'vast improvements' really??
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 68
Likes: 1
From: ct
Rdcris gets it. What Harley is really good at and has been for a long time is marketing.selling a image.Making gradual improvements and selling them as big changes.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,895
Likes: 29,870
From: PNW
"Vast"? I wouldn't go that far. Noticeable? Definitely. And only in the motor department. It definitely pulls harder and across a broader RPM range. And that's just the beginning. I'm hearing there's a lot more potential for bigger HP from the M8 than the TC.
I know they say they have improved the suspension. Basically some valve tweaking (again - they've done it every year since 2014) on the rear shocks and that thingamajig they added to the same old front fork. Other than that, same bike. That said, I rode a M8 with the 13 inch Premium shocks and thought it was a good ride. I've never ridden the older version of that shock, only the pos 12 inchers that came on my bike, so I can't say if it's an improvement. I will say getting off the M8 RGS (12 inch hand adjustables) and onto my bike, my suspension (Progressive 444HDs and heavy fork oil) felt way better. But it definitely felt slower.
I could definitely see the jump from a pre Rushmore bike to the M8. The difference will be pretty significant. From a 14-16 to the M8, not as much. At least not enough for me. I'm holding out for the new frame. I'm also hoping they drop 100+ lbs.
I won't hold my breath.
I know they say they have improved the suspension. Basically some valve tweaking (again - they've done it every year since 2014) on the rear shocks and that thingamajig they added to the same old front fork. Other than that, same bike. That said, I rode a M8 with the 13 inch Premium shocks and thought it was a good ride. I've never ridden the older version of that shock, only the pos 12 inchers that came on my bike, so I can't say if it's an improvement. I will say getting off the M8 RGS (12 inch hand adjustables) and onto my bike, my suspension (Progressive 444HDs and heavy fork oil) felt way better. But it definitely felt slower.
I could definitely see the jump from a pre Rushmore bike to the M8. The difference will be pretty significant. From a 14-16 to the M8, not as much. At least not enough for me. I'm holding out for the new frame. I'm also hoping they drop 100+ lbs.
I won't hold my breath.
Last edited by nevada72; Dec 30, 2016 at 04:58 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 314
From: Ohio
I agree and said the same thing and took a lot of heat from m8 owners. The suspension rode rough to me but i changed my factory air shocks within 500 miles to a JNR air ride and put 15k miles on that setup before i rode a m8 or a Rushmore with the premium shocks. The M8 engine is a nice piece and makes great power in the touring riders range. I believe it is a great bike but cant justify trading a perfectly great 16 maybe after 65+ thousand miles i will think about trading
Last edited by jd05flhtci; Dec 30, 2016 at 06:25 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,854
Likes: 943
From: Lincolnshire, IL
Each year almost all manufactures come out with improvements. It's up to us the consumer to decide how valuable those improvements are and how much we want them. In my case I plan on keeping my 2015 Ultra Limited for at least another 5-6 years and I'll look forward to the "even more improved" 2022 models!!!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 11,630
Likes: 990
From: NC
Sounds like you just need a reason not to have one. They are a vast improvement. There is a major difference in ride.
As was new frame,the rushmore bags, the cooled heads , the 103 standard engine,
The 103 hi out put and the M8. Have owned one of every stage and put some miles on them each has been a step, the M8 skipped a couple. Traded the 2016 Rushmore for the M8.
As was new frame,the rushmore bags, the cooled heads , the 103 standard engine,
The 103 hi out put and the M8. Have owned one of every stage and put some miles on them each has been a step, the M8 skipped a couple. Traded the 2016 Rushmore for the M8.
Like a car you have; you can come up with every reason in the world to trade it.
I have had a new Harley every year since 2006, some years two and I've never had one that had 'vast' improvements over the previous one, even the vaunted Rushmores.................
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 42
Likes: 5
From: Wisconsin
This fall I went in and test rode one of the new M8's with a factory stage 1 not expecting too much to have changed from the '16 RGU with a factory stage 1 I had, I thought the M8 engine pulled much better in the low to mid range and was slightly better in the upper rev range, also noticed the idle was much smoother and shifting was also much smoother, I had the 13" adjustable shocks on my RGU and the Ultra Limited I drove had the new adjustables, didn't notice much difference but mine where dialed in for me where the M8's where not.
Long story short my Dealer made me a fair deal at Christmas time and my new Laguna Orange RGS will be delivered later this winter after a few mods are done.
Long story short my Dealer made me a fair deal at Christmas time and my new Laguna Orange RGS will be delivered later this winter after a few mods are done.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 340
Likes: 26
From: South Texas
I can tell,you the jump from my 2011 103 with Andrews 37 CAM and 4 degree off set was a big improvement in both power, ride, and radio. I would agree that coming from a Rushmore may not be worth the immediate jump but I can say for sure that this bike is the best, well mannered and most powerful stock bike I have ever owned. My RGS rides more like my VRod than my 2011 limited.