Hello everyone. I am new to the forum and would greatly appreciate any input/ advise. I am ready for my first Harley. Been waiting 30 years. I am 54 and feel so happy to finally be in the position. In my research, I have fallen in love with Road Kings. In looking at prices in my area, I seem to fit financially into the 2014-2018 years, with a 2018 being on the very high end (would need a really good deal). I am learning that the 2014-2016, 103 engine with Rushmore improvements are a great choice. I also read that the 2017 and 2018 made significant improvements to the engine M8 107 and elsewhere. My question is what year would you guys choose if given the opportunity and why? Thank You very much for your time!!!

 

I’m into pre twin cam carbed bikes, so I’m of little help to you.. just wanted to say I recently bought a Road King and really dig it. Best wishes to you.

 

Thank You for your response

 

I do like the improvements on the Rushmore twin cams. It's what I bought last time. For me I didn't feel like spending the money for m8. But m8 people like them. I did not want early years of a model either

If you didn't have a lot of money I like older twin cams too.

 

The M8 is a great motor. So much can be done with it. But the first oil pump that Harley used can cause blow by through the air filter. Updating to the newest M8 oil pump should fix that. Other than that, I'm sold on the Harley M8. I road an 18' SGS for a couple of years (no blow by), I traded that in on an 18' Fatboy. Upgraded the motor and road that for 3 years (no Blow by). I wanted a touring bike and traded the FB in on a low mileage 17' RGS (lot's of blow by with the 107 motor). I just put the new oil pump in, which seems to have cleared up the blow by. Other than that, I've never had an issue with the M8.

Yes, I've had other Harley's before those. A 103, a 96 and earlier Sportsters.

 

You mean "sumping" in the crankcase, right? Some small % affected...

 

I read about "Sumping". Can you describe what it is so I know how to recognize when test riding? If I buy a 2017 or 2018 RK should I ask if they have updated to the newest M8 Oil Pump?

 

Under certain conditions, early versions of the M8 oil pump had problems getting enough oil out of the crankcase fast enough...too much oil in the crankcase creates a "drag" on the flywheel running thru it, causing the oil to overheat and lose its lubricating properties...too much heat and the motor burns up...other factors contributed to this effect...when accelerating, if motor is sumping, motor will feel very sluggish with a burnt oil smell and lots of heat...

If I recall, most of the problems were in the heavier touring bikes that were stage 3 or 4 modified; not stock Road Kings

 

I would definitely have concerns about the 2017-18 oil pumps. Harley didn't completely fix the sumping problem until 2020. I would make sure you get or have an updated pump, or else go aftermarket with S&S or Feuling.

I have had 2 road kings and liked them both. The M8 one definitely had more power and ran cooler. For a used bike, I would also look at the suspension because road kings are heavy bikes and the stock suspension isn't that great.

 

To the OP: If you feel you Must upgrade the oil pump to the latest version, it's perfectly fine to go with the proven HD pump for waaaay less $$ than the Feuling/ S&S pumps...did I mention that the HD 8-lobe pump is proven to prevent sumping vs others which are not...

P/N for latest HD 8-lobe pump kit: 62400247 (oil-cooled)