2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Special test ride - a standout entry to touring

[@MacksMoto]

Great video man! Thanks for putting it up. I looooove the RKS and am gobbling up all the vids I can get my hands on for it :) will be heading to a demo day next month.

[@thatoneguymoto]

Mack's Moto it was truly a blast to ride! If I get into touring this is definitely what I'm starting with!

[@theflyingveteran6250]

I have a '17 Road King Special in Olive Gold. It's a great bike. I had a Victory Vegas 8 Ball before and was going back and forth between the Road King and an Indian Chief or Springfield. The smooth shifting and well dampened engine is what finally won me over to the Harley. And that color....beautiful! I don't like the Matte paint. It's too hard to maintain. My first bike had matte black paint, and my jeans rubbed shiny spots on the tank.

[@thatoneguymoto]

I always liked the styling on Victory cruisers. Too bad. And, That's good to know about the matte paint. I've never considered it on a bike, but I really liked it on the RKS. Thanks for watching!

[@robertcurtis9449]

Selling my RK standard for a Special. I've had two standards and love them, but I really want the blacked out slammed look of the Special.

[@thatoneguymoto]

I love the look of the Special! I'm sure the feel isn't all that different, but style wise, it almost looks like an entirely different bike. The RKS is my favorite of the H-D touring models.

[@Chris_L034]

so, what makes it "entry level"?

[@thatoneguymoto]

The Road King is the base model of Harley's touring segment. It's the only touring model that doesn't come standard with the front fairing, but still has cruise control, foot boards, and stretched bags. The Special, which is what I rode in the video, is the blacked out model, with a few extras.

[@MarkR973]

What do you guys think about the ultra classic? I had a Road King Classic but am looking for a New ride. I’d remove the tour pak and only use for weekenders.. any thoughts?

[@moultriet.3262]

Great content. How much different is the 107 from the 114?

[@thatoneguymoto]

Thank you! The 107 is very nice and has plenty of giddy-up. The 114 just has a little more umph in the low end, IMO.

[@moultriet.3262]

@@thatoneguymoto thanks for the feedback. Questioj would. Stage 2 give you the 114 upgrade?

[@thatoneguymoto]

@@moultriet.3262 I'm not sure, but I don't think so. Here's the link to the kit. Maybe you've already checked that, but JIC www.harley-davidson.com/us/en/shop/Screamin-Eagle-Milwaukee-Eight-Stage-II-Torque-Kit/p/92500047

[@moultriet.3262]

@@thatoneguymoto thanks bud!

[@rednkitaln]

How would you compare this to the Indian Springfield Dark Horse?

[@thatoneguymoto]

For me, they feel very similar. The Springfield Dark Horse has a little more tech baked into the bike, but with that aside, the two felt so similar, that it came down to a style preference. I personally prefer the Road King Special. I'd have to see them side-by-side to be certain, but the RKS also seemed to have a slight edge as far as fit and finish.

[@rednkitaln]

@@thatoneguymoto Sounds good. Thanks for the info! I'll have to check out both of them.

[@b.chuchlucious5471]

My '97 Evo RK looks ten times better than that blacked out and flat finish paint. You need shiny chrome to wake up the Phone Zombies and be seen!

[@thatoneguymoto]

I don't like the matte paint on every bike, but it really strikes me on the RKS. Being seen is always good, though!

[@brianwhitmore3839]

I'm pleased you said the RKS was your favourite as I'm taking delivery of that exact one tomorrow 😀👍

[@thatoneguymoto]

Oh man, it was a thrill to ride, and was also, very comfortable! Not to mention, the styling is very nice! You've got yourself a fine machine! Have fun, and ride safe!

[@brianwhitmore3839]

that one guy . Thank you and you. Have a great Christmas 🎄

[@thatoneguymoto]

Merry Christmas to you, too, bud!

[@saddle8bag]

It's actually now the cheap one...at least the standard version. Pretty much all the Softies cost as much, but most don't have the cruise control, or the waterproof/lockable storage, or rider/passenger floorboards, or three element lighting, or crash bars, or hydraulic clutch, or large protective fenders, or dual discs, or a 6 gallon tank.

[@thatoneguymoto]

saddlebag yeah, the standard RK starts at $19K, the special at $22K. I absolutely loved riding the RKS! Would definitely consider it if I venture into touring.

[@MrHasie]

saddlebag honestly, I always wanted a RK and may eventually but after getting a fatboy those features are less of an incentive to make a trade sooner. I do know however that I'll jump on touring if they come out with an aluminum frame(assume they are still steel), traction control and a tire pressure sensor

[@renniesmith8073]

I'm seriously considering either a Road king special or a new Heritage in the near future! I am going to a demo days in a couple weeks to ride them!

[@markhenry192]

Great review. The road King Special is a beautiful bike. If i lived some where like the USA with all them long open roads i would have one (assuming i had the money!). As a matter of interest which of the new Softails (or Dynas) would you reccommend to a returning biker currently riding a 48? Thanks

[@thatoneguymoto]

Well, the Dyna's are all gone, but if you can find one, the 2017 Lowrider S is a real winner. It also depends on if you're looking to upgrade engine displacement, a change in style, or if the 2.1 gallon tank just isn't cutting it anymore, and you want to go farther on a single fill. The Fat Bob would be my choice, if you still want that sporty feel, with a considerable upgrade in Power. If you want to change up the style, but are still wanting flickability, try out a Street Bob.

[@markhenry192]

Thanks One Guy. Funny i had dismissed the Fat Bob in the past but the reviews i have read suggest it is a good all round bike. I like the new Street Bob for its motor and frame but the styling (along with most of the 2018 offerings) does not appeal. Thanks Sir.

[@pixelboxer4222]

Love the new Roadking Special but its so expensiv here in germany. For refference in germany you pay roughly ~29.000$ for it (24.000€)

[@thatoneguymoto]

Yeah, as much as I love Harley, I cannot deny that they are so dang expensive!

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Even more expensive in Holland (€ 29,900, or $36,000) because of additional motor vehicle taxes. Americans don't know how good they have it. Still, getting mine in about 1.5 weeks. Really excited :). Bought my first GoPro a few weeks ago. Will definitely start putting up vids as well.

[@ellissmithjr6599]

@@bloodymarvelous4790 We dont?🤔....Yes we do know👍😎🇺🇸....Move to America😉😎

[@Kash6161]

You had your high beam headlights on. 😳

[@abelcullum8641]

Love the look of this bike and the feel sounds good! Question: At 5’7” would this bike fit me?

[@thatoneguymoto]

This is still my favorite Harley touring bike. I'm 5'6" with a 30" inseam, and I felt like it was great for someone my size. The only stretch was for the front controls, but by no means was it unmanageable.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

Uhhh.....and uhhh. Uhhh....uhh. umm. And uhhh ummm. And uhhh.