The Harley-Davidson Road King Special: A Closer Look at Its Worth
Being in its second year in 2018, Harley-Davidson Road King Special garnered significant enthusiasm for its stripped-back iteration. Upon initiation, it was launched with a then-new Milwaukee Eight engine as standard, offering a fused touch of power and style to the touring motorbike category. However, was it all rainbows and butterflies with this model? Let’s take a closer look.
Assessing the Harley-Davidson Road King Special’s Market Reception
Dubbed as a lighter yet potent touring platform, the Road King Special was a stripped-back, seemingly simpler version of its predecessor. However, irony played its part when this reduced version came with a price tag larger than the original, making buyers dig deeper into their wallets. This led to a mixed public opinion, questioning if paying more for less was indeed a fair deal.
Resale and Trade Flux of the Road King Special
Despite the tricky parts and the overwhelming price tag, the Road King Special has been able to maintain sturdy trade and resale values, a trait often associated with Harley-Davidsons. Seven years after its introduction, it commands a reasonably good resale price in the used market. This isn’t to say that the market isn’t riddled with tension due to an oversupply issue.
Factors Impacting the Resale Value
Let’s take a closer look at some fine points that contribute to the Road King Special’s enduring market value. Interestingly, the colour “Hard Candy Hot Rod Red Flake” warranted a $2,400 premium at its inception. However, its impact on today’s resale price seems to be minute at best. A note-worthy observation for potential buyers or sellers.
Keep An Eye Out for Potential Issues
Buying used motorcycles isn’t exempt from risks. There are some intimidating issues that have been associated with early models of Milwaukee Eight engines – the heart of the Road King Special. Some of these problems include sumping, which has been attributed to inefficient oil pumps, resulting in oil starvation in certain engine components. Ensuring that a reliable oil pump has replaced the original is one of the initial checks to consider. It is, then, also key to note that the 2018 Road King Special did see a recall due to the issue with a leaky hydraulic clutch.
Journey of the Road King Special 2018 Model
Appealing to motor enthusiasts with a preference for uncomplicated, nimble machinery, the Road King Special superseded its siblings in the touring bike segment. The bike’s uniqueness stems from the blacked-out look and redesigned hard cases, moving away from traditional chrome, aiming to attract the younger audience. Furthermore, the semi-ape handlebars, albeit a personal preference, can either be the selling point or the first element to be swapped out after purchase.
Takeaways
The Road King Special allows a potential buyer to get around the various little twists and custom elements it offers, creating an almost blank canvas for personal customizations. This opens up new avenues for creativity with potential wild paintjobs, engine swaps, and more – targeting an audience seeking a blend of cookie-cutter efficiency and personal flair. Thus, the Road King Special’s key selling proposition may be its adaptable nature, appealing to a wide age group of bike enthusiasts who prefer making a statement with their ride.
Specifications: A Brief Overview
Wrapping up the discussion, the 2018 Road King Special features a V-Twin, 1746cc, air-cooled engine with a 111 LB-FT torque, six-speed transmission, and an 818 lbs total weight. Built for the open road and equipped for city commutes alike, the Harley-Davidson Road King Special stands as a testament to the brand’s legacy and continued pursuit of excellence in motorcycle engineering.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a bike enthusiast or a potential buyer, taking the wheel in your Harley-Davidson journey involves sorting out these subtle details. Understanding these small distinctions between the Road King Special and its counterparts might prove to be critical, particularly when trying to find your path in the used bike market. As Harley-Davidson continues its quest to merge style, power, and comfort, the Road King Special stands as a testament to the brand’s imprinted status in the motorbike industry.
Originally Post From https://www.topspeed.com/how-much-a-7-year-old-harley-davidson-road-king-special-is-worth-today/
