I was one of the first on line at the Daytona Speedway yesterday morning to test ride the stable of Harleys. I figured the longest lines would eventually be for the touring models so I rode as many as I could. I lost count of how many rides I got in but they includes a CVO Limited, CVO Street Glide, Road Glide Ultra, Road King Special, as well as the standard models of the above. I was very impressed with the smoothness overall rideability of the new motor. Also, the suspension and brakes are very impressive.

BTW, the New Road King Special is a real blast to ride! It comes ready to rumble out of the box. It pulls like a freight train and seems MUCH lighter than the Standard model I also rode. No comparison. No need to do any performance mods. Maybe add a windshield as most bagger fans will want to do. Maybe someone will come up with a cool fairing like the Dyna T-Sport???

It wasn't my intention to look for a replacement for my 2013 Super Glide Custom as I already owned a Road King Custom for years prior to the Super Glide. However, after taking several rides on the Street Glide I know why it is so popular. It's like the perfect bike in performance and comfort. That's my opinion.

PS:I also rode my first V Rod, the Muscle. I'm not a fan of forward controls but other than that it is one helluva ride. Fast? Holy crap! It also stops on a dime.
I also rode the Low Rider S. A 110 cu. in. engine on the frame is just too much fun!

If you ever get a chance to ride the new bikes you owe it to yourself to do so. Perhaps the new Indians are providing the incentive but The "Company" is building some pretty cool stuff.

 

What made it seem lighter? The steering?

 

Thought about that and here are my thoughts. First of all is the pull and sound of that engine. Also, it's got a different seat and handle bars which make you sit more forward and maybe even slightly aggressively. The Brembo brakes stop with authority and with light pressure. The front and rear suspension are really compliant but tight.

I think the combination of all the above just make for a ride that is much more nimble than I was expecting. Fun!

 

we are heading down in two days. Cannot wait. My favorite thing is going to the speedway for demo rides. One year I rode 13 bikes.

Funny you should mention the new Road King. That is one I really want to ride. I just left my local dealer this afternoon and the have a mat silver and it is sharp. I could not believe how small and light weight it feels just sitting on it compared to my Limited.

With the added HP of the M8 it should be a blast.

 

I wish I could get down there just for the test rides!

As it is it took me two months of test rides around Ohio just to figure out whether I wanted a batwing or a shark nose.... then it only took two test rides on an M8 to finally sell me.

Sounds like the whole process would be a LOT easier in Daytona :-)

 

From the HD website:

Road King Special: wgt: 781 as shipped, 818 in running order, seat height 26.4

Road King: wgt: 791 as shipped, 826 in running order, seat height 26.3

Maybe the paint color makes it feel lighter.....

 

Doesn't the LowRider S have a 110 in it?

 

That would be correct. Thank you for the heads up. Duly noted above...

 

I get it. My two buddies and I has the same reaction to riding the Special. Maybe because its blacked out? Kidding aside, the great thing about Daytona is you take the bikes out on a seven mile course on roads that go around the airport that allows you to open 'em up and also take some high speed turns. You get to compare all the bikes back to back and the Special was...Special.

 

Was there a difference in handling between the Road King and Road King Special?