My niece's boyfriend purchased a 2020 Street Glide in Black Denim (satin black paint) and he didn't have his endorsement yet. He's ridden Sportsters and a Road King in the past. I don't know the story, didn't ask. But, he bought a 2020 Harley and asked if I'd ride it home from the dealer for him. Sure!

Was curious how it compared to my lowly TC88 in my '06 RKC. So much different for many reasons. There were obvious things, such as the stock bars on the SG compared to my beach bars on my RK. The throttle by wire took a little getting used to and there were stock pipes (the bike only has 3,500 miles on it), so rev-matching on downshifts was a little tricky since I couldn't hear the engine per se and the TBW had more of a delay than I was used to initially. I will say, I don't think I'll EVER miss those rubber grips!

The brakes are a HUGE improvement! I think the new ones are made by Brembo?

And the biggest thing I noted, that engine was SMOOTH!!!!! To me, it seemed almost four-cylinder smooth. Had plenty of torque too. The only thing I can tell you is it had a Screaming Eagle air cleaner cover. Obviously, I didn't woof on it too much, but I was impressed with how well it handled throttle inputs at about all RPM. I"m not sure I agree with folks saying that sixth is only for 70mph+.

Altogether, it'll make for a nice bike for them. Kinda dug the whole batwing fairing too. Been thinking about one of them for my RK. Would need a taller windshield than the 3-inch version he had. Put the wind right into my glasses! I'm sure I looked like a dufus (as "motorman" would put it) as I tried to squat down behind a tiny windshield to get out of the airflow enough to see straight! LoL. It was a nice bike. I'm glad I got a chance to finally ride an M8, and, I also still like my RKC very much.
Now, to get him "official" and start racking up the miles on it!

 

Yes, the Harley touring bikes have had Brembo brakes for a while now.

And the stock Street Glide windshield is strictly for looks.

 

Isn't that the truth! I had to ride mine home 200 miles from the dealer, and I had a migraine from the shake and buzz from my sunglasses. Looks good, but I couldn't order a better screen fast enough.

 

I haven't ridden an M8, but had similar experience just last night. I've had my '01 RKC for 13 years. It also has beach bars. Last night I rode a '14 Ultra Limited for a short time. Both touring bikes, but the Ultra was very different. The steering is heavy due to the fairing and all the stuff in it. The bike is more top heavy. And the DBW was very strange to me. With all that said, I think I will get to like the Ultra Limited, at least I hope so because I bought it. Keeping the RKC too.

 

Yep.....the M8 will definitely "get out of its' own way"
mine was culture shock coming off an 88ci TC.....much "punchier" engine....and the 6 spd tran just gives me an erection still.......

 

Glad you got a ride but your tc88 is far from lowly...

 

Imagine going to an M8 from an Evo Softail.

 

You'd miss the sound THATS for sure !!

 

Agreed! I like it!

 

And I do. That and the ease of maintenance.