2017 Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) Review & Test Ride │ New Milwaukee 8 Engine 

I am now the owner of a2018 FLHR.. this is by far the best BEST bike I have ever had.. (previously owned 1978 flh -2004 flhsti ) this motor is powerful without any modifications. The handling is as smooth as a marble on ice. I am totally impressed with this motorcycle.. I can’t say enough good things about it.... That’s my story and I’m sticking to it .....

I bought one in August. I find the handling on this bike far from top heavy. I also ride a 750 gixxer. While the King will not corner like the rice rocket, I will say it comes close. I love this motorcycle.

I am looking for my first Harley. I have test rode 6 different Heritage Softail, with 103, 107, 114. I thought I was set on the softail. Than my Harley dealer recommended I test ride the Road King. Wow! It is a wonderful riding bike and I love the 50’s and 60’s look. I took my wife on a number of those softail and now 2 Road Kings, incredible the difference. Much better for two up riding. I am 5’8” and 280lbs. It easily hauled ass with both my wife and I on it. Reviewers often mention the “riding / sitting on top”, so did my dealer. I’m pretty certain we are buying a road king. I am so glad they recommended I try it.

I absolutely love the HD Road King Classic (I wish they were made in the US). The simplicity, the spoked wheels, the white wall tires, and the avalanche of aftermarket parts. Such a joy and beauty to behold. For my retirement, I purchased a brand new 2012 Road King Classic (blue/black) that I configured with my preferences. It had the touring trunk, the HD GPS, the BOOM audio twin speakers, adjustable backrest, etc. Unfortunately, in 2017, the divorce lawyers required a sacrifice and my dream motorcycle was lost on the chopping block. But I digress. I’m 56 years young and have been riding since I was 13. I’ve lost count of the number of motorcycles I’ve had the pleasure to ride and own. Having said that, my 2012 Road King Classic was the best riding experience I’ve had on a motorcycle. I’m retired now and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to own one again, but at the very least I have my fond experiences. No one can ever take those away. If you own one, enjoy the good times and make lots of memories.

Thank you very much Matt! I have just bought a new Road Kind here in Italy and searched for reviews on the web. I watched them all and must tell you your review is by far the best! Outstanding, not only you describe any feature with completeness, your personal comments helped me understand its spirit and attitude versus any other bike. This will be my first Harley, I cannot wait any longer to enjoy the feelings your review sent to me!

Bought a 2009 R/K new & love it...just turned 50,000 miles or 80,000 kilometers...love it & keeping it...show room condition!

One of the best reviews I've seen, period. Very concise , clear information and video ....perfect!

I really enjoy your videos. It is refreshing to see someone who sells a product and actually knows a lot about what they're selling. It's rare these days. Your explanation of the difference between the Road King touring frame the Heritage Softail is just one example and I appreciate the insight. Keep up the good work and the videos.

Your reviews about the new Harley-Davidson motorcycles are the best!!

Your by far the best bike reviewer on youtube. I would really appreciate it if you could find someone that is 5'6 to 5'9 to just sit on the bikes for a second, then you do your awesome review. I know it would help me visualize myself on the bike a lot better than trying to while seeing a 6' 6 guy on it. I am 5'7 and figure I'm not alone in thinking this. Please keep making these video's.

Thanks for these great reviews- I just upgraded to a RK Standard from a Heritage, thanks primarily to your multiple reviews on the subject and clear expertise. I love the honesty of your reviews Matt- great stuff.

This was my first summer riding and I got myself a '11 Heritage. I've ridden every day since and I'm still riding and plan to ride any day there's no snow on the ground here in Illinois. I've been trying to figure out what I'm gonna upgrade to for longer trips next year and I think this video has helped me choose The Road King. I like everything I've seen and read about the new engine and suspension.

I'm 6'2 and 215 lbs with monkey arms. This was the only bike I found that actually fit my frame, especially when I add a rider. The Heritage was just to small. I ended up buying probably the exact same model as in the review. I didn't want all the crap on a bike. Riding is an escape for me, and the classic look is hard to beat. This video was worth watching just for the information on how to activate the idle system thing.

The Road King Classic to me is one of the best looking bikes ever. I have a 2000 Road King Classic and love it!

Older review but got me excited about my 2007 Road King again. These bikes are so convertible, you can change the whole look by simply removing items and then put them back on when you want in usually only a few minutes.

I love the Road King, in fact I love it so much I own two, a 2010 Road King Classic and a 2021 Road King Police Edition. The Road King is the best of both worlds, take off the windshield and you get the retro look of what a motorcycle was meant to look like, then for longer rides put the windshield on to cut down on wind. In MHO the best model Harley sells.

Your comments on the differences in suspension between the Road King and the Street and Road Glide were just what I needed to know. I fit the "big guy" category and with a problematic back want all the suspension I can get. I'm also one of those guys who don't care to listen to music while riding. I guess I'm different as I like the "old man" look. With those extra lamps up front it gives the Road King a "professional" or "industrial" look for lack of better terms. I think the Road King is my Harley Davidson. Thanks for all the great information Matt.

My first Harley was a 2011 Road King Classic. I still have it and love to ride it...paint is a two-tone root beer with metal flake. The 103 is a nice match for this classic beauty.

Thanks Matthew! Love these comparison videos. I was just wondering about the difference between the Heritage and Road King, and you made a really thorough video that helps out a great deal! Muchos gracias 😎

A great review. You really know your stuff. I am 6'1 300lbs of muscle and I loved my Road King because it was big enough and had the torque to pull me up hills etc without winding it up like most sport bikes require. I sold my King a few years back and now really miss it; no other bike fits like that and has the rear travel to keep me suspended without bottoming out on rough roads. Looking forward to getting a new Road King with a more powerful engine; mine was an old evo, so I'm hoping for some more torque to play with.

I traded a 40th Anniversary Gold Wing in on a 2018 Heritage Softail. The only thing I miss is the heated seat and heated grips. The fairing was nice in the rain to. Other than that the Heritage Classic is 250 lbs lighter and much better at low speed in parking situations. I will keep this Softtail forever.

Love your reviews! Definitely the best reviewer I have seen. I just purchased the 2018 RK and I love it. Was torn between the Heritage and the RK, but based on how much smoother the RK is after test riding both, (Heritage was definitely more nimble) I chose the King! Thanks for your reviews!

so done with 2017 road glide. road king 2019 approved for loan... yea buddy... thx matt another great video. really helps me.l

Know this is an old thread, but looking to trade up from a soft tail, and even tho I'm in Texas, I always go to you for reviews or advice. Wish you were closer, you are an amazing ambassador for HD and what a dealer should be.

Your reviews are really quite informative and educational. You know your stuff Mr Laidlaw.

Matt, thanks for the review! Great information for sure! I was riding a 2013 Road Glide Ultra that I loved dearly but I was lost in all that wrap around fiberglass. I was really interested in the new motor and upon looking at your review I did go out and look at the new Road King models and decided that this is what I wanted. Absolutely no regrets at all! I haven't done a lot of cosmetic changes but it has pipes and tuning now and is just a flat out bad ass! Thanks for the review buddy!

Good looking but but i have to say, i am now hooked on the Indian, earlier this year I was looking at the Road King and the Indian Springfield and i have to say the look, feel and style of the Springfield won me over.

Thank you Matt, after watching many many videos Im happy you have the knowledge to set me on the right path. Im 6 foot 3 inches high and a quick small ride for me is 200 miles around Yorkshire, England. Thanks again for steering me in the correct direction

Thanks in part to your videos as of this afternoon I became the proud owner of a new 2017 Road King. What a big upgrade from my 2013 Heritage. I'm just breaking her in, but as a big guy she is very comfortable, and the full size suspension smoothes out these rough Oklahoma roads. I can't wait to finish my break-in and open up this 107 engine. Thanks again for all your info Matt.

Love how you break as many road laws as you can lol great vids man

Just wanted to say that--although I live on the opposite coast so I bought the bike at my local dealer--this video was very helpful to me. It emphasizes why one would choose this bike over the RKS or any other touring bike, and this was the only source that clearly articulated these differences. In April I got this bike (the 2017 RK) in Billet Silver and have ridden it all over in great pleasure.

Excellent presentation. I learned quite a bit about this years version of the RK. Just beginning my research on which bike to get next and this model has always been a favorite. Thanks.

I am 6'2" 300 and getting back into riding after 14 years away from it and I keep going back to road kings, would you suggest this for someone getting back into riding?

Thanks for the great review! I especially appreciated your explanation of the suspension and ride qualities of the new M8 Road King, a lot of reviewers have been skipping over that which had me wondering if it wasn't as good as previous models.

Just a great review! Now, no doubt, Rk! Heritage was the other option, but touring chassis, hydraulic clucth, suspension, etc & just love it! Thank you so much!

Gorgeous bike. I had a 2000 RK Classic, back when you had to be on the list for a year & a half to get one. Electra Glide or RK will be my next and probably last H-D.

Thanks for the remarks regarding the "larger" guy and bike fitment.

Thank you for awesome knowledgeable reviews. You've changed my mind to step away from the Heritage Softail to the Roadking.

thanks for going through all the differences between the models. nobody else does that.

I have been waiting for a review on the road king. Great video, great bike too.

I dream of riding one of these cross country with a few good friends...

Great review Matt. Just bought a 2018 Road King a month ago. Woo hoo! Had it out twice this spring. Love it. Live in Minne-snow-da. Just Had 2 feet of snow on April 15/16. Ugh. Can we get a degree round here please?

Hands down my favorite bike they ever made. Lighter then all other touring, has every necessity none of the bells and whistles. Timeless classic look. I’m sad the road king has been put in the back burner for the rest of their modern bikes and other big fairing style baggers.

I just bought a 2009 model. Awesome bike. I can't wait to start riding it. Btw great review.

Excellent review, and very informative! I'm a beginner and shopping for my first bike. I've only ridden ATVs a long time ago. Probably will start with a smaller bike, but man this thing is beautiful! Thanks again for the great review!

One of the best things about the Road King is that it is beautiful on both sides. It does not have one Victoria's Secret model side and one coyote ugly side.

what will you suggest ? this or the heritage deluxe for an occasional touring and mostly daily street setup!!

Love your reviews, I watch all for entertainment and interest, BUT your helping me decided to buy this bike, was thinking Street Glide, but with you and all comments, really helps, RK it is!

Great Review - with all the changes I think I'm ready to add a Harley to the stable.

i hate that they couldn't just get the led standard on all these bikes now like i understand up-sale on genuine parts but sheesh

Nice review, I have the 2016 ultra limited all of those bells and whistles tend to take away from the riding experience. I haven't turned my radio on for months. For me the sound on the wind and engine is all I need to hear. I would also like a set of ape hangars but with a fairing I think it looks weird. I think the RK would have been just fine for me but the wife wanted that rear seat and back rest with the arms so here I am. When this one is paid for I think I'll get RK for when I'm riding alone.

Very well done Mat. Im 6ft and 240 lbs; Im bouncing between the Road King and the Indian Springfield. Your video was exceptionally seminal; nice work Sir.

Just bought one,love it. traded in 2012 FXDC.

I got the same but a 2009 classic. Nice to know not a lot of difference with a new one.

You sold me on the Road King with this video and a couple others you've made (moving up from Vstar 950). I wish I could buy it from you as a way to say thanks but I'm all the way up in NYS. Can't even buy one here at the moment as all the dealerships are closed within 300 miles so me. Worst time of the year to be closed, sigh.

Your videos are always complete and thorough. Perhaps I'll have to travel from the East coast to buy my Road King. Keep up the good work.

Had a 09 SG, Never turned the Radio on. I'm looking at Road king now.... Used.

Great review Matt, I am 6'4" @ 250 and the Roadking fits me well, great point also about the ride comparing the Street glide.., the RK offers a nice touring ride & I installed GPS on the handle bars! Thx!

Will, probably be my next purchase, have owned several bat wings, like to more of the road. Waiting for H.D to get the bugs out of the M.8 .

I had a 2008 Road King now I have a 2016 Road Glide Special but I was telling some other riders that my Road King felt more plush and the Road Glide more sporty. Thanks for explaining the suspension differences. I also noticed the height difference when parked side by side in the garage. Great video!

Just traded my '14 Street Glide for a '17 Road King. I love the power delivery of the M8, the hot knife through butter shifting of the transmission and most of all, I love the the upgrade from the suspension of the Street Glide that was barely a grade above a shopping cart to the Road King feel of a 1973 Boat tail Buick Riviara. I just wish there was some more aftermarket LED taillights options.

Thanks for the vid. I own a fat bob and and am seriously considering a second bike - Road King - for freeway and touring. My wife loves the fat bob as a pillion however no to go for long hauls. Hopefully she will fall in love with the ride of a Road King. Again thanks for a very informative vid. 👍👍

You really do make great videos.

Love your reviews, man. Thank you!

I'm basically your description of who you would push towards a Road King and I happen to have a Heritage, and I have one for the reasons you pointed out. That old school hardtail look is just too good to pass up. I will add though, my bike fits me like a glove. It doesn't look too small for me at all. I felt like I sat too high up on the Road Kings I've been on with the exception of my buddy's Road King Classic

i like how you hammer on the gear shifter at stop lights, i usually downshift to be in the proper gear if needed

Have had several kings over the years I still think where they're one of the nicer bikes around I just purchased a 2019 road king so one of my old soft tail Deluxe's and I look forward to ride it and I had a lot of Fun and great times I do ever 2018 street Bob from my regular driving around bobber look on a my old ones

I'm still confused as to why you cant get a classic? You can get them in other countries, why not here? Were they just not selling?

Matt, how's your Dad doing? Haven't seen him since 2007. Went to a big bash he had back then and Panhead Billy was there...Was a great party.....!

Nice Matt, good job, bro, as always.I luv the no valve train noise , like I have on my 2005 twin cam fatboy!!omg I have to trade up, these new bikes, came a long way eh!

thats the most beautiful harley davidson! love it

Great review and info!

I love the shaking at idle but that’s just me

very well put together video ! I can't believe they don't offer the whitewall and spoke wheel with the leather bags !

I would like to see a review on a Ultra Classic Special

Classic still available as the MW8 107 in Germany 2017. Hope that helps

I miss my RKC, there's a reason that they call it the King. I rode the Springfield and I can't see the comparison. I'm a big dude and the Springfield felt like a toy that was too low to the ground. I'm not sure how you could go wrong with the King.

Are the stock rear shocks on the road king the same as on the electra glide full dresser

Any big changes from 17 to 18?

I’m pretty sure I’m the type of guy they had in mind with the road king. I love the big bike feel, the comfort and minimalistic ride. I think what I like best is since it is so big I can make the argument I need a smaller bike as well to the wife lol. Since I was a kid Road Kings and Fat Boys have always had my eye.

Got one. Best bike I have ever owned...period!

Best bike Harley ever built!

Nicely done thanks. I am seriously considering a HD and the RK or SG. I have had several touring Victories and find I don’t need all bells and whistles. The RK is on top of my list. Thanks again.

Great review as always Matt! I learned a lot from it ..and I own a 2014 RK! I'm looking seriously at trading up to the 2017 RK shortly.

Great review. Love the RoadKing. A timeless classic with heaps of old school class and style. Thanks for sharing man.

The forward boards made a huge difference for me.

I think the laced (wire) wheels are prone to rusting because they have so many places that water can sneak in. Each wire in the wheel pokes through a hole in wheel that has a little cover over it. I love the Road King but if you leave the windshield at home is sucks on the freeway. I love the wind in my face but you have to make a choice before leaving home because the upright riding position turns your body into a kite at freeway speeds. Unless maybe if you have the backrest, then it can be bearable.

Brilliant review as always Mat. I was so sure I wanted the fatboy softail till I seen this video. I think the road king would suit me better. Does it come with cornering abs? And why is the 114 engine not an option? Does the security option you mentioned also lock the bags?

I love that bike! The black and chrome is always appealing to my eye. The raw functionality of the FLHR is very appealing. The Ultra Limited is my ride of choice even if some people think the batwing looks old man. I can tell you when I'm doing Yuma, AZ to Sturgis, SD (about 2500 miles round trip) I'll be loving the full dresser. If I had my way I would own one of each:)

I had an 06 and loved it, going for one like the one in this vid

This was so incredibly helpful thank hou. Everything i needed and more!

Good video! A local dealer told me that the rear shocks on the 2017 Road King and 2017 Street Glide are the same length. Parts book shows different part numbers. This video states that the '17 King still has the longer travel rear shocks which is a plus in my book. My 2014 Street Glide rides like a hard tail so i'm thinking of buying a new Road King.

Fantastic looking bike. Do the headlight and passing lamp sockets accept an LED? Why are there two gas tank covers?

Great review ! What would be your first customizations for the road king Matt ?

would love a review of a slim if possible

how much weight capacity can the king handle ...500 + or less -

Thoughts about the 2015 road king? Trying to purchase one. 16,000 grand seems to be much. Thanks.

I want one. Great review, Matt.

Hey Matt great review thanks. I own a road glide ultra limited since a year and live in france. Lots of smaller roads with a bunch of turns. Personally find the bike great but extremely heavy to handle on smaller roads and in town. Would you suggest a road king handles easier around tight corners? Do you think it would be a good compromise? I'm about 1m80 so not too big. Thanks for your advice Ottavio