With the new Road King 2017,Harley-Davidson a tourer of the very finest. The Road King can look like a boulevard cruiser and is still suitable for long-distance touring, it has all the necessary requirements for a touring adventure.
The new Milwaukee-Eight engine
It has installed the new Milwaukee-Eight ™ 107 engine , it is the most powerful, coolest engine that Harley-Davidson claims to have built.
But I can certainly confirm that, even if the very old engines have their unforgettable era and culture, they are simply old news and are cult. The new Milwaukee-Eight engine is a very confident and powerful modern engine that really comes out of the cellar with full torque.
Despite the new Euro 4 standard, the sound ex works isn't that bad, I would even go so far as to say that it has gotten better.
The new four-valve engine with its 1745 ccm³ and 150 Nm has something special, the 90 HP confidently drives the 379 kilos (unladen weight ready to drive) and driving lazy is no problem for it.
When developing the new engines, it was generally important to avoid heat generation, and Harley-Davidson has come up with a lot of ideas for this in the overall concept with the new Euro 4 standard.
The Road King has improved oil cooling and thus improves overall thermals. A new front and rear suspension called Showa ® Dual Bending Valve (SDBV ™) technology now brings 117mm. Larger pistons in the spring element improve the damping performance and can be easily adjusted manually by approx. 15-30% without tools.
Harley-Davidson Road King is available to buy in various colors from €24,295. Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake like the photo , you can get it for €25,295. Available colors are Vivid Black, Billet Siver, Black Hills Gold/Black Quartz, Superior Blue/Bullet Silver and Laguna Orange.
The conclusion: The Road King is one of the most beautiful bikes ever, with it everything is possible!
It won't be the last surprise in the 2017 Harley-Davidson model range this year, the design changes to the Road King are spectacular and not commonplace.
Harley-Davidson is bringing the Special to stores in March with four new colors, the Road King is not only Special, it also looks Special! The Olive Gold is currently very popular at Harley-Davidson, the Heritiage Softail is available in the same or similar paint, it looks very good especially in the sunshine and the new Road Glide will also be available in this color.
In the all-black Vivid Black it will certainly be a box office hit, but the Charcoal Denim and Hard Candy Hot Red Flake™ finishes will also find their fans on the German market. This special custom style with the fixed lockable cases now makes it even more suitable for touring than it was before.
We'll see how the new 90hp engine will perform in the long term, the engine data sounds interesting, there's a hammering 1,745 displacement with 150Nm under the saddle and they'll certainly put a lot of pressure on from below. Black painted Turbine Custom wheels all have four paint variants, they fit the design extremely well, a lot of paint and little chrome is popular, it's really special!
Many fans consider the Road King ® to be the classic Harley-Davidson ® touring model par excellence. Their silhouette is deeply rooted in the brand's history: the design goes back to the F and FL Hydra Glide® types that came onto the market in 1949.
In 2017, the Motor Company opens a new chapter in the evolution of this look: the Road King ® Special enters the stage - with an even more confident character and even darker style. It takes style elements that can currently be found on the streets of the world and translates them into a look that is as new as it is determined.
Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Vice-President of Styling & Design, explains:
“Our FL models have always represented the pure Harley-Davidson driving and traveling experience. By swapping chrome for black surfaces and giving the machine a particularly flat silhouette, we set powerful new accents in the classic Road King ® styling, influenced by the excavator custom trend. The new Road King® Special is much more than an attractive driving machine, because it also scores points with its powerful and unique visual presence.”
2) Highlights
With its powerful, 1,745 cm3 Milwaukee-Eight™ V-Twin and its all-black outfit, the new Road King® Special brings a breath of fresh air to Harley-Davidson's touring series - a powerful and contemporary appearance.
The high-quality chassis components underline the demands of the new machine. The layout of the fork ensures excellent damping and the shock absorbers boast hydraulic adjustment of the preload.
The Road King® Special is available in four paint variants:
• Vivid Black • Charcoal Denim • Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake™ • Olive Gold
THE NEW 2017 HARLEY-DAVDISON® ROAD KING SPECIAL
3) In detail
3.1 Styling
A dark front end, which does not have a window and is crowned by a glossy black headlight cover, is one of the striking style elements of the Road King Special. A 9 inch (approx. 23 cm) high Mini Ape handlebar with a tube diameter of 1.25 inch (approx. 3.2 cm) puts the rider in a relaxed sitting position that is also suitable for long distances.
Engine guards, handlebars, handlebar fittings, rear-view mirrors, indicators, engine cover, air filter cover, exhaust and exhaust covers are among the components that have been dipped in deep black. A layer of chrome adorns only a few engine components: the lower area of the rocker arm covers, the pushrod housings and the tappet blocks emphasize the unique V-twin shape of the Milwaukee-Eight™. Brushed light metal surfaces adorn the ignition cover, the air filter and the tank console.
The new “Turbine” light alloy cast spoke wheels are also coated in glossy black. A large 19-inch wheel rotates at the front, which is covered by a slim front fender. At the rear, the extensions of the panniers create a low-crouched look without affecting the suspension travel. A cover covers the space between the suitcases and the rear fender and the low-mounted license plate holder emphasizes the flat lines of the rear.
Of course, the new Road King ® Special with the Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System, which activates and deactivates the alarm system and immobilizer fully automatically.
3.2 Engine
The new Milwaukee-Eight engine presented for 2017 works in all touring types of the 2017 model year, which offers an increase in response, torque, sound and smoothness compared to the High Output Twin Cam™ 103, its predecessor from the 2016 model year - exactly the feeling that Harley fans expect from their engine. In the new Road King® Special, this engine is used for the first time in an almost completely black version.
More torque Depending on the version, the Milwaukee-Eight ™ V-Twin around 10 percent more torque than the engine it replaces. In addition to the increased displacement, the Milwaukee-Eight™ has a higher compression ratio and four-valve heads that ensure around 50 percent higher gas throughput in the intake and exhaust areas. As with all Harley-Davidson ® Big Twins, the hydraulic valve clearance compensation eliminates the need to adjust the valve clearance. Double ignition increases combustion efficiency. The chain-driven single camshaft is lighter, less mechanically complex and produces less friction and noise than the twin camshafts of the Twin Cam™ engine.
Better Acceleration Since the Milwaukee-Eight™ weighs about the same as its predecessor, the High Output Twin Cam™ 103, the additional power directly benefits performance. The Milwaukee-Eight™ 107 handles both acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 96.5 km/h) and acceleration from 60 to 80 mph (96.5 to 128.8 km/h) in sixth gear 11 percent faster than its predecessor. This means a lead of two to three bike lengths for sprinting from a standing start and a lead of one to two bike lengths for pulling through in the last gear.
Optimized temperature management The Milwaukee-Eight™ offers driver and passenger increased thermal comfort compared to the Twin Cam™ thanks to reduced heat radiation, improved heat rejection and a newly designed exhaust system. The exhaust area in the cylinder head, which is exposed to high thermal loads, is liquid-cooled: the exhaust channel is flushed with engine oil. New knock sensors for each cylinder also allow extremely precise control of the ignition timing. The changed routing of the rear manifold, together with the repositioned catalytic converter, helps protect the front passenger even more efficiently from waste heat. In addition, the idle speed was reduced from around 1,000 rpm to 850 rpm.
Ergnomy and usability A slimmer primary drive cover and a flatter air filter cover give the driver more legroom in the area of the engine, which is particularly noticeable when stopping. All models with the new Milwaukee-Eight™ are equipped with a hydraulically assisted “assist and slip” clutch, which reduces manual force on the clutch lever.
Reduced vibrations The Milwaukee-Eight™ is mounted in silent blocks and also has a balance shaft. This means that the new engine also conveys the classic pulsation of a real Harley® V-Twin when stationary, while the driver and passenger benefit from smoother running at higher speeds.
Even more pleasant sound Lightweight valves, a single camshaft, an optimized layout of the engine housing covers and various other improvements help the Milwaukee-Eight™ to keep the mechanical noise of the drive train very low compared to its predecessor. The intake tract and the air filter are characterized by a particularly low intake noise level at high throughput. These measures lead to a significant reduction in background noise, which means that the typical exhaust sound of a real Harley-Davidson® Big Twin is better than ever while complying with all acoustic emission regulations.
Optimized charging system The electric charging system of the Milwaukee-Eight™ is designed to increase idle performance by another 50 percent. This means that 2017 Harley-Davidson® Touring models are ideally equipped to supply additional lighting devices, powerful audio systems as well as heated accessories and other electrical equipment of all kinds.
3.3 Chassis
As in all 2017 Touring models, the Road King Special also uses the new chassis components that have been perfectly tailored for use in this series.
The spring base of the Emulsion shock absorbers can be easily adjusted without tools using a rotary control on the right shock absorber. Compared to last year's models, the control range has been expanded. The front wheel is guided by a telescopic fork with “Dual Bending Valve” technology, which improves the damping behavior and weighs less than the previous design.
An ABS-supported braking system with three brake discs and electronic brake force distribution is responsible for the deceleration.
Harley-Davidson Road King Special (FLHRXS)
• Displacement: 1745 cm3 • Power: 66 kW (90 hp) at 5450 rpm • Max. torque: 150 Nm at 3250 rpm • Recommended retail price in Germany: from 25,255 euros including transport and installation fee, 2-year guarantee Austria : from 29,895 euros including transport and installation fee, 4-year guarantee • Expected availability in Germany and Austria: March 2017
NEW HARLEY-DAVIDSON MILWAUKEE-EIGHT ENGINE FOR A TOURING EXPERIENCE ON AN UNFILLED LEVEL
The latest Harley Big Twin offers more power and comfort with lower fuel consumption
MILWAUKEE (August 23, 2016) – With the ground-up new Milwaukee-Eight™, Harley-Davidson® introduces the ninth generation of Big Twin engines in the company's history.
With increased performance and an exciting motorcycle experience for rider and passenger in every respect, with the new Milwaukee-Eight, Harley-Davidson has managed to fully retain the characteristic look, the distinctive sound and the typical power delivery of its legendary predecessors .
The newly designed engine is more revving and elastic and has an even more pleasant sound. It also consumes less fuel, runs more smoothly and offers the unmistakable driving experience of a real Harley-Davidson touring engine in an unprecedented form.
107cui Harley-Davidson engine
“When designing the Milwaukee-Eight, we were guided by customer surveys around the world,” said Scott Miller, Harley-Davidson vice-president of styling and product development strategy. “Many drivers wanted a new engine that would further enhance the driving experience in every respect.
But the same voices also demanded that we stay true to our tradition and retain all the positive qualities that our fans and customers associate with a real Harley-Davidson V-Twin.
This presented our engineers with real challenges – but we overcame them. With the Milwaukee-Eight, Harley-Davidson is entering a new era characterized by performance and innovation.”
The new Milwaukee-Eight engine will be used in all Harley-Davidson Touring models and trikes in 2017. It is produced in two displacement categories and in three variants.
In all variants, the exhaust valves are liquid-cooled. Depending on the version, engine oil or coolant is used as the medium.
Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 cubic inches, 1,745 cm³, engine oil as cooling medium) for the Street Glide® Special, Road Glide Special®, Road King®, Road King® Classic and Freewheeler® models.
Twin-Cooled™ Milwaukee-Eight 107 (107 cubic inches, 1,745 cc, liquid coolant) with Ultra Limited, Ultra Limited Low, Road Glide® Ultra and Tri Glide® Ultra models.
Twin-Cooled Milwaukee-Eight 114 (114 cubic inches, 1,868 cc, liquid coolant) for CVO™ Limited and CVO™ Street Glide® models.
More power Depending on the model, the Milwaukee-Eight engine releases up to eleven percent more torque than its predecessor. In addition to the increased displacement, the Milwaukee-Eight features a higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads with a 50 percent higher gas flow.
Thanks to the hydraulic valve clearance compensation, there is no need for valve service. Double ignition increases combustion efficiency. The chain-driven single camshaft is lighter, less mechanically complex and produces less friction and noise than the two camshafts previously used.
“The Milwaukee-Eight is again a classic Harley-Davidson V-Twin with a 45 degree cylinder angle,” explains Alex Bozmoski, Harley-Davidson Chief Powertrain Engineer and head of the development team.
“As customers want, it still has the typical power delivery: powerful torque even at low speeds and a broad, flat power curve in the middle speed range – ideal for relaxed touring.”
Better acceleration The weight of the new Milwaukee-Eight is roughly identical to its predecessor. Accordingly, its additional power directly benefits driving performance.
• The models with Milwaukee-Eight 107 accelerate eleven percent faster from 0 to 100 km/h, which corresponds to two to three motorcycle lengths in a direct comparison. At the same time, in top gear they also have eleven percent more power from 100 to 130 km/h, which is one to two motorcycle lengths compared to the High Output Twin Cam 103. • The Milwaukee-Eight 114 gives CVO models equipped with it eight percent better acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h and twelve percent more pulling power from 100 to 130 km/h than the previously used Twin Cam 110™.
Lower consumption Thanks to the increased efficiency of gas throughput and combustion - not least as a result of the new double ignition - the new Milwaukee-Eight achieves lower consumption values, which are accompanied by correspondingly higher ranges.
107cui Harley-Davidson engine-7749
Waste heat management The Milwaukee-Eight offers the driver and front passenger extra thermal comfort thanks to reduced heat radiation, improved heat rejection and a newly designed exhaust system.
The different versions of the Milwaukee-Eight rely on the optimal cooling strategy for the respective models: The cylinder heads are cooled either by oil or coolant.
New knock sensors for each cylinder also allow for more precise control of the ignition timing. The changed routing of the rear manifold, together with the repositioned catalytic converter, helps protect the front passenger even more efficiently from waste heat.
At the same time, the idle speed was reduced from around 1000 rpm to 850 rpm.
Slimmer shape A slimmer primary drive cover and a flatter air filter cover give the driver more legroom near the engine and at the same time ensure improved ground contact.
All models with the new Milwaukee-Eight are equipped with a hydraulically supported slipper clutch, which reduces the manual force on the clutch lever by a further seven percent.
Reduced vibrations The Milwaukee-Eight is mounted in rubber and has a balancer shaft that reduces first-order vibrations by 75 percent when idling. This means that the new engine also conveys the classic pulsation of a real Harley® V-Twin when stationary, while the driver and passenger benefit from smooth running at higher speeds.
Even more pleasant sound Lighter valves, a single camshaft and optimized engine covers and drive components help the Milwaukee-Eight to further reduce the mechanical noise of the drive train.
The new intake tract and the air filter are also characterized by an even further reduced intake noise level with a high air flow. As a result, the new engine runs mechanically even quieter, so that the typical exhaust sound of a real Harley-Davidson Big Twin comes into its own better than ever.
Optimized charging system The electric charging system of the Milwaukee-Eight is designed to increase idle performance by a further 50 percent in view of the ever increasing demands of modern touring riders.
This means that the new Harley-Davidson Touring models are ideally equipped to supply additional lighting devices, powerful audio systems as well as heated accessories and other electrical equipment of all kinds.
The new 107cui Harley-Davidson engine Milwaukee-Eight
New Engine Design The Milwaukee-Eight's sleek, modern design is in the spirit of traditional Harley-Davidson Big Twins.
“The new engine is characterized by its powerful charisma,” comments Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson Director of Styling. “I like to compare it to the back of a fit swimmer with a narrow waist but broad, strong shoulders.
“The rocker arm covers stretch muscularly over the cylinder heads,” continues Richards. “For the first time since the classic Knucklehead, the design of the rocker arm covers brings back a connection to the mechanical processes that take place underneath. At the same time, they are large and massive. When you look down from the driver’s seat you can simply see more of this attractively designed engine.”
If you want to experience the new 2017 Harley-Davidson® Touring models for yourself, simply visit www.hd.com/discovermore and take a free, non-binding test drive.
