Road King Model Year Differences
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 87
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From: Moorpark, CA
Road King Model Year Differences
I am looking at getting a used Road King. I am trying to figure out the changes made between model years. For instance, what changes were made in 2014 compared with the 2011-13’s? What changes were made in 2017 compared with the 2014-2016’s? I’m concerned about 2017-2018 (latest years I’d be considering) because of the M8 sumping issues.
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 769
Likes: 375
From: Bay Area
Depending on the budget, I'd consider a '14-'16 Rushmore Twin Cam. It's the end of the line for the 103 twinkies, and they're the most refined.
Still love my 2010, but I if were buying today and had less than $15K to spend, I'd go twin cam, but those recent 114" Road King Specials are awfully nice bikes too, but probably looking at high teens to low 20s for a minty one.
Good luck with your search!
Still love my 2010, but I if were buying today and had less than $15K to spend, I'd go twin cam, but those recent 114" Road King Specials are awfully nice bikes too, but probably looking at high teens to low 20s for a minty one.
Good luck with your search!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 915
From: Madisonville, La
Buy the latest reasonable mileage bike you can find. In addition to the 49mm forks, 14 and later Rushmore, 18 and later M8 there have been small improvements every year. Buying a 17 and later M8 will get you a much better bike in all respects. In my opinion the M8 is worth the small increase. Bide your time and wait for that great buy. Even with the recent increase in dealer used bike prices there will be a private seller with a good deal.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,065
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Besides the new saddlebags, larger forks and CanBus, the 14-16 had the high output 103 motor, hydraulic clutch, and floating front rotors. The security and ABS brakes were an option, so some may have it. The speedo gauge included gear and range to empty.
The '17 Kings had the motor change, including optional reflex brakes. The '18 King came out with the Special.
I agree with some the 103 motor has been refined, I bought my '13 King new and it has been flawless so far. But then again, some have had great M8 bikes too.
The '17 Kings had the motor change, including optional reflex brakes. The '18 King came out with the Special.
I agree with some the 103 motor has been refined, I bought my '13 King new and it has been flawless so far. But then again, some have had great M8 bikes too.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 1,228
From: Depends on where I am
Besides the new saddlebags, larger forks and CanBus, the 14-16 had the high output 103 motor, hydraulic clutch, and floating front rotors. The security and ABS brakes were an option, so some may have it. The speedo gauge included gear and range to empty.
The '17 Kings had the motor change, including optional reflex brakes. The '18 King came out with the Special.
I agree with some the 103 motor has been refined, I bought my '13 King new and it has been flawless so far. But then again, some have had great M8 bikes too.
The '17 Kings had the motor change, including optional reflex brakes. The '18 King came out with the Special.
I agree with some the 103 motor has been refined, I bought my '13 King new and it has been flawless so far. But then again, some have had great M8 bikes too.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 297
Likes: 180
From: SE Mass
I second this as I have a 2015 and it has been bulletproof for 30K+ miles so far. I also wouldn't hesitate to go newer if your budget allows but a '14-'16 is a solid option if it is more in line with what you're looking to spend. Also, someone else mentioned in this thread that the '14-16' Road Kings have a hydraulic clutch but that is not the case. Those still use a cable.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
I went from a 2015 Fat Boy (103 TC) to a 2018 Road King (107 M8).
The M8 engine is better in all respects. It runs much cooler and has a much more satisfying power curve. The 2017-2018 Kings are the same. Only a few changes from 2019-2021.
I would try to get an M8 if I could.
The M8 engine is better in all respects. It runs much cooler and has a much more satisfying power curve. The 2017-2018 Kings are the same. Only a few changes from 2019-2021.
I would try to get an M8 if I could.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,065
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by cowboydoc
Not sure if/when they changed to hydraulic clutch on the Road Kings but my 2014 has a cable clutch.
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