking at a 2023 lightly used Billiard Blue RK stage 1 w Zombie pipes. The more i learn about the RK the more i dig it.
Right on. Yea at 6’6” you’ll probably fit a RK better. Good luck
Waiting for the next road trip video with your crew.
I’ve always love the the road king standard
Think the Road King standard (FLHR) was the best all around model on the touring chassis- everything you need and nothing you don't. imho it went away for one reason- profitability. I suspect with all the chrome, passing lamps, windshield, crash bars front and rear etc. etc it cost the Motor Company as much to build if not more as the RK Special despite it being priced considerably less. Your comparison test three years ago between the Road King Standard and the Special had a lot to do with me deciding on the FLHR. It will age well .... better than I will. I think the RK Special will suffer because it's priced too close to the new Street Glides/ Road Glides without all the "features".
Amazing bike!
They should put the new touring bags on the RK to keep it in step with the other 2024's. Those stretch bags have always looked a little odd to me.
Ive always appreciated the look of the RK, wether it be the standard or the special. Just got myself a 2023 RKS in billard blue last week!
Nice 👍🏼 enjoy.
Current StreetBob owner but RKS is my dream bike
I really like street and road glide but there's a purist type of riding the road king offers that the others do not it gives comfort and ease of riding while maintaining the quintessential alure of what makes a harley davidson magical and that's the sight of the road running underneath the front tire that the other touring bikes unfortunately take away because of the fairing blocking the wind and view of the road
Hey Matt, what happened to the old shop?? Wonder if it is still standing.
The 107 that’s enough power
I want it.!
nuthen out there like a Road King ... the King of the Road !
I think one of the major selling points for the RK is its simplicity. All the tech and gadgets that made a 95 Goldwing cool in its prime are now the things that tell you that it's a 20 year old bike. A 90's RK can be parked right next to a brand new one off the line and most folks wouldn't know the difference.
I think the biggest deterrent for most people buying a RKS in 2024 is going to be knowing that for $2k more, they just get a lot more with the RG and SG. I don't fault Harley for upgrading the new touring bikes and making them more affordable, but it would have been nice to see the RK get the same engine, or also receive a price cut to keep it competitive in the touring market.
If I were buying a new Harley today, I'd be looking for a 2024 FLHP to replace my 2009 FLH. I personally feel it's the best value, and a bike that could do whatever you want, and be made into whatever you want. New tech is great, and I personally like the 2024 updates, but classic never goes out of style.
I have a 2022 CVO Road Glide Limited. I purchased the Road King Special because it is 163 pounds lighter than the CVO and considerably more nimble.
My 22 RKS serves me very very well. Midnight Crimson made me pull the trigger.
Matt where did you get that jacket?
It's fire!!
I miss all the Chrome. Especially the headlight.
For a multi-day, 90% canyon-carving, non-highway tour would would you take this, a Low Rider ST or even a Pan America? I live in the mountains of Switzerland, so my requirements are sort of unique. I’ve ridden all three many times and in the twisties, the Road King Special just seems slow. It could just be inexperience on the touring chassis that could be rectified with practice, but I did scrape the floorboards.
How well/fast did the Icon Highway King and this year's Hydra-glide sell? H-D should be doing more of that. Maybe make those two models regular models.
Seems like the Road King allows more visibility down in front. Great lookin bike.
Any word on a possible ltd ed 30th Anniversary ROADKING model being offered by H-D this Summer?
Once the road king gets the new tins and leds that the new glides have im gonna have a good hard look at em. The new glides are very sexy. I just dont want the fairing.
It feels like theyre gearing up for a refresh next year or so to me. The glides all got some love recently so id imagine the road king is next. I still love it though. It looks great out of the box but leaves so much room to make your own. Higher bars, passing lights, and a vented wind splitter would do it for me.
The color options are disappointing. At least the base is essentially primer so you could order as is and get it painted.
Thumbs up to Laidlaw's Harley Davidson for giving the Road King a little bit of lovin ❤️🔥
So torn between this and the softail low rider st…… i am a fairly aggressive handling riding but the lean angle is the same on these two believe it or not !
I was initially very much into the low rider ST, but unfortunately as a 6”3, it’s very small for my size.
So I’m now currently hesitating between the road king and the Indian Springfield dark horse, which one is the better bike? I’m still hesitant
Performance wise I don’t think there are enough differences between those bikes to make that a deciding factor. Obviously far more choices as far as aftermarket for Harley. Far bigger HD dealer/shop network. Not sure if the SDH has digital gauge and ride modes but if so that would be the only thing it has over the road king. It’s about which one you like the look of best.
For the price of the road king it should come with a windshield and the running lights.
I’ve been riding a ‘12 Triumph Storm for about six years now. I’d love to have an opportunity to test ride the ‘24 Road King with a windshield, full touring trunk and a touring passenger seat. Weird? Maybe…
I really dig the look of the road king special but I don’t want to give up the windshield and passenger touring seat.
Love the special, but why no option for passing lamps??? I had to hack something to make it work. And I bought mine because I didn’t want all the electronics.
I think Harley unfortunately took that option to have and not have the wind screen on the front of the roadglide? I still think it should come with a screen up front to allow the wind protection and allow us as costumers to pull it off not make it an option that we have to pay for?
Got my RK the last year before they discontinued it. Never in a million year would I have thought I would buy it over another touring bike.. What changed my mind was whenever I saw a chrome RK it didnt matter what year it was it just looked cool. Every other bike looks dated after five years but even old RKs look great stock. Even sitting in the garage in the winter here in New England I have never regretted buying it, its looks bad ass sitting still. I wasnt interested in all of the electronics or the fairing I just want peace and the wind option when riding.Seeing a blacked out RK doesnt do anything for me ,sure its still great looking but just another HD like all the stock RGs and SGs. Its odd because everyone loves the RK standard but not many people bought one when they were produced.
do they have adjustable controls packages? I like more of a mid control as a shorter guy.
They only come with the floor boards from the factory. There are some after market solutions but nothing genuine HD.
flhp is still available and there are many dealers that will order them for customers. My 2015 flhp that is blacked out like a special. And it is WAY too reliable after 30k miles to change. I'd rather do the motor than have to pay the crazy MSRPs. (was a demo for 1000 miles-never a duty bike)
I had one for my first bike and we do sell demos from time to time just like what Mickey and Danielle got
Matt, bring back the RK std. I own a 2014 RK std. Love the bike. I rode a 2024 RK special, wasn't a fan of the handle bars, to wide, and for a touring mc should come with the RK std seat for passenger, much larger for the passenger. If HD would bring back the STD. i would purchase one tomorrow. I am one of those who is not a fan of fairings.
‘14 Road king is cool bike. Maybe they’ll bring back the standard. We’ll see!
Removing FLHR was a mistake. The front "lamp" design in chrome was an icon. Bring us minimum the Special in chrome, if we can't have the Standard anymore...