Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King - that “real iron” motorcycle

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are considered legendary in Russia. This is the dream of a real biker, at least that’s what people who are far from two-wheeled vehicles think.


There is truth in this statement. The main thing is to understand how ordinary motorcyclists differ from these same bikers. The latter are considered to be fans of the classic American style. All iron choppers, cruisers and leather equipment with stripes.

Not every motorcyclist dreams of a Harley-Davidson. There are enough models that are much more universal or suitable for specific purposes. But if you have the opportunity to purchase and maintain several expensive bikes, then one of them will definitely be a Harley.


Today we will talk about the 2015 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King. This is the epitome of American style.

Features of the model

The motorcycle was globally updated in 2014. After this, the FLHR Road King became even more brutal, comfortable and stylish.

Features of the model:

✅ Classic cruiser appearance
✅ No plastic
✅ Lots of chrome
✅ Side cases even in the basic configuration

The manufacturer has worked on the color scheme - new shades have appeared. And the paintwork, it feels like it’s individual. It looks as if the masters from a tuning salon worked on it. The quality of paintwork has definitely been higher since 2014.


The new saddlebags can be unlocked or locked with just one touch. The instrument panel and controls have become even more convenient. And the one-piece ergonomic seat pleases. Finally, the passenger will not feel like a guest on the motorcycle. Its location allows you to travel long distances in comfort.


Taken as a whole, the bike is distinguished by an abundance of chrome and massive steel parts - everything that American motorcyclists loved in the 60s. The headlight remains externally unchanged, despite the modernization. She is still large and is surrounded by a couple of small “brothers”. By the way, bikers call Faro Hiawatha, apparently hinting at the unification of several tribes by this Indian into a union.

Appearance and fit

It's hard to describe the Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King in words. This is a bike to look at and love. This doesn’t mean that you will definitely want to buy it, it’s just that the model looks like a brutal work of art.

If from afar the motorcycle looks like an exhibition piece, then up close it amazes with its monumentality. This is exactly that “real iron” bike. Even in comparison with the standard Soviet “Ural”, it is even more “correct”.


As for the riding position, the motorcycle, unlike other Harley-Davidson models, is designed for riders of average height. It is frankly low, although tall ones are also quite comfortable. The FLHR Road King's main rider footpegs are more like full platforms.


The motorcycle seat is more of a touring one. It is comfortable and allows you to travel several hundred kilometers in a row without stopping. The deep seat helps reduce stress on your back.

The Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King has a classic cruiser steering wheel. It is wide so that your hands do not get tired on long trips, but not high, as is fashionable with choppers.

However, no one is stopping you from installing a new steering wheel - the same as in the old films. By the way, they did this not at all for beauty, but in order to protect motorcyclists from gangster clubs from the machinations of competitors. They often pulled a thick wire across the road, right at neck level. The high handlebar protected the rider from such traps.

Engine and other performance characteristics

The Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King engine is called Twin Cam 103. Volume is 1 cm690. The manufacturer traditionally hides the power, not wanting to disclose it to the public. But motorcyclists are inquisitive people, they have long known how to reveal secrets.


As practice shows, the Twin Cam 103 engine develops about 100 hp. With. Modest for a volume of almost 1,7 liters. But don’t forget that these are Harleys; these motorcycles have traction shifted to the lower rev range.

Paired with the engine is a manual gearbox. It's called Six-Speed ​​Cruise Drive. In 2014, it was advertised by the manufacturer as the smoothest and quietest Harley has ever produced. What can you say about this? Only that the gearbox works more harmoniously in conjunction with the engine. But it cannot be called ideal, especially when compared with Japanese units of the same years.

But the resource of the gearbox is impressive. It is the same as the motorcycle itself – brutal, as if carved from a single piece of metal. Naturally, this is all figurative, but the gearbox is reliable. So far no one has complained about her, at least.


Six gears are enough both in the city and on the highway. The smoothness of the shift is impressive. Although, the Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King is a rather “evil” motorcycle. It takes some getting used to. For beginners, standing still can be intimidating.

The motorcycle received a new steering column with a stiffer fork. This hints that it is better not to turn off the asphalt.


The rear suspension is adjustable, although it does not have long travel, as befits a Harley-Davidson. It’s worth repeating once again that this motorcycle is for asphalt.

Driving sensations

The bike is low, so it is stable. It is not difficult for even a fragile girl to hold the model. The main thing is that she doesn’t drop it, otherwise she’ll have to look for help later. But numerous arcs will protect against serious damage.


In the city the motorcycle is ideal, but for a leisurely ride. Surprisingly, the dimensions of the bike allow you to ride in traffic jams. The main thing is to get used to it, otherwise you might get hooked.

By the way, you won’t be able to scare away cars while moving between the rows using engine sounds. The motor is quite quiet - the manufacturer thought about environmental standards and the peace of mind of others. However, no one is stopping you from installing tuning mufflers.

The rigidity of the chassis and the short travel of the suspension allow it to take turns at speed. The main thing is not to get carried away with tilting the bike. No, the Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King is stable and theoretically difficult to drop it in such situations. But the wide running boards quickly start to spark sparks from the asphalt. And they are chrome – it’s a pity.


Bad roads, of which we have many far from cities, are not for Harley. Every pothole hits the sports suspension, which hits the rider’s backbone and spine.

When it comes to rural roads, riding a Harley-Davidson on them is a slow grind. The long wheelbase of the motorcycle does not facilitate the passage of uneven surfaces.

Prices in Russia

Buying a 2014 FLHR Road King in our country is easy. They ask for them from 910 thousand rubles. If you want to save money, you can try to bring a bike from the USA through intermediaries.


The motorcycle is suitable primarily for ideological motorcyclists. Not for those who like to travel to “bear corners”. For the latter, there are universal models made in Japan.

Is the Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King worth buying? If you want, then why not? Dreams must come true someday!