Touring Motorcycles

2018Harley-Davidson Road King Special

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The 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Special is a classic cruiser designed for riders seeking timeless styling and comfortable long-distance touring. Known for its iconic tank-mounted instrumentation, powerful braking system, and low seat height, it delivers the authentic Harley experience with modern convenience features like cruise control and electronic diagnostics for confident highway riding.

Capacity: 1868.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 355.0 kg
Seat height: 695 mm
Power: 87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike All model years

Other years 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested

Off-road & trail3%

Cornering45%

City riding40%

Daily riding60%

Touring90%

Two-up85%

Track10%

Best for: A stripped-down bagger built for relaxed long-haul highway cruising and open-road touring with saddlebags, windshield and cruise control.
Built for: Classic American V-twin muscle: massive 165Nm torque from the Milwaukee-Eight 114, effortless roll-on, and a commanding, nostalgic road presence.
Not ideal for: Not for off-road, tight-corner sport riding, track days, or riders wanting a light, flickable machine for stop-and-go city commuting.

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

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us

Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 695mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Special, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 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: 1868.0 ccm
Power: 87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 137 CO2 g/km
Torque: 138.0 Nm (14.1 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.90 litres/100 km (16.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2451 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 98.4 x 111.3 mm
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
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
Overall width: 991 mm
Seat height: 695 mm
Dry weight: 355.0 kg
Wet weight: 372.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 135 mm
Oil capacity: 4.90 litres
Carrying capacity: Saddle bags

Chassis & suspension

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

Brakes & wheels

Front brakes: Double disc. ABS. 4-piston
Rear brakes: Single disc. ABS. 4-piston
ABS: Yes
Front tyre: 130/60-B19
Rear tyre: 180/55-B18

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Olive Gold, Industrial Gray Denim, Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake
Comments: Windshield. Cruise control. Security system.

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	2018	2020	2022	2024	2026
Capacity	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc
Dry weight	355 kg	355 kg	351 kg	355 kg	351 kg
Seat height	695 mm	695 mm	671 mm	695 mm	696 mm
Fuel capacity	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 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 Special motorcycle is a powerful and stylish ride that is sure to turn heads on the road. With its sleek blacked-out look and modern design, this bike is a standout in the Harley-Davidson lineup. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine delivers exceptional power and performance, while the bold styling and comfortable ride make it the perfect choice for long cruises or daily commutes.

If you're looking for a reliable and impressive motorcycle, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King Special is a top choice. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the world of motorcycles, this bike offers a smooth and responsive ride that is bound to impress. With its top-notch engineering and attention to detail, the Road King Special is a true standout in the world of motorcycles.