I Rode A Harley Davidson Road King Special | Look At My Face!

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks for watching. Let me know what you think in the comments below. More videos like this here: kzbin.info/aero/PLmgCmljtdCzUqvX8H5C5vG1b7QiagtD3Z Click To SUBSCRIBE bit.ly/RevelatorAlfSubscribe

[@699669king]

I have a 2018 Road King Special. It is LITERALLY the dream bike I had envisioned in my head since I was a child. I am 59 now. But daaaamn, I LOVE that bike.

[@davidgilding3549]

We changed from SG to a RKS, a very different bike but I love it. Loads of character, great handling, tps, hill hold, RDRS all make life easier. Changed the seat, crash bars, 14" mini apes and 13" Ohlins shocks. It came with a quick detach screen and I rarely take it off, it offers good protection without obscuring the Road. I could ride this bike all day, even on motorways which I used to hate on the SG ! Best of all, the Mrs loves it too 😁!

[@markh.harris9271]

Ride a Heritage, Alf. To keep the bike from rolling forward, (never park in neutral), stop the engine, let out the clutch, and let the bike roll forward and rest on the dog clutches (gear dogs). That's your parking brake. Then put the stand down (make sure it locks in place). If parking on down slope, roll forward against dog clutch. If parking on up slope, roll back against dog clutch. Ride a Heritage. marcus

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep would love to try the heritage. cheers

[@MrMurphc13]

I even do that with my FXFBS.If you've ever had a bike roll forward and over you'll never park in neutral again.

[@High_Desert_Tanner]

I ride a '21 RKS and I FREAKING LOVE IT! It's everything I want in a bike, and nothing I don't. I don't want an infotainment system to look dated in 5 years, I don't want a loud stereo system to annoy everyone around me... I want a comfy bike thats beautiful and fun to ride, about 80 lbs lighter than the other two touring bikes, and some waterproof hard bags to pick my shit in for a ride...

[@stevemears7134]

Ditto! Love the bike already and the fact that I can take my screen off as and when and can tailor the bike to fit me. Suspension is pretty horrible on UK roads though😢!

[@markb3180]

Get it in your garage!

[@jonwragg3822]

The tourer side stand should lock in place unlike the softails. If you look the pivot point settles into a cage which locks the side stand. Well it did on my Ultra.

[@ppuntrotzooizooi7692]

Yes it does

[@bag-of-bones485]

I get the same smiles from my 09 Roadking.. Enjoy and safe miles.

[@Peter-mcmcmc]

Longtime subscriber and 2023 RKS owner who couldn't be happier. You've got to buy it, man!

[@RevelatorAlf]

cheers

[@RonaldHarmsen]

Your earlier videos convinced me to buy a Sport Glide. Upgraded this spring to a Road King Special and absolutely love it! Sport Glide was nimble and I had upgrades like saddle, risers and floor boards but still felt a bit on the small side for me. That is over now with the RKS. Cornering and slow speed manoeuvres are amazing on this thing. Would highly recommend the upgrade! Keep up the good work on your channel!

[@camilobustamantehaba2546]

I have a 2020 Road King Standard, because it is a little bit higher than the Special. I changed though the suspension in front and rear. Since I have it, 20 k and very happy. I ride with passenger. It is an excellent motorbike from my point of view.

[@robertcurtis9449]

I have a '19 RK with a stage 2 and its all the bike i need (after all the mods). I love how you can load up a RK for a road trip or strip it down for day riding and i dont like big fairings

[@joemann3536]

The Seat,The Wind and your Heartbeat will not lie.

[@RogerSMiller1]

Try the heritage softail?

[@andrewkitchenuk]

Test rode one 3 months ago as I liked the look of it but thought it was awful. Maybe I'm just too tall for it but I took it back and ordered another Sport Glide. Couldn't be happier. We're all different, I guess.

[@roosky9260]

Got my first ever harley 2 months ago, a road king classic 2005, great bike will definitely be saving up for a newer version of the RK Special, congrats on all the views, buy a road king asap 🎱😎👍

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

De difference between the M8 engines SG and RKS is that SG has 2 counterbalance axles and the RKS just one. It gives the last one a little bit more power….and more HD feel.

[@stuarthull5706]

When my Pan America comes up for trade in this is the bike I most want to try as always loved the design of the Road Kind

[@RidersUnited]

Do it bro thats what I did last tear and it is AWESOME machine. Handlebars and shocks upgrade is a must on this bike. After that it is all joy to ride it. They call it ROAD KING for a reason.

[@twanverbeek9015]

The smile on your face tells us more that 1000th words. No comparison with the BMW review. The Road King Special is a very easy bike to ride, I would say it has the same maneuverability as the Sport Glide. Suspension wise you are right the sport glide is better. I’m not sure if the shocks on the Road king are 12 or 13 inch that makes a difference in ride quality, but there are plenty of aftermarket shocks available. Try also the Road glide the fairing in less in you face as the street glide and gives you a more open feeling on the road and better maneuverability at low speed. Cheers!

[@camouflage962]

I did the Wilbers' suspension upgrade after 1 K km... boy.... one of a kind !

[@iancatlin5985]

I have a 2018 model Road King (regular not special) - I too have upgraded suspension (Wilbers) and added the later oil pump and a cam (plus other little mods) - best tourer I've ridden 🙂

[@ppuntrotzooizooi7692]

Cool! What cam did you do?

[@iancatlin5985]

@@ppuntrotzooizooi7692 just the SE torque cam

[@Beeza56]

Awww Alf, don’t give up on the Sportglide mate. Bought mine based on your positive reviews, traded the R1200RS for it. Had an ‘06 RoadKing Custom when I turned 50 and then picked up a cheap Dyna for my town bike. Both put a smile on my face but nothing compared to the smile when I’m on the Sportglide. Will still look forward to your channel whatever you decide. Stay safe and good luck mate. Ex.pat Brit in Putnam Valley. NY.

[@ppuntrotzooizooi7692]

I ride the special 107 2017. Love it! And yes just with the classic big nacelle and passing lights. That IS to me the classic front look of a roadking. Not a memphis shade fairing or fxr fairing on it that spoils the whole look. And you can buy great quick detach fairings for it which don’t spoil the look: Freedom windshield 18 inch dark grey (i’m 5.9) that has a ‘swoop’ at the topside makes the wind pass you better and its wider also than the options from Harley itself. Mark my word: roadking special is gonna grow on you with it’s versatility. Don’t worry about outdating navigation, (choose and change easily yourself, don’t annoy people around you with your music if you ride a street or roadglide… because if you want music, you bluetooth it to your headset, but opinions may vary… and o yeah you can put the low crashbars on it for a better look. I have done it. keep the rubber side down! 👍👍😀

[@Flyingscotsman3]

❤Morning Alf❤ Side stand wont move it locks so cant roll forward. 13" hagons on rear transforms ride and clearance. 2 year guarantee and custom built for you at decent low price and british. Versatility is the key word here. Add screen or dont....same for lots of other things too. Mine is stage 1 and 130mph bike...enough for me. Brembo linked brakes....as standard and work really well. Smiles per miles is what it's all about. Glad you enjoyed it mate. ☆simply the best Hd☆😁 Safe rides mate....🍻🏁

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yep loved it. Cheers

[@michaelhallas6450]

I picked mine up last week , love it . 😋

[@markabbott8361]

Same for me Alf, I used to own an ultra limited, your comment about the batwing fairing is correct, half the road missing in your view tho! Went to a RK special two years ago and I couldn't be more happy just get more wind. Great bike tho I'll be staying with this 👌

[@Flyingscotsman3]

Ditto^ My previous were ultra and cvo streetglide. Never looked back.🍻

[@RevelatorAlf]

nice

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

I’ve had a RKS 107 2018, and now drive a Ultra limited 114 2021. I don’t miss anything from the road. You only have to watch when you park your bike (to drive save away again). The Ultra drives much more plush and is more steady in wind. The RKS has bigger wheels and low back springs. 12” instead of 13” which also give less springstroke aswell!!

[@ArnaudFortier]

Hi there, I'm following you since I had my road glide ( 3 years ago) I changed last year for a streetglide pecial 2021 and it's a blast, it's got hill stop, tons of power, floorboards, tons of space a big screen where you can put carplay for 20€ :-) . My wife bought herself a V-rod and this is a mega blast! of course totally different as it doesn't have bags but the power is amazing.

[@RunCMDmoto]

The preload likely had to be adjusted and this makes a significant difference in the suspension feel

[@Nucklehead-mm9gf]

I'm working on my next bike and I was dead set on the 2024 Road King Special in black but than I saw and got on the 2024 Breakout 117 and now I have a very hard decision to make! 😂 I want to do a 1,600 mile round trip ride to Daytona a couple times a year and the Road King with a nice windshield made most sense but I can surely do that trip on a Breakout too cuz it's very comfortable except I will need to get different bars and im thinking the 10 inch fused Lo bars Harley offers for it which are beautiful mini ape style bars that really fit the stance and frame of the Breakout nicely. Also a detachable windshield and bags for it for trips than I can strip them off around locally and it's cheaper than Road King Special and dare I say even sexier too! I'm still favorable to the Road King Special but the new Breakout really did something to me. Harley killed it with the remodel of Breakout and it has the 117 and that chrome is the best iteration of chrome I've ever seen done on a motorcycle! It manages to look youthful and not old timer. It's very tastefully done with the black engine backdrop. Also its 660 pounds so alot lighter but still heavy enough to boss on highways! Who am I kidding, the Breakout 117 is the one for me! I think I just realized how much more it sings to me. However I was really wanting that vehicle hold control feature that comes in the RDRS system for Road King as a nice convenience but at least I get traction control, abs and cruise control on Breakout which is great! I think it has a usb port too which for some ungodly reason the Road King Special does not and is $25k bike, like cmon Harley, really!? Anyways yeah im buying a Breakout. 😂

[@geraldmasters7273]

All the harleys I've had over the years have done the same they can slightly roll forward but the stand dise lock in

[@Chase_N]

If you actually get down & look at the kickstand, there is a "tongue" that slips into a groove once the kickstand is all the way down. Once it's down, it won't move unless you move it. I loved my Road King but have recently moved to a Pan America. Engine, suspension, nimble in the twisties, brakes, comfort, wind protection, available luggage capacity, & it weighs the same as my old Sportster 883- it's the best performing H-D I've ever ridden. Just ride one & you won't think about another model again.

[@saddle8bag]

I hate the crash bars too, but I've dropped the damn thing in the garage twice now. Ugly, but they do work and saved me a fortune in new saddlebags. One problem with that one and "Glides" in general is they don't provide the rear bar to protect the bags. They also fit it with the "slammed" travel free rear shock. HD knows how to make a ggod bike, but they're apt to do some dumb things at times. The kickstand on the tourers is different from other bikes. It actually locks, but if pointed down hill, it seems like it will roll right off the kickstand, but it won't, so long as the bike's weight is on it.

[@ppuntrotzooizooi7692]

Yeah and thats why i always park frontside uphill and in gear.

[@ejdtm]

The first thing I did with my road glide, was throwing some Ohlins in the back. What a huge difference.

[@chrislecouteur2360]

Go ride the LRS 117 ST small fairing and bag's or do what i did got a LRS 117 and got soft bags, which expand ... nose cone faring but dials right up front in eye line ... no looking down lol

[@steveplatel5508]

I had a road king special for 6 months, just couldn’t get on with it and traded it in for a new sport glide !!

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

I owned one! The suspension is to short with “12. I changed it to “13 original type, which has i think 1,5inch more travel. So that is an big difference….and…! The floorboards and jiffy, doesn’t hit the tarmac anymore so quick!wind a HD Windsplitter you get rid of the wind….then it’s top notch. Altough the handlebar was for my not well. It is to low, straight and wide! I now ride a ‘21 Ultra Limited…which i trow it in every corner. My friend was very impressed how i can ride this castle, in the Luxemburg mountains😂😂😂🎉🎉(the stand is very, very secure! It locks up when is extracted). Maybe i go for a RKS again….is best of both worlds…

[@nikitis13]

Looks like you're having too much fun Alf 🤣!! Ive been constantly thinking about the touring models as well 🤔. I must say, the 3 big bagger trio is starting to appeal, I love the look of the Road Glide and it's twin headlight shark nose fairing. Please keep testing and posting how you find them, you might get me tempted to try one of these out as well... Jus wondering, did you find it comfier than your Street Glide?

[@RevelatorAlf]

About the same to be fair

[@ardyrides834]

Beautiful scenery there where you record your riding videos! That's what I consider small country roads here in the U.S. Riding a bit above cruising speed through the "bends" (twisties we call them here) ~-~-~ is always fun, and that is why some riders prefer the smaller, lighter bikes rather than a Touring Model size bike. I certainly understand that... We often ride on four lane freeways here in the U.S. and thats one reason why the Touring Models are so popular here. My first Harley-Davidson was a 2012 StreetGlide and I am still amazed at how well it handles all road types, even the tight "bends". I've never riden a Road King however, minus the Fairing and a little less weight than my StreetGlide, I suspect it would ride like a Hot Rod compared to my StreetGlide. To me the Road Kings look better with the chrome headlight nacelle. That gives it a more Classic look. The quick detach style windshield or fairing would be ideal for the RK. Good job ole boy, keep up the good videos.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Thanks so much

[@iancatlin5985]

...and - the lean angle on the regular road king is excellent ;-)

[@cali5ive124]

I have the same uneasiness on the jiffy stand with my '20 Road Glide, sketchy 😂 but its held in place with a little cam, ur good

[@ironkid8836]

I just handed back my dream bike dyna 96 ,hoping they sort a nice replacement

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

Update: i traded my Ultra 2021 in with 20.000km extra in a half year! In januari 2024 ill get a used RKS 2023 with 7000km and in Vivid Black. Already found a complete brand new, Hyperpro, suspension set, Front and rear (13") as a bargain. Further i bought a Saddlemen SDC Pro....i can't wait....!!! What are your plans?

[@iancatlin5985]

...the side stand locks in position when the bike's weight is on it - it's more secure than it feels :-)

[@King-wy5on]

Stage 2 (if you really feel the need ) and an excellent suspension and off you go. The protecting bar? Yeaaa a bit big and not looking so good. I had the same on my Fatboy, but the bike dropped once and I had zero damage. PS Check for a warranty if you buy a second-hand Road King. Very nice bike.

[@phildiegidio4658]

Happy boy!

[@Gwosts]

This is my dream bike!

[@Dzinbhudist]

Kickstand do not lock? How come as all HD’s I owned before had kickstand to lock and it won’t roll forward…

[@tonytripp1284]

The only thing I liked about it was the bags. Wondering if you can retro fit on the SG and still have them quick remove.

[@scootjockey]

Be carefull on your decision best of luck.

[@baustin2402]

Lol...😂 dito mate! I have the 22' RGSpec and I've done the slip-ons already(it sounds like a honda from showroom) and plan to do 14 or 16" apes... o yeah and the HD *wind splitter w/vent very soon... 🤗😇

[@thomaskavney4656]

Frist of all the RKS you was riding is not a 2021 and you talk about how you think the bike is the one for you but want to change everything a windscreen is a great addition as i put one on my 2021 road king special the one thing I completely agree with you on is it is a great bike

[@richardrussell500]

Beautiful machine... my 2020 Freewheeler was a RK from the seat forward. HD makes the best looking cruisers on the planet. Now, if they could solve their overheating issues, it would be awesome. Stock suspension on HDs have always been garbage. I will be installing better shocks on my 2023 SG next year. HD saddlebags are the best designed overall. No rattles like their competitors. I believe they stopped making the RK. The RK is nimble compared to the SG, which is top heavy. The RK is great for intown riding. I believe your current bike has a mono shock?

[@SteveW67]

I rode RK and Heritage and found little difference except the weight and ease of maneuverability., way better on a Heritage. Equally good for 2 up riding, try a Heritage first. You won’t go wrong with either and both more comfortable than my SportGlide.

[@tomkarnes69]

Hold up there cowboy, the single most appealing element for me is what you don't like about the headlight configuration, that's what's calling me, I love the way it looks from the saddle, and I can't decide between this bike -vs- the Rocktaine same great looks

[@simonhickey8952]

That's the appeal for most. My Road King Special had the Street Glide passing light set up fitted.......the set up that H-D says doesn't fit it.....yes it does and looks great

[@tomkarnes69]

Damn straight it looks great, how about a VVT 121 for 24, pers like a 114, hits like a 124

[@TwoGoTouring]

Hi Alf. I’ve ridden Harleys for 20 years until last year now I have 2 beemers in the garage. The Road King for me was the best Harley I owned, I loved it. I’m smiling listening to you having ridden a 1250rt that one of the first things you’d suggest for the RK is a suspension upgrade. My mate did that a and it cost £2000. The basic cost of the RK is £24595 to start with. At that price a Harley should be as near perfect suspension and all. The 1250RT is £17500 and doesn’t need suspension upgrade. Even though they have soul and character, are Harleys value for money ? Is the company ripping off buyers ? That’s what irked me about the company.

[@RevelatorAlf]

Yes can’t argue with that

[@kwik2008]

It will need another suspension and fairing at least 😊

[@stuartosborn4785]

Where do you feel your sportglide is lacking that makes you want to change ?

[@RevelatorAlf]

Not lacking at all really just weighing up options

[@adriankerner1645]

Alf, have you thought about the Police version? Recently I’ve traded in my FLSB for a FLHTP with Wilbers Nivomat. Best decision ever! Greetings from Spain

[@RevelatorAlf]

Oh really. Not sure I’ve seen thay

[@Jonathan-L]

6:00 ... no fairing? No problem... Just do what I did, and mount a plastic ammo box to the handlebar and you get both storage and a fairing. Yes, it looks cheaply done (which it is), but it's really effective, and can be removed and refitted in seconds. My H-D is a daily driver, so it doesn't need to win any beauty contests. As for the suspension, I'd put on a set of Metzeler Cruisetec tyres and see how that goes.

[@RevelatorAlf]

ha ha love that

[@Big-Si2253]

Wish I hadn't watched this.........I've just sold mine and now I want another! (BTW, Ohlins shocks make the world of difference!)

[@RevelatorAlf]

sold already? wow

[@simonhickey8952]

@@RevelatorAlf You missed it mate, don't say I didn't warn you. 2018 Road King Special, Stage 2, I even had Ohlins HD772 shocks on it. ( I took them off and sold them separately, I would have left them on had you asked me nicely!

[@fedricoekkelenkamp5384]

looking good . Real touring bike. Will you trade in de sport glide.

[@RevelatorAlf]

At this stage still not sure

[@fedricoekkelenkamp5384]

@@RevelatorAlf I saw that harley Davidson 2024 Harley Road Glide Police M8 114 model in 2024. I contact my dealer about the model. In the Netherlands this model will cost € 35315,00 in black/white. I had a 2018 Harley Electra Glide Police 107 M8 at the same dealer it cost me 2018 € 22990,00. The price is rising very fast in the 5 years.

[@stuwhyte479]

Springfield Darkhorse far superior. Factory suspension top notch, feels way lighter than actually is..Standard features, heavy duty clutch,high flow heads,led lighting.

[@_audacerider3838]

Try the new BMW R18 Roctane

[@MrMurphc13]

Alf im trading my m8 Fat Bob for a new RKS.I hope i love it!

[@georgearcher5696]

Try one of those bmw r18s tourers

[@Dzinbhudist]

Nah r18 is different bike in all means, I like Indian better than r18…

[@seniorp9444]

It’s a great bike. If you are not doing a lot of interstate and don’t need a sound system it’s perfect. The only drawback for me is I can’t find a windshield that doesn’t make too much wind noise and riding long distances at higher speed with no shield wears you out.

[@stuwhyte479]

He lives in the UK obviously he ain't doing "interstate ".

[@Dirk1961-l7y]

HD Windsplitter……da bomb!!!

[@ardyrides834]

Klockworks has a new fairing for the RK's. It looks great.

[@nevillegreg1]

The RK is Agricultural compared to the Beemer. With the RK, the thing will handle significantly better if you swap out the stock shocks (with just about anything after market) but the Wilbers self levelling suspension will be awesome - not cheap but you definitely get for what you pay for. Of course, there would be no need to swap out the shocks with the Beemer - but hey, who uses common sense when buying the bike they want.

[@iancatlin5985]

I have the Wilbers and can confirm it's a massive upgrade 🙂

[@louhmx1136]

Ride a Heritage.

[@benjosten766]

That's a 2020...2021 has cable clutch and different air cleaner and badging...I have a 2021.

[@Michael-ek8rz]

If you put a fairing on the front of a Road King it's not a Road King.

[@jagjr6772]

Buy an expensive Road King but don’t like the way it looks and spend thousands changing it. I don’t get ….why buy it at all. You will be back to the price of a brand new one.

[@theoreticalgarage]

RoadGlide