Pre or Post Rushmore
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,813
Likes: 8,713
From: Edmonton, Alberta
The Rushmore bikes had some very worthwhile upgrades. Some early twin-cooled bikes had water pump failures, and I believe there were clutch and bag attachment hardware recalls, but otherwise they are quite reliable.
Tourer
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 423
Likes: 324
From: PA
Interesting question. Ridden them both, and stock I'd be all over the Rushmore. But the 13 has monotubes, Ohlins, a Garmin Zumo and bluetooth helmets that do just about everything the new bikes do. Aside from the M8, I just don't see the value in moving on from this platform right now.
OK, and the saddlebag latches. Want them.
A year from now, if there's a monoshock Touring chassis, new ballgame.
Bottom line, you gotta ride both.
OK, and the saddlebag latches. Want them.
A year from now, if there's a monoshock Touring chassis, new ballgame.
Bottom line, you gotta ride both.
Novice
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis, IN
I just bought a '15, as my first touring bike (and HD). My wife liked the seating arrangement better on the Rushmore bikes. I have a very knowledgeable friend that had an '11, then a '14, and now a '17. He much preferred the latching mechanisms on the Rushmores. Also, I didn't really want to pick up a bike older than a '14 since I plan to keep it for awhile. I decided to go down that path. I found a low mileage (< 4k) Ultra Limited and went with it! Besides the possible water pump issue, it seems like the Rushmore's are solid.
joe
joe
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 379
Likes: 67
From: Denton tx
I have a 11' RKC which is paid for so really difficult to justify moving up. However, I think there is a lot of wisdom with buying the newest bike you can pay cash for. Tough to have payments on a pure luxary toy...
Last edited by Blackjack1; Feb 21, 2019 at 09:30 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
I had a 2010 Ultra Limited with the 103. It was a fantastic bike, and I loved it and rode it a great deal.
When the Rushmore Road Glides came out, I immediately fell in love and knew I had to have one. I waited a model year to thresh out any potential problems, and in 2016 bought my beautiful Road Glide Special (NO water cooling!).
I've had seven or eight bikes in my day, and loved them all. I love this one far and away more than ANY other bike before it.
I say Rushmore (non water-cooled, if that worries you).
When the Rushmore Road Glides came out, I immediately fell in love and knew I had to have one. I waited a model year to thresh out any potential problems, and in 2016 bought my beautiful Road Glide Special (NO water cooling!).
I've had seven or eight bikes in my day, and loved them all. I love this one far and away more than ANY other bike before it.
I say Rushmore (non water-cooled, if that worries you).
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 372
Likes: 83
From: FL East Coast /Western NC
funny how all you guys say the best bike is the one u got... come on, lets be honest here... dont be afraid to step out a little to say what you really, truly believe...the 2012 FLHTK was the best bike ever built.... period ............most of us know that to be true
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 798
From: Bear Flag, lower end
Lol, 27 posts and the OP has not returned. Guess he got a bike and rode off.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I am still riding my ‘09 and plenty happy after a ton of mods but if I was gettin a new bike it would be a Rushmore for the stiffer forks alone, but the other upgrades Are more than worthwhile. Not sure the water cooling is actually an upgrade but not a dealbreaker. Plus the resale will be better.
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