New Road King Still Rules the Road

Overlaid Style

There is nothing ambiguous about its name, but does the Road King still have the chops to claim its title? When it was first released in 1994, it was an immediate hit with Harley-Davidson fans and non-motorcyclists alike. The Road King's forte was a perfect balance of contemporary machinery overlaid with classic style.

Popular Model

But, are good looks really enough to go the distance? It all depends on how one judges the self-proclaimed ruler of the road. If sales figures are the tipping point, then no, the Road King has lost its spot as the most popular touring model. That distinction goes to the Street Glide, but not with any certainty.

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Earned Position

Harley-Davidson does not release individual sales figures, so any division among models is anecdotal. However, any dealer will point to the Street Glide as their top mover. Yet, do sales really matter when trying to position the Road King? No, because the title was earned almost three decades ago, and is based on a mountain of accomplishments.

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Better Deal

With sales figures less of a qualifier, then what about value? The 2021 Road King in Vivid Black starts at $19,500, while its Street Glide cohort starts at $21,999. Apart from a slight difference in front tire size, both bikes are mechanically identical. Yet, some would argue that the Street Glide is the better deal with its factory-equipped fairing and Boom!Box 4.3 Infotainment unit.

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Base Run

If finances are the dividing line between Big Twin ownership and walking, then the Electra Glide Standard actually comes out ahead. At $18,999, it has a factory-installed fairing, but no stereo system, placing it somewhere between the Road King and the Street Glide. Where the engine is concerned, all three of the base model touring bikes run the Milwaukee-Eight 107.

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Sleeker Look

It is important to remember that when the Road King first rolled out there was no Street Glide, and the somewhat ungainly Tour Glide had yet to be replaced by the Road Glide. Fairings aside, the Road King does have a factory-supplied windshield that is easily removable for those wanting to rock a sleeker look, and appearance is everything for success and longevity.

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Romantic Narrative

Ask someone to picture a motorcycle and knowledgeable or not, they will describe a Road King. In many ways, the bike is defined by what it does not have. Outfitted for highway travel, but unencumbered by the trappings of modern day connectivity, the Road King prompts a sense of freedom. It makes an intangible connection with a more romantic narrative—perceived or not.

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Hot Attitude

Casting away any lingering doubts about the Road King's crown, Harley-Davidson introduced the Special in 2017. Pinned as a “factory custom hot rod,” it is equipped with the Milwaukee-Eight 114 for 2021. The Road King Special's blacked-out finishes and extended saddlebags put it on top when it comes to the urban prowl or stripped-down touring. In this case, attitude is everything.

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