1996Harley-Davidson Road King

17 fields on record

The 1996 Harley-Davidson Road King is a classic touring cruiser designed for long-distance riders seeking comfort and style. Its 1338cc air-cooled V-twin engine delivers reliable torque, while the low 749mm seat height and spacious ergonomics make extended journeys effortless. Best known for its timeless cruiser aesthetics and smooth highway performance, it remains iconic among touring enthusiasts.

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 5-speed
Wet weight: 325.0 kg
Seat height: 749 mm
Power: 61.2 HP (45.0 kW)

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 1996 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring95%

Two-up85%

Track10%

Best for: It's built for effortless long-distance highway cruising with a classic Harley touring character, not for outright speed or sporty cornering.
Built for: A laid-back, torque-rich V-twin cruiser that rewards relaxed throttle inputs and steady, sweeping roads over aggressive riding.
Not ideal for: This is not the right bike for riders wanting sharp handling, off-road capability, or a lightweight machine for quick city darting.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 749mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 1996 Harley-Davidson Road King, with a cramped knee angle of around 80 degrees and an upright riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 750 mm or under — Short Kings →

Find bikes that fit your height →

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1338.0 ccm
Power: 61.2 HP (45.0 kW)
Torque: 102.0 Nm (10.4 kgf-m) @ 3000 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Power/weight ratio: 0.1883 HP/kg (wet)
Cooling system: Air
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2

Transmission

Gearbox: 5-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Seat height: 749 mm
Wet weight: 325.0 kg
Dry weight: Not on record - add it
Fuel capacity: Not on record - add it

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Dual disc
Rear brakes: Single disc

Specs last verified against published sources: September 2026.

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted

Specification	1996	2004	2011	2016	2022
Capacity	1338 cc	1449 cc	1584 cc	1688 cc	1746 cc
Dry weight	—	329 kg	—	353 kg	360 kg
Seat height	749 mm	692 mm	692 mm	715 mm	668 mm
Fuel capacity	—	18.9 L	18.9 L	22.7 L	22.7 L