“Man, you’ve got to check out this trade—a 2014 Road King with 74,392 miles… and somehow it looks like it has about 18,000 on it.”
That’s how this all began. It just showed up, unsolicited—a trade-in that landed on my doorstep. I wasn’t on the hunt (I’d sold my ’15 FLHR months ago and still regret it), but something about this one got my attention. It had a complete service history, solid bones, and a sense that it still had plenty of life left. Underneath the mismatched leather TourPak, an overly long clutch cable, and underglow lighting on nearly every surface a piece of 3M would stick, I saw potential. After I removed the TourPak, gave it a good wash, and some light polish, the bike that emerged was a near-blank canvas waiting to be reimagined.
The Ride That Sparked It
After we wrapped up the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Rally, I headed out solo for a week-long tour through Northern Ontario, planning to return to Milwaukee via a route that would effectively have me hugging the southern shores of the Great Lakes. Day 2 found me sidelined in Sudbury by a minor electrical issue—hard broke and stuck. The team at The Rock Harley-Davidson got me back on the road, and though I lost a day, the ride was far from over. What followed—crossing into Johnstown opposite Ogdensburg, routing through the Adirondacks, Saratoga Springs, then Buffalo—was smooth, but Northern Ontario was cemented in my mind. It was the quiet roads, the rugged shores of Lake Huron, the welcoming locals, and yes, those damn Bloody Caesars that sealed the deal: I had to return.
Enter Project Northbound ’14
This rebuild isn’t just a bike—it’s a love letter to the venerable Twin Cam. It's a reminder that these machines are meant to earn their miles. With industry-leading partners ready to collaborate, I’m confident this Road King will become something personal, dependable, and reflective of the journey—something that will serve me well, not only on this adventure, but a bike I'll keep in the stable for years to come.
The build starts with LA Choppers T-bars and a fresh suspension setup from Legend Suspensions. A 2:1 exhaust system from Bassani will give it the proper bark, while a long-haul-ready seat from Saddlemen ensures comfort in the saddle. Dynojet is handling the tuning, fresh rubber courtesy of Metzeler, and SP Connect is providing an on-the-go phone mount and charger. Lighting gets a modern update thanks to Custom Dynamics, while Bel-Ray fluids will keep everything running cool. The final touches—an air cleaner and mirrors from Arlen Ness—bring performance and style into a well-rounded package.
What’s Ahead
Parts are en route, and teardown starts now. As with every ride, this one is about more than just the road or the rebuild—it’s about rediscovering freedom, clarity, and connection with every mile. Project Northbound ’14 is about to take shape.
Stay tuned for progress updates, road notes, and Volume 2: the rebirth.