Harley-Davidson Road King 2022 — Specifications

The Road King has forged a new path with the Milwaukee Eight. This Tourer combines travel with a certain simplicity and an engine full of promise. An ode to the road for lovers of this machine exuding deep-rooted America. It leaves it to the other models in the Touring range (Street Glide, Ultra Limited, Road Glide, etc.) to overindulge in appendages to perfect the journey. More humble, aspiring to be traditional to the point of austerity, the machine is perfectly suited to cruising, hair protected or windblown; the choice can be made in an instant with the easily removable windshield.

Here, no Boom Box audio system, no GPS, no MP3, no Bluetooth, nothing to sweeten the journey. Everything is shared with the motorcycle, as in the old days.

Tradition doesn't necessarily rhyme with immobility. Even though the Road King hasn't fundamentally changed since its appearance in 1995, the MoCo has regularly brought it the improvements that time and technology have sprinkled over production. Today, this cruiser features the Milwaukee Eight twin in its 107 cubic inch version. A ninth-generation block, much more striking than the Twin Cam it replaces. More displacement (1745 cm3 in total) but above all more technology. Two spark plugs and 4 valves per cylinder, vibrations strongly reduced at idle, much better breathing, more muscular acceleration, and significantly more torque. Now, the Road King benefits from a torque exceeding 15 mkg. Almost the force of the CVO, which the rider will endlessly appreciate at the asynchronous rhythm of American bowls. To discover the Milwaukee Eight engine in detail, click here ->. It seems to express no jealousy or resentment towards its more muscular cousins. The Road King is the only model in the Touring range not to receive the M8 114 version.

It is also the lightest. But that’s not why it skips on equipment; which is appreciated as the highways unfold. Its triple gaze welcomes Daymaker LED headlights, emitting 986 lumens (that corresponds to a 75-watt incandescent bulb). The rear suspension, playing on a short 76 mm swingarm, sends the forces directly onto the back but the suspension relies on pneumatic assistance. Brembo brakes are coupled by the REFLEX system and will estimate the reinforcement of the ABS. One cannot skip on the H-D Smart anti-theft system, the cruise control, a 49 mm fork, and... that inimitable style.

It surfs the miles even better thanks to the M8 engine and new suspensions. The shock absorbers become emulsion elements, simpler to adjust for preload and more stable over time. They are signed Showa, just like the 49 mm fork equipped with SDBV technology. It should offer more efficiency and linear damping. Then, cruising is also appreciated with small details, such as the long footpegs, the wide handlebar, a beautiful instrumentation anchored on the tank, a selection of chrome, quality paint, sensations that only an American badged with a wing can assume.

Like any good Harley, you’ll have to deal with a considerable weight (375 kilos – twice the mass of a KTM 1290 SUPER DUKE R), a generous wheelbase of 1625 mm, and a muscular entry ticket. Criteria quickly forgotten by fans of the brand.

M.B - Photos constructeur