I'll bet after all this crazy talk, he buys a LiveWire.

 

It is always great to repost what you have heard instead of facts. M8 water pumps are solid.

 

Ok the guy is asking for opinions, half of the posts on this forum are about these issues. My 103 is fabulous, mine isn't Rushmore & doesn't have a water pump so I can't state 100% that these things are problems.
As I stated I enjoyed the rental of an M8 for a few days so I have nothing against them but plenty of posts about the whole sumping thing. I assume people aren't just making up these issues to bitch about something.

 

I am committed to a Road King. Just left my local dealer and sat on a few that were out of my price range. A little intimidating I cannot lie but I loved it. I just messaged two sellers of 2018 models to see if I can get a great deal closest to my 10K budget. If not going to shoot for a 2016 TC.

 

Thanks Jack. I am feeling like I am going to end up with a 103 Rushmore due to my budget unless I can get a "steal" on a '17 or'18.

 

I had a 103 and it was trouble free for 40k. I now own a 2018 M8 107 and I love the M8. As you know a person with a problem will get on a soap box but the trouble free owns just ride. The trouble post gets blown up by the I heard of another guy. I have 23K trouble free miles. Get the newest low mileage bike that is in your budget and go ride!

 

The large majority of bikes including early M8s are fine with no problems. Look for things ya like on different models, including miles and color (for me).

 

Obviously a person of fine taste.

I restarted my HD riding life in Nov. of 2016 with a previously loved 2015 FatBob, with a 103 (only 3486 miles). In March of 2020 I traded the FatBob (45122 miles) in on a 30th anniversary FatBoy with the 114 M8. Wow. The difference between the TC & M8 could not be just the 11 CI's.

Fast forward a couple of years & I'm at the local Mothership admiring a 2023 RKS in Industrial Yellow, when I said "I'd buy that if it wasn't so expensive". The sales manager & Finance manager appeared at my elbow and asked "what was not to expensive". Aaaaaand, now I own a '23 Yellow RKS.

Get yourself a road king, I've fell in love with mine. Find the one that says "Yes" when you look at it. Don't be in a rush and settle for what you're seeing around you. The TC vs M8 debate is never going to be settled, so throw that out unless it is the only difference between two bikes.

Low miles, well cared for, doesn't leak too much, and you can afford it should be your guide.

Good luck in your search.

 

Get a Rushmore 14-16 bike and go have fun. Just try to buy from an owner who didn't jack it up.

Ride safe!

 

I am narrowing down my search guys. Really loving this one. It is about a 3.5 hours away if I decide to buy this one. 2015 Road King Stock with 15K miles. 2nd owner who is an older gentleman. He says he bought it about 4 years ago. Had it fully serviced including brakes rotors and new tires then put about 500-1K miles on it until he got sick beginning of least season. Says he drove it about 100 miles last season and none so far this season. He also mentioned he dropped it 3 times with minimal scratches and the highway foot pegs took the scratches. What do you guys think? I got him down to 10K which is my budget. Dealer maintained and garage kept. Please give some input.