2018+ Softails—HD’s big overhaul
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
When I bought my first Fat Boy in 2005 the forum was filled with Evo riders spewing hate on the Twin Cam saying they werent "real" Harleys
Now its filled with Twin cam riders spewing hate on the M8's and I've seen the claim that M8's arent real Harleys now too.
Main problem is people suck. They gotta bash the new thing so they can feel like their ride is somehow special.
Well I had an evoluton, two two-cams, and now an M8, and I loved them all. All awesome in their own ways.
The M8 117 is the hardest pulling motor right out of the box I ever rode, and I'm absolutely loving it. Far as I'm concerned they just keep getting better and better.
It does make a different sound but I'll get used to that, and when I get stage 1 and stage 2 done I dont think anyone will be able to say it doesn't sound like a Harley
It sure looks right. They definitely kept the Fat Boy vibe and lines, made it even fatter and gave it some modern style, tech, and power. I think they did a great job with it,
and that takes nothing away from my previous versions.
Time and the world marches on, and eventually leaves us behind. I think thats what the hate is really about, but we all have an expiration date and thats life.
I'm 60 and I've somehow managed to outlive both my sons and my only grandchild. Now thats a hard pill to swallow.
Changes to Harley motorcycle designs? Gimme a break. Its not even on the list of hard pills to swallow
Now its filled with Twin cam riders spewing hate on the M8's and I've seen the claim that M8's arent real Harleys now too.
Main problem is people suck. They gotta bash the new thing so they can feel like their ride is somehow special.
Well I had an evoluton, two two-cams, and now an M8, and I loved them all. All awesome in their own ways.
The M8 117 is the hardest pulling motor right out of the box I ever rode, and I'm absolutely loving it. Far as I'm concerned they just keep getting better and better.
It does make a different sound but I'll get used to that, and when I get stage 1 and stage 2 done I dont think anyone will be able to say it doesn't sound like a Harley
It sure looks right. They definitely kept the Fat Boy vibe and lines, made it even fatter and gave it some modern style, tech, and power. I think they did a great job with it,
and that takes nothing away from my previous versions.
Time and the world marches on, and eventually leaves us behind. I think thats what the hate is really about, but we all have an expiration date and thats life.
I'm 60 and I've somehow managed to outlive both my sons and my only grandchild. Now thats a hard pill to swallow.
Changes to Harley motorcycle designs? Gimme a break. Its not even on the list of hard pills to swallow
Last edited by chunks; May 25, 2025 at 08:17 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 567
Likes: 556
From: Northern plains
The question was what we think about the new Harleys. I answered - I said I liked my Evo Sportster, and my previous softails but dont like the new tech and generic feel and sound of the new ones. The question wasn't how I like the new Harleys if I spend $2,000 modifying them.
I'm glad you like your bike. You should - you paid enough for it. So you don't like when people bash your bike? Good, then the next time you bash another brand, because it isn't a Harley...remember what it feels like.
But please... I'm an old experienced "Harley Dude", too. I remember those days, too. I also remember when new technology was not a valued Harley virtue in the 70s. The Evolution was different - it brought H.D. back from being a joke to everyone but cops and 1%ers. These new bikes are fine, but in my opinion, not any better than competing bikes and certainly not worth their ungodly pricetag.
So you answered you liked the new bikes...good. We may differ, but there's no need to be disrespectful. You see? I do have a grip, I don't "look sad", because I'm not...I am perfectly happy on my Evo sporty - carb farts and all. I just tell others, it has "Character".
I'm glad you like your bike. You should - you paid enough for it. So you don't like when people bash your bike? Good, then the next time you bash another brand, because it isn't a Harley...remember what it feels like.
But please... I'm an old experienced "Harley Dude", too. I remember those days, too. I also remember when new technology was not a valued Harley virtue in the 70s. The Evolution was different - it brought H.D. back from being a joke to everyone but cops and 1%ers. These new bikes are fine, but in my opinion, not any better than competing bikes and certainly not worth their ungodly pricetag.
So you answered you liked the new bikes...good. We may differ, but there's no need to be disrespectful. You see? I do have a grip, I don't "look sad", because I'm not...I am perfectly happy on my Evo sporty - carb farts and all. I just tell others, it has "Character".
Last edited by Hathaway; May 25, 2025 at 08:13 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
The question was what we think about the new Harleys. I answered - I said I liked my Evo Sportster, and my previous softails but dont like the new tech and generic feel and sound of the new ones. The question wasn't how I like the new Harleys if I spend $2,000 modifying them.
I'm glad you like your bike. You should - you paid enough for it. So you don't like when people bash your bike? Good, then the next time you bash another brand, because it isn't a Harley...remember what it feels like.
But please... I'm an old experienced "Harley Dude", too. I remember those days, too. I also remember when new technology was not a valued Harley virtue in the 70s. The Evolution was different - it brought H.D. back from being a joke to everyone but cops and 1%ers. These new bikes are fine, but in my opinion, not any better than competing bikes and certainly not worth their ungodly pricetag.
So you answered you liked the new bikes...good. We may differ, but there's no need to be disrespectful. You see? I do have a grip.
I'm glad you like your bike. You should - you paid enough for it. So you don't like when people bash your bike? Good, then the next time you bash another brand, because it isn't a Harley...remember what it feels like.
But please... I'm an old experienced "Harley Dude", too. I remember those days, too. I also remember when new technology was not a valued Harley virtue in the 70s. The Evolution was different - it brought H.D. back from being a joke to everyone but cops and 1%ers. These new bikes are fine, but in my opinion, not any better than competing bikes and certainly not worth their ungodly pricetag.
So you answered you liked the new bikes...good. We may differ, but there's no need to be disrespectful. You see? I do have a grip.
2. I dont bash other brands. Ever. People should ride what they like
3. Yup. the bike was freakin expensive.
4. No disrespect was intended. just want people (in general, not you ) to stop the trash talking.. ive learned the hard way what really matters in life, and its not motorcycles
Last edited by chunks; May 25, 2025 at 08:23 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 425
From: Pennsylvania
I also removed my line about getting a grip and looking sad because you're right. it does come across disrespectful. I'm getting pretty old too. Maybe a bit too crotchety
Last edited by chunks; May 25, 2025 at 08:27 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 567
Likes: 556
From: Northern plains
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 567
Likes: 556
From: Northern plains
I do remember seeing a vest patch that I got a chuckle out of, though: "Do all Evo riders think when they die, they get to go to Willie G's house?". So maybe there were one or two die hards 😏
Last edited by Hathaway; May 25, 2025 at 09:24 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,541
Likes: 543
From: MN
Stage II made my M8 a Harley again.
Stage III made it way fun.
The end. Time to ride in the north country.
Stage III made it way fun.
The end. Time to ride in the north country.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 567
Likes: 556
From: Northern plains
So what was it when you bought it? Made my point for me...
kind of tells the whole story.
However, I appreciate your honesty and am glad you are happy to finally have a real "Harley".
kind of tells the whole story.
However, I appreciate your honesty and am glad you are happy to finally have a real "Harley".
Last edited by Hathaway; May 26, 2025 at 09:05 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,321
Likes: 1,884
all Harley’s benefit from an aftermarket exhaust and a cam. The old saying you have to pay the Harley tax is buying pipes at time of purchase to make it sound like a Harley. This has been the case for twin cam and evo’s also. The m8 really needs a cam and exhaust in my opinion. The upside is the power gain you get from a stage 2 with the m8. 114 stage 2 you can expect 120hp 130 Torks. The 117 ho I believe they are getting 130-140. Do a stage 2 on a twin cam you are lucky to get into the 100-100 club. An Evo you need a big bore just to hit 100-100. The m8 may sound like $hit stock but they respond so much better than the previous models. More power and they handle a lot better than the old slop tails. You talk like those of us that put money into our bike should be embarrassed, not the case. It’s just taking a great bike and making it better.