Of course, here is a full article about the 2019–2024 Harley-Davidson FLHRXS Road King Special, written in the requested style.
The 2019–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 114 (FLHRXS Road King Special) represents a significant evolution in the brand’s iconic Touring lineup, blending classic bagger heritage with modern performance and dark, custom styling. As a “factory-custom” model, the Road King Special was designed to appeal to riders seeking a more aggressive, blacked-out aesthetic compared to the traditional chrome-laden Road King. This generation is defined by the standard inclusion of the powerful Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine, a move that set it apart from its predecessors and solidified its position as a premier “hot rod” bagger within Harley-Davidson’s portfolio.
The introduction of the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine as the sole powertrain option for the 2019 model year was the most critical update over the previous generation. Prior models were available with the smaller Milwaukee-Eight 107 engine. The 114 V-Twin offered a substantial increase in displacement, torque, and overall performance, providing stronger acceleration and passing power. This change was accompanied by a subtle but important shift in the bike’s character, moving it from a stylish cruiser to a true performance bagger. Aesthetically, the 2019–2024 models continued the dark custom theme with minimal chrome and a focus on black finishes across the engine, exhaust, and front end.
Model Overview and Design Philosophy
The FLHRXS Road King Special occupies a unique space in the Harley-Davidson Touring family. It eschews the large, frame-mounted fairings found on models like the Street Glide and Road Glide, instead opting for a commanding, wide-set handlebar and a detachable windscreen for a more elemental riding experience. The design philosophy centers on a stripped-down, muscular look. Key visual elements include the mini-ape handlebars that create an upright, confident riding position, stretched saddlebags that add a sleek, custom look to the rear profile, and the signature gloss black Nacelle housing a Daymaker LED headlamp.
This generation of the Road King Special was aimed squarely at a rider who values both long-distance capability and urban presence. The bike’s ergonomics are designed for command and control, while its suspension and chassis are engineered to provide a stable and comfortable ride over many miles.
Key Features of the 2019–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 114 (FLHRXS Road King Special)
Powertrain: The Milwaukee-Eight 114
At the heart of the Road King Special is the Milwaukee-Eight 114 engine. This air- and oil-cooled V-Twin has a displacement of 114 cubic inches (1868cc) and is renowned for its massive torque delivery at low RPMs. Key features of this engine include:
Four-Valve Cylinder Heads: Enhancing airflow and performance compared to the previous Twin Cam engine’s two-valve design.
Dual Spark Plugs: Promoting more complete combustion for improved efficiency and power.
Single Internal Counter-Balancer: This design reduces primary vibration significantly, resulting in a smoother ride at idle and on the highway without completely eliminating the signature Harley-Davidson feel.
* Improved Heat Management:** The engine was engineered to dissipate heat more effectively, improving rider and passenger comfort, especially in slow-moving traffic.
The 114 engine provides a noticeable performance advantage, delivering a potent response from a standstill and offering effortless roll-on power for highway overtaking.
Chassis, Suspension, and Brakes
The Road King Special is built on Harley-Davidson’s robust Touring frame, designed for stability and responsive handling. The front suspension features a 49mm Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) fork, which provides linear damping characteristics for a more controlled ride over various road surfaces.
The rear suspension consists of premium, hand-adjustable emulsion shocks. This system allows riders to easily adjust the preload to account for a passenger or luggage without the need for special tools, making it highly versatile for different riding scenarios.
Braking is handled by Reflex Linked Brembo brakes, which come with optional ABS. The linked system electronically applies braking force to both wheels when the rider uses either the front or rear brake above certain speeds, optimizing brake balance and helping to prevent wheel lock-up under heavy braking.
Styling and Finishes
The defining characteristic of the FLHRXS is its dark, custom aesthetic. From 2019 to 2024, the model consistently featured blacked-out components where other models would have chrome. This includes the engine covers, exhaust system, front forks, handlebars, and console. The bike rolls on black Turbine cast aluminum wheels, which further enhance its aggressive stance. The color options changed annually, offering a range of deep, premium paint finishes that contrasted sharply with the black components.
Specifications
| General | |
| Brand | Harley-Davidson |
| Model | Road King Special |
| Model Class | Touring (FLHRXS) |
| Model Year | 2019–2024 |
| Type | Bagger / Cruiser |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 1160 lb. (526 kg) |
| Maximum passengers | 2 |
| Performance | |
| Max. power | Approx. 95 Hp (71 kW) @ 5020 RPM |
| Max. torque | 122 ft-lb (165 N•m) @ 3000 RPM |
| Lean Angle, Right | 32° |
| Lean Angle, Left | 31° |
| Size | |
| Length | 95.3 in. (2420 mm) |
| Width | 37.6 in. (955 mm) |
| Height | 49.8 in. (1265 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 64 in. (1625 mm) |
| Seat height (laden) | 26.4 in. (671 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 4.9 in. (125 mm) |
| Curb weight (in running order) | 807 lb. (366 kg) |
| Engine | |
| Type | Milwaukee-Eight 114, V-Twin, 4-stroke, Air/Oil Cooled |
| Displacement | 114 cu in (1868 cc) |
| Bore × Stroke | 4.016 in. × 4.5 in. (102 mm × 114.3 mm) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel supplying system | Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) |
| Exhaust | 2-into-1-into-2 dual exhaust with tapered mufflers |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 5.2 qt (4.9 L) |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission type | 6-Speed Cruise Drive® |
| Clutch type | Mechanically actuated 10 plate wet, assist & slip |
| Driving system | Belt drive |
| Primary reduction ratio | 1.353 |
| Final reduction ratio | 2.125 |
| Gear ratio | 1st: 9.593; 2nd: 6.65; 3rd: 4.938; 4th: 4.0; 5th: 3.407; 6th: 2.875 |
| Chassis | |
| Tire size (Front) | 130/60B19 61H BW |
| Tire size (Rear) | 180/55B18 80H BW |
| Rim size (Front) | 19 in. x 3.5 in. Turbine Cast Aluminum |
| Rim size (Rear) | 18 in. x 5 in. Turbine Cast Aluminum |
| Capacity of fuel tank | 6 gal (22.7 L) |
| Fuel consumption | Approx. 43 mpg (5.5 L / 100 km) |
| Electric | |
| Battery | Sealed, maintenance-free, 12V |
| Headlight | Daymaker® Signature Reflector LED lamp |
| Gauges | Tank-mounted analog speedometer with digital gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range and tachometer indicator |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | 49mm dual bending valve fork |
| Front travel | 4.6 in (117 mm) |
| Rear Suspension | Premium hand-adjustable rear suspension |
| Rear travel | 3.0 in (76 mm) |
