2018 Harley-Davidson Touring Road King

One of 13 touring models launched for 2017 with the new Milwaukee-Eight Big Twin engine, the Road King benefits from newfound power and smoothness, quietness, and fuel economy, along with sharper handling and stronger braking. Developed as a package right along with the chassis, the Milwaukee-Eight has a counterbalancer, quicker passing acceleration, better heat dissipation, better fuel economy, a stronger electrical system, and longer service intervals. For long-distance riders, these attributes make a major difference as the miles, days, and weeks stack up.

The Road King uses the smaller of two Milwaukee-Eight engines (available in 107ci and 117ci sizes); the larger version is reserved for a trio of high-end CVO models. As such, the Road King represents the most basic, classic, and affordable tourer in the H-D lineup. This is actually a smart thing because you get all the goodness of the redone engine at the best price. Adding to the refined engine operation, the Road King also benefits from improved Showa suspension and convenience items like one-touch-opening saddlebags.

Likes: The classic Harley-Davidson touring rig, fully up to date.

Dislikes: Saddle is quite deeply pocketed, and the Road King's weight, "in running order," is 836 pounds!

Verdict: King of the road, at an entry-level price.

2018 Harley-Davidson Touring and CVO First Look