2021 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) VS Road King Special (FLHRXS) Test Ride and Review

A detailed overview and comparison of the two Harley-Davidson Road King motorcycles offered in the 2021 model year. Matt and Andrew go into detail on how the Road King matches up with our models within the H-D lineup and how these two fairing-less touring bikes match up against one another. Get the buyer's tips to help you decide of one of these Kings of the Road is the bike for you.
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[@mosgor]

I just have to say that I think the Road King Special is one of the coolest touring type motorcycles out there. If I walked into a Harley-Davidson dealer today with the intention of buying a brand new bike ... Well, it would be a black Harley-Davidson Road King Special. No doubt. Thanks for a well made and informative video (again). You guys have basically set the standard for what I like to see, when I search the web for an interesting American motorcycle review.

[@mattbroussard7409]

Lane splitting blows my mind!! People would shoot you for that or open their doors on purpose where I'm from!!!!

[@mojomanmurph1925]

Agree 100% It also depends on how well the state educates the public if they ever changed the law. Just because someone rides a motorcycle doesn't mean those who don't know what's all involved in riding, maintenance, etc.

[@browngreen933]

Yes, it gives me the heebie jeebies seeing it.

[@CactusJack252]

I wish lane splitting/filtering was legal all over the U.S.

[@mattbroussard7409]

@@CactusJack252 If I rode a 1200 sportster It might not freak me out as much but I ride an Ultra and the thought of scratching someone's car or my bike gives me too much anxiety.

[@ezioperez4747]

Shit where u from big dawg

[@mojomanmurph1925]

After test riding Indians, BMWs, Hondas and the entire Harley line, the Road King Special, in my opinion, is the best riding bike of them all. They do list the pros and cons of the bikes well as if you would be better on a Heritage or the Road King models or something with a fairing. Tough choice but it all depends on you riding style. Another great informative video from Laidlaw and the crew. They are straight up honest and very informative in their reviews. Note: what I found is if you are interested in a Special, don't procrastinate, they sell out quickly.

[@Pooch5000]

I'm new to your channel and a new rider. I took my MSF course at HD NC. And I just got my first HD motorcycle ever. It is a 2014 RK with 8k miles, all I can say is awesome bike. Keep doing what you do Matt. Love the knowledge you give on your channel. Thanks from NC.

[@tsav6952]

I like the looks of the standard Road King. Very classic Harley Davidson lineage designed into the bike plus better comfort. Doesn't need anything, keep it bone stock, ride as designed by the factory.

[@patrickluce7487]

You must be a blast at parties....😕

[@castiron2932]

Just got RK 2021. You might be right I don’t think it needs anything

[@jordipi7652]

I love the Road King (FLHR) and I'm 5′ 6 tall.

[@steviestevie9704]

Did you get it lowered? What seat do you use?

[@jordipi7652]

@@steviestevie9704 Not lowered, OEM seat. Look for a suitable shoe with a little more sole, it is perfect.

Picking up a 2020 King today! You guys forget to mention, you can add a windspilitter to the Special.

[@brianhelgerson3870]

I bought a 2017 RKS ,coming from 08-17 fat bob chassis & 16 Lowrider S..it fit me like a glove..I'm only 5'8 and I felt right at home. Biggest difference was how much better the FL chassis is on the open road , so much better. The wind blast wasnt to noticable until I reached 75-80 but the floor boards are much better than the forward controls on the fat bob,but then again I could tuck into the pocket better because I'm small. Even though the RKS comes pretty "custom" looking from the factory, no Harley rider can resist the bug to make it your own !! Thanks to the parts catalog it's so easy to get what you need , I did axle nut covers,brawler seat,grips,brake pedal, shift pedal,shifter linkage, LEDs all the way around, Stage 2 (admittingly I went with all S&S internals) and Kerker Stouts slipons. Harley head pipes are good so I didnt go full exhaust. Mine was Hot Rod Red Hard Candy Metalflake..best color IMO..loved that bike. Lost it during to Covid job loss. But I'm going to be back on my feet soon and that's the first thing I'm going to replace.

[@kellytorres51]

“It opens me up a little bit more, it’s larger, it helps me spread...” well, Matt, that escalated quickly. 😳

[@MattLaidlaw]

Haha, I ride a Road King when I want to get in the mood.

[@nbt3663]

LOL!! I wasn't the only one that noticed that!!!

[@Elmuchacho17]

@@MattLaidlaw how are the road king specials on long rides and higher speeds? Stability wise? Compared to a low rider S?

[@darrengilbert7438]

I have the 2020 Road King Special. Love the bike. Great video. I really enjoyed it.

[@Bajadave760]

How much 💰

[@My.name.goes.here.]

Nice. I just got a 2021 RKS a few days ago. Absolutely love it.

[@darrengilbert7438]

@@My.name.goes.here. congratulations. You will love it.

[@abominathor]

Great review guys! Still waiting to get the RKS. Once I'm done savoring my current Breakout 107.

[@miabell7641]

Trading my 04 sporty monday for the road king standard

[@stevennye1962]

Hi Matt, thanks for this review of the Road King. I have ridden a 07 Dyna Wide Glide 100K + miles and looking to purchase a newer generation bike. I’ve watched this video several times and hear something new each time. Your experience with motorcycles shows in all the details you point out. Thanks again!

[@High_Desert_Tanner]

The RKS really is the sexiest bike In Harleys line up. Hell... In the last 20 years.

[@Verfolger_77]

been running both. the RK is and will be the classic cruiser and best ride you can get for money. no gadget no gimmicks just pure fun and best handling for a reasonable price. Road King rules!

[@duanesifuentes4129]

I visited a few dealerships and being on them, I still couldn't make my mind up, this video defitnetly helped out. I'm a road king standard guy

[@vheiskell1]

Wished they would put the light bar on the Special makes no sense! I want to be seen by cagers. That’s my only complaint! Great Informative Video Matt keep them coming.

[@robertlumsden942]

You are so right about touring bikes being different. I never believed it till i test rode a road glide special a few weeks ago. i have a 2018 that i love. i decided last week to buy a road glide special. got the snake venom. I will drive this bike alot to atlanta from jacksonville to see daughter. your video made me give the touring line a second look. also i did go with chrome this time. you are right it is coming back and very pleased. i would have definitely shopped with you had i been closer.

[@roadrash76]

I have a 2020 Road King standard and a 2022 Road King Special. Love the Road King.

[@carlito3624]

This channel is my comfort content.

[@tonydanzl]

I'm not sure why HD even mass produces 2 engines.? 107 or 114 ? Just make em all 131's🤠

[@andromedach]

Heck they don’t even give you a 131 with a CVO

[@tonydanzl]

@@andromedach , THEY SHOULD

[@sixthreenine]

HD needs to bring back the classic!

[@geraldsweeten509]

Good stuff Matt! Keep it up your channel should be so much bigger! Only channel I watch with voiceover cuz I hate it but yours is tastefully done!

[@gravydogg1]

I got the 21 special in vivid black , couldnt be happier.

[@nickhildabridle1612]

Both are so GORGEOUS!!! Thanks all for a great video

[@jayteesgear]

Road King special HAS to be the meanest lookin bike on the planet. Any manufacturer PERIOD

[@MrJgsanchez]

Great video and comparison. This helped me make a decision and picked up a road king standard, 2021. Thank Matt!

[@robertbachant8257]

I love your explanation of each models strong points.

[@mikeessary4925]

Ohh hell yeah!! Love this channel!

[@MattLaidlaw]

I love you

[@tippytailmckitty2658]

It will be interesting to see if the electronic lowering suspension makes it into the touring line as an option.

[@rondavis9918]

Went from a 12 heritage to a 18 King. Love the King. Just need new bars...

[@kenstine6008]

The RK seem much bigger than the Heritage?

[@rondavis9918]

@@kenstine6008 it is. Once you get it going, pretty light on it's feet.

[@lorenzorosales6243]

I’m looking into purchasing my very first HD RK and would love to customize it to a Vicla style look! Love your videos so much information!! Thanks fellas!!

[@MattLaidlaw]

Thanks for watching. Good luck with the build!

[@slyguyaction]

Thorough, quality review and comparison. Thanks Matt!!!

[@robertcurtis9449]

Another great review Matt, appreciate your videos and insight. I love my '19 RK std. and after all the upgrades I've done, it would be hard to part with it now.

[@garthbunga9524]

Sold a 21 Road King yesterday at Boston Harley Davidson. Love your informative videos. Thank You!!! Karen Wall Boston Harley Davidson

[@garthbunga9524]

Garth Bunga is apparently my son its his Laptop

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice man. I gotta visit there some time.

[@skirwan78]

Love my 2020 RKS, just an amazing bike all around. I wouldn't have minded getting the standard with the chrome though. I was on the fence and I could have gone either way.

[@alecmayfield4761]

“The performance look of the special with the LED headlamp and chopped down bar.” Didn’t know a smaller handlebar and a headlight made a bike “performance.” Thank you for clarifying.

[@chuckp7970]

Great video as always Matt! I really like the RKS, but I like the wind protection and stereo with the fairing, so I went with a 2020 RGS. Question, how do you get such good exhaust audio for the riding portions of your videos?

[@Jajache]

Thanks for this indepth review 👍 and extra thanks for comparing it with softtail heritage.

[@johnwilliams2183]

Every year I watch these videos and think this is the year I buy a Harley. I never buy a Harley 😔

[@breakoutpete210]

What are you waiting for? We only live one short time, then it’s over. Go get your Harley-Davidson, and “LIVE” your dream. Just do it!!!🏍💨🔥🔥🔥 🇨🇦✌️😎

[@markhenry192]

You know it makes sense!!

[@699669king]

“IN THE END… We only regret the chances we didn’t take, the relationships we were afraid to have,and the decisions we waited too long to make.” ― Lewis Carroll

[@mojomanmurph1925]

As Adam Sandoval always says in his videos, "Buy the Damn Bike!". You only live once, get out and live.

[@censorship_sucks]

@John Williams, Every year that goes by that you don't buy one, is a year full of excitement, enjoyment, adventures and memories that you lost out on. It doesn't have to be the newest, have the biggest engine or even be sexy. Having two wheels under you and the wind in your face is such an amazing and freeing feeling. Now being the end of the month and end of the year would be the best time to buy if you get it from a dealer. Good luck and I hope you're able to experience the love of riding sooner rather than later.

[@danielmains4914]

I’m interested in the RKS but with the detachable windshield. I’m really hoping the 2022 line-up includes a chrome version of the RKS like the road glide and street glide have.

[@paulbutler5067]

I am thinking about a new Road King. I really enjoy my 1998 RK. Obviously the power and suspension on the new one are much improved over my old one. Can you comment on the pros and cons of the new 18 inch rear and 19 inch front tire setup vs my old twin 16s. Do they handle better at the expense of some comfort?

[@robertcurtis9449]

Great video Matt! Long Live The King!

[@spraypaintgirl9418]

2020 flhr is awesome. And I like the hydraulic clutch.

[@mikem8093]

Great review Matt thank you

[@highwayman1218]

Digging that RK special. Now that Im nearing the end of my Performance Bagger build on my 16 Streetglide..... I wish Id of started out with a RK, thrown on T bars, FXRT fairing off the bat and built from there. Lighter build and not a belly button bike SG. We can "agree to disagree" on which of the two is a cooler motor (TC vs M8) in a HD.

[@Darkcasesunfolded]

I am in no way tall, 5'7, but i don't have an issue riding a RK at all. I don't think size is that important on making a decision on these bikes

[@coloradogrownHD]

I want a road king and then gangster style it out.

[@jjohnsoniaff1]

Love the Road King, always wanted one but the money......I will check out of this world with my ole Superglide.

[@dasonmusic]

Why does the road king standard have a 32 degree lean angle when the road glide has a 31 degree right side and a 29 degree left side lean angle? I don’t get it.

[@alexpov2169]

Road King 107 is an amazing bike, but with 30K on it, I had to change a gasket two times because of oil liking. HD has to make smth about quality control ((

[@davidyousian8585]

Excellent video. Very educational and helpful 👌 👍

[@kylefng]

Great review! I went with the standard and love it!

[@pharoah1200]

I not really with the big faring, so I'm actually looking at the standard also. I want the full version, and not the stripped down version.

[@kylefng]

@@pharoah1200 everyone has the blacked out stuff now, I went standard with a king pack, this summer I’m putting big whitewalls on too.

[@pharoah1200]

@@kylefng , good deal.

[@roymoderatto]

I miss the leather saddlebags on the chromed out Road King...

[@tonibeitlich9948]

Thank you so much for the informative Video 👍👌

[@dRockOhio]

Matt, Do you have to change anything before you ride these? I’m 6’2 and I actually felt like I had more room on the Heritage, which, along with space constraints, is why I bought it. Love your channel. Definitely helped me with my 2018 Heritage purchase

[@jmsmikey]

Could the Road King Standard's shock be but on the Rpad King Special?Thanks, great vid!

[@darwinortiz6394]

Wow a lot of good info. I would pick the special. Fits me more.

[@BuddhaRice]

Matt, another great video. My riding style varies. I traded in my wide glide and now have a ducati multistrada and a monster 821. I will be trading in my monster but I am struggling between the RKS or the LRS with bags. I'm military and need enough space to carry my uniform and computer, and I travel all over Illinois. Thoughts?

[@hoss6048]

RK Special for me. I can still get a clean looking windshield. I just wonder how much greater is the wind protection with a fairing tourer? I had an 06 Road Glide but have never ridden a bike with the type of windshield on a Heritage/RK.

[@bavarikus4103]

Great comparsion. For me my RK classic is the best RK. Still. Greetings from Germany.

[@aarsenalfan]

Can you install bigger fuel tank on haritage motorcycle ( is there aftermarket option) ?

[@herrynugraha3172]

Harley-davidson is the best....wow nice brother. 👍👍👍👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@donaldrigolo5641]

When is the mono shock coming for the Riad King ? Love my 15 King

[@tommasotini5570]

Can you put a windshield on the RK Special??

[@davidreames384]

Will they put the 114 in the RK standard?

[@vincentmcclain9307]

Hey how much for a laidlaw garage shirt that Matt wears on his reviews with all the patches in that location I think it looks great and with the patch layout Would most likely be considered safety wear and abrasion resistant !

[@extremex9387]

Thanks guys I was just looking at both at my local dealership and I think I'm going with the standard. (Question) Can you put a windshield on ape bars?

[@philhancock7711]

can i get a part number for the flhr road king handlebars,i want them for my 06 RK,thanks matt

[@rodericksaunders5887]

Matt do you think a CVO road king would be a good concept. The other cvo's from past years that didn't have a fairing like vrod or breakout did well I believe until the custom performance bagger craze.

[@kenrollins9299]

I have the same question. I wish they'd do another Road King CVO. Last one was in 2014 I think. Matt, has the Road King basically fallen out of favor to the Street Glide and Road Glide at this point? Is that why they haven't done a CVO in such a long time?

[@fauveride]

thank you for doing this

[@stephenbodholdt4326]

Great video 👍

[@Rainy_Day12234]

Minority groups within larger groups feel like their voices aren’t heard unless they’re organized into a faction.

[@JNAMOTORSPORTS]

Can you just put the taller suspension on the road king special?

[@MattLaidlaw]

Yes. Just a shock swap

[@Marvhagler]

How much to ship to Mass.

[@BillPerkins_aka_perks]

Great video you guys is always. Always was fat boy rider. Like you said the weight matters now for me lol. I'm 6' 260 lbs average. My 2020 RKS rides great. Does look mean with 1 1/2 - 19" apes on it.

[@shoomapadoo1141]

The 114 is definitely fast. Outran me on my vulcan 650.

[@luvsallbikes279]

Awesome review Matt ! Thank you . Like the look of the special but more rear suspension and windscreen from the factory I would get the standard RK , I have an 02 and love it , looking into Legend rear shocks .

[@JarheadSixRides]

Cool video! Thanks!

[@rednkitaln]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a good detachable windshield for the Road king special?

[@dvbots5851]

How much for BREAKOUT 114 stock bike ?? Cause I want import to India bro . Love your Videos 🤩🤩

[@virafsurty5023]

I appreciate the whole show made my day may I have your mail id so I can send you a few picture you can see it and let me know as to how its been maintained thanks Matt

[@ut1004bp]

One thing not talked about is lean angle, and it looks like it suffers on the Special.. Hmm, which one doesn't have a fake gas cap.. neither. Come on Harley, get real. I'm 5'4 with boots on, and if you can't back one up on flat ground (no special technic is going to help with that) than you better pass that model. I had that issue with a 2011 Road king (standard).

[@robertoroby6048]

Road king unica

[@Firestorm637]

It would be cool if you compared a Road King to a Triumph Rocket 3!

[@Stephen-wh7vl]

I like the road king, I just wish they gave it LEDs.

[@tonywalker6745]

My brain says Road King....but my heart says Special...🤔

[@kylefng]

Mine did too. I bought a 2020 standard in white and absolutely love it. It rolls nice in the twisties too, love the windshield too. Either way, great bike!

[@painfullee123]

Bro same

[@jordipi7652]

Brain, please.

[@MattLaidlaw]

Go with your heart.

[@windtherapy99]

You buy a special you will want to replace the shocks as they are shorter and plain terrible. Go legends, fox, or ohlins.

[@usmcvet0313]

Love my 2011 RK! Pop off the windshield for local riding, toss it on for my 96 mile daily commute or longer rides. It's basically the convertible of the HD touring line. For me the value you get with the RK standard is really hard to beat. Mine is stock except for Python slip-ons, and a passenger backrest. It does everything I ask and more. 🤙

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

Same brother ! It’s the most modular bike out there Perfect for short trips, rides to the store for some shopping if u have a tour pack .. commuting to work Out of state trips Rack up 400-500 miles in a day no issue at all!!! 2019 FLHR 468 cam, full exhaust, dyno tuned etc Gonna do bars this winter and 20k mile service (I been doing my own service but the 20k is a biggie) Totally right about that pop on/off windshield. Once I tried it and accepted I was old (just turned 40).. the windshield stays on unless it’s warm and not on hwy for more than 20 mins. I have a shit back .. always hurts Unless I’m on my bike I can ride hours and have zero pain I think it’s the posture .. some ppl speculate it’s the vibration. How about the idle man.. that motor bouncing around on its mounts .. Bro.. I could wax lyrical all day on the RK It’s blizzard here now in chi so I’m watching RK vids lol. And sitting on mine in the garage sometimes and making vrooom sounds. We all do it … bet u do too. Ride safe bro. And thank u for your service sir

[@dannytrudell6798]

The Road King just makes you smile when you look at it. Great video stay safe my friend God bless

[@TheGhostRonin]

Just in time before bed! I mean it's almost 1am here on the west coast and I have work in the morning, but who cares this is more important

[@steveb2618]

I’m way late to the party here, but this video helped me choose a Road King Standard. The utility is just there. I was not aware that the shocks were different. I also wasn’t sure if I was large enough. I am 5’6” and 180lbs. It’s heavy, but I am having no issues and so glad I went with a touring frame. Thanks!

[@mickeygaines007]

I’m 5’4 and I did choose the special but even at my size I do fine with it. Technique will overcome what you may lack in size/strength!

[@jackmiranda4608]

I absolutely love the HD Road King Classic. 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 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. In August 2021 I’ll be 58 years young. I’ve been riding since the age of 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 a pensioner now and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to afford one again, but at the very least I had my adventures and journeys. No one can ever take those away. If you own one, enjoy the good times and make lots of memories.

[@dawidos117]

Sorry for your loss 😔 But memories are priceless. All the best, my friend 👊🏻

[@joeishere500]

I bought my used one as a small gift to myself that I could still treat myself to a cheap toy and felt free after my Divorse

[@jackmiranda4608]

@@joeishere500 By chance, I found my old 2012 HD Road King Classic for sale on cycletrader. It matched the VIN I have on my old registration and it still had some of the modifications I installed. I thought about getting it back but somehow it just didn’t feel right. I felt like buying it would be going backwards, like going back to my ex. I don’t know how I got that emotion but I’m not the type to look back. Every time I’ve traded a motorcycle for a new one, I’ve been it’s only owner. So though I found my old HD Road King Classic, I found myself not wanting to look to the past but to look towards the future. If I get another HD Road King, it will be a current offering. Hopefully, if I do get another, it will be my last ride and it will be something that I can pass on to my son when he’s older. He’s only 9 years old as of this writing. Also, I really want to reproduce a 65 Ford Mustang with him. That’s on the bucket list. But I digress. I can’t say enough good things about the HD Road King. Although I found mine being resold, I can only send it’s new owner good wishes and the hope of more adventures and stories. 
 A part of my soul rides along it without me, and I feel fine with that. Here’s too not looking back.

[@josephpupino6632]

Road King standard hands down one of Harleys best values and if your truly interested in the ride and not being distracted by all the gadgets. Only wished they offered the 114 on the standard.

[@Delzona]

I was just waiting for this video! I traded in my 2014 SGS for a 2021 RKS and couldn't be happier! After riding my SGS for 7 years I was ready to ditch the fairing and get back to the open space the RKS offered! The look of the RKS made the choice easy between the Standard and Special, I just love that blacked out look and I was lucky enough to get my Special in the "rogue" color Black Jack Metallic! I think there's a few things you overlooked on both Road Kings. With the tech available now with getting great speakers in your helmet; taking calls, navigation info and music is not an issue anymore. Plus you can throw a windshield on the RKS for the long run and then remove when you don't need. With my helmet speakers and a windshield I can get the best of a fairing with out all that mass! Great video!!

[@jonr4651]

Only Matt could make a road king look small. 😂

[@motorman857]

Yea, people say the same thing about me.

[@billflixtone6684]

Hi Matt, i m 5' 5" and this is my third Road King standard. Did not lower it, use thick soled HD boots. Best bike I ever had

[@MattLaidlaw]

Nice man. You must have good technique and skill

[@samcabasa6609]

How is the reliability of the 2022 roadking, have they fixed the sumping issues? Because I’m considering getting a new 2022 thanks for the videos, and your narrative

[@billflixtone6684]

@@samcabasa6609 no sumping issues with mine. I have done 20,000 miles in 2 years. Mostly in 80+ temperatures, two up and luggage, with no problems. I had the head bearing replaced and a new battery. Had the fork down tubes replaced under warranty after a year because of damage to the lacquer finish. I just had the new ones covered in clear film and they are good now. I would recommend doing that from the start. The standard is mor comfortable than the special and goes around corners better ie without touching the road. You will notice that the new ST models have been raised to the same height.

[@tuknguyen81]

i love both bike.. but I think I'm leaning towards the Special.. but then again I love the classic Chrome look. So hard to deiced

[@CraigSmith568]

Love these comparisons Matt. Hope to see more like this. Street Glide and Road Glide against specials, Street Bob against Softail Standard, Low Rider S against Fat Bob, or even the Heritage against the Sport Glide. For me it would be hard to decide between these two. I like the blacked out look, but I also like the windshield and the extra lighting and longer suspension travel. Probably lean a bit more toward the Standard.

[@Soleh-gx8tb]

Wwywi Roww

[@TexasGlocker1]

I’m currently riding a 2019 slim and love it. But I’m also drooling over a RK Special. I’m 5’6”. Can’t quite flat foot the RK. Is going to a shorter rear shock the best option? How much would it effect ride quality? I also ride two up about 30% of the time. Thanks in advance.

[@steviestevie9704]

What kinda md of replies did you get? I'm in the same boat.

[@Kingdlack]

The RKS is my favorite Harley! I have the 2017 model in olive gold and don’t foresee myself ever getting rid of it. Nice comparison Matt and very informative video! 🤘🏾🤩