Touring Motorcycles

2016Harley-Davidson Road King

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The 2016 Harley-Davidson Road King is an iconic cruiser designed for riders seeking classic touring comfort and commanding presence. Known for its retro styling, low-slung seating, and windshield-equipped touring capability, it excels at long-distance highway cruising. The 6-speed transmission, cruise control, and generous fuel capacity make it ideal for riders prioritizing comfort and reliability on extended journeys.

Capacity: 1688.0 ccm
Engine: V-Twin, four-stroke
Gearbox: 6-speed
Dry weight: 353.0 kg
Seat height: 715 mm
Power: 87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM

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What’s new for the 2016 Harley-Davidson Road King

vs the 2015

Spec	2015	2016
Power	85.8 HP (62.6 kW) @ 5000 RPM	87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM
Seat height	678 mm (26.7 inches)	715 mm (28.1 inches)
Rear brakes	Single disc. Optional ABS. 2-piston	Single disc. Optional ABS. 4-piston

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 715mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with both feet flat on the 2016 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 →

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: 1688.0 ccm
Power: 87.0 HP (63.5 kW) @ 5000 RPM
CO2 Emissions: 146 CO2 g/km
EPA Est. Fuel Consumption: 6.20 L/100km (37.9 US mpg)
EPA CO Emissions: 5.0 CO g/km
Torque: 138.0 Nm (14.1 kgf-m) @ 3250 RPM
Engine type: V-Twin, four-stroke
Fuel consumption: 5.60 litres/100 km (17.9 km/l)
Power/weight ratio: 0.2465 HP/kg (dry)
Bore x stroke: 98.4 x 111.3 mm
Compression: 9.6:1
Cooling system: Air
Fuel system: Injection
Starting: Electric
Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
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

Performance

Top speed: 165.0 km/h (102.5 mph)

Dimensions & weight

Wheelbase: 1625 mm
Overall length: 2450 mm
Seat height: 715 mm
Dry weight: 353.0 kg
Wet weight: 371.0 kg
Fuel capacity: 22.70 litres
Ground clearance: 170 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: 130/80-B17
Rear tyre: 180/65-B16

Other

Color options: Deep Jade Pearl/Vivid Black, Velocity Red Sunglo, Cosmic Blue Pearl, Crushed Ice Pearl/Frosted Teal Pearl, Billett Silver, Vivid Black, Purple Fire/Blackberry Smoke.
Comments: Windshield. Cruise control.
Fuel Tank Material: Metal

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	22.7 L	22.7 L	22.7 L