I am very torn right now, is anyone feeling the same ?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,490
Likes: 610
From: USA
I have a 14 FLHTK that overall has been a great bike. It's 5 years old with 100,000 + miles on it. Only 1 water pump and that was covered by ESP. I've got 2 more years of ESP coverage left. A few more payments and it will be mine. It's probably not worth much in today's market so I think I will be keeping it at least until the ESP runs out. I'm in no hurry to buy a new HD especially after reading about some of the problems that owners are experiencing with the M8. To be honest, I only know 1 person with a M8 SG and he does no seem to have any problems. I really can't say how widespread the problems are, but the problems certainly exist enough to cause HD to issue Tech Articles & Service Bulletins. I feel that HD is not very forthcoming when admitting a problem so that makes me feel that the M8 problems are greater than most people know. I guess I base this feeling on the fact that I had the poor compensator on my previous bike, a 2009 FLHTCU. It took almost 2 years before the dealer was authorized to replace it under warranty. During that time, HD never admitted a problem (and still hasn't), however they did start putting the SE compensator on all the touring models in 2011. JMO
EDIT: I realize that all manufacturers have problems at times. The big factor is how they deal with the problem. When I look at the way HD is addressing the M8 problems, I not impressed. 2 years now and still no solutions.
EDIT: I realize that all manufacturers have problems at times. The big factor is how they deal with the problem. When I look at the way HD is addressing the M8 problems, I not impressed. 2 years now and still no solutions.
Last edited by 14GuineaPig; Sep 8, 2018 at 11:36 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 788
From: Great State of Texas
I believe the bottom line is no matter what brand you buy new be it cars, trucks, bikes, atv's, boats and even small engines. All their service / warranty departments are full.
Also, forums are just a very small percentage of owners out there. No one I ride with or know personally spend any time on HDForum. They work, they ride, they eat and they sleep.
There are too many choices out there to dwell on negative crap all the time. I guess I'll never understand why people who don't own Harley's come here and post. Its like sitting around a hunting camp listening to everyone dispute which rifle or caliber is best.
Life is just too short to worry all the time or ride an ugly motorcycle.
Also, forums are just a very small percentage of owners out there. No one I ride with or know personally spend any time on HDForum. They work, they ride, they eat and they sleep.
There are too many choices out there to dwell on negative crap all the time. I guess I'll never understand why people who don't own Harley's come here and post. Its like sitting around a hunting camp listening to everyone dispute which rifle or caliber is best.
Life is just too short to worry all the time or ride an ugly motorcycle.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 468
Likes: 181
From: White Oak, PA
Anyone remember the crappy electrical systems on old Triumphs? But yet people kept buying them. I bought a new 2000 Honda Ace tourer. The top end had to be tore down for the internal chain/belt (can't remember but I believe it was for timing) at 1000 miles. And it took the shop 2 weeks to get it back to me. They all have problems.
Last edited by iamcmf99; Sep 8, 2018 at 10:48 AM. Reason: My piss poor spelling
I'm a first time Harley buyer and love it. I picked up an 18 Road Glide Ultra a few months ago, and have added Stage 1 and a number of cosmetic and functionality mods. No issues whatsoever other than a blown out fairing speaker (replaced during warranty). The M8 has been fine for me.
My only complaint is the service department at the spealership seems to be packed, thus 2 week waits anytime you need something done to the bike. After the warranty expires I'll go to an independent service mechanic, or handle stuff myself (I picked up the service manual recently).
I'd be careful about focusing on anecdotal evidence (i.e., forum postings) of M8 problems. People mostly come on review sites and forums to vent, therefore it can be one sided. Moreover, picking a bike should also consider your $$, people you ride with, dealer support, etc., etc. So many variables and in my case, it pointed towards a M8 Harley.
I will likely pick up a second bike that won't be a Harley, but my Road Glide will always be in my stable. Love it.
My only complaint is the service department at the spealership seems to be packed, thus 2 week waits anytime you need something done to the bike. After the warranty expires I'll go to an independent service mechanic, or handle stuff myself (I picked up the service manual recently).
I'd be careful about focusing on anecdotal evidence (i.e., forum postings) of M8 problems. People mostly come on review sites and forums to vent, therefore it can be one sided. Moreover, picking a bike should also consider your $$, people you ride with, dealer support, etc., etc. So many variables and in my case, it pointed towards a M8 Harley.
I will likely pick up a second bike that won't be a Harley, but my Road Glide will always be in my stable. Love it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 307
From: Salem IN
It is common with all manufactures...
Toyota frame rust and now rear end whine-my new 17 suffers from this.
Ford F150 recalls.....safety belt fire????
Kawasaki Vulcan output shaft bearing exploding- seen this one for myself.
On and on....so not just a HD thing....
My 2017 Toyota Tacoma rear end whines so loud at 60 mph you can hear it over talk radio. Dealer says its normal.
Toyota frame rust and now rear end whine-my new 17 suffers from this.
Ford F150 recalls.....safety belt fire????
Kawasaki Vulcan output shaft bearing exploding- seen this one for myself.
On and on....so not just a HD thing....
My 2017 Toyota Tacoma rear end whines so loud at 60 mph you can hear it over talk radio. Dealer says its normal.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
Still waiting in that picture of you and your Harley....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
OP - I have no plans to trade, but only because I am still in love with my 2016. It's only got 21,000 trouble-free miles on it, so it's barely broke in.
In my riding group, we are now up to six M8's (two of them CVO's). None have had a single problem. If I were ready to upgrade, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. But until the love affair with my Road Glide dissipates, I'll stay with my twin cam.
In my riding group, we are now up to six M8's (two of them CVO's). None have had a single problem. If I were ready to upgrade, I wouldn't hesitate to do so. But until the love affair with my Road Glide dissipates, I'll stay with my twin cam.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,525
Likes: 10,962
From: ohio
Well with this having being said my dilemma is, do I really want to throw down another $30,000 down for another HD that I really can't trust to take off on a rd. trip ? My twin cam really only has the water pump issue that's another crock of BS that the owners have to foot the bill after the warranty is gone to a tune of $634 avg. when on the rd. at most HD dealers.(another fail on HD's part)
Water pump? Oil sump issue that makes it unreliable to go on a long road trip? Sorry I don't have an answer about the M8 but the question doesn't make me feel good about getting rid of my Evo and Twin Cam for a new Harley. Yes the Twin Cam has issues but they are well known and can be easily remedied. I hate being a test lab rat for a new model.
Water pump? Oil sump issue that makes it unreliable to go on a long road trip? Sorry I don't have an answer about the M8 but the question doesn't make me feel good about getting rid of my Evo and Twin Cam for a new Harley. Yes the Twin Cam has issues but they are well known and can be easily remedied. I hate being a test lab rat for a new model.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 94
First Harley: 2005 Night train. I tricked it out, spend thousands. springer forks, contrast cut wheels ect
Second Harley: 2017 Low Rider S. Started right away with headlight re-location, mini fairing, pegs, grips, ect. Was ALWAYS trying for less wind, music ect
Third:
This year I traded that low rider for a street glide special. I've never been more happy. makes me smile. I'm convinced a lot of the trouble harley's have are from people messing with them. The sumping thing I think has been blown up a bit. This is the most fun I've ever had with this M8. I'm not saying the sumping is fake, but it seems blown up a bit.
I love this bike!
I don't have plans to really change much. I'm even leaving the exhaust stock. I'm just enjoying the ride too much. If I switch anything it will be bars and grips.
I'm only 3,000 miles into it, but no problems
Second Harley: 2017 Low Rider S. Started right away with headlight re-location, mini fairing, pegs, grips, ect. Was ALWAYS trying for less wind, music ect
Third:
This year I traded that low rider for a street glide special. I've never been more happy. makes me smile. I'm convinced a lot of the trouble harley's have are from people messing with them. The sumping thing I think has been blown up a bit. This is the most fun I've ever had with this M8. I'm not saying the sumping is fake, but it seems blown up a bit.
I love this bike!
I don't have plans to really change much. I'm even leaving the exhaust stock. I'm just enjoying the ride too much. If I switch anything it will be bars and grips.
I'm only 3,000 miles into it, but no problems
Last edited by imboden; Sep 8, 2018 at 12:06 PM.