The RK is versatile- long trip, attach fairing or windshield and take off when you are done. The 04 Has an 88” Twin cam, it had timing chain tensioner issues. I have an 05 RK that I bigbored, cammed and put hydraulic tensioners in for approx 3k installed. It is perfect now with a set of 551 cams that have a nice wide torque curve
Since you are doing an hour on PCH and canyons, a 2017+ Softail or Touring will probably be the way to go. Imo it sounds like you would prefer a softail with bags like the heritage without a windshield. It's minor but the m8s run cooler and make a difference on those hot days. If you had to do a twin cam touring bike go 2009+.
Part of me definitely wants the softail, my wallet would probably be happier. For the 2009 twin cam, is that because of the 96 vs 88? From my reading it seems the cam tensioner stuff was resolved by that point too
I just bought my first motorcycle and it’s a 2002 road king classic with a twin cam 88.
Pros: It’s a great commuter bike or even just a great bike in general. Not as big as a road glide but like you mentioned, has storage. It’s pretty versatile and you can take the bags off for a more sleek look. Get you a comfortable seat and you will have a smooth ride. Handles well and feels like a beast.
Cons: with the 88 engine, I already want to make it faster by adding a big bore kit, cams, etc. but even after I add all of that, I will only be at a 98 or 100 engine. OR You can buy a 103 and have the speed without the big bore kit. The 88 is meant for cruising is not a performance bagger unless you want to spend the right amount of money to make it one. Also it’s a 5 speed. So when you’re going high speeds, I imagine they 6th gear would be a smooth ride around the 2200-2500 rpm range vs me going 70-80mph+ in 5th seems like it’s I’m pushing it.
Overall, I love my bike. And my opinion is only based on me wanting to go faster because I watch people like Eastcoastin & Thrashin lol. Once I throw the 98 kit + cams, I think I will be fully satisfied. I’m taking it on my first “distance ride” from the IE to Chopper Fest in Ventura so I’ll give you an update from a distance stand point.
- My 88" 2004 FLHRSI is much better with Andrews TW21 cams, SE air element and SEPST. The 88" is the coolest running and smoothest TC motor. No plans for big bore kit at least until it needs a top end job. I would pick S&S kit with more cylinder fins for cooler running motor. The Road King, to me, is a heavy touring bike so low to mid range grunt took priority over high rpms.
Nice looking bike! Interesting about the 5th/6th gear. I feel that on the sporty, I imagine it would be better on the RK, but point taken.
As far as performance, I’ve had a sport bike before, I’m not trying to be the fastest out there these days, but definitely important to feel like the bike can move when I want it to. Part of me likes that there could be a project in the future, part of me just wants to buy a better bike from the get go
Yeah for sure. I enjoy the bike a lot. As far as the 5th/6th gear comment, I say that because my pipe is loud. Around 2000 - 2500 RPM it’s a nice tolerable rumble but when I’m in 5th gear at 3200 rpm at 80mph for let’s say 45min - 1hr I sometimes wish I had 6th gear to bring it down to 2200-2500 rpm. But that’s my fault for having a performance pipe + trask air cleaner lol
I've had Road Glide, and now Road King. In Canada a windshield is helpful with bugs, weather, and comfort, but I love seeing my chrome headlight and nacelle ; I missed that view when I had the Road Glide with the fairing.
Both bikes had 96" TC and the drive trains where bulletproof. I'm sure the M8 would be a step up. Overdrive (post 2009) is going to help with fuel and comfort.
If you want comfort, absolutely do not go with a softail over a touring bike. It’s night and day.
Edit: 2018 frames were revised, so this may be outdated
Source: own softail, have ridden touring bikes and was amazed at the lack of soreness after a day of riding.
I picked up a new RK last summer. It's a fantastic bike and much more comfortable than any of the softails. It pulls well to 90mph, I haven't gone any faster. It's absolutely solid on the highway, I don't get blown around by large trucks. My favorite feature of the bike is how well it tracks. I can set the cruise control, take my hands off the handlebars and steer with my ass if needed. It's a SOLID bike.
As for a commuter, I have a 35 minute commute, highway and town roads and it's just fine. You'll get used to the weight if you get one but I STRONGLY suggest that you practice in parking lots at slow speed, watch those "Ride Like a Pro w/ Jerry Paladino" videos. Also, add an extra 5-8lbs of air pressure in the front tire, it makes a huge difference.
I can't speak to the twin cam engines as this is my first HD. Happy shopping.
Update for anyone interested: I’ve test ridden a Low Rider ST and a couple lightly used M8 Road Kings at a local dealer. Low Rider feels more nimble and I really dig the fairing, but the Road King is waaaaay smoother. I wouldn’t call either uncomfortable, but they are really different. Hoping to make a decision in the next couple days.
I think a road king would be an excellent bike for your commute. I would not recommend a softail if comfort is primary. A softail just won’t be as good as a touring bike. I recently moved from a 2003 road king to a 2010 road glide. And it has been many years since I was on the PCH, but as I recall, there were a lot of nice curves. I encourage you to look for a 2009 or newer bike. The frame upgrade that was done in 2009 will really make a difference for you. I don’t have any experience with the M8 so I can’t help you there.
The RK is versatile- long trip, attach fairing or windshield and take off when you are done. The 04 Has an 88” Twin cam, it had timing chain tensioner issues. I have an 05 RK that I bigbored, cammed and put hydraulic tensioners in for approx 3k installed. It is perfect now with a set of 551 cams that have a nice wide torque curve
Thanks for the insight. Good to know about added project/expense if I go with the 2004.
Since you are doing an hour on PCH and canyons, a 2017+ Softail or Touring will probably be the way to go. Imo it sounds like you would prefer a softail with bags like the heritage without a windshield. It's minor but the m8s run cooler and make a difference on those hot days. If you had to do a twin cam touring bike go 2009+.
Part of me definitely wants the softail, my wallet would probably be happier. For the 2009 twin cam, is that because of the 96 vs 88? From my reading it seems the cam tensioner stuff was resolved by that point too
Yeah 2009 has the newer frame also and the 96.
I just bought my first motorcycle and it’s a 2002 road king classic with a twin cam 88. Pros: It’s a great commuter bike or even just a great bike in general. Not as big as a road glide but like you mentioned, has storage. It’s pretty versatile and you can take the bags off for a more sleek look. Get you a comfortable seat and you will have a smooth ride. Handles well and feels like a beast. Cons: with the 88 engine, I already want to make it faster by adding a big bore kit, cams, etc. but even after I add all of that, I will only be at a 98 or 100 engine. OR You can buy a 103 and have the speed without the big bore kit. The 88 is meant for cruising is not a performance bagger unless you want to spend the right amount of money to make it one. Also it’s a 5 speed. So when you’re going high speeds, I imagine they 6th gear would be a smooth ride around the 2200-2500 rpm range vs me going 70-80mph+ in 5th seems like it’s I’m pushing it. Overall, I love my bike. And my opinion is only based on me wanting to go faster because I watch people like Eastcoastin & Thrashin lol. Once I throw the 98 kit + cams, I think I will be fully satisfied. I’m taking it on my first “distance ride” from the IE to Chopper Fest in Ventura so I’ll give you an update from a distance stand point.
- My 88" 2004 FLHRSI is much better with Andrews TW21 cams, SE air element and SEPST. The 88" is the coolest running and smoothest TC motor. No plans for big bore kit at least until it needs a top end job. I would pick S&S kit with more cylinder fins for cooler running motor. The Road King, to me, is a heavy touring bike so low to mid range grunt took priority over high rpms.
Nice looking bike! Interesting about the 5th/6th gear. I feel that on the sporty, I imagine it would be better on the RK, but point taken. As far as performance, I’ve had a sport bike before, I’m not trying to be the fastest out there these days, but definitely important to feel like the bike can move when I want it to. Part of me likes that there could be a project in the future, part of me just wants to buy a better bike from the get go
Yeah for sure. I enjoy the bike a lot. As far as the 5th/6th gear comment, I say that because my pipe is loud. Around 2000 - 2500 RPM it’s a nice tolerable rumble but when I’m in 5th gear at 3200 rpm at 80mph for let’s say 45min - 1hr I sometimes wish I had 6th gear to bring it down to 2200-2500 rpm. But that’s my fault for having a performance pipe + trask air cleaner lol
Definitely not too big. I bought a new one and love it. I really miss the sound of the twincam. M8s do not sound the same!
I've had Road Glide, and now Road King. In Canada a windshield is helpful with bugs, weather, and comfort, but I love seeing my chrome headlight and nacelle ; I missed that view when I had the Road Glide with the fairing. Both bikes had 96" TC and the drive trains where bulletproof. I'm sure the M8 would be a step up. Overdrive (post 2009) is going to help with fuel and comfort.
I got a 17 RK special that I would let go for 16k. PM if your interested.
Just curious as to why you're ready to move on ?
There are a few reasons but the biggest is I’m helping my son buy a car and could use the extra funds.
I get it. So nothing about the model in particular you didn't like?
The big is great just time to move on and let someone else enjoy it.
If you want comfort, absolutely do not go with a softail over a touring bike. It’s night and day. Edit: 2018 frames were revised, so this may be outdated Source: own softail, have ridden touring bikes and was amazed at the lack of soreness after a day of riding.
What year Softail? The newer frames are a big improvement.
06
2018 and on frames narrow the gap significantly with the touring frames in terms of comfort and handle pretty good.
Good info, thanks.
I picked up a new RK last summer. It's a fantastic bike and much more comfortable than any of the softails. It pulls well to 90mph, I haven't gone any faster. It's absolutely solid on the highway, I don't get blown around by large trucks. My favorite feature of the bike is how well it tracks. I can set the cruise control, take my hands off the handlebars and steer with my ass if needed. It's a SOLID bike. As for a commuter, I have a 35 minute commute, highway and town roads and it's just fine. You'll get used to the weight if you get one but I STRONGLY suggest that you practice in parking lots at slow speed, watch those "Ride Like a Pro w/ Jerry Paladino" videos. Also, add an extra 5-8lbs of air pressure in the front tire, it makes a huge difference. I can't speak to the twin cam engines as this is my first HD. Happy shopping.
Update for anyone interested: I’ve test ridden a Low Rider ST and a couple lightly used M8 Road Kings at a local dealer. Low Rider feels more nimble and I really dig the fairing, but the Road King is waaaaay smoother. I wouldn’t call either uncomfortable, but they are really different. Hoping to make a decision in the next couple days.
I think a road king would be an excellent bike for your commute. I would not recommend a softail if comfort is primary. A softail just won’t be as good as a touring bike. I recently moved from a 2003 road king to a 2010 road glide. And it has been many years since I was on the PCH, but as I recall, there were a lot of nice curves. I encourage you to look for a 2009 or newer bike. The frame upgrade that was done in 2009 will really make a difference for you. I don’t have any experience with the M8 so I can’t help you there.