Hello All,

Please excuse me if this question has been posed before. I am a new member and didn't see a previous thread, so I would appreciate any and all input.

I am looking to purchase a new bike in the touring family. The question is....

2013 Road King Classic
or
2014 Road King (with white walls and laced wheels)

(The new (left-over) 2013's are discounted a fair amount.)

Thank you in advance,

Will

 

depends if you want hard or leather bags I guess....only difference I can see
hubby has the classic and loves it

 

The 14 has the new steering head.

I would go that way for a better handling bike.

 

Either way you're going to have a nice bike, IMO I like the leather bags better, but that's just me. As SM stated, with the '14 you do get the upgraded head and I think the larger forks as well...

 

Depends on your budget and what you want to look at every time you go into the garage. '13 RKC is a great look, but is no more in the U.S. The '13 comes standard with ABS, security and the whitewall tires you want. You couple that with the deep discount and that's quite a value. The down side is resale. If you're planning to sell within the first few years, you're essentially buying a year old bike from the git-go. If you're going to keep it for a long time, then it won't make much difference.

The '14 Road King is a great looking bike also. It has new handlebars which will be more comfortable than previous years (at least for most folks). New steering head, larger diameter forks, new saddlebag release (one hand). New wheels, but you said you want to get the laced whitewall wheel option (about $500 extra), new colors.

Personally, I'd look real hard at a '13 if there were one in a color that I liked.

OK, that's my humble opinion and nothing more - just an opinion. Good Luck.

 

I had a love/hate relationship with the leather bags... I loved the way they looked, I hated the buckles and the upkeep on them...

 

If you dont have a preference due to looks than definitely go for the 2014. Improvements are well worth it , larger forks and new steering head, new design bags,lids and latches and the "High Output 103 Engine" are the main things.

 

I always like a RK with hard saddlebags, but that's my preference. The 2014's are the newest and greatest thing on Earth, according to some people. Got to go with your gut. I'm a firm believer that we don't choose the bike, the bike chooses us...

 

I think the parts catalog is selling the leather covered "classic" bags now as a separate option

 

Do the '14! No regrets I'll wager.