The Harley-Davidson Road King is a new entry-level touring bike for the 2021 Harley-Davidson lineup.
With no noticeable changes from the previous generation, this is a real classic and an All-American legend.
Riders can only hope and say “long live the king,” because speculations are circulating that this may be the final Road King.
For extended trips on the open road, the King has it all: a big six-gallon fuel tank, hard saddlebags, a set of crash bars, a good pair of enhancing headlights, and so on.
The Road King is a well-known Harley-Davidson model, and one of the best Harleys ever manufactured.
This is due to the fact that it is a simple motorcycle with a large V-twin engine with a high output Twin Cam 103.
In the company of the King, tear down mile after mile of road with authority! The Milwaukee-Eight 107 V-twin engine produces enough torque to propel the rider down the highway with ease.
Overview of The Road King
The Road King is a basic touring bike with a huge V-Twin engine (a Milwaukee engine with ultra-high performance), a detachable windscreen, cushy saddlebags, a set of crossbars, a gorgeous headlight, and a few other amenities.
Unlike other H-D touring cycles, it doesn’t bite more than it can chew. It’s a stripped-down motorcycle that’s fun to ride, which is why it keeps popping up in the top 10 lists of fantastic Harleys.
Because it foregoes any additional add-ons, it is lighter than other Harleys and even bikes from other manufactures in terms of weight.
It has a big six-gallon petrol tank to fit the bill as a grand tourer. Because of its weight, design, and optimum cornering clearance, the bike handles well.
It comes completely stripped down, with no fairing to hide the engine, making maintenance a breeze.
Excellent Performance
The Milwaukee-Eight 107 pushrod-operated 1,746 cc engine produces 92.5 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque, allowing the King to rip through miles like a hot knife through butter. The Road King is also the king of fuel economy, with a rating of 45 mpg, which means it can travel further on a single tank.
The engine has a smooth idle and excellent throttle response, not to mention a pure and pleasing rumbling. It has a 2-1-2 twin chrome exhaust with tapered mufflers that release burned gases from its fuel injector system.
The engine is air-cooled, and the 6-speed transmission sends all of the power to the wheels. Suspension that is unrivaled in terms of responsiveness.
The bike’s suspension (both front and rear) allows for maximum control. Even the rear shocks may be simply changed by hand.
The wheels are also made of lightweight and attractive Slicer II cast aluminum.
The frame material utilized in the construction of this bike helps it to be lighter and more agile.
The Road King is easy to operate, with a wet weight of only 828 pounds, and can sprint from 0-60 mph in 5.42 seconds.
The bike’s upright seating position improves rider comfort, while the floorboard adds to it.
High-Quality Tech
Although the Road King is a basic touring motorcycle, it is equipped with several current high-tech amenities.
The Road King’s usability and functionality are enhanced by these characteristics.
Because it’s a touring bike, it needs plenty of room for baggage and personal items, thus it has one-touch opening saddlebags.
The saddlebags have ample storage for the rider’s luggage, and the lids of the saddlebags flip open with a single touch of a hand. The basic yet sleek hinges on both bags make this feasible.
Its simple detachable windscreen is useful for keeping the rider comfortable on extended rides. If the rider only wants to remove the windshield for a short distance, he can do it swiftly. Is it possible to ride at night?
No worries, the Hiawatha headlamp and Nacelle are ready to provide long-range high beam and wide low beam visibility.
Safety Features
Due to all of the safety features on the Road King, it is a safe bike to ride on lengthy journeys. First and foremost, the Reflex Defensive Rider System (RDRS) provides the rider with confidence and control while on the bike.
Due to the RDRS, the bike can be readily handled while on the move. In various circumstances like straight highways or turning, the RDRS uses superior chassis control, electronic brake management, and powertrain technologies to assist the rider during acceleration and stopping.
In unfavorable situations, RDRS activates to help the rider, thereby improving the rider’s safety.
This practical device is only available as an option and costs $995. In addition, when the brakes are applied in a straight line, the Reflex Linked Brembo brakes with standard ABS prevent the wheels from locking.
Both front and rear brakes work independently to keep the wheels spinning, eliminating uncontrolled lock during an emergency.
The Competition
The Indian Springfield and the BWM R18 Classic are the opponents for the 2021 Road King.
The Indian Springfield has a 1,811 cc V-Twin engine that produces 92 horsepower, which is 0.5 hp less than the Road King, but it has 119 lb-ft more torque. The Road King is less expensive and lighter than the Springfield, which starts at $21,999.
From its 1,802 cc four-stroke boxer engine, the BMW R18 Classic produces 91 horsepower and 116 torque.
The R18 is significantly lighter than the Road King, weighing only 805 lbs. Starting at $19,495 it’s also less expensive than the Road King.
The Road King had an advantage over the BMW and Indian Springfield because they lacked the additional safety features found on the Road King.
Relative Affordability
Despite the fact that it is not the most costly Harley, it is a practical and utilitarian bike that is worth it’s salt.
It is reasonably priced and comes in three color variations with varying costs. The brilliant black and other colors are $19,499, while the double tone is $20,299.
Those who want the Reflex Defensive Rider System must pay an additional $995. Other features, such as ABS, security, and cruise control, are all standard on the Road King.
The California emissions are $200, freight is $435, and the premium is $400, all of which add up to the grand tourer’s total price.