Loking at 2 bikes. A 2009 RK Classic 96" 6K miles and not a scratch. With trade of street bob out the door 2K. VS 2014 RK 103 out the door 7500. 5K difference but 5 year diff as well. Any reason to stay away from the 09. Just cannot decide and interested in some riders input

Thanks

 

If it were my choice I'd go with the NEW 2014, but only if new. Nothing wrong with the 09 though. If you decide on the 09, have them change out the front wheel bearings with their newer superseded part number as part of the deal. You're gonna love the bike, either one. Good luck!

BTW - 5.5K difference!

 

The 09 has the newer frame so it's a good year. 2014 brought some good things to the RK as well.
2K difference is a no brainer, but if you can do the 7500 easily then you really have a new bike.
The 2K difference 2009 is hard to beat...I would tend to go with that. WTF can you buy with 2K anymore?

 

If I may suggest, buy the "most and newest" bike that you can afford.

Biggest difference would be that the 2014 has bigger motor (103") linked breaks, new saddle bags lids and "toilet handle" opening devise, different engine parts (ie. Comp., cams, lifters, air filter cover, etc.) paint, 5 years of getting the bugs out of the new frame change, cat in header, and of course price tag. And maybe a oil cooler. (not sure if they have this one)


I'm sure some folks can chime in with more.


Nothing wrong with a 2009 model, they did have some small bugs to fix, but you can go on line and check if any 2009 model has been updated.


Good luck!


YB

 

If have a 2003 Road King and a 2007 Road King. I would go with the 09. Main difference between the 14 and the 09 is the 103 vs. 96 and the larger front forks on the 14. Both of those items can be addressed for way less that 5500.

Racetech springs in the front forks with Ricor intiminators with get you nearly the same advantage of the new 49mm front forks. And a 107 kit in the 96 inch engine will be far better than the 103 and still be way under the 5500 difference. I don't think the 103 is much better than a 96 with good cams. Does the 14 Road Kings have the linked brakes ? I guess that is another difference if it's important to you. Also the new saddlebags but not sure I really like the shape of the new style bags.

But if your one of those guys that trades up every few years your better off with the new 14 in my opinion.

 

Miles? I am assuming both have hard bags? Not a classic? I love having ABS and cruise. How long are you going to keep it for?

 

I have an 01 and love it. Very recently totaled and will have it rebuilt into something pretty exotic. Always been happy with it but prefer a fairing to a shield. My Memphis Shades fairing was trashed so gonna turn it into a King Glide. Great versatile bikes that can be modified in so many ways.

 

Do you put miles on your bike (20k) or more a year or are you a weekend warrior? do you like having the bike serviced at the dealer or do you do your own?

If you are a rider and do your own service, get the 09 if you are a weekend warrior and have the dealer do your work get the newer bike.

Reason I say this, they are pretty much the same bike with a few exceptions. The 09 can easily but upgraded to a 103 and your overall investment would still be less than the new bike and you could get what you want. Plus if you ride alot your are not taking a big depreciation hit vs new.

I've taken my last depreciation hit. Any future bike I get will be new to me not brand new. I'm letting someone else take the depreciation loss.

 

The ricor/ race tech upgrade is nice, I have it on my bike but, the 2014 has an upgraded triple tree and stiffer fork tubes. That would cost quite a bit to change out.... Go new if possible.....

 

Thanks for the feedback. I plan on keeping it long term, ride at least 5000 miles a year do my own maintenance,repairs and mods. The 09 is a classic with leather bags (will be changing them to hard bags). It has 6100 miles on the speedometer, good rubber, and is two tone.