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Harley Davidson unveils 2017 Road King Special
The 2017 Road King Special starts at £19,995, in Vivid Black, but is also available in Charcoal Denim, Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom, and Olive Gold.
Words by: Rachael Hogg
Published on 10 February 2017 | 0 min read
Harley Davidson has released a new 2017 Road King Special.
The classic Harley Touring motorcycle first took to the roads in 1949. For 2017, the Road King Special is lower-slung, with some new looks and a new engine. The new motorcycle has got a dark front end with a large gloss-black headlamp casing, and no standard windshield. That’s not the only colour emphasis though, as the Road King Special’s engine guard, handlebar and hand controls, mirrors, turn signals, engine covers, air cleaner cover, mufflers and exhaust shields also feature black surfaces. There are also some new gloss-black Turbine cast-aluminium wheels, and stretched saddlebags at the back. The chrome elements of Road Kings past have been minimised, but still feature on the lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet blocks. These emphasise the new 1750cc Milwaukee-Eight engine. Acceleration has been increased by 11 per cent on the 0-60 mph run, which is equal to a two-three bike length improvement, and 11 per cent quicker from 60-80 mph in top gear, equal to a one-two bike length improvement. Harley says the new engine offers quicker throttle response, better overtaking power, a purer sound, and a smoother ride. The new engine produces ten per cent more torque than the engine it replaces in Touring models. It also features a higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads with 50 per cent more intake and exhaust flow capacity. This makes the engine mechanically quieter, but there’s still plenty of noise from the exhaust. The engine’s charging system delivers 50 per cent more output to the battery at idle to support the demands of Touring riders, including accessory lighting, performance audio, and heated gear and other accessories. Around 75 per cent of primary vibration at idle has been cancelled by a single internal counter balancer on the engine. Comfort and control have been enhanced with all-new front and rear suspension components which feature on all 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring model motorcycles, including improved damping control, and totally redesigned rear shocks with hydraulic spring preload adjustment. The thermal comfort of both rider and passenger has been improved by the new engine, thanks to reduced heat absorption, increased heat rejection, and a redesigned exhaust system. Harley-Davidson Smart Security System comes as standard. The 2017 Road King Special starts at £19,995, in Vivid Black, but is also available in Charcoal Denim, Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom, and Olive Gold.
The classic Harley Touring motorcycle first took to the roads in 1949. For 2017, the Road King Special is lower-slung, with some new looks and a new engine. The new motorcycle has got a dark front end with a large gloss-black headlamp casing, and no standard windshield. That’s not the only colour emphasis though, as the Road King Special’s engine guard, handlebar and hand controls, mirrors, turn signals, engine covers, air cleaner cover, mufflers and exhaust shields also feature black surfaces. There are also some new gloss-black Turbine cast-aluminium wheels, and stretched saddlebags at the back. The chrome elements of Road Kings past have been minimised, but still feature on the lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet blocks. These emphasise the new 1750cc Milwaukee-Eight engine. Acceleration has been increased by 11 per cent on the 0-60 mph run, which is equal to a two-three bike length improvement, and 11 per cent quicker from 60-80 mph in top gear, equal to a one-two bike length improvement. Harley says the new engine offers quicker throttle response, better overtaking power, a purer sound, and a smoother ride. The new engine produces ten per cent more torque than the engine it replaces in Touring models. It also features a higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads with 50 per cent more intake and exhaust flow capacity. This makes the engine mechanically quieter, but there’s still plenty of noise from the exhaust. The engine’s charging system delivers 50 per cent more output to the battery at idle to support the demands of Touring riders, including accessory lighting, performance audio, and heated gear and other accessories. Around 75 per cent of primary vibration at idle has been cancelled by a single internal counter balancer on the engine. Comfort and control have been enhanced with all-new front and rear suspension components which feature on all 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring model motorcycles, including improved damping control, and totally redesigned rear shocks with hydraulic spring preload adjustment. The thermal comfort of both rider and passenger has been improved by the new engine, thanks to reduced heat absorption, increased heat rejection, and a redesigned exhaust system. Harley-Davidson Smart Security System comes as standard. The 2017 Road King Special starts at £19,995, in Vivid Black, but is also available in Charcoal Denim, Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom, and Olive Gold.