KING OF THE ROAD BURNERS - Motorcycle.com
Harley-Davidson started Motorcycle Touring, many years ago. For many, hitting the road on a Harley remains pure Americana. Unfortunately, over the years the market for large touring rigs has been moving toward the upper end of the price scale, and Harley's offerings were no exception to this trend. Until the introduction of the Road King; at around about $15,000, it's actually cheaper than some big Japanese tourers.
Consider the Road King, Harley's middleweight tourer; their retort to the big-money big rigs. It is not complex or flashy. Visually, the Road King's styling radiates Harley nostalgia: skirted fenders, sweeping highrise handlebars, burly headlight with chrome nacelle, all flanked by twin driving lights. Motorcyclists who crave the latest in electronic technology are seldom the owners of Harleys. Although the Electra Glide, the FLHTCU, has offered cruise control and a passenger adjustable radio for many years, Harleys have traditionally been refugees from the gadget-strewn world of heavyweight tourers they've pioneered. But for '96, Harley is offering an option on the Road King that truly brings modern touring performance to the Evolution Big Twin, and we're not talking about the new electronic speedo. Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) was first seen on the 1995 FLTCU Tour Glide models, and Harley will offer ESPFI on all touring models this year.
Riding the 'King, you never doubt you're on a machine of formidable substance. Nothing may be done quickly or halfheartedly. Each shift is an event; the clutch must be yanked in, the chrome heel/toe shifter prodded with sustained, decisive force. Harley riders know the feel. Vibration from the Big Twin is effectively controlled by Harley's patented isolation-mounting system. Although not totally isolated from vibration at idle (sitting aboard the Road King at traffic lights, you can watch the motor bouncing around in the frame), the rubber-mounting system performs brilliantly at all engine speeds above it, and the FI system delivers spotless throttle response.
Rain grooves or other longitudinal features in the tarmac also tend to steer the OEM Dunlops off course and set up a wiggle in the front end. Apply a little more throttle, though, and that low speed choppiness smooths out to surprising suppleness. As speed rises, suspension action improves. In fact, we were amazed at how well the Road King performed on twisty roads (but then we remembered that this model is descended from the Electra Glide Sport). Decent ground clearance, coupled with a low center of gravity, wide handlebars, narrow profile and grippy rubber can make for fun times when the touring path deviates from the Interstate. The dual front discs perform well under duress; the master cylinder has been redesigned for '96, resulting in a cleaner look while providing reduced lever effort of 10-15%. The rear brake required a little higher effort then we'd like, but overall performance was acceptable, and the combination of three discs performed well.
The Road King's strengths lie in short-to-medium range day or overnight tours. The smoothest running Harley ever, it's a motorcycle for a certain type of riding and rider, more suited for slow-paced touring life. Harley have re-invented Motorcycle Touring. We found the 'King to be a relaxed, friendly mount for browsing the scenery as the miles roll by.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Harley Davidson Motor CompanyModel: FLHR-I Road KingPrice: ,835.00 (solid color: candy and two tone extra)Engine: Air-cooled OHV V-twin cylinderBore x Stroke: 3.498 in. x 4.250 in.Displacement: 80 cu. in.Carburetion: Electronic Sequential Port fuel injectionTransmission: 5-speed, belt final driveWheelbase: 62.68 in.Seat height: 28.2 in.Fuel capacity: 5.0 gallonsClaimed dry weight: 692 lbs.
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