The M8 crate engine will show up a year or so after the engine becomes standard in Dyna's and Softail's
as the OME engine in those models.

 

Say what? You're comparing a Vette to a Camaro price-wise? The 2017 Camaro ZL1 will be in the $60K price range.

 

And how long before its the engine for the Softail?

 

Is the current touring frame the same (as far as engine and trans mounting) as the Rushmore models, or even back to the 2009s?

 

2009+ frames are the same....

Rushmores got the new 49mm front end, 2017 has the same 49mm front end w/different internals and adjustable rear shock.....

 

So you could bolt an M8 engine and trans in there huh? That could be interesting.

 

There are some minor (probably) differences.
There were a bunch of improvements touted in 2014 and who knows what changes were made for 2017.

2009 47900-11BHP FRAME MAIN $2,258.14
2014 47900-14BHP FRAME MAIN $2,258.14
2017 47000088BHP FRAME MAIN $2,325.96

A M8 would still probably bolt up with minor modifications. I guess.

 

The Frame changed for the M8 as the engine is taller. It looks to me from just looking at them, all the changes are from the horn area rearward in the frame to the battery area. The engine pattern is also different so your going to need the M8 drive package too. Not so sure the price of a M8 plus transmission and case along with oil pan and lines is going to be worth it.

 

So does this mean the Mo Co changed the seats on the touring bikes to compensate for the increased height.

 

I have no idea on that one.