Decision to make: 2012 RK w/ ABS vs 2014 RK w/o ABS
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 105
Likes: 10
From: Canada
Decision to make: 2012 RK w/ ABS vs 2014 RK w/o ABS
Hi all,
I know the ABS question has been asked a lot but I am faced with a decision that I need to make:
2012 RK Black classic stock - 6000 kms - ABS, security
2014 RK Mysterious Sunglo Red (white wall tires), hard saddle bags - 4000 kms- no ABS but there is security
2014 is $1000 more than 2012.
I know the decision is mine but just wanted to know what majority would do? I like the handlebars on the 14 but prefer the black colour of the 2012. I like the rushmore upgrades of the 2014 but not sure about the burgundy/mysterious sunglo red colour.
Both of these deals are considered good in Canada and I am saving ~7K from brand new (7K on 2014, 8K on 2012)
Also anything I need to be careful of or check? This is my first harley NOT my first bike.
thanks!
Paul
I know the ABS question has been asked a lot but I am faced with a decision that I need to make:
2012 RK Black classic stock - 6000 kms - ABS, security
2014 RK Mysterious Sunglo Red (white wall tires), hard saddle bags - 4000 kms- no ABS but there is security
2014 is $1000 more than 2012.
I know the decision is mine but just wanted to know what majority would do? I like the handlebars on the 14 but prefer the black colour of the 2012. I like the rushmore upgrades of the 2014 but not sure about the burgundy/mysterious sunglo red colour.
Both of these deals are considered good in Canada and I am saving ~7K from brand new (7K on 2014, 8K on 2012)
Also anything I need to be careful of or check? This is my first harley NOT my first bike.
thanks!
Paul
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,584
Likes: 918
From: coast to coast
Personally ABS is a non-issue for me. I'm not against it, just too many years without it to choose a bike based on it. Personally the 103 HO motor in the Rushmore would win it for me. I love it in my '16 Road King. Best stock motor to come out of HD IMO. Other Rushmore improvemts are nice too. I like both colors....I'd vote '14.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,686
Likes: 242
From: Glen Mills, PA
I love having abs on loose gravel, the first few minutes or rain and on the rear in case you panic and lock the to keep from swapping out.
I think the 14 has different software and better tuners than the 12.
I have a 13 classic and like the leather bags astetically but the hard bags are better for security. I assume then both have cruise as that is a must.
I think the 14 has different software and better tuners than the 12.
I have a 13 classic and like the leather bags astetically but the hard bags are better for security. I assume then both have cruise as that is a must.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
I don't mind the ABS but when you add the Reflex braking controller I think it is the source of my frustration with the ABS on my '14. I have too many years of riding habits to overcome using both front and rear brake for all stops. I believe that ABS/REFLEX doesn't like this approach and it is very difficult to come to a smooth slow stop (city traffic) using both hand and foot brake controls. They also grab a lot when braking gradually. Normal brake application using the foot control only seems to work much better but old habits are hard to break (no pun intended).
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
I'd buy the 2014 w/o abs and linked brakes. HD has had some ABS/HCU failures that result in the loss of the front or rear brakes due to a frozen pedal or lever. There haven't been a lot of failures but if it happens to you while riding; one is enough.
I have an 02 Dyna w/o abs and a 11 Road King with abs. Should my abs unit ever fail, I'll replace the system with standard non abs lines I bought as new take offs on CL. Every other motorcycle manufacturer does ABS right with genuine tone rings that update faster than HDs 9 wheel bearing triggers and if ABS fails you're left with standard braking as opposed to complete loss of one of the brakes.
I have an 02 Dyna w/o abs and a 11 Road King with abs. Should my abs unit ever fail, I'll replace the system with standard non abs lines I bought as new take offs on CL. Every other motorcycle manufacturer does ABS right with genuine tone rings that update faster than HDs 9 wheel bearing triggers and if ABS fails you're left with standard braking as opposed to complete loss of one of the brakes.