2016 Harley-Davidson Road King
New for 2016
Since the Road King’s debut in 1994, when it replaced Harley-Davidson’s Electra Glide Sport, this touring bike has been a favorite among riders. 2016 brings dazzling new features to the Harley-Davidson Road King, including a larger windshield and a headlamp that inspires nostalgia for Harley-Davidson’s earliest days. This year’s Road King offers 103 cubic inches of high output power, and a promise to change the touring experience forever.
It’s Good to be (Road) King
Harley-Davidson doesn’t just make motorcycles. Designers work to create a riding experience that combines unparalleled control, feel, and style, while engineers are meticulous about comfort. For the newest Road King, they spent hundreds of hours in the saddle to fine-tune the bike’s heating, airflow, and seat texture.
The 2016 model has enhanced stopping power thanks to Reflex™ Linked Brakes with ABS — your worries about wet pavement are a thing of the past. Critical indicators, such as turn signals and brake lights, are brighter this year, and the front forks have been given added stiffness for greater control when leaning into turns.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2016 Road King boasts an air-cooled, high-output Twin Cam 103™ engine with integrated oil cooler and an Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection System (ESPFI). The drive is a 34/46 ratio chain, and the bike’s exhaust system is chrome 2-1-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers. The caliper-type brakes are 32 mm, 4-piston fixed, front and rear.
As with all Harleys, the Road King offers strong performance, including 104.7 ft-lb (3,250 rpm) engine torque. The right-lean angle is 32 degrees, and the left-lean angle is 32.1 degrees. Combined city/highway fuel economy can be as high as 42 miles per gallon, and the bike takes premium gas in its 6-gallon tank.
The 2016 Road King features newly redesigned ergonomic handlebars that are taller and sit closer to riders for greater comfort. Steering and keeping control during turns is easier than ever as a result of the larger front forks and larger steering head in this year’s model. Cruise control is a standard feature, and the manual transmission has six speeds.
The Road King is frequently compared with Harley-Davidson’s other touring bikes, including the pricier Street Glide and Road Glide. However, the price difference is primarily due to the additional infotainment systems included with the Street Glide and Road Glide.
All three share the same core elements, including engines, fuel systems, brakes, exhaust systems, and torque, though the Road Glide is 35 to 40 pounds heavier than the Road King and the Street Glide.
Features and Trims
The Harley-Davidson designers focused on balancing the look of the 2016 Road King between the classic styling that riders expect and a sleek, modern look that keeps the bike current. The result is a stunning blend in which the Road King is easily recognized as a genuine Harley-Davidson machine, while still surpassing the competition in terms of up-to-date feel.
Seven paint options make the Road King customizable, from classic Vivid Black to Purple Fire/Blackberry Smoke. Reliable Impeller Cast Aluminum wheels are strong performers, and they come standard with the Road King. Buyers have the option to upgrade to chrome-laced wheels with whitewall if they prefer, and the bike comes standard with a Dunlop® Multi-Tread™ 130/80 R17 65H front tire and a Dunlop® Multi-Tread™ 180/65 R16 81H rear tire.
Gauges include a tank-mounted electronic speedometer with newly redesigned ergonomic hand controls. There is a new trigger switch for the odometer, as well as a clock, range to empty, gear indicator, and tachometer. The bike now features one-hand-open saddlebags and one-touch fairing compartments for greater convenience.
The Road King starts at a base price of $18,749,* which is just a hair higher than the Indian Chief Classic’s $17,999. The Road King and the Indian Chief have been fierce competitors for years, but the new 2016 Road King features are expected to leave the Indian Chief in the dust.
Design
Harley-Davidson’s Project Rushmore is an initiative dedicated to perfecting the design of every bike created. For the 2016 model year, engineers spent countless hours riding, talking to riders, and gathering feedback on real-world riding experiences. All of the information was used to rethink old assumptions, pushing limits to create a state-of-the-art machine that is second-to-none in terms of comfort, control, and convenience — not to mention stunning visual impact.
Elements of the new look include a cut-back front fender and redesigned fairing. The new splitstream style vent was created to equalize airflow, and riders will enjoy 20 percent less head buffeting as a result. There is more luggage space and the saddlebags have a sleeker look in 2016, creating an overall modern machine that still retains a classic Harley-Davidson feel.
Safety
Rider safety is a top priority at Harley-Davidson, and the 2016 Road King offers a number of features designed with safety in mind. The biggest development is Reflex™ linked brakes with ABS, preventing lock-up on wet roads. Dual halogen headlights, brighter brake lights, and brighter headlights make riders easier to see, reducing roadway collisions.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the 2016 Road King has all of the quality expected from Harley-Davidson with some fabulous new features. Modern power blends seamlessly with the classic Harley-Davidson look for a touring bike that is comfortable mile after mile.
Contact Test Nissan today to schedule a test drive!
*Prices listed are the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices. Options such as color are available at additional cost. Prices exclude dealer setup, taxes, title and licensing and are subject to change. Dealer prices may vary.
Image: Harley-Davidson