MODEL UPDATES:
- An aggressive new Harley-Davidson® custom bagger
- Contemporary signature style includes mini-ape handlebars, stretched saddlebags, lowered profile and dominant blacked-out livery
- Powered by the Milwaukee-Eight™ engine, delivering more torque and acceleration
- New front forks and rear shock absorbers offer improved handling control and ride comfort
- Four stunning paint options: Vivid Black, Charcoal Denim, Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom and Olive Gold
STYLING:
- The Road King Special's engine guard, handlebar and hand controls, mirrors, turn signals, engine covers, air cleaner cover, mufflers and exhaust shields also feature black surfaces. (Chrome is retained only on some key engine components – the lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes and tappet blocks to emphasize the iconic V-Twin form of the Milwaukee-Eight engine)
- New engine-turned timing cover inserted, a finish that's also featured on the tank console and air cleaner insert
- New gloss black Turbine cast-aluminum wheels include a 19-inch front topped by a lowprofile fender. At the rear, Stretched Saddlebags flow over the mufflers to provide a slammed-to-the-ground appearance without reducing suspension travel. A rear fascia panel fills the space between the saddlebags and rear fender, and a low-mount license plate module completes the tight, low lines of the rear end
- The Harley-Davidson Smart Security System is standard equipment on the Road King Special
ENGINE:
- The Road King Special Milwaukee-Eight is the first ever all-black engine finish
- New for all 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, the Milwaukee-Eight engine offers quicker throttle response, more overtaking power, purer sound, a smoother ride and more of the feeling riders want from a Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycle engine
- More Torque
Each Milwaukee-Eight engine produces 10 percent more torque than the engine it replaces in Touring models. In addition to increased displacement, the Milwaukee-Eight engine features a higher compression ratio and four-valve cylinder heads with 50 percent more intake and exhaust flow capacity. The valve train requires no adjustment as the design of the rocker arms enables valve lash to be set at the factory for life. Dual spark plugs for each cylinder contribute to more-efficient combustion. A single chaindriven camshaft is lighter, mechanically less complex and creates less friction and noise.
- Faster Acceleration
The Milwaukee-Eight engine weighs the same as the engines it replaces, so all of its extra power contributes directly to improved acceleration performance. The Milwaukee- Eight 107 accelerates 11 percent quicker from 0-60 mph, equal to a two to three bike length improvement, and 11 percent quicker from 60-80 mph in top gear, equal to a one to two bike length improvement, compared to the Twin Cam High Output 103.
- Heat Management
The Milwaukee-Eight engine offers improved rider and passenger thermal comfort due to reduced heat absorption, increased heat rejection and a redesigned exhaust system. The Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine features a precision cooling strategy that targets a flow of oil around the hottest areas of the cylinder heads. A new knock sensor for each cylinder enables more-precise timing control. The rear exhaust pipe is re-positioned and the exhaust catalyst is relocated to move heat away from the passenger. Idle speed is lowered from 1,000 rpm to 850 rpm.
- Improved Fit
A new, slimmer primary drive cover and the low-profile shape of the air cleaner cover provide improved rider legroom around the engine and an easier reach to the ground for many riders. All Milwaukee-Eight powered models are fitted with an Assist and Slip Clutch with improved hydraulic actuation.
- Reduced Vibration
The rubber-mounted Milwaukee-Eight engine features a single internal counter balancer that cancels 75 percent of primary vibration at idle for a more refined feel and more comfortable experience for rider and passengers while retaining the classic character of Harley® V-Twin engines.
- Richer Exhaust Note
Lighter valves, a single camshaft, optimized cover designs and improved driveline components greatly reduce mechanical powertrain noise. The engine intake and air cleaner are designed to reduce intake sound while ensuring maximum air flow. As a result, the new Milwaukee-Eight engine is mechanically quieter, enabling a richer exhaust tone that meets all global noise and emissions standards while allowing the unmistakable rumble of its exhaust note to resonate.
- Improved Charging
The Milwaukee-Eight engine charging system delivers 50 percent more output to the battery at idle to better support the power demands of Touring riders, including accessory lighting, performance audio, and heated gear and other accessories.
CHASSIS:
- The Road King Special's comfort and control are enhanced by the all-new front and rear suspension components featured on all 2017 Harley-Davidson Touring model motorcycles.
- New emulsion-technology rear shock absorbers offer 15 to 30 percent more preload adjustment than previous standard Touring shocks. The front suspension features new double-bending valve suspension technology that delivers the damping performance of a racing-style cartridge fork with linear damping characteristics and reduced weight.
- Reflex Linked Brakes with ABS deliver powerful and controllable stopping performance.
Pricing for the new Harley-Davidson Road King Special starts at $34,995 ride away in Australia and $37,995 ride away in New Zealand.
For more information on the Road King Special, Milwaukee-Eight engine and the full Harley-Davidson Touring range visit: www.my2016.h-dmediakit.com.
About Harley-Davidson Motor Company® Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel. For more information, visit www.h-d.com.
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For all media requests, interviews and imagery, please contact 303 MullenLowe:
Melissa Grove
P: 02 9006 7059 M: 0410 401 363 E: Melissa.grove@303mullenlowe.com.au
Catherine Sumner
P: 02 9006 7023 M: 0475 303 212 E: Catherine.sumner@303mullenlowe.com.au
About Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Since 1903, Harley-Davidson Motor Company has fulfilled dreams of personal freedom with cruiser, touring and custom motorcycles, riding experiences and events, and a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, general merchandise, riding gear and apparel.
For more information, visit www.h-d.com.au