They are the stock pieces....black studs and all. Maybe just the shadow makes them look different.

 

What are you guys thinking about engine guard? Yes, no? I have the same bike as Another Old Timer and love the clean look. But a black engine guard can provide protection and not look so obtrusive. I'm just torn!

 

BTW....got the brass fuel cap and left side cover for mine......with the gold stripe around the tank, they look extraordinary. Of course, they cost so much they should!!Attachment 585859

 

Garage with 2016 Street Bob and 2018 Heritage.

 

I like the classic look of the engine guard, but for lane splitting here in LA it’s a liability so it’s a no-go for me. In your area it might be perfect.

 

Have to admit....I have kinda been waiting for a post like this.

I cannot tell you why...and I kind of hate making the comparison..but...As soon as I read the owners manual on the 2018 and went through the oil check procedure...it immediately reminded me of my days at a dealership that also had suzukis. The language in the manual, was so similar to that when the M109 first came out. Even half the techs got it wrong. What I do remember, very clearly , was the sensitive nature of the protocols.

If the NEW bike had no suspected reason to burn oil...ran well, made no manifestation of any issues at all, and the owner decided it needed oil, the calls came in, before, during and after the owner/tech added oil.

Before, why is it low. = bring it it. No service update at that time. = Better add oil
During - now the owner or tech with out the service update added oil. = Gee these readings are contradictory and confusing

After = now oil seems to be comming out of my bike by any means possible. And it's all down the side of the bike and on the owners pant leg. Gee this new bike shine is wearing off fast. Frustrated owners calling dealer principals who in turn call Suzuki NZ

The end result in that case was update service bulletin to clarify to the techs what the proper procedure was.
It was still confusing for the customer.

I do know the guys that had no mechanical aptitude and just rode and had it serviced, never seemed to have any problems. Oil was only ever added as part of the full service change out. The others, who may have been more conscientious, curious and inquisitive as to the nature of how things should work, especially if done "As per" seem to be in quite a few times before they ever got to the bottom of an issue. In the end, if the bike had to have the exact amount of oil called for after a full oil change service. And the procedure was followed exactly as per the update (which was a pain that involved a test ride, 20 minute down time, check, reheat , check again etc procedure) (And the updated language and protocol was only produced to nullify owners and techs incorrect readings ) Then there were no further issues.

Not saying your doing anything wrong...just passing along observations from within a dealership.

With all the going ons in the M8 forums with transfer/migration etc, I made a firm decision to be lazy. Mostly for my protection. I ride, I have it serviced, and I ride more. If there's an issue with the bike, especially concerning oil, I'm going to hear it from the service dept, they are not going to hear it from me. That is to say, for what we pay, for the new bike , for the service, for everything, they can check the oil.

This is not my ancient 45 flathead. Its new,it runs Great, in fact, you might say better all the time. On that basis I lather, rinse and repeat, and that seems to be going pretty ok 👍

Hope it turns out to be something similar for the velvet sledge 💪

Thanks for keeping us posted

 

IMHO the Engine guards are a necessity.

At the prices of everything on these bikes today, even if your bike just falls (or gets knocked) over in a parking lot and messes up a signal fixture or passing lamp not to mention the cost if you ever have to lay it down intentionally because of some dumb a** that crosses your path, the engine guard will pay for itself.

Then there is the ability to be able to upright an almost 800 pound bike by oneself if necessary if laid down unintentionally... not that that ever happens to anybody.

The black guard on the blacked out Heritage is almost invisible and looks like it could ( and maybe should be) a stock item.

 

Glad that you posted this as this was my gut feeling. I am the founder and former owner of a very successful BMW dealership in the West. The oil coolers on certain of the BMW's would trap a lot of oil in the oil cooler if the oil temp never got high enough to open the Oil Cooler Thermostat, as a result it was easy to over fill. I'm thinking the same thing might be happening here. The oil cooler on this bike is much larger than my '14 RK. Don't know if there is a Cooler Thermostat.


Pic of the dip stick this morning. I'm going to use a Turkey baster to suck out some oil and bring the level to the half full level on the dip stick when cold. I am suspecting that the 114 engine in this bike is NOT using oil. My '13 or my '14 Road King did not use any at all. Will keep an eye on it.


Absolutely love the bike.

 

The service manual says nothing about a thermostat in the oil cooler but does show a "Crancase Oil Check Valve" that the lower hose from the OilCcooler attaches to. Possible this valve is not working properly?

 

When I have the engine guard conversation with myself, I say exactly what you have said. It is a strong argument.