The Road King Special has long held its place in the Harley‑Davidson touring family as the "clean, no‑frills" bagger – minimal fairing, strong engine, and a look rooted in the golden era of American motorcycles. The 2025 edition stays true to that ethos: no batwing fairing, no front stereo system, no massive wind protection or trunk. What you get is a powerful touring machine in its raw best.

But don’t mistake “stripped back” for “basic” – beneath the pared‑down styling lies modern engineering, rider‑safety systems and the kind of rugged reliability you’d expect for long Kiwi road trips.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the tank sits the Milwaukee‑Eight 114 V‑twin (1,868 cc / 114 ci) which Harley‑Davidson claims delivers around 95 hp at 5,020 rpm and 122 lb‑ft of torque at 2,750 rpm.

With that kind of torque available early in the rev range, the Road King Special is built to pull hard out of corners, carry two‑up with luggage and cruise the open road without feeling strained. The six‑speed gearbox and belt final drive complete the power package.

In the New Zealand context, this engine gives you enough grunt to tackle steep inclines (think Coromandel passes or Central Otago climbs), whilst being smooth at highway speeds.

Chassis, Suspension & Handling

The frame consists of a tubular steel backbone and bolt‑on rear subframe. The suspension uses a conventional 49 mm dual‑bending‑valve front fork and low‑height hand‑adjustable shocks at the rear. Travel figures aren’t huge (rear travel is modest), but the set‑up delivers a nice balance between comfort and control for a big machine. Specs list a wheelbase of 64 in and a laden seat height roughly 26.4 in.

In real‑world NZ conditions: good for sweeping coastal runs, dorsing it over gravel back roads occasionally (though not a dual‑sport), and long stretches between towns. The styling (mini‑ape handlebars and stretched saddlebags) gives a “hot rod touring” feel rather than full grand‑tour luxury.

Styling & Practicality

Styling is meaningful here – the 2025 Road King Special leans into blacked‑out finishes, deep shadows, minimal bright trim, and an upright, commanding presence. The stretched saddlebags add storage (~2.5 cu ft / 71 L combined) whilst keeping the lines clean.

A few touches worth noting:

• Mini‑ape handlebars offer upright reach and presence.
• Classic headlamp nacelle with LED upgrade in many markets.
• Fuel tank holds approx 6 gallons (about 22.7 L) – decent for longer rides between stops.

For NZ riders: the storage is adequate for weekend gear, though if you’re doing extended touring you might want to add a rear rack or top‑case.

Rider Tech & Safety Features

Whilst the 2025 Road King Special keeps the styling clean, it doesn’t neglect tech: ABS is standard, cruise control is standard, and several rider‑aid features such as tire pressure monitoring, vehicle hold control, cornering‑enhanced ABS/traction control are optional or region‑dependent.

It’s refreshing that this model offers modern safety without sacrificing the classic Harley feel. For NZ conditions (variable weather, mixed road surfaces), these aids add value and peace of mind.

Price, Variants & Value

In the U.S. market, the 2025 Road King Special starts at US $24,999 from Harley‑Davidson’s website. Based on typical importation costs and NZ pricing, expect a higher local dollar figure.

Available colourways include deep black finishes and premium options like “Whiskey Fire” and “Billiard Gray.” The modern aesthetic means less visible chrome (if you prefer the high‑shine look you may need accessories).

Where It Stands in the Line‑Up & Against Rivals

Within Harley’s touring range, the Road King Special is the “raw bagger” option: simpler than full fairing models like the Street Glide or Road Glide, but with real touring capability.

Against competitors:

• Compared to its Harley siblings, you’ll trade some tech (e.g., full infotainment, large fairing wind protection) but gain simplicity and style.
• Competing bikes such as the Indian Springfield Dark Horse or other cruiser‑tourer models may offer inverted forks, radial brakes or advanced rider aids – the Road King Special leans more classic.
• For NZ riders who value style and presence over gadgetry, it’s a strong contender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a Harley touring bike that says “I ride big roads, I look good doing it, but I don’t need a dashboard full of bells and whistles,” the 2025 Road King Special hits the mark. It combines a powerful engine, proven chassis, clean styling and competent tech in one package.

It may not be the ultimate tech machine in the segment, but for riders who value presence, torque, and the blacked‑out “attitude” of a modern classic, it’s a compelling buy – especially on NZ roads where style and ride‑feel matter just as much as spec‑sheets.

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