M8 problems
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
I think that if there really are just two sides in the M8 sub-forum, then they're the people that think the fluid transfer is a design flaw and either does (or will) happen on every hydraulic clutched M8 bike HD has made, or the people that think its a manufacturing or parts defect effecting some of the hydraulic clutch bikes.
Either way the MoCo's response to the issue sucks. But there's really no way to tell from this forum which side of that divide is actually right - there's just not enough data.
The only thing the divide really effects is how one goes about troubleshooting the problem. If all you have in front of you is a bike that transfers fluid from the trans to the primary then it's easy to assume that its a design problem and start looking for things the change (or add) to the design that would eliminate the transfer.
On the other hand, if you have a bike that transfers and another one that doesn't it would be really time consuming and expensive to disassemble them and start measuring things to try and figure out what's different between the two.
Personally I would've hoped that the MoCo would've done that second step by now... but if they have maybe they did discover that it really is a design defect and they've kept their mouths shut until they really know how widespread the problem is. Or maybe they did it and found there are a number of small (and different) manufacturing defects in different bikes. This would explain why some folks have reported fixes (or just changes) to their transfer flow rates.
IMO things would be nicer here if people didn't make assumptions like "They ALL do it because I heard about 15 cases on the forum" or "They're whining just because they got a bad one" or "They probably just aren't measuring right", etc, etc, etc
Either way the MoCo's response to the issue sucks. But there's really no way to tell from this forum which side of that divide is actually right - there's just not enough data.
The only thing the divide really effects is how one goes about troubleshooting the problem. If all you have in front of you is a bike that transfers fluid from the trans to the primary then it's easy to assume that its a design problem and start looking for things the change (or add) to the design that would eliminate the transfer.
On the other hand, if you have a bike that transfers and another one that doesn't it would be really time consuming and expensive to disassemble them and start measuring things to try and figure out what's different between the two.
Personally I would've hoped that the MoCo would've done that second step by now... but if they have maybe they did discover that it really is a design defect and they've kept their mouths shut until they really know how widespread the problem is. Or maybe they did it and found there are a number of small (and different) manufacturing defects in different bikes. This would explain why some folks have reported fixes (or just changes) to their transfer flow rates.
IMO things would be nicer here if people didn't make assumptions like "They ALL do it because I heard about 15 cases on the forum" or "They're whining just because they got a bad one" or "They probably just aren't measuring right", etc, etc, etc
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 638
Likes: 127
From: Kentucky
I for one don't think the people who are having problems are whiners. I don't own a M8. I do have a 14 Ultra limited, and a 2012 CVO Road Glide. I usually trade every 3 years or so but thanks to some of you that won't be happening till this this gets sorted out. I've been there several times myself. First year production, 1999 ultra, new twin cam, porous cases, cam bearings and shoes. Had the motor out three times. lots of down time. lots of problems with my 2006 ultra. Harley said they were cutting back on their R & D and it shows. I think this forum is great, it gets the word out when there's problems. I think that anyone who says the people who have a legitimate problem are whiners have no compassion, and are probably worried they're going to end up in the boat. No matter what anyone says, these problems are not everyday, run of mill production problems. In this day and age this shouldn't be happening. None of new cars that I've purchased have major problems, nor have any of my friends have any problems and most of them ride one of just about every motorcycle manufactured out there.
Jonnierock
Jonnierock
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
I for one don't think the people who are having problems are whiners. I don't own a M8. I do have a 14 Ultra limited, and a 2012 CVO Road Glide. I usually trade every 3 years or so but thanks to some of you that won't be happening till this this gets sorted out. I've been there several times myself. First year production, 1999 ultra, new twin cam, porous cases, cam bearings and shoes. Had the motor out three times. lots of down time. lots of problems with my 2006 ultra. Harley said they were cutting back on their R & D and it shows. I think this forum is great, it gets the word out when there's problems. I think that anyone who says the people who have a legitimate problem are whiners have no compassion, and are probably worried they're going to end up in the boat. No matter what anyone says, these problems are not everyday, run of mill production problems. In this day and age this shouldn't be happening. None of new cars that I've purchased have major problems, nor have any of my friends have any problems and most of them ride one of just about every motorcycle manufactured out there.
Jonnierock
Jonnierock
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 230
From: United States
I for one don't think the people who are having problems are whiners. I don't own a M8. I do have a 14 Ultra limited, and a 2012 CVO Road Glide. I usually trade every 3 years or so but thanks to some of you that won't be happening till this this gets sorted out. I've been there several times myself. First year production, 1999 ultra, new twin cam, porous cases, cam bearings and shoes. Had the motor out three times. lots of down time. lots of problems with my 2006 ultra. Harley said they were cutting back on their R & D and it shows. I think this forum is great, it gets the word out when there's problems. I think that anyone who says the people who have a legitimate problem are whiners have no compassion, and are probably worried they're going to end up in the boat. No matter what anyone says, these problems are not everyday, run of mill production problems. In this day and age this shouldn't be happening. None of new cars that I've purchased have major problems, nor have any of my friends have any problems and most of them ride one of just about every motorcycle manufactured out there.
Jonnierock
Jonnierock
Harley cutting back on their R&D ? And it shows .... I think someone here mentioned that the new R&D developer group are all those that brought the M8 motor powered bikes.Ill tell you harley has no idea what the problem is , all there going to do is wear down mr John public till they trade to a different platform and pass the problem on to someone else.Lets face it .....There hands are tied as per the warranty agreement, but if they knew of a fix the moco wouldnt be swapping out whole motors as a repair option. More like just doing the least to rectify the problem. And I bet all these swapped out engines are boxed up and sent back to the mother ship for all those design brainacaks to work out where they f**ked up.People say my sportys a girls bike with a pretend EVO engine. Fu**er still runs sweet though Wiz 👌
Last edited by Wizardofaus; Dec 17, 2017 at 11:14 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 638
Likes: 127
From: Kentucky
Anybody know the part number for the front brake master cylinder cover and gasket is? Looked online and in the book and can only find chrome covers. I want black to match the clutch side like i got. Mine is leaking again.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 610
From: USA
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 638
Likes: 127
From: Kentucky
https://www.dodgecityharleydavidson....)//BRAKE_CONTR
Looks like you want #6
Looks like you want #6
Btw i went and got a MC cover yesterday from harley. Gonna put that bad boy on today. Got covwr and seal. Hope that fixes it. Dont really wanna replace the whole master cylinder. But if i have to i will. I turn wrenches for a living but for some reason i have always hated working on my own stuff ha.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 75
Likes: 2
From:
With a gun and a mask. LOL
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 139
Likes: 45
From: Huntington New York
Reader beware of fake news 90% of the problem comments are posted by trolls. Prior to posting about your problem M8; lets see a copy of your title or registration. I bet we see very few postings. I bought an m8 in April, I ride it every day to work, yes in NY where its cold. The ONLY problem I have experienced is that I have to stop for gas every 220 miles.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 1,416
From: Northern NJ
99% of statistics posted on a board are made up w/out anything to back them up. Just saying..