Twin cam or M8, help for a mate
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,709
Likes: 17,550
From: Driftless Area
There have been issues with the valve springs and oil pumps on the M8's. Never liked the Twinkies. My wife has one, and in 5 years, I've done more corrective internal work on that thing than my Evo OR my Shovel combined.
Buy an Evo.
Buy an Evo.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 57
From: N. IL
IDK......test rode a stage iv M8 in Daytona. Not super impressed. Seemed pretty good compared to my hopped up 2012 103.
Not enough for me to get the checkbook out. I suppose if I was in the market for a new bike. I'd grab one. Looks like the aftermarket is making real good power with them once their tweaked. Transmission is alot smoother than mine.
Not enough for me to get the checkbook out. I suppose if I was in the market for a new bike. I'd grab one. Looks like the aftermarket is making real good power with them once their tweaked. Transmission is alot smoother than mine.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,813
Likes: 2,554
From: UK
Mine too. I took an extended test ride on an M8 Road King and while it was nice and smooth, it was also too quiet by far.
I guess that can be fixed with aftermarket pipes. When I bought my Twin Cam, i thought that was too quiet until I changed the pipes, but the M8 was whole different level.
I also hated the clutch, but you would get used to that.
But. If I was in the market for a new bike (instead of 40 year old ones), I would probably wait for the M8.
I guess that can be fixed with aftermarket pipes. When I bought my Twin Cam, i thought that was too quiet until I changed the pipes, but the M8 was whole different level.
I also hated the clutch, but you would get used to that.
But. If I was in the market for a new bike (instead of 40 year old ones), I would probably wait for the M8.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 247
From: Tulsa, OK
I rode 3 different M8's at the KCMO open house last year, 2 107's and the CVO 114. Man That M8 had way less valve train noise than my Rushmore TC103. It's not that it makes a ton of extra power. it's how it delivers the power.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
Last fall when I was having brake fluid replaced in my 2014 BO the Dealer loaned me a SG for half a day.
Lots of power but not a huge leap. Very quiet and smooth as silk. Actually it was smooth and quiet as a Honda so,,,,,, maybe everyone who thought HD should be more like a ricer has gotten their wish.
Anyhow, flip a coin, I'd go for the best deal.
Lots of power but not a huge leap. Very quiet and smooth as silk. Actually it was smooth and quiet as a Honda so,,,,,, maybe everyone who thought HD should be more like a ricer has gotten their wish.
Anyhow, flip a coin, I'd go for the best deal.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 157
Are you sure you didn't rent an Indian? M8's are silent compared to the old TC's.
Last edited by YPD485; Jun 30, 2017 at 07:41 PM.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,181
Likes: 488
From: Central California
I'm sure. The guy at the desk was going on and on about the new engine and suspension.
My TC is not quiet by any stretch, but it is much quieter than it was when I first got it. I did a top end rebuild last winter with new S&S geared cams, lifters adjustable pushrods, and those rocker locker thing-a-ma bobs. All this with a fresh valve job, a slight over bore and new pistons. It still sounds like a sewing machine. But it is a HELUVA lot quieter than that M8 was. That thing sounded like it rocks inside of it. I could hear it over the wind noise at speed.
My deluxe also has a nicer ride quality. I just was not impressed at all. Like I mentioned earlier, my guess is the thing has gotten really really hot on several occasions. You can't go anywhere on Oahu without getting stuck in traffic.
I have nothing to gain or lose here. I don't care if anyone believes it or not. Just telling it like it is.
