2017–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 107 (FLHR Road King)

Of course. Here is a full article about the 2017–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 107, focusing on the FLHR Road King model.

Harley-Davidson Road King (FLHR) Milwaukee-Eight Era (2017–2024)

The 2017–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 107 represents a significant era for the company’s long-running touring platform, most notably marked by the introduction of the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine. This generation of the FLHR Road King, a cornerstone of the Touring family, combines classic, stripped-down styling with modern engineering advancements in power, comfort, and handling. The Road King retains its iconic Hiawatha headlamp nacelle, detachable windshield, and hard-sided saddlebags, appealing to riders who desire a traditional big-twin experience without the full fairing of its stablemates like the Street Glide or Road Glide.

The arrival of the Milwaukee-Eight engine in 2017 was the most substantial update to Harley-Davidson’s big-twin powertrain in decades. It replaced the venerable Twin Cam 103 engine, which had powered the Touring line since the 2011 model year. The new engine brought a host of improvements designed to address modern rider expectations while preserving the brand’s signature character.

Differences from the Preceding Twin Cam Engine

The transition from the Twin Cam 103 to the Milwaukee-Eight 107 was driven by a need for increased performance, better heat management, and refined operation. The key differences include:

Valvetrain: The Milwaukee-Eight features four valves per cylinder (totaling eight, hence the name), a significant departure from the Twin Cam’s two-valve design. This improves airflow capacity by 50%, contributing to greater power and torque.
Camshaft Design: The engine returned to a single, chain-driven camshaft, similar to the Evolution engine, simplifying the design compared to the Twin Cam’s dual-cam setup.
Vibration and Idle: A key rider-focused improvement was the inclusion of a single internal counter-balancer. This system cancels 75% of primary vibration at idle, resulting in a much smoother experience at a standstill without eliminating the classic V-twin feel at cruising speeds.
Heat Management: The Milwaukee-Eight was designed to run cooler. Targeted oil or liquid cooling around the hottest parts of the cylinder heads (exhaust valves) significantly reduces the amount of heat felt by the rider and passenger, a common complaint with the air-cooled Twin Cam on hot days or in slow traffic.
Charging System:** The charging system was upgraded to provide 50% more output at idle, better supporting the electrical demands of accessories, heated gear, and modern electronics.

Chassis and Suspension Upgrades

Alongside the new engine, the 2017 Touring models received a complete suspension overhaul. This was the second major update to the chassis, which was originally redesigned in 2009 for improved stability. For 2017, Harley-Davidson introduced new front and rear suspension components to enhance both ride comfort and handling performance.

The front forks were equipped with Showa Dual Bending Valve (SDBV) technology, providing the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork with linear damping characteristics. This results in a more controlled and planted feel, especially over small, sharp bumps. At the rear, the air-adjustable shocks of the previous generation were replaced with modern emulsion-style shock absorbers. The most significant improvement was the new tool-free preload adjustment, which could be set using a single hydraulic knob, allowing riders to easily adapt the suspension for a passenger or luggage without needing an air pump.

The 2017–2024 Harley-Davidson Touring Milwaukee-Eight 107 in the Road King (FLHR) Model

As applied to the FLHR Road King, the Milwaukee-Eight 107 and updated chassis created a motorcycle that was both familiar and vastly improved. The bike’s classic silhouette remained, defined by its massive chrome headlight nacelle, wide handlebars, and tank-mounted speedometer. However, the performance was transformed. The 107 cubic-inch (1746 cc) engine delivered approximately 10% more torque than its predecessor, providing stronger acceleration and passing power.

Over its production run from 2017 to 2024, the FLHR Road King remained largely consistent in its core design. Updates were typically limited to new paint color options each model year. Standard features included Reflex Linked Brembo Brakes with ABS, providing confident stopping power by electronically linking the front and rear brakes when the rider applies significant pressure to either control. The one-touch opening saddlebags and detachable windshield maintained the model’s practical touring credentials.

Specifications

General
Brand Harley-Davidson
Model Road King
Model Class FLHR
Model Year 2017–2024
Type Touring
Maximum mass (GVWR) 1,360 lb. (617 kg)
Maximum passengers 2
Performance
Max. power Approx. 93 Hp (69 kW) @ 5020 RPM
Max. torque 111 ft-lb (150 N•m) @ 3250 RPM
Min. turn diameter 23.1 ft (7.0 m)
Top designed speed Approx. 110 mph (177 km/h)
Size
Length 96.5 in. (2450 mm)
Width 37.8 in. (960 mm)
Height 56.3 in. (1430 mm)
Wheelbase 64 in. (1625 mm)
Seat height (unladen) 27.8 in. (705 mm)
Ground clearance 5.3 in. (135 mm)
Curb weight (in running order) 828 lb. (375 kg)
Engine
Type Milwaukee-Eight 107, 45° V-Twin, Air/Oil-Cooled, Four Stroke
Displacement 107 cu in (1746 cc)
Bore × Stroke 3.937 in. × 4.375 in. (100 mm × 111.1 mm)
Compression ratio 10.0:1
Starting system Electric starter
Fuel supplying system Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Ignition control system Electronic
Lubricating system Dry sump, pressurized
Oil capacity (with filter) 5.2 qt (4.9 L)
Engine oil type SAE 20W-50 Harley-Davidson H-D 360 Motorcycle Oil
Coolant type N/A (Air/Oil Cooled)
Idle speed 850 RPM ± 50 RPM
Transmission
Transmission type 6-Speed Cruise Drive, manual
Clutch type Wet, multi-disc, mechanically actuated
Driving system Belt drive
Primary reduction ratio 1.531 (46/34)
Final reduction ratio 2.125 (68/32)
Gear ratio 1st: 9.593; 2nd: 6.65; 3rd: 4.938; 4th: 4.00; 5th: 3.407; 6th: 2.875
Chassis
Tire size Front: BW 130/80B17 65H; Rear: BW 180/65B16 81H
Rim size Front: 17 in. Cast Aluminum; Rear: 16 in. Cast Aluminum
Capacity of fuel tank 6.0 gal (22.7 L)
Fuel consumption Approx. 43 MPG (5.5 L / 100 km)
Electric
Battery 12V / 28 Ah
Headlight Halogen Hiawatha
Position Light Incandescent
Turning light Incandescent, bullet style
Tail light Incandescent
Front fog light N/A (Accessory)
Suspension
Front travel 4.6 in (117 mm), Showa Dual Bending Valve
Rear travel 3.0 in (76 mm), Premium emulsion-style shocks
Rear spring preload Tool-free hydraulic knob adjustment
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