2019 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) Test Ride Comparison with a Road King Special

Get the details on how a Harley-Davidson Road King compares to a Road King Special. Matt Laidlaw and Nick Culver of Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson take out the 2019 Road Kings and break down all the features that separate these two bikes so you can make an educated purchasing decision.
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[@paulclark9891]

Just turned over 100,000 miles in 23 months on my 2017 Road King at 76 years of age. Love it! Great video. Agree with it 100%.

[@rclines001]

I'm curious if you had any modifications done to the bike, and what issues you have run into in the 100k miles.

[@guitarprepnplus1]

GOD BLESS. 👍

[@myklmusic]

Cool. I'm 69 just getting back to ride after 40 years with no bike, on a 2014 Road King. I'm going nuts with fewer than 500 miles so far. It only had 7,000 miles at purchase. I'm back and just getting started again. More miles to come.

[@simplemanmtb143]

Great job! I out ride everyone I know and I'm at 23,000 in 2.5 years! Ride on, rubber side down!

[@DeBa1226]

Can’t imagine not having that 114, with air ride suspension, along with the lengthened bags. I was always a fan of Metzlers versus the Dunlop tires, believing it handled like a sport bike with Metzlers. Go ahead and void my warrant with V&H full true duals with race tuner, Yaffe ape hangers, backrest for her, HD Nostalgic grips, and we’re riding 500 a day on road trips. Road King Special is the only bike for me.

[@stephenmustard8388]

Just bought a 2019 Road King standard last weekend and it's bloody awesome.

[@tpv59]

....................... so you like it?

[@chetlovesamerica6783]

Im enjoying my 2019 "barracuda silver",,roadking standard, . ,needs nothing!☆,,I'm 6' 2",,broke my back & neck and both arms a few years ago,,,due to falling 20 ft.,, and eye can ride this bike ALL DAY!☆--♡♡

[@hughmanatee7657]

Love that silver RK. Have they discontinued that color?

[@hectorguzman8435]

I just got mine yesterday exact same bike being advertised here and the same color... I’m in love with it

[@richardanderson4916]

Jealous!!!

[@wacobob56dad]

Classic styling on the Road King. Why not offer the 114 on the standard ?.

[@roberts5315]

Great detailed review. You covered some very important facts on suspension, wheel size, and handling. Like the 107 review as well. It is refreshing having a younger person actually prefer good old standard quality and practicality versus slickness and performance.

[@jordans.2665]

Heritage conversion all the way. My dad bought a road king to celebrate my birth in 94’ white wall tires, spokes - kept it clean and stock and I miss that bike/ my dad!

[@cinghialemannaro76]

Alongside the Fat Boy, the Road King is THE Harley Davidson. A classic that never gets old, a true beauty. Will they put the 114 in it someday?

[@Mcorre]

107 its just as good, Agree everyone getting street, roads, roadking S all blackout same story you go into a bike week no distintions any longer, but a Road King thats a man bike

[@sivvinod3187]

Don't forget the sportster

[@usmcvet0313]

I love my 2011 RK! Pop the shield off if I'm riding around town, leave it on for commuting and long rides. 🤙

[@usmcvet0313]

@@sivvinod3187 Agreed! Sportster is quintessential HD. The only completely air cooled model left.

[@sivvinod3187]

@@usmcvet0313 sadly they are killing off all. ALL sportsters in favour of the new 1250 custom.

[@Caseysays]

Thanks for the comparison video. Makes me love my RK Standard even more. My 107 with the stage 4 is awesome!! Keep these cool vlogs coming!!

[@albertsanchez8007]

Matt & Nick, you guys consistently produce the best videos. Intelligent, informative, meaningful. Great analyses, comparisons and recommendations. Comprehensively useful information. Thank you for your professionalism.

[@donaldsoncole3095]

Sharp presentation with emphasis on form following function!!! Two party review is unique and I like the slightly different perspective!!!😎

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

Proud owner of a 2018 107ci H-D RKS (IGD), and I love it to bits. Have had it for a little over a year, and just passed the 20,000 mile mark. I don't care what Matt says, the RKS is crazy comfortable, even on long rides. Rode it from Italy to Holland in 5 days, clocking in over 7 hours a day, and I was comfortable the entire way. Sure, a windscreen will help at higher freeway speeds, but it's by no means necessary if you stay below 80mph. I also love throwing this thing through tight hairpin corners.

[@simonheed7964]

Great video packed full of information these back to back videos are really useful, Thankyou Matt good job and keep em coming

[@simonclark8176]

As always a great watch ..thanks Matt ....and Nick !

[@mikeessary4925]

Nick and Matt, nice job on this comparison video. Keep up the good work. 2020 bikes coming soon!!

[@LoudValves]

Always enjoy Nicks analysis, a total information download... love it

[@gee-force]

Simply the best motorcycle comparisons and reviews online.

[@bane1240]

Great comparison video. A lot of good info here. Keep up the good work Matt and Team!

[@me2u2aswell]

A lot of information and that’s a good thing. Retro flashback pictures allow me to realize how much has changed, a more custom look now a days. Liked the way your video was done. Thanks Matt!

[@shawnkoda8146]

sorry to be off topic but does any of you know a way to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost my password. I love any assistance you can offer me.

[@nashaugust6765]

@Shawn Koda Instablaster ;)

[@shawnkoda8146]

@Nash August I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@shawnkoda8146]

@Nash August It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thank you so much you saved my ass !

[@nashaugust6765]

@Shawn Koda no problem :)

[@1Kenpoman]

I have always loved your comparison videos, keep up the good work!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you.

[@Aaronjw24]

Great video Matt. Thank you. I just bought a 2019 Road King Special in midnight blue. I couldn’t be happier. Keep up the great work!!

[@ceratobatrachus]

excellent information from Matt and Nick on the ins and outs of both Road Kings! A lot of information not easily attainable from content provided by HD and also missing from other posts by riders, along with their personal and professional views on mechanics associated with modifications of the bikes. Also great to see them driving through Baldwin Park where i grew up!

[@daneyourell2375]

You both articulate the information so well and your personal opinions really help aswell..great info guys👍

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you! Thanks for watching.

[@lorennelson6003]

That's a beautiful bike! Thank you for making great information videos. I learn a lot from them as I'm learning while going through the process of obtaining my M1.

[@daleclark5106]

Great video comparison. Thanks Bought my Road Kind Stndard and I love it. Road kings are classic HD

[@tccalvo]

As always, great content with some hidden easter eggs somewhere along to make it interesting. It helps me to increase my knowledge of some obscure HD model history details. Matt, you're always spot on with your spoken content and I love some of the geeky content details, but don't forget to consider using Nick on a bad hair day! He did a fantastic job clearly explaining all the details and differences! Kudos! You guys rock knowledge wise, bar none ! The first choice in my book to take my scoot and do technical work on It !

[@BOWHUNTFORDEER]

Great video I have always been drawn to the Road King my 2015 Road King is perfect for me at 5 feet 7 inches

[@richardpate1897]

VERY HELPFUL! Great comparison on the two bikes. Thank you

[@william995]

Sweet video Matt as always good job! 👍🏼

[@StanfordC95120]

Matt, I like the way your dealership works...keep the faith!

[@snickrologen]

Once again a great review of the bikes in the video, with thoughtful comments and aspects of the bikes. Sport Glide 😎-2019

[@tjrunlimited]

Great comparison. I love my Road King Anniversary Edition. You’ll never convince me that it’s more expensive for Harley to produce the blackout bike. Are you kidding? Black paint more expensive than Chrome?

[@usmcvet0313]

One word: demand. Black is in, and demand is high. Price will reflect.

[@roadrash76]

Most of it is the bigger 114 motor over the 107. But yeah they definitely mark them up ridiculously

[@jonbassett8023]

The Special is worth EVERY PENNY!! I love my 2019 midnite blooo!!!

[@morningstarx5340]

@@jonbassett8023 that special looks so much cleaner and meaner

[@NeverDoubtMe23]

Plus chrome is ugly for some people, I am not a fan.

[@mikedanaher3413]

Great content once again Matt. I wish all dealerships had your level of expertise. I also wish HD would put a option for the 114 in the Road King Standard. Pretty paint, lots of chrome and big power would make the Road King the best bike in the lineup.

[@poundthatpavement652]

Really appreciate your videos bro! I'm looking for a 2018 RGS now. Keep making great videos.👍

[@jamesparsons3134]

Matt does a great job on Videos...

[@xaviermcquiston1604]

That special looks amazing! I love the color!

[@n2dabloo]

I bought a touring bike to tour, comfortably. No shield and a butchered suspension does not impress. Really enjoying my ‘19 Road King.

[@davidcolby6661]

The special is better all day.

[@bobmohr4952]

Just got rid of my 2005 Road King Silver Classic after 9 years of riding and bought a project Rushmore 2014 high output 103ci and it performs beautifully. Also love the 6 speed trans and all of the changes done for the project Rushmore bikes. Couldn’t be happier. Plus the color mysterious sunglo red is the bomb!!!!! Eye catcher.!!

[@Infinitiwpb]

Awesome vid Matt, love the Road King Special!

[@JoelHaney]

Great comparison and great info for someone like me who is trying to decide between the two. I thought I had made up my mind on the Special, but now you have me second guessing as you presented things I hadn't thought of. Thanks for taking the time to educate in a way most dealers won't, even if you don't make my sale since I'm not local to you. Next step for me is to ride them both and decide. Thanks and ride on!

[@heithwatkins]

Best review of these 2 bikes. Thanks brother and God bless you..........one thing. 18 and 19 wheels are what modern sports bikes use. They may turn in slower, but they are more stable. If you have the same suspension. Also the sidewall of the tire will not flex as with tall tires. I realize this is at very high speeds. But I just wanted to point it out. 18 and 19 inch wheels are really not radical.

[@jonbassett8023]

Man that Special looks and rides AMAZING!!!!

[@Neocleese]

Long live the two Kings. Great vlog and great bikes thanks again Matt.

[@andreaspoppe3124]

I have taken the Road King Special! And I'm pretty happy with it! Perfect handling! As I go often on the German Autobahn (high way). I added a "blacked out" windscreen and a single seat.

[@gambietti]

This was a very helpful video. I am stuck between a standard, special or heritage classic. Great view points on these 2 bikes

[@drummerdm1016]

Awesome review, always have loved the road king, I have a 2016 and love it.

[@sf940477]

Wished I lived closer to visit your shop good points made 😁

[@Saturnal01]

This is excellent, thank you. Great info and great shots that show what people actually look like riding the bike. Especially helpful to see Nick standing up the Road King Standard @14:00 (I'm the same height as him, so that was really helpful).

[@SpesEtFides111]

RKS all day long. I’ve added Windsplitter to mine and it’s been my commuter since day 1. Ride 60 miles on the interstate daily and it’s not too bad. Of course stock windshield on my old 13’ RK offered more wind protection, but RKS looks so much cooler to my taste. Installed 13” Road 6 bars and now it’s a perfect bike for me. Big thanks to Matt and Nick for great reviews and hard work.

[@hawahanahamid]

This video puts an end to my selection between RK and RKS. Great video. Thanks!

[@jackmiranda4608]

I absolutely love the HD Road King Classic (I wish they were made in the US). The simplicity, the spoked wheels, the white wall tires, and the avalanche of aftermarket parts. Such a joy and 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. 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 own one again, but at the very least I have my fond experiences. No one can ever take those away. If you own one, enjoy the good times and make lots of memories. Needless to say, I highly recommend one.

[@keithtomczyk4730]

When did they halt production? Nobody has info on the whole fricken internet. I am looking for the latest. Harley won't put out any info. Bulll

[@jackmiranda4608]

Keith Tomczyk I got my Classic in 2012. I honestly don’t remember when they stoped selling them in the US. I think it was the same year Indian put out their first leather bagger.

[@petertrapani8701]

Thanks Matt great vlog between both Road Kings. Very Cool Be Cool and Ride Safe.🇺🇸🏍

[@jonbassett8023]

A great video Matt...thanks!

[@ecrusch]

Both are beautiful bikes. Thanks Matt.

[@stevenminor2936]

Awesome video, very informative and history aspect cool. Things I haven’t known about my favorite style of Harley Davidson. Flhr

[@the_only_chris]

Thank you, Matt. Another great video!

[@kfiji]

Another great review as always and the road king special 😍😍🥰

[@lancewingfield2259]

Great video and info as always ✌️

[@domenelu1]

Really appreciate your insight when comparing models. I opted for the 2017 Road King standard because I ride it every day to work and most weekends. I think I'm ready for a Road Glide. I'll have to research what the difference is if any on HD's sold in California regarding emissions. I live on earth's second sun Arizona. Thanks again.

[@chrismelville8211]

This was WAY helpful to me in making my decision, thanks guys! If I was in CA I'd come buy from you.

[@robertcurtis9449]

I got that same King in baracudda silver and after some mods, I absolutely love it! Thanks for the vid Matt, appreciate your insights and knowledge of the bike!

[@MattLaidlaw]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching ! Thanks for the comment

[@tomswenson4447]

I have the Barracuda Silver 19 Standard and am loving it. I Really like the 107, better than my Wife's 114 Heritage. It has plenty of power and is pretty smooth as well. I dislike the clutch as it only engages for about what seems like 1/2 inch. I'm have always been a function over form guy. I do like lots of chrome, but I like the blacked out as well. I went for the standard because I would have to buy all the extras not on the special as well as not having as good a ride. As in the video, the windshield also was right in my line of sight. I had to get new plastic for it. I had no buffeting, even with a full face helmet. I was surprised at that. Typically, me and full windshields don't get along. Thanks for such a good review as always Matt. I never miss one of your videos.

[@camouflage962]

Thx Matt for your video.... no matter how bad your roads might be... ours are great, by the way.... - I would always opt for the FLHRXS .... tain‘t anything cooler out there as stock by the MC.... good Job - appreciated a whole lot! Keep going !

[@adriamillasluque]

You got my like before you jumped into the review, just by talking about how you treat your workers. You are the real MVP!

[@WhiteWhite60]

Regarding this review by the cute kid (I can't remember names) - excellent job. I stopped at 19:00 to post this comment because I don't want it to go by in passing. I'm now really excited over these bikes. Great format, great job. Thanks!

[@cmercer58]

Nice comparison. Having ridden both I can agree with your comments. The RK special is great for quick rides around. I found it a fun bike. But I'm a high mileage person and already owning an RK I would go with the Road King. Boy, you can put miles on them.

[@brianmaclennan561]

Lovin my '18 RKS. 107 with a stage 2 tq cam an full rinehart exhaust. Goes an sounds awesome.

[@miket.9172]

Great video. Nick especially crushed it for grounding his opinion by relating it to specific features.

[@cjsmith]

The Cadillac of the lineup 👌😎

[@marcobikesalot436]

I think I just fell in love with the Road King 👍

[@michaellomazzo7776]

Just picked up the two tone 2019 road King standard really nice and your review makes me feel I made a great choice more get up and go than my 16 street glide that I traded in and I think more comfortable thanks for the great review

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching. Congrats on the bike.

[@benlorenzo1966]

Good reviews, thank you. I favor the Standard.....

[@glenntracey4127]

Another great review, now you have thrown a spanner in my decision process ( in a good way, ref my remark on your 2017 RK Special ride review).

[@fabiors10]

Loved the intro song! Nice to see a Road King with hard bags, I personally don't like the leather looking ones, I didn't see one like this here in Brazil yet

[@ddjr702]

Great video Matt. I will be buying a bike in the next 6 months. Even though I’m in Las Vegas I will make my way to your location. Thanks again for all the content

[@mikedanaher3413]

This is the best video yet. What a great comparison. Really enjoyed the video Matt. Can’t wait for you to compare the 2020 Road King’s. I see there was a couple changes to the standard. No 114 option yet and that is really disappointing but definitely worth a comparison video for the 2020 models too.

[@dawidos117]

Road King Special is just beautiful 😍

[@1550tc]

Very good video guys RK is a great bike for guys that don’t want that geezer glide look... classic timeless look!!

[@pyrolysis2129]

There's not a better looking motorcycle than the Road King Special in my opinion. The way yall sell the standard in this video makes a good argument for it. Can't go wrong. Hope both are still available in a few years when I'm ready to buy.

[@JOBOWEEZKING]

This was sick! Make one of the road glide standard and special 👌🤘🏽

[@ericharrington2673]

I wish I had bought my bike from you sounds like a much better dealership, you are living the life

[@laraguerra1]

This video it’s so good that I getting tempted to give Harley another chance love the silver look

[@MattLaidlaw]

They made some really nice improvements in recent years. I think you’ll be happy with one 👍🏻

[@jonwebb5241]

Thanks for the intro.

[@MaryJaneismyGF]

I came off a 2016 low rider and I love my 19 RKS it handles awesome runs smoother and has great power.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice man. Enjoy. Yea, great bikes.

[@ccb7122]

I just traded a FatBob and bought a 19 RKS. Love it.

[@steveb2618]

Man, I’m way late to the party here (July 2020 now), but you guys did a great comparison. This is a choice I may be making one day. I freakin love the special, but I’m getting older and this spring and summer I put 4500 miles on my little Honda. The sheer functionality of the standard just makes sense. You guys did a great job of not being so hot on the “flashy” bike but saying what was good about both. It’s a choice with implications for each, period. My son lives in San Fran, maybe I’ll get to meet you one day........or maybe come out and buy a bike and ride it back to Nashville where I live (though we have great dealers here). Thanks!

[@revdrterrencemcgillicuddy4064]

I'm a hospice Chaplain and riding is my primary stress-buster. Hands down the best review and reviewer I've heard concerning the Road King. Great, great job. I've been going back and forth discerning whether to get the standard or special. Finally someone intelligent with good verbal skills has done one. Though I'd like a 114 cu on a standard, it's practicality and rideability seems a better bike for me. Thank you and again GREAT job!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you my friend. Glad I could help out.

[@arthurpapazian6003]

Great comparison, and accurate info about changing wheel size, side wall consideration, and suspension travel!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thank you!

[@curtishoke143]

@@MattLaidlaw check out my road king special making 181hp on you tube.moonshine did it for me it has a143 in it I love all the videos you put out too

[@SBha30]

Love these videos!

[@dennism103]

Great commentary guys

[@hachanabe]

DAMNNNN !!! you guys are professional , this video is the best out many. Definitely i'm RoadKing Standard .

[@miketodd8640]

Another great bike review. You and Nick work well together. You're getting very creative, I like having the two different views of the bikes. On another note, there is a big difference between the M8 107 & 114. Can you go over the difference of making a 107 a 114, either Stage III or IV and a 114? I have a 107 with a Stage III, and it rocks, and from what you said the '20 will all have 114's. Just asking. You, John Maxwell and Doc Harley @ Low Country H D are doing great work.

[@northrider8628]

Refreshing to here you say the sales people mean something to your dealership... they deserve to be treated well. Imho

[@dcdell2008]

I totally agree with Nick’s evaluation and comments RK vs RKS as I used to ride a 2018 RKS and got rid of it only after two years of ownership-reason, I could not stand the harsh riding experience and quality…I did add the Wind Splitter for highway cruising but still not as good wind management . I replaced the RKS with a 2019 BMW R1250 GSA and ride comfort was night and day difference with BMW’s long suspension travel…However, I sometimes miss the riding experience of the Harley and perhaps if I make a return, I will definitely pick the Road King Standard…thanks for sharing the review and I have liked and subscribed.

[@mindfield7]

The RK standard is all day comfort, and the reason I own one. The special is beautiful though and makes me drool.

[@jonathongallant9105]

I have the 2019 RKS and love it. But look, if we were all the same we would be extremely boring. There will always be people that would choose the RK and there will always be people that choose the RKS. Don't really see what difference it makes as long as your happy with the bike. I personally do like the RK but just prefer the RKS. Both great bikes.

[@TheBlindbowman]

I ride all weather and any where I want to go .. you did straight up review ...I like the standard .power is great but over all ride is what its about . and at 58 years of age I have ate to many insects to not have windshield on my bike ...from building a 41 chopper from the bare frame up . to a new 2020 ride . I still like the standard RK ..great review guys ...

[@willyb933]

I'm on my second RK now (2014/2017) I just love the classic look of the RK and it just seems encompass all that is HD. The ride comfort and yet the handling and agility for a bike of that weight and configuration is great. Great review as always Matt and Nick. Thanks for your time!

[@ntdfmaverick]

All you have to do to get the Standard to look like the Special is take the windshield off and put the Special seat on it (not taking into account chrome vs black of course). The profile totally changes instantly, and even looks better in my opinion. I have one, and random people always ask what it is, or why it looks so different. It's just a regular old Road King! The seat has a lot to do with it. Those stock "Special" touring seats Harley uses right now look really, really nice. And it's easy to get other people's cheap take-offs! Thank you for the video!

[@cheatdeathproc]

...and get stretched saddled bags

[@thomasangelo4219]

Owned Road King..great mc. Has that classic H.D. look to it. Which Road King to choose is just a matter of choice. Thanks for video Matt and Nick. Take care

[@Dinoxt12]

Couldn't ask for a better review .

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks man. Thanks for watching.

[@gghostrrider]

Classic case of form vs function!

[@ronmarvicsin7709]

I was really attracted to the special but I didn’t know about the better ride etc on the standard. I love chrome so I’ll go with the standard. I however already have my honey “blue” my 18 Deluxe.