Are you happy?
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Joined: Dec 2020
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From: Sussex UK
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Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Upstate New York
I'm very happy with the performance and reliability of my M8 Heritage. I'm less happy with the complexity of the bike and the consequent difficulty of performing the simplest of maintenance tasks. A lot of the electronics seem to have been "stuffed in wherever they could make them fit" with no regard to accessibility. There are no drain screws for the front forks nor a zerk fitting for the fork bearings, making what used to take a few minutes into an all day job (if it gets done at all).
Also, to my eye the Heritage has lost much of the "retro" styling that gave the bike its purpose in the first place. Yes, I know I'm going to get flak for this, but anyone who thinks the Heritage looks anything like a '50's Panhead has never actually seen one. Harley even omitted the left side gas cap since '21.
Also, to my eye the Heritage has lost much of the "retro" styling that gave the bike its purpose in the first place. Yes, I know I'm going to get flak for this, but anyone who thinks the Heritage looks anything like a '50's Panhead has never actually seen one. Harley even omitted the left side gas cap since '21.
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Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,133
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From: France
I agree with you on many of the points you mention, as far as basic maintenance is concerned, I think it's pretty easy, they've tightened up the electronics a bit, but do we touch them often?
as for the style, I know you like the old style look because I saw pictures of your bike with the police seat and the two-tone windshield, and I really like what you did, it's simple and tasteful, I still think that the relationship between a Hydra and today's model is obvious and that's what I like about Harley, a strong identity that lasts over time, it's up to each one to adapt his bike to his taste...
I'm less happy with the mapping configuration that smoothes the engine behavior, I'll probably switch to stage 2 with an S&S 475 camshaft to find a more relaxed and typical cycle of the old bikes, especially the EVOs I rode for 12 years...
Otherwise I'm delighted, this bike is exactly what I use and I never get tired of riding it...
as for the style, I know you like the old style look because I saw pictures of your bike with the police seat and the two-tone windshield, and I really like what you did, it's simple and tasteful, I still think that the relationship between a Hydra and today's model is obvious and that's what I like about Harley, a strong identity that lasts over time, it's up to each one to adapt his bike to his taste...
I'm less happy with the mapping configuration that smoothes the engine behavior, I'll probably switch to stage 2 with an S&S 475 camshaft to find a more relaxed and typical cycle of the old bikes, especially the EVOs I rode for 12 years...
Otherwise I'm delighted, this bike is exactly what I use and I never get tired of riding it...
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General Harley Davidson Chat
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May 8, 2011 12:04 AM
