Harley-Davidson Road King Special REVIEW. How good is this big bagger v-twin touring motorcycle?
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- Опубліковано 18 лип 2021
- We review the Harley-Davidson Road King Special touring motorbike, in the stunning deadwood green paint colour option.
We talk about how good it is when you arrive at your destination, in the slow twisty lanes. Is it too heavy?
We look at most of the important specs like power, torque, rake and trail, wheelbase, brakes, handling, styling, panniers tyres etc.
Should you get one of these touring bikes or go for a Softail like the Heritage Classic?
How good is it for taller riders and shorter riders? We find out! - Авто та транспорт
The house, the bike, the scenery, back roads of Wales ....WOW!!! 👍
Thanks buddy! Yes glorious indeed 👍🏼
That color is truly remarkable! I just picked up a 2023 Road King Special and I'm truly in love with the bike. Just like you said, you have no issues overtaking at 70mph and the pick up on the motor is felt in every gear. Powerful bike, beautiful design and comfortable on all fronts.
My guess for the Ol' Man's arriving new bike is: HD Pan america
To me the Road King is the ultimate Harley... I mean, I wouldn't go any further.
Yes that’s certainly a good description! 👍🏼👍🏼
Prolly the best Harley model ever produced...
So much appreciative for your videos and content. After many months of research and shopping I finally found a road king special. I have sat on many bikes and was strongly considering BMW. I fell in love with the Road King S
Best bike reviews on the tube! - Nice ride by the way!
Thank you buddy!
You are absolutely right! Not only does the paint color and the blackened parts make this bike a real eye-catcher, but with this color scheme, it makes washing and cleaning much easier! No weekends dedicated to polishing the chrome accoutrements! Thanks as always for first rate content, editing, and review!
Thanks buddy! Yes agreed 💯👍🏼
What a test ! Congrats guys! Thanks for that. THE BIKE. Enjoy.
Thanks buddy! 💯
As always, an absolutley grear review! On of the best motorcycle channels out there...
Thanks buddy 👊🏼
HD in Wales sounds like a dream, love it. The Road King Spec in that green is stunning !
True professionals! Best motorcycle review channel on UA-cam by a mile!
Thanks buddy 🙏
Had mine 2 months now , I love it !!! The reverse gear would be awesome , especially in the countryside …. You definitely learn to be picky about where you park ! Thanks for the reviews , and beautiful home and countryside
Awesome! Thanks buddy 💯
Great review. I just got my 2021 Street Bob in that color. I can't get enough of it and I get people saying they love the color all the time.
Thanks buddy! Yes absolutely 💯
Had mine 5 weeks, love it!
You chaps do a brilliant job, thanks!
Keep up the good work, Hd standard…. Good choice!
Fantastic! Thanks buddy 💯
Classic and Timeless. When everything out there is going high tech and over accessorized, “less is really more”. Nice job again guys.
Yes indeed! Thanks buddy
Great review thanks. Just bought mine and can't wait to collect
Thanks buddy. Awesome! 👌🏼
The only Harley I’ve truly wanted. Beautiful.
Awesome 💯
Its that the point where I click like before the video is 30 seconds in. Love your guys reviews and can't wait for all the new content you'll be putting out. Every video in wales so far, the area looks so familiar but can't pin it down completely but I will say theres a few less pot holes on the stretches of road you've shown than by me. Great video as always.
Thanks buddy! Great to have your support 👍🏼👍🏼
Great video guys! I love the humor too, made me laugh XD Those views are also very stunning. Can't wait for the next. :)
Thanks buddy! Haha 👍🏼👍🏼
Another great video! Beautiful bike and loving the color. Always look forward to your reviews. 👍🍺
Thanks buddy! 💯
Great review, its nice to see the team back together 👍
Thanks buddy! Yes great to be back together 💯
I don‘t know what to watch and boom you nailed it again. Thanks Ol‘ Man. 👍
@Darcy: That annex to the house is perfect for a motorcycle collection garage 😅
Thanks buddy! Haha yes good idea 💯
Loved your review, spot on regarding the ride. Its a beautiful bike to ride and own, cant go wrong
Thanks buddy. 👍🏼👍🏼
You’re so right about the need for a reverse gear, hopefully Harley listen to you gents! Fantastic review, stunning motorcycle, amazing color!
Thanks buddy yes hopefully 🤞🏼
Nice to see you review the new electra Glide highway king. Beautiful looking bike
Test road a Road King Special last week and went home with a Road Glide Special in Snake Venom! My 1st Harley. Love it so far.
Awesome! Well done 👍🏼
Great video!
Best combo chopper and touring bike money can buy. Love my 2019 Harley RKS. She looks gorgeous and sounds like she’s tearing a hole in the sky 😎🤘🏻🤘🏻
Thanks buddy! Awesome! Love the analogy 🌤
Very informative. I even enjoyed some of the comments on the bike by S S and friends😊
Love this channel chaps please keep the greatness coming
Thanks buddy 💯
Just purchased a 2023 Road King Special in Billiard Blue! Lovely! Smooth! Quiet! Comfortable! Efficient! Fast!!!
Awesome, enjoy your new ride 👍🏼
Love your guys’ videos!
Thank you!
Good to see you boys back together again :-)
Thanks yes definitely 💯
Love the rural feel of your area.
The scenery is a beauty over there and the Harley is fine
Great job guys, as always -- the new digs in Wales look great! Congratulations! I love the looks of the RK, but honestly, I prefer my '21 Heritage 114 in Deadwood Green/Black. It looks equally good and is just easier to throw around than a touring bike and has monster torque on tap. I replaced the stock mini apes for 12.5" Wild1 Chubbys -- highly recommend this modification to anyone thinking about it, and it looks badass to boot.
Thanks buddy. Yes we’d have to agree with you there 👍🏼
Great and funny review as always! Keep up the good work! 👍👍
Thanks mate 👍🏼👍🏼
I have put 11,500 miles on my Road King this year and have never taken it on a dirt road as you guys do! You are quite brave;) No need for the windscreen during the hot summers in the US south. Take best care, you two.
Awesome! Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
I own a 2018 Road King-always wanted one and bought it new. With the exception of defective gas gauge which I need to get fixed under warranty, no disappointments or issues yet. When parking it one time, I thought the stand was down and it wasn't-that was an experience I won't soon forget. It went gently down me muscling it all the way-LOL. Set it down on the floorboard and I was lucky-couldn't find a scratch. I am 5' 10" and it fits me well...Great channel thanks for the time and effort and thought you guys put into it.
Thanks buddy! We can imagine that moment! I pulled a muscle dropping the Heritage Classic a year or so ago!
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Me too! I pulled muscles I didn't know existed...LOL
Fantastic colour looks stunning,great video.👍🏻
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Going to test ride one tomorrow. Test rode the Rocket 3 GT a few days ago. Two different animals but I like them both. Great review guys.
OK great! Let us know which one you go for!
Have had rocket3's in past so, rks feels like a lightweight lol
Had mine 2 yrs now, & have to say lovin it still!.
Dont need music, and have phone for sat nav, with quick release screen if needed.
Great reviews keep em comin 🤙🏍
Thanks buddy. Good points 👍🏼
I had an Evo RK for a bit. Soon realised the weight manoeuvering the thing would result in pain somewhere down the line, I got rid. Now happy on my Evo softail and Sporty.
Yes it can be a pain 👍🏼
Very good input about the reverse.
I think you should include a two up part of your reviews when you are two. That is a part that many other reviewers miss out on.
Thanks buddy. Yes we have done that a few times but will try to more often when we can 👍🏼
I've been learning a lot about harley history lately, and it's made me really start to appreciate this bike. I think if you showed the 1940s class of harley engineers to the present day and showed them the whole harley lineup, the road king special would look most familiar to them.
I really love the looks of the Road King Special...they really knocked it out of the park with the aesthetics on this bike. Not really a bike for me since I don't do any motorcycle touring, but I can see why someone would choose it.
Yes indeed 👍🏼💯
Piggy back ride from Dwayne Johnson lol 😂 never a dull moment in ur reviews! Love it 🤣
Thanks a lot for reviewing this bike. Im from Canada. Harley reviews across the pond ( ocean) where you live are few and far between. You have picked up the essence of this big bike. I have a 2019 road king special in pearl white. Looks retro but I do like that deadwood green. I have 40,000 km on my bike. I’d swear the motorcycle fairy rides my bike at night. I a wake up and scratch my head and rant “who just put a 1000 more clicks on my baby?” Did I do that??
Thanks buddy! Haha yeah get you! 👍🏼
Munchin up the miles
@ Dary and the ol' Man
Another wonderful review. this time from my favorite harley I drove.
The weight comment is correct. It is very heavy especially to push back at a walking pace. But that's how you stay fit or at least feel like you aren't anymore, and it's high time to do something about it.
The Dead wood green is addictively beautiful.
As for the saddle, I go for the back support in the middle. However, it is a free world :-).
Thanks for the great reviews. Greetings from Geoffrey sent from Belgium
Thanks very much my friend 👍🏼👍🏼
Love the bike and that’s a beautiful color. Cheers 🍻
Absolutely 👌🏼👍🏼
Awesome review in Wales 🏴 I ❤️ the green colour & Mr Darcy you are so funny 😂
Thanks buddy! 💯👍🏼
So when he said "wiles" he meant Wales! Got it. Lovely area for riding.
If I could have that house and that bike, I'd be SET FOR LIFE!! :o) Enjoy that gorgeous scenery (and bikes). I can't wait for you guys to review the new Sportster S.
Thanks buddy! Yes we’re on the official list!
It's great to see you and your son so close! I lost my son to suicide about 18 months ago. Treasure every moment!
Thank you, I’m very sorry to hear that. May he rest in piece.
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Thank you
Great video guys.... Beautiful bike but just can't get over the heavy clutch not to mention the overall weight
Thanks bud! Yes it’s a very heavy clutch indeed 👍🏼
I looked hard at the road king, sports glide and the heritage. All were quite good bikes. I went with the heritage for a couple reasons. At 65 I am not getting stronger. So weight was a consideration. I don’t do much riding with a pillion and the ability to remove the bags and windscreen were nice as the save a bit as well
Thanks for sharing! Good points!
My dream bike, this is!
Fantastic review and what a beautiful area to ride in! I really like the Road Kings but they just don’t have enough ground clearance for me.
Thanks buddy. Yes we get that 👍🏼
Love it and the idea of a holiday home 😀😀😀
OK great! 👍🏼
Thanks for a brilliant .reviwe (as always). Cool bagger! the Harley Road King Special. I believe in great success for Harley - Davidson now with their new Sportster S, which seems extremely cool. Indian Motorcycle now have to update their Scout to keep up and that's good. Good for American motorcycle industry. The Harley Road King Special is my favorite Harley touring bagger - and number two when it comes to American bikes in that class. Personally, I prefer the Indians Springfield Dark Horse when it comes to design, frame solution, suspension travel, and center of gravity and so on. But I must say I also would have lived very well with a Road King Special. Anyway the Ol' Man will get an him self on a 500 Honda off road bike I think.
When parking a heavy Harley plan ahead. I always look at it like driving a pick up truck with a trailer. Don’t just go blind into an alley. Is the parking stall uphill or downhill. Should I back in? Plan ahead and the Harley without reverse won’t be a big issue. Worst situations I get into is when camping on a gravel plot. Pushing your Harley backwards on gravel takes muscle and momentum.
Yes totally agree! Gravel! Yes been there too 💪🏻
Exquisite area. You are right, Darcy. It reminds me of France. Great bike. Looks good in green. Heavy. I have become very interested in the new Sportster 1250 S. I hope you test one when they are available in GB. Light and fast and stunning. Ol' Man's new off-road bike: Honda CRF250L.
Thanks buddy yes absolutely! We’re on the official list for the new Sportster. 👍🏼👍🏼 Our lips ate sealed re the new bike 😉
Firstly, Old Man, congratulations on your new home in Wales! WOW! Secondly, that so called country “lane” is a sheep track!😱 So make that One Way Only!🤪 Thirdly, Mr. Darcy, no nights out there on your own with that bike ok?😖😉🤭 Lastly, a beautiful colour & terrific review! Cheers gents 🍻👍🏼😎🇦🇺
Haha thanks buddy! 👍🏼👍🏼
The Jiffy stand (kick stand) on a Harley is rock solid once you put weight on it. It is in a couple of pieces and it is designed to lock into place once weight is applied, just look at how it functions it slots together and locks into place. I have never had it fall over, get a puck if you need it for soft ground but you would need that for almost any kick stand with a bike that weighs that much.
Yes I know they’re good once locked but that 3 inch roll when you walk away always gets us!
I'm not really into Harley's (maybe the Pan America!) but find myself strangely drawn to your channel, and especially now the ol' man is in Wales (beautiful). So keep up the good work and I can only go a little left field with my guess at the ol' man's new bike of either a Husky 701 or Fantic!!!
Thanks buddy. We may be converting you to the bad side. 👍🏼👍🏼
My first motorcycle was a Road King Classic back in 1999. It looked utterly fantastic in vivid black and chrome and I used to get stopped everywhere and asked about the bike. However, it was flipping heavy and a real job to manoeuvre, with and without the engine. I've ended up with a Softail and lost about 50kgs in bike weight, but that is also pretty heavy and difficult to manoeuvre, but much more manageable than the Road King and the other big touring Harleys...
Yes absolutely! 👍🏼👍🏼
I bought a 2020 FatBob (which I love), but looking back I think I should maybe have got one of these, it's a touch more versatile and still looks very aggro. Great bikes.
You did the right thing 😉
Just found your channel, as looking for the touring Bikes comparisons… your reviews are the best I have found anywhere on YT… informative, with riding info facts and opinions. Looking at the SGS, ultra Ltd and RKS. Thanks for making the vids…. Looking through your catalogue of vids now. Keep up the great work. Decisions decisions… biggest trouble I have now is getting test rides with my wife on the back 🥹👍😊
Thanks very much indeed. Good luck with the testrides 👍🏼👍🏼
You got to get a windscreen. Makes it so much more enjoyable. I run a twin cam stage 4 RK. I'm happy with it until wash time😂😂
Yes good point! 👍🏼👍🏼
I like having a windscreen...
I went out a couple of weeks ago in 25 to 45mph zones. Without the windscreen @ 45 it was taking my breath away. But AFF skydiving @ 15,000 ft is fine for me with speeds @ 150mph. Age is catching up😂😂
I do like the colour, looks very military muscle. Ah the beauty of Wales, best decision you ever made. It rains a lot in winter, but there’s nothing the French have better.
I know you guys love your Harleys but I can't help but think those roads your on would suit a V-Strom 1050xt, R1520GS and the like. I do love this Road King, stunning bike.
Yes those bikes would be great around here! Thanks buddy 👍🏼
Great review again guy's.
Regarding the new bike I'm thinking a Husqy 701 long range, or TE, or a KTM EXC
Look forward to finding out..
Thanks buddy! 👍🏼👍🏼
roadking is so nice looking and so nice to listen👍
Yes absolutely 💯
Stunning bike stunning location 🤘🏻
Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
I chose the 107 RK standard, even after riding the special for 14 days (two up) around New Zealand. The suspension on the standard in more comfortable and I ride two up a lot and the 107, also I'm a bit of a old fart. Great review thanks
Haha great! Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Lovely bike! Definitely going to be my 1st Harley. Love your jacket BTW. May I ask what kind it is and where I can get one?
Thanks buddy. Yes it’s awesome! The jacket: www.bikeweardirect.co.uk/mens-bikewear/lj-bran-ch-brn-lj-bran-ch-brn-(brown-leather-jacket).html
I’ve got the trad 1997 Road King tourer…it couldn’t be more different to look at but the grunty Lineage is plain to see. Another great review…thanks, guys! Hmmm … new bike…off roader…not a Triumph Bonneville Scrambler?
Awesome! Thanks buddy! All will be revealed really soon 👍🏼👍🏼
Beautiful country. If I lived on that side of the lake, that's where I'd want to be I'd imagine.
Thanks buddy 👍🏼
I’m liking the bike but also love the jacket
Thanks buddy www.bikeweardirect.co.uk/mens-bikewear/lj-bran-ch-brn-lj-bran-ch-brn-(brown-leather-jacket).html
I’m 6’4” and found the RK too cramped. I wish I could like HDs as much as y’all and I’m American. I’ve owned one American motorcycle; Victory Highball. 4 BMWs; 1200GS, 1250GS, 1250R, and K1600B. Next two bikes are Triumphs; Bobber and Rocket 3 GT. Funny, the Triumph Bobber is more comfortable than any HD. Love your channel. 🤘
OK got you. Thanks buddy 👍🏼👍🏼
Im 6 6 370 it feels like a toy and do not trust their quality
Just spend a few hundred dollars and modify it, IDK why people act like it Harley's are too big or too small, you can modify basically anything on Harley's that is the best part about them. You can modify it to fit you, tall or short. I know people over 6'6 and people that are 5'2 that ride the same style motorcycle. They just get different controls, handlebars and seat.
One of the things that pushed me away from other brands is their lack of aftermarket, while it does exist, most of the time you have to get "universal" parts that you have to modify or buy special hardware to attach and it "works" but was not made for the bike.
@@6speedsti241 we’ve always found the quality first class
@@Evirthewarrior indeed 👍🏼
Mr. Darcy, you are officially a funny dood! "...and the rest is history..."
AWESOME!
Hahah 😂
The green paint job is superb, bike does need a screen, rifle bucket to complete that '42 WLH look. A reverse gear would be especially handy if you ever fitted a side-car.
Next bike? Pan America Special or my choice - a Guzzi V85tt especially if I lived around Wales boyo.
Yes indeed! Good suggestions too 👍🏼
The Specials have a 1 inch lower rear shock versus the standard version. Buy the standard shock if want the more plush like ride. I did it on my RKS.
Yes I’d say it’s better with the extra travel
I have a part time reverse on my Triumph Trophy SE she controls the speed and handling department also 🤣🤣🤣 she also controls the household budget too 🤷♂️🤷♂️🤷♂️ if all other motorcycles stopped building bikes this is the only Harley I would ride. But I prefer the Indian Springfield though. Lovely location in Wales, my knees/hips and Back cringe when they hear Wales. I spent 6 weeks at Brecon being run up and down those damn hills in the Army….
Haha yes good add-on!
The hills! Yes absolutely 👍🏼
Hey pal I bought this bike today here in Toronto canada 🍁
Awesome! 💯
like that leather jacket too!
Great piece as usual! How it this road king compare to the Bonneville speed master in terms of comfort and usability power?
Thanks buddy!
In the tight twisty lanes the Speedmaster is more at home. On the long full speed roads the Road King shines.
The Speedmaster is more comfortable at slower speeds because it’s lighter and more nimble.
I picked up that bike this past July and can confirm its a wonderful machine. Love your riding jacket I see it has armor in it, what is it?
Awesome! The jacket is amazing and not at all expensive! www.bikeweardirect.co.uk/mens-bikewear/lj-bran-ch-brn-lj-bran-ch-brn-(brown-leather-jacket).html
Great review again.My guess for off-road is probably Pan America,or have you gone for the lightweight Honda CRF300?After much deliberation I went for KTM 390 Adventure,as one of the very few bikes that appears to be competent at mixing off-road and on-road without excessive weight.
Thanks buddy! All will be revealed very soon! 😉
Well done video.
Stop skipping leg day and you'll be able to shift it 😂
I agree reverse gear is needed on these big bikes.
Haha every day is leg day riding! 👍🏼
You’re definitely a chip off the ol mans block mate. Another good video and great motorcycle but i think the heritage is the best of both worlds for me. The heritage looks cool with the bags and screen off as well. Thinking of trading my softail slim in for one. Difficult choice as I love the slim. Been all over Europe on it. BTW welcome to Wales 🏴
Haha yeah thanks!
Heritage Classic is definitely the one we still prefer.
Excellent presentation
Thanks Rod 💯
Nice to see the boys back together. Fantastic riding you have there. How would better compare the road king to your heritage. I'm in the market looking for a new Harley comparing the 2
Thanks buddy. The Heritage Classic is much more fun on these roads, lighter feeling, more nimble and fun. I’d only get a touring bike if endless motorway miles are a necessity
@@MrDarcy-OlMan Fantastic because I'm leaning more for the heritage. Being that I live on what farm land New York has I do most of my riding in the country similar to you chaps. I only hit the highway to head futher north to the mountains. Keep up the good work gentlemen
Ol´man; what jacket are you wearing in this vid? Looks great!
Thanks bud! HERES THE LINK www.bikeweardirect.co.uk/mens-bikewear/lj-bran-ch-brn-lj-bran-ch-brn-(brown-leather-jacket).html
Hello. Thanks for great video. is this bike better than other Harleys for tall guys?
Thanks buddy. Probably most roomy touring bike. And also Heritage Classic
Very nice Ol’Man this bike is on my short list
Excellent 👌🏼
Regular RK has longer shocks and a quick detach windscreen standard. Riding w/out the windscreen is nice on backroads like you were riding, but make one hang on for dear life at highway speeds.
I have a tool I use for leverage to move the bike backwards. It's in the accessory catalog under "passenger backrest." One hand on that for drive and one hand on the handlebar to steer and I can move the beast around with relative alacrity.
Yes absolutely. Good tool! 💯
I ride a 2019 Road King Special in Twisted Cherry and Black but I did a Stage One intake and High flow pipes with Street Canon pipes mufflers. Also the proper mapping. I also use a Wind Splitter vented windscreen, dark tint and minimal but suits the bike and is easily removed
5:20 ... I love how the bike changes colour according to the brightness of the daylight. If I owned a RKS in Deadwood Green, I'd order some extra paint to create a colour-matched helmet to go with the bike :)
Edit: My guess on the new off-road bike is the Honda CRF450L.
Right on! It looks so good! Good guess - we can't say if you're right or wrong yet!
Most customizable bike HD makes definitely on my short list as a next or 2nd bike…
Yes it’s great! Awesome 👍🏼
I have a Road King Classic 2000 mod and while it does not compare to these new bikes in performance i dont really see the point of more performance for such a bike. Only thing i wish mine had that the newer bikes have is the 6th gear:P
Yes they’ve got all the oomph they need 👍🏼👍🏼
I know from many past videos that the Ol' Man does not like 2 things:
1. Adventure bikes
2. Bikes with short wheelbases (because they make us tall folks look odd on them)
So his next bike is probably not something like a Yamaha T7, Honda AT or Triumph Tiger.
My guess for his next bike: probably Husqvarna 701 or a Triumph Scrambler that you guys reviewed?
You’re the first person to get it correct that he hates adventure bikes haha! 90% of guesses have been the pan America. Not quite correct on the bikes tho 😉