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Regarding the M8, I'd like to understand this assertion better. In what way is it less expensive to manufacture than the Twin Cam? It was a fairly major top end re-design, the way I see it, and was pretty costly in terms of engineering and testing cost.
Upper end redesign was to meet new emissions standards both current and coming, hence the water buffalos and oil cooling in them now.
So, from this, even H-D corporate had fun putting down their old "territory markers".
As to the question of "How much power is enough?" The answer to that is this old hot rodders axiom - "More is better and too much is just right." And a coroally to that axiom is - "If it don't go, chrome it." Those folks that solely confine themselves to the realm of relatively low powered motorbikes, and that includes most H-D's, are doing themselves a disservice. Broaden your horizons, you're really missing out on a thrill that needs to be experienced. The pull delivered by nailing the throttle of a 200hp bike as it's traction control system works to keep it's front wheel (mostly) on the ground is one of lifes true pleasures. One may not do that very often but getting to see the face of God from time to time sure makes this old man feel very much alive.
I have a long trail of broken HD stuff in the last 4 decades from having a bit too much fun and chasing a few more ponies. Why I'm leaving that M8 road king alone this time around. It just just fine stock for my wants at this point in life.
I dont disagree. 150hp is a lot. Is there any stock touring bikes that are close to that? I think the gold wing at 125. Im cool with 90 hp anything lower I dont think would be ideal. I know guys have done it for years. I guess in my circumstance much less than 80-90 I dont think I would enjoy it.
Agree, There are a few. Not in the sense that you would ride I40 2 up across the US, but certainly 1 up on 2 lane roads. The '21 Duc V4S below makes around 170HP at 10.5K RPM. For me at 62 years old, it's great fun for a weekend and 300 miles. For a week long ride, I'll take my Heritage all day long. For me, riding above 4K RPM is for temporary thrill, not for sustained enjoyment. There are guys that will easily put me to shame in touring miles on a BMW or Duc ADV though.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
