2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special Specs & Review

Harley’s blacked-out bagger for riders who want timeless style without a fairing, the Road King Special sits squarely in the Grand American Touring category. This Harley-Davidson Road King Special review focuses on the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special specs and how they translate to real roads, long weekends, and everyday riding.

Key Specs at a Glance

• Engine: Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin
• Displacement: 1,868 cc (114 cu in)
• Power: US 95 hp @ 5020 rpm; EU/ME 93 hp @ 5250 rpm
• Torque: 122 ft-lb (165 Nm) @ 2750 rpm
• Wet weight: 807 lb (366 kg)
• Seat height: 26.4 in (laden); 695 mm (unladen)

Engine & Performance

The Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-Twin defines the Road King Special’s personality. With 1,868 cc on tap and a stout 122 ft-lb (165 Nm) arriving at just 2750 rpm, it delivers classic Harley shove right where you live—rolling out of town, overtaking traffic, and loafing along in top gear. Power is region-specific, with the US spec rated at 95 hp @ 5020 rpm and the EU/ME spec at 93 hp @ 5250 rpm, but the character remains the same: muscular, immediate torque.

Harley’s Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) and a 10.5:1 compression ratio give it crisp fueling and strong midrange, while the 102 mm x 114.3 mm bore and stroke emphasize low-rpm pull. Gear ratios are well spaced for touring and brisk backroad work alike (1st 9.593 through 6th 2.875), with a relaxed top-gear feel that makes highway miles easy. Fuel economy is listed at 43 mpg (US) / 6.1 l/100 km (EU), and the 6 gal / 22.7 l tank supports long legs between stops.

Handling, Comfort & Harley-Davidson Road King Special Seat Height

The chassis geometry—26° rake, 6.9 in / 175 mm trail, and a 64 in / 1,625 mm wheelbase—gives the Road King Special calm, predictable steering with excellent straight-line stability. This, paired with a low 26.4 in laden seat height (695 mm unladen), creates confidence at stops and during low-speed maneuvers. The Harley-Davidson Road King Special seat height will appeal to a wide range of riders; shorter riders benefit from the accessible reach, while taller riders still have ample room to stretch on long highway runs.

Harley lists the wet weight at 807 lb (366 kg), with a 774 lb (351 kg) as-shipped figure. The Harley-Davidson Road King Special weight is part of the package: it feels substantial at parking-lot speeds but settles into a planted, stable rhythm once rolling. Ground clearance is 4.9 in / 125 mm, with lean angles of 32° (right) and 31° (left), appropriate for a Grand American Touring machine—sufficient for spirited sweeping, but the bike clearly prioritizes comfort and stability over track-day lean.

Suspension combines a 49 mm Dual Bending Valve fork with a premium low-height, hand-adjustable rear shock, striking a balance between support and compliance. Tire sizes—130/60B19 61H front and 180/55B18 80H rear—offer a broad contact patch for stability and grip across highway and backroad use.

Equipment & Features

Braking hardware is robust: 32 mm, 4-piston fixed calipers front and rear, with dual floating rotors up front and a fixed rear rotor. ABS is included, and Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) boosts stability and reduces effort under harder stops—especially helpful given the bike’s mass and touring intent.

Additional touring-minded touches include a 2.5 cu ft / 0.07 m³ luggage capacity, a 6 gal / 22.7 l fuel tank, and the trademark black 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers. Fueling is managed by ESPFI, and primary drive is a chain with a 34/46 ratio. Oil capacity with filter is 5.2 qt / 4.9 l.

Pricing is listed at $24,999 (US) and €28,595 (EU, Germany).

Who Is the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special For?

This is a heavyweight touring cruiser for riders who value torque-rich performance, long-distance comfort, and classic bagger style without a batwing or sharknose fairing. Experienced riders will appreciate the engine’s low-rpm muscle, stable chassis, and strong brakes. Newer riders may find the combination of displacement and wet weight demanding; while the low seat helps, the bike is best suited to confident intermediates and up.

For commuters, the accessible torque and linked brakes make city duties manageable. For weekend and cross-country touring, the fuel economy, 6-gallon tank, and luggage volume fit the mission perfectly.

Torquepedia Verdict

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special combines a torque-forward Milwaukee-Eight 114 with stable geometry and a rider-friendly seat height to deliver a compelling, fairing-free touring experience. ABS and Electronic Linked Braking are meaningful additions, the 49 mm DBV fork and adjustable rear are well tuned for the bike’s mission, and the luggage, fuel economy, and tank size support real-world travel.

On the flipside, the Harley-Davidson Road King Special weight can be a factor in tight confines, and ground clearance plus lean angles remind you this is a Grand American Touring machine first. If you want classic style, big-twin character, and long-haul comfort without a front fairing, the Road King Special is a standout in its class.

FAQ

• Is the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special good for beginners? The low 26.4 in laden seat height helps, but with a wet weight of 807 lb (366 kg) and strong torque, it’s better suited to confident or experienced riders.

• What is the seat height of the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special? Seat height is 26.4 in (laden). Unladen seat height is 695 mm.

• How heavy is the 2024 Harley-Davidson Road King Special? Wet weight (running order) is 807 lb (366 kg). Weight as shipped is 774 lb (351 kg).

• How much power and torque does it make? Power is 95 hp @ 5020 rpm (US) or 93 hp @ 5250 rpm (EU/ME). Torque is 122 ft-lb (165 Nm) @ 2750 rpm.

• Does it have ABS or linked brakes? Yes. ABS is included, and Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) is included.