I thought the 88 was a great engine, then I rode a 96, then I rode a 103 and now i have a 103 HO and I don't dare get on a M8. Where will this madness end?

 

I have a 103 RK that I picked up last year, Love it. Don't think I'd trade mine out for anything short of an M8 or if I ever had the opportunity- maybe one of those fancy T143's from S&S...

 

I have a 2011 RKC with the 103, plenty of power and a great bike, looks beautiful and runs very well. The new bikes with the 107 have a little more power but if power is your concern you can beef up any bike although you should not find the 103 lacking. The real difference is in the feel of the new bikes compared to the older ones, some like the smoothness of the 107 while others think it has lost some Harley soul and gained a little Honda. That is a personal thing and only you can answer that question. I have not rode the 107 but I am not crazy about the more refined looks of the new bikes, My 2011 has more character in my opinion,it vibrates a little more, a solid clunk when I put it in gear and goes down the road just fine.

 

I happen to own both. I have a 103 Road King and a new Street Glide with the 107. The only difference with the Street Glide is the batwing fairing, everything else is pretty much the same. Hands down my 107 SG will outperform my 103 Road King in power and handling. Much smoother ride and more torque across the board. Both are pretty stock. If the money you save now on buying the 103 is your main concern, go for it, but in the long run and resale value go for the 107 you will NOT be disappointed.

 

My thoughts also, well said.

 

For me, no question at all...the M8.

I have a 2013 Switchback bought new. At the time of purchase, I had also test ridden a 2014 RK. Very nice bike, no question. Didn't sway me from the FLD though. I've upgraded my FLD with front and rear suspension, cams and Stage 1. It's quick and agile. I test rode an M8 RK last Oct. I'll take the RK M8 over my done up FLD and am seriously contemplating doing so. The M8 feels plush but crisp to ride with surprisingly strong power for a stock air cooled HD motor. The bike is smooth with soothing vibes. Aside from the engine being stronger and smoother, the suspension upgrades really highlight the differences between the 2. The M8 RK rode crisper and always felt planted. The suspension differences alone would drive me to the M8. While I would tinker on the bike, out of the box the M8 RK is a great bike and really aside from a possible seat/bars/windshield replacement and Stage 1, which would apply to any new bike purchase, I don't find the immediate need for cams or suspension as I would on the Twin Cam RK. Again, this is what I would do for the way I like to ride. YMMV.

 

I have a 14 RK with the 103 HO and no mods. I did a 4K 6 day trip to Vegas and Laughlin River Run last year. It did a fine job of tracking and handling on some crappy roads. The stock engine is strong. I know most want more power but the HO engine in the lightest of the touring bikes just runs strong.

I can compare it to the M8 in my RGS with stage I. The M8 is a monster in comparison on performance. But the difference in gain over the savings of a good low miles used RK. I would think that the RK of 12 to 14 model years would be a better value.

The 14 with the Rushmore upgrades and standard cruise might be the one to look for. The 17 or latter RK's will still be there to consider down the road. I don't think that H-D will go out of business anytime soon.

 

I agree with you - probably find better value out of a lightly used 103. I really do enjoy that engine.

Do any of you RK owners find you run out of ground clearance to quickly when corning?

 

the new RK Specials are good looking rides but pricey

 

I have a 2009 RKC and I've put so much into it that I've just replaced the engine through the long block program with a 103. I could have picked any engine but the 103 is rock solid and proven. I think the new engines are single cam as the old evo's were so it's a very different beast, not to mention the valves, BUT it's new. I would wait a year or three - and did by ordering a new engine instead for my King. I'll go to the M8 in a couple of years but honestly a bike is a bike if you love it.