Harley Road King vs. Road Glide: Which Model to Choose?
There’s no doubt that you’re familiar with the Road King and the Road Glide, two of Harley-Davidson’s most famous motorcycles. There are still many classic features on this bike despite becoming famous in the 1960s.
Whether you’re in a midlife crisis, looking for a cool motorcycle, or just want to go on a long trip, Harley-Davidson has everything you need. However, you may want to try the latest Road King or Road Glide Special. Although many riders don’t consider it their go-to bike, it is an excellent choice for riders who are into cruisers or tourers.
Finally decided to buy a touring bike, but not sure which model to get. Harley Road King Vs. Road Glide, which should you get? Are you really confused? Stay cool. I would be happy to help you decide between the Road King and Road Glide, and why you might prefer one.
Harley Road King Vs. Road Glide: The Ultimate Comparison
Harley-Davidson’s stylish motorbikes are so special & more suitable for urban explorers and canyon carvers than highway tourers.
Features
The Road Glide Special and Ultra Limited are Harley-Davidson’s top-of-the-line models in the touring line-up. In addition to their colossal front fairings, the Motor Company’s feature-rich tourers boast a full-color TFT display, 5.25-inch speakers, box GTS IT system, and Boom! This company opts for something more restrained for the Road King series.
Several unique features are available on the Road Glide Special. The first is this outstanding music system. In fact, even when you are driving at speeds of triple digits, the sound quality is excellent and impactful. Another great feature is the full-color TFT screen. The device also has Bluetooth, radio, GPS, and voice recognition. A USB port is also available for charging and playing music on the bike.
Dimensions
Harley Road King | Harley Road Glide |
Length- 96.5 inches | 95.7 inches |
Loaded seat height: 26.3 inches | 25.9 inches |
Ground clearance is- 5.3 inches | 5.1 inches |
Rake- 26 | 26 |
Trail- 6.7 inches | 6.8 inches |
Wheelbase- 64 inches | 64 inches |
Front tires- BW 130-70B18-63H | BW 130-60B19-61H |
Rear tires- BW 180-55B18-80H | BW 180-55B18-80H |
Fuel capability- 6 gallon | 6 gallon |
Oil capability- 5.2 qt. | 5.2 qt. |
Shipped weight- 794 lb. | 818 lb. |
Running weight- 828 lb. | 853 lb. |
Luggage capacity- 2.3 cu ft | 2.7 cu ft |
Comfortable
Road King bikes are known to be among the most luxurious motorcycles ever made. You’ll be comfortable riding a Road King regardless of whether it’s a short trip into another state or a long journey across the country. Rather than riding a motorcycle, they make you feel as if you are in a comfortable car.
Yes, Road Glide is a very heavy motorcycle. Because the bike weighs 387kg, putting it in the parking lot requires moving an entire complex. Having said that, let’s move on to the comfort of the motorcycle. Perhaps the most leisurely bike on earth to get on is the Road Glide Special. The motorcycle’s seat height is only 695mm, so even the shortest passengers can get on easily.
Engine
Harley Road King | Harley Road Glide |
Engine- Milwaukee Eight-107 | Milwaukee Eight-114 |
Bore- 3.937 inches | 4.016 inches |
Stroke- 4.374 inches | 4.5 inches |
Displacement- 107 cu inches | 114 cu inches |
Ratio of compression- 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel injection using electronic sequential ports (ESPFI) | Fuel injection using electronic sequential ports (ESPFI) |
Exhaust- Chrome, Dual exhausts in 2-1-2 configuration and tapered mufflers | Dual exhausts in 2-1-2 configuration and tapered mufflers |
Performance
However, the Road King comes equipped with all of the features you’ll need for long drives on the wide road, including a 6-gallon fuel tank. Even without all its extra features, the Road King is more lightweight than most other V-twin tourers, particularly those produced by other companies. Aside from its good handling, it is also known for its weight and its cornering clearance.
Road Glide bikes have a touring chassis that allows them to clock miles in no time. In addition to continuous tarmacs, road Glide Specials enjoy twisty roads with simple traffic. When you twist the throttle, the motorcycle spins along freely despite its weight. There are some excellent overtaking abilities on the low-end, which makes it extremely addictive. In no time at all, this Harley crosses the speed limit. There are no signs of engine stress.
Chassis
Harley Road King | Harley Road Glide |
– | Optional style wheel type:- Gloss Black Prodigy with Contrast Cut Highlight |
Front wheels- Slicer II cast aluminum | Gloss black prodigy |
Rear wheels- Slicer II cast aluminum | Gloss black prodigy |
Brake- caliper type- 32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear | 32 mm, 4-piston fixed front and rear |
Design
All Black Gold Harley-Davidson Touring Motorcycles were designed to provide optimum riding comfort. Harley Road King and Road Glide indeed have their own specialties. It was already mentioned in the introduction that this particular motorcycle brand comes with a great deal of history and heritage.
Every detail of the Road King reflects that from the engine used to its design. A Harley-Davidson motorcycle is an icon of American history and heritage that doesn’t shrink from Harley’s rich history and vintage design legacy.
Styling and Feel
In terms of styling, the Harley Road King and Road Glide have some differences. As one example, the Road King comes standard with the Impeller “Cast Aluminum Wheel” set, while the Road Glide comes standard with the “Enforcer Cast Aluminum Wheels.” They both come standard with chrome 2-into-1 exhausts with tapered mufflers.
On both models, Showa is using Dual Bending Valve forks. A double-downtube, double-cradle frame creates a traditional skeleton, layered with a steering head seated at a right angle. The front and rear brakes on both models are fixed, 32 mm, 4-piston. This results in more stable straight-line tracking while driving at high speeds.
Transmission
Both the Road King and the Road Glide are powered by a High Output Twin Cam 103TM V-Twin engine combined with a 6-Speed Cruise Drive system. Combined, both of these vehicles achieve 42 mpg and produce 104.7 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.
Road Kings have a capacity of 22.7 liters. There is also a 22.7-liter fuel tank on the Harley-Davidson Road Glide Special. These two bikes have a larger fuel tank, can travel long distances between gas stations, and have a comfortable seat for both driver and passenger.
Pricing and Options
With a starting price of $18,749 in Vivid Black, the Road King is a great entry point into the Touring lineup. As a result of its higher price, the Road Glide comes with more features. Starting at $21,199, it comes in Vivid Black. Both offer two-tone finishes and custom colors: the Road King is available in two shades. Hard Candy Customs are available on the Road Glide, but not on the Sport.
Road Glide vs. Street Glide: What’s Your Best Fit?
When it comes to choosing between the Harley-Davidson Road Glide vs. Street Glide, it’s hard to go wrong. However, if you are willing to sacrifice a lower price for a ride that’s lower to the ground or simply would find it easier to get on and off, then the Road Glide might be the best choice for you. Ultimately, both bikes have similar performance specs, safety features, and infotainment functions. How do they differ? Compared to the Street Glide, the Road Glide has a lower ride height and weighs a little less.
FAQs.
Is a Harley Road King a touring bike?
Harley-Davidson’s Road King motorcycle is part of their touring line, which also includes the “Road Glide,” “Street Glide,” and “Electra Glide.” After the Road Glide and Street Glide, the Road King is the 3rd bike in the touring family to receive a “Special.”
Why is the Road King so famous?
Everything about the Road King reflects this, from its engine to its lines. Harley-Davidson’s most iconic motorcycle remains true to its history and vintage design, which has made it legendary over the years.
Is a Road Glide bigger than a Street Glide?
Despite its high weight of 796 pounds, the Street Glide is approximately 25 pounds lightweight compared to the Road Glide. The Road Glide has a seat height of 29.5 inches, as opposed to 26.1 inches for the Street Glide, providing it a better option for short bikers.
What makes a road glide special?
This V-twin has long been considered the gold standard for touring bikes and is one of the most distinctive models on the road. The Showa suspension features Dual Bending Valve Forks for smooth riding over rough terrain.
Final Word
Harley Road King Vs. Road Glide, they are both high-quality bikes that you learned about earlier. The Road King Special doesn’t boast fancy TFT screens or loud-speakers, but it still offers more than enough features to ensure you are comfortable on the road.
Harley-Davidson Road Glide is one of the most extensive motorcycles every biker wants to ride. It is a classy motorcycle. In addition to its size, it displays dominance as well. However, the Road Glide is an exceptional choice if you enjoy long distances, have a spacious garage and have a lot of money to spare.
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