Harley-Davidson FLHRSI Road King Custom 2004 — Specifications

We often hear about the Road King as the Harley family's touring bike, the comfortable brick for crossing the United States. But in 2004, the Milwaukee firm decided to give it a makeover, removing its windshield and giving it a more relaxed look to create the Road King Custom. The idea? To transform the great traveler into a machine for weekend cruising, with a more refined style and a cooler attitude. Does it work, or is it just a King that has lost its crown?

First, the looks. Without its large screen, with its leather saddlebags and small chrome wind deflector, it clearly has a "beachfront" feel. It’s a motorcycle for showing off, for riding slowly and savoring the scenery. The 1449 cc Twin Cam 88 is there, faithful to its post, with its 71 horsepower and torque of 109 Nm available very low, around 3400 rpm. This engine, mounted on silent blocks, vibrates but will not torture your wrists. It's a mechanical unit that purrs, that gives those characteristic good vibrations, without being excessive. For the cruiser who wants character without brutality, it's a good compromise. But with a top speed of only 170 km/h, we are far from sportiness. It's a motorcycle of sensations, not of performance.

Comfort is a strong point, but with limitations. The low seat at 663 mm and the air suspensions absorb road imperfections well. You are installed feet forward, arms slightly spread by the wide handlebar. For the solo rider, it's pleasant. But as soon as you carry a passenger, or you encounter a succession of small bumps, you feel that the platform remains a custom. The passenger is not royally accommodated, and the rider might wish for a little more legroom. The saddlebags, beautiful, are mostly decorative. Don't expect to slip an integral helmet in them, they are made for style, not for logistics.

And then, there's the weight. 348 kg fully fueled. This is not a surprise for a Harley of this size, but it remains a crucial figure. In a straight line, it is quite maneuverable, stable, planted. But as soon as you need to maneuver at low speed or make a U-turn in a narrow street, the 350 kg remind you. The wide handlebar then becomes a handicap. You have to anticipate, prefer roundabouts to tight turns. It's a motorcycle that requires a certain planning of the trajectory in town. The brakes follow this "cool" philosophy: the rear is effective and progressive, but the front requires a firm grip and anticipation. You don't stop this machine with a nose dive.

Ultimately, this 2004 Road King Custom is a motorcycle with a double face. It retains the heart and comfort of the touring bike, but adopts a more relaxed style, almost beach-cruiser. It targets the rider who wants the prestige and look of a full-size Harley, but without the commitment of long journeys. For 21400 euros at the time, it was a style choice, a compromise between the presence of the King and the simplicity of a Softail. It is not suitable for beginners, intimidated by its weight and size. It is rather for the experienced cruiser looking for an imposing presence and an authentic character, without necessarily wanting to travel thousands of kilometers. A King who traded its touring cape for jeans and a t-shirt, still majestic, but now more relaxed.