Motorcycle specifications Harley-Davidson1745 ROAD KING CLASSIC FLHRC 2018 In the American West

twin spark plugs, 4 valves per cylinder, increased displacement, reduced idle vibrations... The Milwaukee Eight gives Harley-Davidsons a new flavor. Like its Road King sibling, the Classic benefits from this new engine and its deep, rasping, generous breath. This long-distance custom motorcycle gets a hefty 15 mkg at 3250 rpm. Vocalizations, muscle, pulsating breathing on an unprecedented level... The Road King Custom has never been so spirited. Except perhaps in its CVO version of yesteryear. The 1746 cm3 block is well on the way to winning many votes and comments.

with that mechanical aside out of the way, let's get back to the essence of this bike. Crossing roads, journeys, landscapes and long distances on a Harley. The Electra Glide comes naturally to mind. A taste of nostalgia, a desire for retro, the feeling that time has forgotten to march on, and the Road King naturally comes into play. Two interpretations for the same purpose - fairing and hard cases on one side; windscreen and leather panniers on the other. A custom built in American nobility, designed to go as far as the wind can blow. In addition to engine improvements, the FLHRC takes advantage of the Rushmore project to optimize the riding experience.

rushmore is the result of H-D listening to its customers and dealers. They want more practicality, more comfort. Like all models in the Touring range, the Road King is equipped with the Reflex braking system. Combined with ABS, it automatically balances braking power between front and rear. This isn't Harley's only effort to improve the dynamism of this machine: the fork recently increased its diameter from 43 to 49 mm. In 2017, this front end benefited from Showa SDBV technology. At the rear, air suspension has been replaced by a duo of emulsion shock absorbers. Easier to adjust preload, they will also ensure greater consistency. This suitcase cruiser's roads should be punctuated by greater efficiency.
Lighting is provided by a dual-halogen system delivering 986 lumens. On the practical side, there's a set of quick-release fasteners for easy opening of the panniers - convenient, but the plastic clips under the leather straps aren't very attractive. Also in the interests of comfort, more ergonomic controls have been installed on the handlebars.

armed with these improvements, the Road King Classic is a real escape. The saddlebags, a little larger with the Rushmore evocation, allow you to carry all the essentials. The large, removable windshield lets you choose in an instant between the caress of the air or the peace and quiet. Also standard: cruise control, long running boards, a dual-spoke shifter, 16-inch spoked wheels with whitewall tires, and big American metal everywhere. Now look at that bike again: don't you want to show it every state in the West?

M.B - Manufacturer's photos