I've got a 17 Road King with the M8. I was riding a 16 Fat Bob and wanted to move up to a touring frame. The natural choice was a Street Glide but after riding a couple they didn't do it for me. I took a Road King for a ride and realised right then that it was what I was looking for. I've put 7000 miles on it since September and still feel like I made the correct choice. I like the versatility of the RK being able to take the shield off. If I was buying again I would buy another King. No issues out of mine, uses no oil and i have not had any transfer issues though I check often. I love this M8.

 

I blew the 3000 RPM recommendation away on the test ride

 

I did too a couple of times. No big deal.

 

I notice (if I see your picture correctly) that you did not go with the color matched Trunk. I am thinking of doing the same thing. I have the 2017 Blue/Silver and was thinking of saving the $300 for the paint. I will only use the trunk when doing overnight traveling (about 10 days per year). I didn't know how the basic black would look, so thanks for showing the pix. Do you ever regret not getting the color matched paint or does it ever "bother" you that it is not matched. Just wanted to know; don't want to regret it for $300, but also don't feel it is that important.
Thanks for the input.

 

Yep same here, love the M8 RK.

 

When I bought the black trunk, the price difference was actually closer to $700 over a dealer new color matched unit. Buying gently used made a lot of sense at that point. I didn't bother with lights, so the trunk is on or off in a minute.

I am also glad that I got black because I kind of like the way the black and silver look together, and it helps to remind me that the trunk is for trips. When I need the extra locking space, as in my recent trip to Key West, or last year to Sturgis, it is very nice to have. If I leave the trunk on for around town, it will tend to get loaded up with stuff I really don't need in there.

One of the big things I love about a RK is the versatility and convertible nature of the bike and touring accessories. Others may like the convenience of a trunk all the time, but mine goes in storage when not needed.

 

A 107 M8 is around 1750cc and under 80hp, with about 100lb/tq. Is that enough on a 800+lb bike? It will do under 14 seconds in the 1/4mi.

...of course if you are looking for numbers, consider a 599cc Suzuki. 125hp and under 12 second times....

The only place 2 seconds is a long time is on the 1/4mile.......

 

I didn't buy my 18 RK for speed. It's not what it's about, for me at least. It's all about cruising, the fellowship and the freedom of the open road.

Anyway, if I want speed I have my 482" side-oiler 65 427 Cobra (replica) which delivers a 9.4 @ 154 mph. My friend has a 1098 Ducati and I took him by 2 car lengths to 60mph, with the front end pointing skyward. I also have a mid-10s C6 Z06.

 

I will let you know tomorrow when I pick mine up.

 

Cool. Pics too please.