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[wiliturk]

I am in the market for a CVO Road King. I have been looking for a 14 so I could get the MT.Rushmore bike but I found a really nice 13 with less than 6k miles in excellent shape for $5-$6k less than what the 14's have been. I need to know what the differences are in the bikes, for instance the 13 comes with a stereo where the 14 doesn't. Is that stereo worthless or what. I had read the 14's came with illuminated switch gear, does the 13? Of course I know about the Rushmore upgrades, but are they that noticeable for the money difference? Any subtle differences that anyone knows of? Thanks in advance for your replies.

[MrSurly]

Preface this with *I don't have a Rushmore* .... The various Rushmore features exist in the fairing/lowers/Tour Pak. But since the RK has no Batwing, there's no Boom radio, no fairing vent. There's no Twin Cooling, and no Tour Pac, anyway---- I can't think of anything the 14 has other than the new bag latches. And Canbus wiring.


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[nvwssv]

The 14 also had the stiffer front end with the Rushmore upgrades but for me the stereo and lowers were what made me only consider the 13. The stereo sounds great even at highway speeds.

[wiliturk]

Is there a noticeable handling difference with the stiffer front end? I was wondering about the stereo performance, thank you. I also like the stereo and the lowers, but is it worth giving up the stiffer forks? The '13 I found has chrome switch gear, the '14's I've seen don't, is that correct? Thank you for your replies.

[nvwssv]

I have ridden a 2015 Streetglide and did not notice any difference the front end compared to my 2013 Road King. Perhaps the lack of batwing making it considerably lighter is the difference. Just my guess...

[Cat Eye]

I would say that if you value a stereo....then go with the 13.

The 14 is more of a traditional RK....being that it doesn't have the lower fairing....which could be a plus or minus.

[FLSTFI Dave]

My take, pro's and cons to both.  Here is my take.  I own a 13 CVO Road King, and a 15 CVO road glide.

Big pro for the 13 King is the sound system.  Its great for me under 50 mph, and ok above 60mph.  I'm 6'1", so my head is in the wind.  a friend who is 5'7" says its great above 70 mph, but he gets no wind.  Still selling point for me was sound system.  I prefer the paint on the 13's but that is a personal choice.  I like the chrome bars and head light nacelle of the 13's

That said, the front end is noticeably better in the 14 rushmore bikes if your a person who pushes it hard in the corners.  There is less flex, less dive and the bike feels more stable in a high speed hard corner.  I would be 60 to 70% harley riders would not notice or use this benefit.  For me that is really important.  I can tell the difference between my 15 and 13 big time.

I much prefer the Rushmore saddle bags.  So nice to walk up with a 6 pack in your hand and use the other to open and close the bag.

I do like the tail lights better on the 13, as they do not stick out as much.

[Road Dad]

13 has the worst ABS brakes in the industry.  14 had great ABS brakes.

I personally prefer to buy new tech instead of old so I would go 14.

[kr]

Could you explain how ABS technically differs between 13 and 14?  Thanks.

[grayghost731]

13 has the worst ABS brakes in the industry.  14 had great ABS brakes.

I personally prefer to buy new tech instead of old so I would go 14.

New  Tech   and  Harley  same  sentence?     FUNNY!     

[harleychef2011]

Is there a noticeable handling difference with the stiffer front end? I was wondering about the stereo performance, thank you. I also like the stereo and the lowers, but is it worth giving up the stiffer forks? The '13 I found has chrome switch gear, the '14's I've seen don't, is that correct? Thank you for your replies.

I traded my '10 Road King for the '14 CVO and there is a HUGE difference.  I don't know about the '13/'14 handling specifically but the tech on the '14 is vastly different.  Linked ABS brakes, stiffer front end, upgraded rear suspension, plus the Rushmore improvements (saddle bags, etc.).  I asked why they didn't include the lower fairings and speakers in the '14 and they said they put the cost into the tech instead of the speaker system and lowers.  Both are beautiful bikes.  Personally, I like the freedom of being able to cruise around "street style" with no windshield, etc. but love that I can convert to full travel.  They offer a tour pak for the '14 Road King (about $2500)...so you can upgrade to that too.

[FLSTFI Dave]

13 has the worst ABS brakes in the industry.  14 had great ABS brakes.

I personally prefer to buy new tech instead of old so I would go 14.

I do not agree at all.  I had the 09 CVO Road Glide, the 12 CVO Road Glide and have the 13 CVO Road King.  Very good ABS brakes.  Work very well.

I also have a 15 CVO Road Glide and it has very good ABS Brakes.  In some situations I prefer the ABS on the pre-14 bikes and in some I prefer the 14 and newer.

Could you explain how ABS technically differs between 13 and 14?  Thanks.

Both are Brembo ABS brakes.  The difference is the pre 2014 are not linked.  Meaning front and rear are totally independent of each other.  In some situations I prefer this.  2014 and newer ABS are linked.  Means that you apply the rear and the front are also applied.  Or apply the front and the rear are applied.

The advantage to the non linked is going into a corner a bit to hot at speeds above 25 mph when you lightly hit the rear to scrub a little speed, that is the only brake applied.  On linked the front would also be applied, its never good to hit the front brake in a curve.

The advantage of linked in a panic stop is grab one hard and both apply.

I have over 100K miles on the non linked ABS since 2009.  I also have 36K miles on the linked ABS since Sept 14. 

Im fine with either system, was very reluctant to get the 15 due to being linked, but its worked out fine.

[stratplexi]

For $5k difference I would say 13 and I own a 14 but that is too much of a difference. I love my 14 and think it's the best looking CVO ever made.


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[brewco12]

The 2013's with the lowers are

more unstable than the 2014's at higher speeds.

[wiliturk]

When you say, "unstable at high speed", what speeds are you talking?

[brewco12]

70 to 80 miles an hour.I have had 4 Road king police bikes the last one was a 2014.The 2013 CVO was more unstable than any of the cop bikes.When I took the lowers off it rode better.

[FLSTFI Dave]

70 to 80 miles an hour.I have had 4 Road king police bikes the last one was a 2014.The 2013 CVO was more unstable than any of the cop bikes.When I took the lowers off it rode better.

I have found zero issue with Stability on my 13 CVO King.  I have run from TN to Milwaukee cruise set at 78 mph the vast majority of the time.  Most the time one or the other hand on the bars.  I have also gone over 10 miles with no hands on the bars at those speeds.  Every bit as stable as my 09 CVO Road Glide was, my 12 CVO road glide was or my 15 CVO road glide ultra is.

If there was any indication my 13 CVO King was unstable it would have been traded rather than building the motor for more power.  Ive had it over 100 more than one no issues.

[brewco12]

Yea,I got rid of mine,it had a beautiful paint job though.

[andy.blumberg73]

A little late to the game, but this summarizes the differences fairly well:  http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2014models/2014-Harley-Davidson-FLHRSE5-CVO-RoadKing.htm

I have a 2013 FLHRSE5.  I bought it with 5,000 miles on it when it was 1 year old.  I have owned it for almost 2 years and put another 5,500 miles on it.  I really like the lowers and the speakers.  I like my color (Diamond Dust & Obsidian) and the chrome over the black on the 2014 models.  The newer bag design would be nice, but I wouldn't want to give up my lowers or my speakers.

I bought it as an upgrade from my 2000 FXD; I wanted cruise and music for longer rides.  I have enjoyed both.  It took me a while to get used to riding the bigger bike, but I really like it now.  The lowers and windshield allow me to ride to work in the mornings on days that I didn't enjoy riding the Dyna.

Both the 2013 and 2014 would be fun bikes.  What paint scheme do you like better?  Do both bike have similar maintenance / ownership histories?

[wiliturk]

I like both paint schemes. The lowers and the stereo vs. the bigger forks, the day maker lights, and saddle bag latches. For the price difference I'd say I'm going with the '13. I've got four Harley dealers trying to sell me something new. It can be a confusing choice.

[Road Dad]

As far as brakes go. The 2013 ABS brakes are junk. Most people might not know that since most don't practice panic stops and collision avoidance from high speed.

I can stop shorter with conventional brakes (No ABS) than I can using full ABS on a 2013 bike.

The 2014 (Rushmore) ABS brakes are very good and you hardly feel that the system is working at all.

Try riding both. Measure stoping distance with full brake efforts from 45 mph and decide for yourself. Could be the difference you need to not slam into that truck!

[ferris bueller]

2014 all the way! I am a purist however I hate the stereo on the 2013, I have the 14 and love it.

[FLSTFI Dave]

As far as brakes go. The 2013 ABS brakes are junk. Most people might not know that since most don't practice panic stops and collision avoidance from high speed.

I can stop shorter with conventional brakes (No ABS) than I can using full ABS on a 2013 bike.

The 2014 (Rushmore) ABS brakes are very good and you hardly feel that the system is working at all.

Try riding both. Measure stoping distance with full brake efforts from 45 mph and decide for yourself. Could be the difference you need to not slam into that truck!

I totally disagree with you a second time in this thread on the Brakes.  The brakes on my 13 CVO King are great.  I would be only a professional could out brake it on the same bike with out ABS.  I have had an 09 CVO RG put over 45K on it before I traded it on a 12 CVO RK which I also put over 45K on before it was traded and my 13 CVO King which has 18K on it.  All these bikes have the same brembo ABS non linked brake system which works very well.

Sounds like there was something wrong with the brakes on the 13 ABS bike you rode.  They are far from Junk.

I also have a 15 CVO RG ultra with the linked ABS Brembo brakes.  It stops the same as my 13 CVO king, and the same as my last two CVO road glides.  I have over 35K miles n the 15.  The only difference in the brakes are is they are linked.  Meaning grab the front and it applies the rear also.  Grab the rear and it also applies the front.  I actually prefer to be able to choose if I want front, rear or both.

[1911upstateny]

I went from an 2006 street glide...I miss the stereo the most I had lowers on it also.my 14 RK  handles much better exspecially when pushing it alittle in corners the daymakers head light is worth the $550 all day the new saddle bag latches are much better...the no nose dive when braking is sweet.as I don't use my foot brake 99% of the time.i will be putting tunes on my 14 if I don't up grade to the 2017 cvo ultra when they come out.

My bose sport headphones work just fine I can still hear them when hitting triple digits.

[2k]

I've got a '13 and love the "tunes". Really weird cause I NEVER turn on music when in my truck or the wife's car. Must be a scooter thing.

[Rappley2000]

I have a Blue 2013. I think the main differences are the lowers and speakers on the 13. Mine also came with a passenger backrest. The 14 has slightly larger front fork tubes, linked ABS, painted headlight nacelle with Daymaker headlight, and the new bags. I wish mine had the new saddlebag lids, but other than that I'm completely happy with my 2013. I can't park the thing anywhere without someone commenting on how much they love the paint. Hope this helps.

[Road Dad]

Yeah but no. I have riden lots of them in the Police Motor officer training program and done tests on this.

How many brake comparisons did you do going from 45-55 mph braking 100%?

EVERY rider should be a professional. I am a Commercial pilot and hold myself to the same standards. How many flights am I okay to crash not being a professional? I a rider can't out brake  the pre 2013 brakes a rider is really really a poor rider.

By the way, the linked part is not good. A competent rider don't want that. It's good they delink at lower speed.

Why do you believe your ABS brakes are good?

I totally disagree with you a second time in this thread on the Brakes.  The brakes on my 13 CVO King are great.  I would be only a professional could out brake it on the same bike with out ABS.  I have had an 09 CVO RG put over 45K on it before I traded it on a 12 CVO RK which I also put over 45K on before it was traded and my 13 CVO King which has 18K on it.  All these bikes have the same brembo ABS non linked brake system which works very well.

Sounds like there was something wrong with the brakes on the 13 ABS bike you rode.  They are far from Junk.

I also have a 15 CVO RG ultra with the linked ABS Brembo brakes.  It stops the same as my 13 CVO king, and the same as my last two CVO road glides.  I have over 35K miles n the 15.  The only difference in the brakes are is they are linked.  Meaning grab the front and it applies the rear also.  Grab the rear and it also applies the front.  I actually prefer to be able to choose if I want front, rear or both.

[Road Dad]

Yeah but no. I have riden lots of them in the Police Motor officer training program and done tests on this.

How many brake comparisons did you do going from 45-55 mph braking 100%?

EVERY rider should be a professional. I am a Commercial pilot and hold myself to the same standards. How many flights am I okay to crash not being a professional? a rider that can't out brake  the pre 2013 brakes is really really a poor rider.

By the way, the linked part is not good. A competent rider don't want that. It's good they delink at lower speed.

Why do you believe your ABS brakes are good?  What limits do your set for yourself?  Time and distance would be a good comparison. Looking forward to your details m

[Road Dad]

Yeah no 2. These are two very different ABS modules and if you don't know the difference it's because you have not took them to the limit. If you did with proper training you would know there is no comparison.  I believe that your opinion is subjective and not based on real testing. Please let me know if I am wrong since my data is based on Real life measured data. Love to see your comparison data.

I totally disagree with you a second time in this thread on the Brakes.  The brakes on my 13 CVO King are great.  I would be only a professional could out brake it on the same bike with out ABS.  I have had an 09 CVO RG put over 45K on it before I traded it on a 12 CVO RK which I also put over 45K on before it was traded and my 13 CVO King which has 18K on it.  All these bikes have the same brembo ABS non linked brake system which works very well.

Sounds like there was something wrong with the brakes on the 13 ABS bike you rode.  They are far from Junk.

I also have a 15 CVO RG ultra with the linked ABS Brembo brakes.  It stops the same as my 13 CVO king, and the same as my last two CVO road glides.  I have over 35K miles n the 15.  The only difference in the brakes are is they are linked.  Meaning grab the front and it applies the rear also.  Grab the rear and it also applies the front.  I actually prefer to be able to choose if I want front, rear or both.

[CVODON]

I call Na Na on the ABS difference. NO difference in my 09 and 15 and I have demo'd every year, before and after ABS, at Daytona. NO difference in my opinion. All the ABS works great, Had one for real panic on the 09 and a couple on the new bike. ABS is a good thing.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Yeah but no. I have riden lots of them in the Police Motor officer training program and done tests on this.

How many brake comparisons did you do going from 45-55 mph braking 100%?

EVERY rider should be a professional. I am a Commercial pilot and hold myself to the same standards. How many flights am I okay to crash not being a professional? I a rider can't out brake  the pre 2013 brakes a rider is really really a poor rider.

By the way, the linked part is not good. A competent rider don't want that. It's good they delink at lower speed.

Why do you believe your ABS brakes are good?

I often practice panic stops.  Just like I often practice doing figure 8's in the box.  I take the experienced rider course every couple years.  I have taken ride like a pro. 

I do at least a couple times a month practice on a MSF range, and do practice panic stops on different surfaces.

If you read my comment, I prefer the non linked brakes.  Yes they de link at 25 mph.  I wish they were not linked at all.  What happens if I miss judge a curve and enter a little to hot?  If I go to drag the rear brake to scrub a little speed the front also brakes, which is bad.

I think the ABS is good because they are far more consistent than 90% of the riders out there.  90% have no clue what threshold braking is and how important it is to know where it is on your bike if it is non ABS.  I have seen a locked rear cause many riders to go down, where if they knew threshold braking Technique they would not have gone down.

I have only comparison to bikes I have owned for test hard braking.  At my home there are only two bikes with out ABS, my 03 Fatboy and my wife's 09 Heritage.  From 50 mph my king will stop 5 to 10 feet sooner than either of those bikes.  In the rain the king is significantly superior in stoping to those two bikes.

My wife has ABS bikes and non, she does not ride the heritage if the forecast has rain.  She rides the ABS road glide special she has.

As for my 13 CVO King and my 15 CVO Road glide, 50 mph panic stop varies, some times the king wins some time the Road glide, I would give the edge to the road glide, but not by much.

[wiliturk]

Thank you all for your comments. Everyone has gave me something to consider and that's what I wanted. Please, don't stop. This has been a thought provoking thread from every angle. As far as looks are concerned, I cant say I like one over the other. I thought I would want the '14 because of the bigger forks. Before music was never a consideration, now it is. I like the chrome headlight bezel over the painted but of course I want the daymaker lights. From what you all have said, I think either bike would be great. But please, continue the discussion. This has been excellent reading.

[ordlord11]

Yeah but no. I have riden lots of them in the Police Motor officer training program and done tests on this.

How many brake comparisons did you do going from 45-55 mph braking 100%?

EVERY rider should be a professional. I am a Commercial pilot and hold myself to the same standards. How many flights am I okay to crash not being a professional? I a rider can't out brake  the pre 2013 brakes a rider is really really a poor rider.

By the way, the linked part is not good. A competent rider don't want that. It's good they delink at lower speed.

Why do you believe your ABS brakes are good?

What was your blood pressure during your last flight physical....LOL.  Can't be right all the time...


IBNFE

[Scott7d]

What put me over the top for the 13, was the paint and stereo. The red with fusion graphics is my favorite production Harley paint job of all time. And I wanted a touring bike without a fairing, but still wanted a stereo. I'm sure folks will want to throw vegetables at me, but to me fairings look a little goofy and out of place on a motorcycle. Like someone buying a Corvette and putting a big wind deflector on the hood.

Overall it was like the 13 was made for me personally as far as looks and features. However, I would have absolutely no problems riding the 14. I do like the Rushmore stuff. But like I mentioned, paint and stereo put me over the edge for the 13. I am short, so I don't have much trouble hearing the radio at higher speeds. Though on a windy day you may have to crank it a bit. I have no complaints about brakes, comfort, etc.