Touring Motorcycles

2021Harley-Davidson Road King Special

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The 2021 Harley-Davidson Road King Special is a classic heavyweight cruiser touring motorcycle designed for riders seeking long-distance comfort with authentic Harley styling. Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight 114 V-twin engine producing 100 horsepower and 160 Nm of torque, it delivers smooth, reliable performance ideal for highway cruising and extended road trips. Known for its iconic design, premium features, and commanding presence, the Road King Special appeals to experienced riders who value tradition and touring capability.

Capacity: 1868.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 351.1 kg
Seat height: 671 mm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.0 kW) @ 5000 RPM

⇄ Compare with another bike ＋ Add to garage All model years

What’s new for the 2021 Harley-Davidson Road King Special

vs the 2020

Spec	2020	2021
Torque	165.4 Nm (16.9 kgf-m or 122.0 ft.lbs) @ 3000 RPM	160.0 Nm (16.3 kgf-m or 118.0 ft.lbs) @ 3250 RPM
Dry weight	355.0 kg (782.6 pounds)	351.1 kg (774.0 pounds)
Wet weight	372.0 kg (820.1 pounds)	366.1 kg (807.1 pounds)
Seat height	695 mm (27.4 inches)	671 mm (26.4 inches)
Compression	9.6:1	10.5:1

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?

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Your height

Inseam (optional)

Units

At 671mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2021 Harley-Davidson Road King Special, with a cramped knee angle of around 75 degrees and a slightly forward 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 →

Range and running costs

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Units

Currency

Fuel per litre

Riding a year

Based on the maker's published fuel consumption and tank size. Real-world figures depend on how and where you ride, and the last litres of a tank are reserve. Prices shown greyed are examples - type your own.

Full specifications

Engine

Capacity: 1868.0 ccm
Power: 100.0 HP (73.0 kW) @ 5000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 140 CO2 g/km
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 5.96 L/100km (39.5 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 2.8 CO g/km
Torque: 160.0 Nm (16.3 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.20 litres/100 km (19.2 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2848 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 102.0 x 114.3 mm
Compression: 10.5:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
Valves per cylinder: 4
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Spark plugs: NGK CR9E, NGK CR9EIX

Transmission

Gearbox: 6-speed
Transmission type: Manual
Final drive: Belt
Clutch: Multi-plate with diaphragm spring in oil bath
Sprockets: 32/68 (front/rear)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1625 mm
Overall length: 2420 mm
Overall width: 991 mm
Seat height: 671 mm
Dry weight: 351.1 kg
Wet weight: 366.1 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 124 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: 175 mm
Fork tube size: 49 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
Tire pressure front: 36 PSI (2.5 Bar or 250 kPa)
Tire pressure rear: 41 PSI (2.8 Bar or 280 kPa)

Other

Color options: Vivid Black, Deadwood Green, Snake Venom Green, Black Jack Metallic
Comments: Cruise control. Security system.
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

Specs last verified against published sources: October 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	2018	2020	2021	2022	2024	2026
Capacity	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc	1868 cc
Dry weight	355 kg	355 kg	351 kg	351 kg	355 kg	351 kg
Seat height	695 mm	695 mm	671 mm	671 mm	695 mm	696 mm
Fuel capacity	22.7 L	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

The 2021 Harley-Davidson Road King Special is a powerful and stylish motorcycle that delivers an exceptional riding experience. With its Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine and sleek design, this bike is perfect for those who crave power and performance. The Road King Special also features a bold and aggressive look, with blacked-out finishes and a stretched saddlebags, making it a standout on the road.

In addition to its impressive performance, the 2021 Harley-Davidson Road King Special offers a comfortable and smooth ride, thanks to its responsive suspension and ergonomic design. Whether you're cruising on the open highway or navigating through city streets, this motorcycle handles with ease and precision. Overall, the Road King Special is a top-tier motorcycle that offers a perfect blend of power, style, and comfort for riders who demand the best.

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