One aspect of the Road King riding experience was a bit disconcerting. In that the Harley employs a type of keyless security system - the alarm engages automatically as you walk away with the key in your pocket - the key can be removed while under power.

Of course, I only discovered this when it flew out of its slot as I crested a bump in road. At first, I didn't know what flew off the bike until I circled back and saw the key in the middle of the road. This was not exactly comforting - and something that could be a real problem if it happened out on the highway somewhere.

Freedom starts here.

Style to burn
For those riders who like to stick closer to home, the Screamin' Eagle Road King is a fine ride for boulevard cruising. The custom Road Winder wheels and acres of chrome - on the hand grips, foot boards, brake pedal, shifter, front fork sliders and engine components - make this machine gleam even on a cloudy day.

There are also three new paint schemes to choose from for 2008, including a special 105th-anniversary copper and black model. The look of the Road King is capped off with the tombstone-shaped tail lamp, detachable smoked windscreen, and detachable rider and passenger backrests. In photos and in person, this bike definitely makes a statement.

To haul out an aging move quote: "It looks like money." And it certainly draws more than its fair of attention from those onlookers who have always thought of quitting their jobs and taking to the open road in the pursuit of some romantic ideal. In this way, the Screamin' Eagle Road King is the very definition of a dream machine.

Limited edition release
As with all CVO models, the 2008 Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle Road King is being produced in limited numbers. The factories are building approximately 3150 models for the new model year, with 1800 of those bearing the anniversary paint scheme.

In Canada, we can expect to receive roughly one-tenth of that allocation and it's likely that the waiting list is already on the verge of becoming untenable. The MSRP for the bike is $34,189 and the special paint adds $580 to that tally.

While that makes the Screamin' Eagle Road King one of the most expensive cruisers on the market, this bike will no doubt rise to the very top of the traditional Harley fan's wish list.


Comfortable riding position
Smooth power delivery
Hi-tech additions (ABS, fuel injection, electronic throttle control)
Surprising low-speed manoeuvrability
Large degree of cruiser cachet

Difficulty in engaging neutral
Rear brakes in need of power boost
Bizarre ignition key system



High price of entry


Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux