Harley-davidson Road King Special
The Harley-davidson Road King Special has a top speed of ~177 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed), produces ~90 hp and weighs 363 kg. Motoryk rates it 7.8/10.
The Harley-Davidson Road King Special was introduced as a distinct model in 2017, building on the classic Road King lineage that dates back to 1994. It distinguishes itself with blacked-out styling, cast aluminum Lakester wheels, and a more aggressive aesthetic compared to the standard Road King. The model is part of Harley's Touring family and is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, appealing to riders who want touring capability with a darker, custom-inspired look.
~90 hp
Power
~155 Nm
Torque
363 kg
Weight
~177 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed)
Top Speed
~6.4 L/100km (approx 15.6 km/L, real-world average)
Fuel
Faired
Body
Video Review
What Buyers Should Know
Strong Resale Value
The Road King Special holds its value exceptionally well, typically retaining 70-80% of its original price after 3 years. Its timeless styling and strong brand loyalty keep used prices consistently high.
Milwaukee-Eight Reliability
The 107ci Milwaukee-Eight engine is widely regarded as one of Harley's most reliable motors, running cooler and smoother than its predecessors. Most owners report minimal issues well past 50,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Watch the Primary Chain
A known issue on early Milwaukee-Eight models (2017-2019) is primary chain tensioner wear, which can cause a rattling noise on cold starts. Always ask for service records and listen carefully during a cold-start test ride before buying used.
Generations & Specs by Year
Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, blacked-out styling, cast wheels, ape-hanger handlebars, solo seat.
Used Buyer Review
"A genuinely capable cruiser-tourer that earns its Harley premium used."
$14,000-$22,000 usedThe Road King Special is Harley's sleeper hit — all the classic styling of the Road King but with those blacked-out solid wheels, ape hangers, and a fat front tire that genuinely turns heads. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 or 114 engine (depending on year) pulls strong and smooth, and the sound with even a light exhaust mod is properly addictive. For highway cruising, it's genuinely accomplished — comfortable for 300-mile days once you've sorted the ergonomics to your body. Buy used between 2017-2020 and you'll dodge the older Twin Cam reliability headaches while still getting value depreciation. Check for leaking rocker covers, inspect the primary chaincase for seeping gaskets, and always verify the front fork seals — these bikes sit and sweat. Mileage under 25k is the sweet spot. The infotainment on earlier models is already feeling dated, and that front tire costs serious money to replace. But as a used buy around $15k? You're getting genuine American touring muscle at a sensible price.
Top 10 Accessories
Curated picks for the Harley-davidson Road King Special — owned, ridden, recommended.
Common Problems
🔥 1 CRITICALCold start clunk, primary cover oil leaks, chain slack
Startup knock, rough idle, metallic rattling at low RPM
Oil level history, exhaust discoloration, blue smoke on startup
✅Pre-Purchase Checklist
Solid cruiser, maintain religiously to avoid costly surprises
Full Specifications
Rivals & Alternatives
Bikes that buyers cross-shop with the Harley-davidson Road King Special
Harley-davidson Road King
Harley-davidson Road Glide Special
Harley-davidson Electra Glide Ultra
Harley-davidson Ultra Limited
Indian Springfield
Compare Harley-davidson Road King Special Side-by-Side
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Harley-davidson Road King Special vs Harley-davidson Road King
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Harley-davidson Road King Special vs Harley-davidson Road Glide Special
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Harley-davidson Road King Special vs Harley-davidson Electra Glide Ultra
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Harley-davidson Road King Special vs Harley-davidson Ultra Limited
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Discussion
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common problems with the Harley-davidson Road King Special? +
Primary chain tensioner wear causing clunking noise: Cold start clunk, primary cover oil leaks, chain slack (moderate) | Compensator sprocket failure on Twin Cam engines: Startup knock, rough idle, metallic rattling at low RPM (serious) | Rear cylinder running hot, oil consumption issues: Oil level history, exhaust discoloration, blue smoke on startup (moderate)
Is the Harley-davidson Road King Special a good motorcycle? +
A genuinely capable cruiser-tourer that earns its Harley premium used. Rating: 7.8/10. Best for: Highway mile-eaters wanting distinctive American muscle. Avoid if: You need sharp handling or modern tech.
What is the horsepower of the Harley-davidson Road King Special? +
The Harley-davidson Road King Special produces ~90 hp @ 5,020 rpm (Milwaukee-Eight 107, note: Harley quotes torque more prominently than hp), with ~155 Nm @ 3,250 rpm of torque. Top speed: ~177 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed).
Is the Harley-davidson Road King Special good for beginners? +
Not really — the Harley-davidson Road King Special is better for experienced riders. Highway mile-eaters wanting distinctive American muscle Avoid if: You need sharp handling or modern tech
Is the Harley-davidson Road King Special reliable? +
Owners report 1 critical issue to watch for on the Harley-davidson Road King Special, notably: Compensator sprocket failure on Twin Cam engines (Startup knock, rough idle, metallic rattling at low RPM). Buy with a pre-purchase inspection.
Is the Harley-davidson Road King Special good for daily use? +
Highway mile-eaters wanting distinctive American muscle Fuel: ~6.4 L/100km (approx 15.6 km/L, real-world average).
How fast is the Harley-davidson Road King Special? +
The Harley-davidson Road King Special reaches a top speed of ~177 km/h (estimated; Harley does not officially publish top speed), producing 90 hp at 363 kg curb weight. Real-world performance depends on rider weight, gearing, and road conditions.
What gear should I buy for a Harley-davidson Road King Special? +
Motoryk has curated a Top 10 gear list specifically for the Harley-davidson Road King Special, covering engine oil, tires, chain, battery, and brake pads — see motoryk.com/bikes/harley-davidson/road-king-special/top10. Each pick is matched to this bike's spec.
