M8 5K report
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From: Illinois
M8 5K report
Just did the 5K (me not the dealer) on my 17 RGS with full stage I.
I ride the heck out of my bikes. Last year I did over 42K and am past 37K for this year. I usually swap out a bike at 1 to 2 K but the M8 wouldn't let me take any other bike out when I went into the garage!
The mpg has ranged from 50 to 56. I must add a qualifier. Within 3 to 5 blocks from my house in a small town I am on a highway and Illinois highways are 55 mph speed limits. However I did do two two day rides across Iowa on roads of 55 to 65 limits. Then after 3K I did many one day rides of 250 to 300 on Interstates of 70 mph limits.
During those miles I experienced some terrible roads. The improved suspension was up to the job. On good roads there is only a barely noticeable improvements. But the feeling of stability is better especially tracking on sweeping curves. If you encounter big pot holes, RR tracks and bumps the suspension just shines. No klunk or bottoming at all.
Of course the bike is smoother all around. No drivetrain lash at all. That is a problem on my 14 Road King.
The 4.5 inch SE Street Cannons are sweet. Although when engine braking they sound somewhat like a semi jake braking.
An early issue with the 850 idle speed was that it would almost stall when beginning to take off from a stop. It corrected itself with time. Now that the engine is well worn it there is no stumbling and it settled down to a smooth idle.
The clutch, shifting are smooth. I get neutral up or done on the first try every time. Did that a lot in 5K.
Engine performance is beyond my expectations. I have a 10 RG CVO and the 107 out pulls it. Because of that I decided not to do the 114 upgrade as originally planned. This bike is for touring when I use only motels. The King with solo seat is when I camp as the area between the seat and aftermarket trunk carries the camping gear.
My final thought on the bike is if you have any year touring bike and have it set up the way you like just run it until it needs more work than it's worth then trade. The M8 will be there waiting for you.
Now that I did the service, put Sta-Bil in and hooked the tender up, it will just have to understand tomorrow that I need to ride one of the other bikes.
I ride the heck out of my bikes. Last year I did over 42K and am past 37K for this year. I usually swap out a bike at 1 to 2 K but the M8 wouldn't let me take any other bike out when I went into the garage!
The mpg has ranged from 50 to 56. I must add a qualifier. Within 3 to 5 blocks from my house in a small town I am on a highway and Illinois highways are 55 mph speed limits. However I did do two two day rides across Iowa on roads of 55 to 65 limits. Then after 3K I did many one day rides of 250 to 300 on Interstates of 70 mph limits.
During those miles I experienced some terrible roads. The improved suspension was up to the job. On good roads there is only a barely noticeable improvements. But the feeling of stability is better especially tracking on sweeping curves. If you encounter big pot holes, RR tracks and bumps the suspension just shines. No klunk or bottoming at all.
Of course the bike is smoother all around. No drivetrain lash at all. That is a problem on my 14 Road King.
The 4.5 inch SE Street Cannons are sweet. Although when engine braking they sound somewhat like a semi jake braking.
An early issue with the 850 idle speed was that it would almost stall when beginning to take off from a stop. It corrected itself with time. Now that the engine is well worn it there is no stumbling and it settled down to a smooth idle.
The clutch, shifting are smooth. I get neutral up or done on the first try every time. Did that a lot in 5K.
Engine performance is beyond my expectations. I have a 10 RG CVO and the 107 out pulls it. Because of that I decided not to do the 114 upgrade as originally planned. This bike is for touring when I use only motels. The King with solo seat is when I camp as the area between the seat and aftermarket trunk carries the camping gear.
My final thought on the bike is if you have any year touring bike and have it set up the way you like just run it until it needs more work than it's worth then trade. The M8 will be there waiting for you.
Now that I did the service, put Sta-Bil in and hooked the tender up, it will just have to understand tomorrow that I need to ride one of the other bikes.
Last edited by lh4x4; Oct 11, 2016 at 09:43 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 41
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Good write up. I like the SE Street Cannons as well while riding-just wish they had a little more sound at idle. I'm waiting for D&D to come out with their M8 Fatcat. Supposed to be available before the end of the year.
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