The 2018 Harley-Davidson Road King and Road King Special share the same Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine and six-speed transmission, but differ in factory styling, wheels, dimensions, equipment and original price. The Road King (FLHR) has a detachable windshield and Impeller wheels; the Road King Special (FLHRXS) adds blacked-out trim, mini-ape handlebars, stretched saddlebags and Turbine wheels. The comparison below uses Harley-Davidson’s U.S. model-year specifications.
2018 Road King vs. Road King Special: specifications
Harley-Davidson’s U.S. specification sheets list these figures for the two 2018 models. Torque is measured under SAE J1349; fuel economy and prices are manufacturer-published model-sheet figures, not real-world guarantees or current used-market values.
| Specification | Road King FLHR | Road King Special FLHRXS |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Milwaukee-Eight 107; 107 cu. in. / 1,746 cc | Milwaukee-Eight 107; 107 cu. in. / 1,746 cc |
| Transmission | Six-speed Cruise Drive | Six-speed Cruise Drive |
| Torque | 111 ft-lb at 3,250 rpm (SAE J1349) | 111 ft-lb at 3,250 rpm (SAE J1349) |
| Fuel capacity | 6.0 gal | 6.0 gal |
| Published fuel economy | 45 mpg | 45 mpg |
| Length | 96.5 in | 95.3 in |
| Width | 37.8 in | 39.0 in |
| Seat height | 26.3 in | 26.4 in |
| Ground clearance | 5.3 in | 4.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 64.0 in | 64.0 in |
| Front / rear wheel | 17 / 16 in | 19 / 18 in |
| Running weight | 836 lb | 820 lb |
| ABS / security | Optional / optional | Standard / standard |
| Cruise control | Standard | Standard |
| 2018 U.S. Vivid Black MSRP | $18,999 | $21,999 |
Sources: Harley-Davidson’s 2018 Road King specification sheet and 2018 Road King Special specification sheet.
What distinguishes the two models?
Road King: traditional touring configuration
The standard Road King is the more traditional-looking configuration, with a detachable windshield and Impeller cast-aluminum wheels. Its U.S. specification sheet lists ABS and security as options, while cruise control is standard.
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- Plug-N-Play Light Kit- Includes all needed parts. Switchback, Road King, Street Glide, Electra Glide and Ultra Limited needs the included bracket to fix firmly. "2014 to 2022 "Street Glide Special" and "Road King Special" needs the included H4 to H9 adapter.
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Road King Special: blacked-out factory package
The Special’s factory package features blacked-out styling, black mini-ape handlebars, stretched saddlebags and black Turbine cast-aluminum wheels. Its listed front and rear wheels are larger than the Road King’s. Harley-Davidson’s model sheet describes the look as “Aggressive blacked-out styling throughout.” ABS, security and cruise control are listed as standard equipment.
What the shared specifications mean
Both bikes use the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and six-speed Cruise Drive, and the U.S. sheets publish the same torque, fuel capacity and fuel-economy figures. The choice is therefore less about a different engine and more about factory equipment, styling, dimensions, wheel setup and the individual motorcycle’s condition. The Special is 16 lb lighter by the listed running weights, 1.2 in shorter, 1.2 in wider, and has 0.4 in less ground clearance; its listed seat height is 0.1 in higher. These measurements can help narrow a comparison, but they do not establish which one will feel better to a particular rider.
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- Compatible with Harley Davidson-7 Inch LED motorcycle headlight for Road King, Street Glide, Ultra Classic, Electra Glide, Heritage Softail, Softail Deluxe, Softail Slim, Fatboy, Switchback, Ultra Limited, Tri, CVO, 1989-2022. For more fitment info, please check product descriptions on the page.
- Plug-N-Play Light Kit- Includes all needed parts. Switchback, Road King, Street Glide, Electra Glide and Ultra Limited needs the included bracket to fix firmly. "2014 to 2022 "Street Glide Special" and "Road King Special" needs the included H4 to H9 adapter.
- Amazing Light Output- 4000lms on high beam, 2600lms on low beam. Sufficient bright lights make night driving more fun and safer. You can see further and wider than before. 6000K light output is much more noticeable than older halogen "yellow" light.
- Well-Constructed Headlight-Solid die-cast aluminum base housing and shock-resistant lens provide maximum protection for headlights from minor scuffs. Completely sealed design will prevent the problems of getting water inside and ruining the bulb.
- Classics Never Go Out Of Style-- TRUCKMALL DOT-Approved LED Headlights are plug& play for most models. Perfect and easy headlight upgrade for your beloved motorcycle. Start fresh with TRUCKMALL LED headlights that are solid and stylish, you could not be happier!
What to check when buying or fitting accessories
- Compare maintenance records, condition and the equipment actually installed on the specific motorcycle; options or later modifications may make an individual bike differ from its original specification.
- Confirm the model code—FLHR or FLHRXS—and check the VIN and market-specific documentation before ordering parts. Pay particular attention to windshield, wheel, lighting and luggage fitment.
- Use Harley-Davidson’s 2018 owner’s manual listing as a model-year reference, and confirm that the manual applies to the bike’s exact model and market.
- The cited specifications are U.S. model-year materials. Harley-Davidson’s 2018 U.S. media-kit index sits within a broader model-year index that includes regional editions; do not assume U.S. equipment or prices apply elsewhere.
Which one should you choose?
Choose between the bikes on the basis of the configuration and condition you want, rather than assuming one is inherently better. The Road King provides the detachable windshield and Impeller-wheel setup; the Special provides its blacked-out treatment, mini-ape bars, stretched bags and larger listed wheels. On a used example, verify options, modifications, maintenance history and fitment on that exact bike before relying on a model-sheet description.
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- EXTENSIVELY TESTED: Laboratory tested to ensure excellent capacity and burst strength.
- DIRECT FACOTRY REPLACEMENT: Made to be application specific (where applicable) & designed for easy installation.
- PERFORMANCE ENGINEERED DESIGN: Includes a part number-specific bypass/pressure relief valve and is optimized for use with high-end synthetic motor oils.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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