Touring Motorcycles

2018Harley-Davidson Road King Classic

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The 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic is an iconic cruiser designed for riders seeking classic American styling with modern reliability. Its lightweight frame, comfortable seating position, and accessible 715mm seat height make it ideal for both experienced and newer riders. Known for its timeless chrome detailing, windshield comfort, and smooth 6-speed transmission, it delivers authentic cruiser character for highway touring and leisurely rides.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 362.0 kg
Seat height: 715 mm
Power: 89.0 HP (65.0 kW) @ 5450 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

What’s new for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic

vs the 2017

Spec	2017	2018
Power	87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM	89.0 HP (65.0 kW) @ 5450 RPM
Torque	138.0 Nm (14.1 kgf-m or 101.8 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM	150.0 Nm (15.3 kgf-m or 110.6 ft.lbs) @ 3200 RPM
Dry weight	353.0 kg (778.2 pounds)	362.0 kg (798.1 pounds)
Wet weight	371.0 kg (817.9 pounds)	376.0 kg (828.9 pounds)
Compression	9.6:1	10.0:1

Other years 1999 2001 2002 2003 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail5%

Cornering35%

City riding40%

Daily riding55%

Touring95%

Two-up85%

Track10%

Best for: Built for long-distance highway cruising and classic American touring rather than speed or sport riding.
Built for: A traditional, torque-rich cruiser with timeless styling, a relaxed riding position, and effortless open-road presence.
Not ideal for: Not the right choice for riders wanting sharp cornering agility, off-road capability, or lightweight urban maneuverability.

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 715mm, a rider of 175cm with a 79cm (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic, 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: 1688.0 ccm
Power: 89.0 HP (65.0 kW) @ 5450 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 114 CO2 g/km
Torque: 150.0 Nm (15.3 kgf-m) @ 3200 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2459 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 100.0 x 111.1 mm
Compression: 10.0:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication system: Dry sump

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1625 mm
Overall length: 2420 mm
Seat height: 715 mm
Dry weight: 362.0 kg
Wet weight: 376.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 125 mm
Oil capacity: 3.80 litres
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags

Chassis & suspension

Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Twin shocks
Front wheel travel: 117 mm
Rear wheel travel: 76 mm
Rake (fork angle): 26.0°
Trail: 170 mm

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. Optional ABS. 4-piston
Front brakes diameter: 292 mm
Rear brakes: Single disc. Optional ABS. 4-piston
Rear brakes diameter: 292 mm
ABS: Optional
Front tyre: MT90-B16
Rear tyre: 180/65-B16

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Bonneville Salt Pearl, Silver Fortune/Sumatra Brown, Twisted Cherry/Silver Fortune, Olive Gold/Black Tempest
Comments: Windshield.

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	1999	2007	2011	2014	2018
Capacity	1450 cc	1584 cc	1584 cc	1688 cc	1688 cc
Dry weight	323 kg	—	—	355 kg	362 kg
Seat height	684 mm	684 mm	684 mm	678 mm	715 mm
Fuel capacity	18.9 L	18.9 L	18.9 L	22.7 L	22.7 L

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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MotorcycleDB Review

The 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic is a timeless and iconic motorcycle that offers a perfect blend of classic design and modern technology. The bike features a powerful Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine, delivering impressive performance and a smooth ride. Its classic styling, including leather saddlebags and a windshield, make it the perfect choice for riders looking for a traditional cruiser with a touch of nostalgia. The Road King Classic is also equipped with advanced features such as electronic cruise control and a large touchscreen display, offering convenience and comfort for long rides.

With its timeless design and impressive performance, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic is a top choice for riders seeking a classic cruiser with modern amenities. Whether you're cruising down the open road or touring through the city, this motorcycle offers a comfortable and powerful ride that is sure to turn heads. Its combination of classic styling and advanced technology make it a versatile and reliable choice for riders of all experience levels. If you're in the market for a motorcycle that delivers on both style and substance, the Road King Classic is certainly worth considering.