The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special is engineered to deliver strong performance, practical touring capabilities, and reliable rider assistance systems. This motorcycle offers a focused combination of a traditional bagger profile with modern mechanical and safety technologies. Its design and technical components address the demands of riders seeking a touring motorcycle built for control, power, and endurance.
Blacked-Out Design with Functional Touring Elements
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special features a monochromatic black design that extends across most components, including the powertrain and exhaust. The black finish is achieved using a combination of matte and gloss treatments, which produces visual texture while maintaining a low-reflective surface.
The bike’s stretched saddlebags integrate storage capacity with aerodynamic considerations. They are designed to maintain a smooth flow alongside the blacked-out exhaust system. These saddlebags provide sufficient space for personal items during extended rides without increasing wind resistance or disrupting the bike’s profile.
Mini ape hanger handlebars position the rider upright with a customizable range of height and reach adjustments. This setup facilitates a commanding control position, contributing to rider stability and comfort over extended periods. The analog gauge mounted on the fuel tank delivers clear, legible readings without relying on digital displays, reducing distraction. The gauge placement maintains a minimalist cockpit design for improved forward visibility.
Lighting uses a traditional headlamp nacelle housing equipped with a Daymaker® LED forward light. This component offers reliable illumination with low power consumption and enhances visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions.
The model is available in three colors: Billiard Gray, Vivid Black, and Whiskey Fire. All retain the signature blacked-out look consistent with the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special design language.
Powertrain Specifications and Engine Performance
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special is powered by the Milwaukee-Eight® 114 V-Twin engine. This engine delivers 95 horsepower and 122 foot-pounds of torque. The power output is calibrated to maximize torque delivery in low- to mid-range engine speeds. This allows rapid acceleration from a stop and sustained performance at highway speeds with minimal throttle input.
The Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine utilizes a high-performance ribbed air cleaner with an exposed filter element to increase air intake efficiency. Improved airflow translates to better combustion and throttle response. The fuel system is matched to ensure consistent fuel delivery across varying RPM ranges.
Fuel economy for this model is rated at approximately 43 miles per gallon. The fuel tank capacity is 6 gallons, allowing for extended travel distances between refueling stops.
Exhaust performance is managed through a two-into-two blacked-out system with a matte finish. This design is optimized for flow dynamics and sound control, providing the characteristic V-twin rumble without excessive noise levels. The exhaust system layout also complements the bike’s aesthetic by running parallel and low along the chassis.
Braking and Suspension Systems
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special employs Brembo® braking components on both front and rear wheels. These brakes are known for their mechanical precision and direct lever feel. This setup ensures effective stopping power with predictable modulation.
Suspension duties are handled by SHOWA® components featuring Dual Bending Valve (DBV) front forks. The DBV design improves damping characteristics by separating compression and rebound forces, which results in smoother absorption of road irregularities. The rear suspension is tuned to provide stable support under load and during cornering.
The standard braking system includes an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) that prevents wheel lockup during hard braking. ABS maintains tire traction and rider control on various road surfaces.
Electronic Linked Braking (ELB) integrates front and rear brake actuation to balance braking forces. This system modulates the pressure to optimize braking efficiency and maintain stability during deceleration.
Additional available braking technologies include Cornering Enhanced Anti-lock Brake System (C-ABS), which adjusts braking pressure based on lean angle. This system enhances stability when braking in curves by reducing wheel slip risks. Cornering Enhanced Electronic Linked Braking (C-ELB) further refines brake pressure distribution while cornering.
Rider Safety and Control Technologies
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special incorporates several electronic safety features designed to support rider control in challenging conditions. Rider Safety Enhancements monitor traction and braking forces, intervening when necessary to maintain balance without rider input.
Optional Vehicle Hold Control (VHC) holds the bike stationary after the brake is released, preventing roll on slopes. This function aids in hill starts and ramp maneuvers by maintaining brake pressure electronically until the throttle is engaged.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an available feature that continuously checks tire inflation levels. It alerts the rider to under- or over-inflation via the instrument display. Maintaining correct tire pressure affects handling, tire wear, and fuel economy.
The bike offers Cornering Drag-Torque Slip Control System (C-DSCS) to reduce rear wheel slip during rapid deceleration or throttle lift-off. This system adjusts braking and torque to improve control when downshifting or slowing down, especially on low-traction surfaces.
Cornering Enhanced Traction Control System (C-TCS) manages rear wheel spin during acceleration while leaned over or riding straight. This system maintains optimal grip and prevents wheel spin that could compromise rider stability.
Integrated Rider Convenience Features
The 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special includes cruise control as a standard feature. This allows the rider to maintain a steady speed without continuous throttle input. It reduces rider fatigue on longer trips and helps maintain consistent speed in highway conditions.
Despite its minimalist cockpit design, the bike integrates modern technology discreetly. The analog gauge provides essential ride information without excessive data display or distraction. LED lighting ensures effective illumination while maintaining the bike’s traditional styling.
The bike’s 6-gallon fuel tank supports long-distance travel by minimizing refueling frequency. Combined with the efficient engine and aerodynamic design, this contributes to practical touring capability.
Schedule a Test Ride Today
To experience how the 2025 Harley-Davidson® Road King® Special performs in real-world conditions, schedule your test ride at Harley-Davidson® of Panama City Beach near Lynn Haven, FL. The Milwaukee-Eight® 114 engine delivers torque you can feel, especially during low-end acceleration and highway cruising. Its suspension and braking systems are tuned for stability, control, and confident rider feedback. A hands-on test ride allows for a complete evaluation of its ergonomics, touring function, and rider-assistance features.