Harley-Davidson is the gold standard for many motorcycle enthusiasts. More than any other American brand, it has revolutionized motorcycle design and personality. The company continues to expand its offerings, but some of its old standbys continue to be beloved by the biker community nationwide and all over the world.
If you’re looking to go on a long trip or a motorcycle tour in Las Vegas, the bike that might be of greatest interest to you is the Harley-Davidson Road King Special. But what makes this bike so “special”? Let’s take a look.
About the Road King
The Road King is one of Harley’s touring motorcycles, a selection that also includes the Street Glide, Road Glide and Electra Glide. This series of bikes features high-displacement twin-cylinder motors that have large telescopic forks.
Of these cruisers, the Road King is the simplest and became the third bike from this family of touring bikes to get a “Special” edition, after the Road Glide and Street Glide. The Special replaces the 107 Milwaukee Eight with a 114 Milwaukee Eight V-twin. It also features 180 section rear tires and larger front forks, which tend to be common among some of the bigger bikes produced by the company.
Some of the other differences between the standard Road King and the Special include relocated turn signals, removed auxiliary passing lamps and windshield, turbine wheels, rear saddlebag guards, and passenger footboards. The Special also does not have a proprietary audio system.
With regard to riding and handling, the Special feels like a throwback cruiser, ideal for long road trips. While the lack of windshield can make for a bit of discomfort in some conditions, the ride is nimbler and has improved visibility, thanks to the lack of Batwing fairing on the forks.
The bike has a seat height of 695mm and a nine-inch-tall mini-ape set of handlebars. This allows you to feel like you’re sitting upright, even if your posture is more forward and aggressive. Meanwhile, the footboards on the bike are ideal for taller riders, as are the slimmer seats.
The bikes come with relatively simple instruments. A small LCD screen displays information you can easily toggle with a left bar switch. Cruise control makes highway and freeway riding simple, and the ABS system provides excellent safety and stability, as well as greater peace of mind when attempting some more complicated maneuvers.
The Special costs several thousand dollars more than the standard Road King, and is more likely to attract younger or newer riders. In general, reviewers say the Road King Special is a great touring bike, but not the best you’ll find on the market. The simpler Road King is still great for long-distance biking, and people more interested in technology would find the Road Glide or Electra Glide to be more appealing.
To learn more about the Harley-Davidson Road King and other available Harley-Davidson touring motorcycles on the market, contact Escape Eagles. Our company offers motorcycle tours and rentals in Las Vegas and would be glad to answer your questions.