This nameplate was introduced for the 2004 model year as a custom-styled Touring derivative of the established Road King. It kept the basic long-distance touring format of the larger FL family but moved in a more stripped-down, West Coast-custom direction, with a lower rear stance, wide handlebars, and a cleaner look than the more traditional Road King variants. The model was identified by the FLHRS designation, and it was positioned as a factory custom rather than an aftermarket-inspired one-off, giving buyers a production motorcycle with a more personalized attitude straight from the showroom.
The Road King Custom stood apart from the standard Road King by leaning into a more minimalist silhouette while still retaining the touring hardware that defined the line, including luggage and other long-haul fundamentals. That balance made it appealing to riders who wanted a large-frame cruiser with touring ability but preferred less chrome-heavy, less dressy styling than the classic Road King or Road King Classic. It also helped broaden the touring lineup by showing that the platform could support both traditional touring presentation and a more modern custom aesthetic.
The nameplate was offered only during a single production run from 2004 through 2007. It did not continue into later years under the same model name, although Harley-Davidson later used related custom touring ideas on other nameplates. As a result, the Road King Custom is remembered as a short-lived but distinctive factory-custom chapter in the Road King family.