Personal review of the SG M8
#12
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: North of Hell, South of Heaven
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Tony P, nice review. I see in your signature, you're coming from a Dyna. Any comments on the handling difference between the 2? I'm on a Switchback, but made the very stupid mistake of test riding an M8 RK and was very impressed with it. I'm wondering how livable the additional mass is to manage day to day.
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rauchman (03-22-2017)
#13
My Dyna is at least 150 pounds lighter, thus, it's much better in parking lots and u-turns. The Dyna is just a great all-around scoot. The SG is superior on the interstate. More stable. It gave me a feeling of security when running down the highway at 80. Honestly, if you have a lot of miles under your belt, the SG (or RK) will be a short learning curve and would suit your need for a variety of riding scenarios. All this being said, my Dyna makes me feel like I'm on a Harley. The M8 is great, but it's so refined it reminded me of a good metric.
#14
Good write up. I'm only 325 into my SGS as the weather has the roads either snowed or salted, but so far I like it better than my old Super Glide and much more than my 103 Road King. The only thing I'm not a fan of so far is the clutch, I may have to roll the whole thing forward some, but it seems like a harder pull than the RK and the friction point is right out at the end of the travel. Once I'm used to it, I'll probably forget it bothered me.
Also, it might just be me but with a 7" LRS Recurve - turbulence is reduced when I open the vent. ( I also have the fork fangs and a between fork deflector and the air pocket is dead quiet, I think I could probably light a cigar )
Also, it might just be me but with a 7" LRS Recurve - turbulence is reduced when I open the vent. ( I also have the fork fangs and a between fork deflector and the air pocket is dead quiet, I think I could probably light a cigar )
#15
They keep an engine in production usually around 17 years. They would not have invested as much money in the M8 just to toss it out in two or three years, especially since it was a completey new design, not a simple refresh or displacement increase of the twin cam.
I think some people are reading too much into the Euroweinie bullshit and internet rumors.
I think some people are reading too much into the Euroweinie bullshit and internet rumors.
#16
#17
#18
I rented an M8 SG last month. I agree it was just a bit too refined, and I ride a softail. I didn't care for the clutch, but got used to it. Right at 60, my glasses bounced around, but at 75 the windscreen worked well with slot open.
On long sweepers, I could feel just a hint of that bagger wobble. The bars never shook, never wobbled, but just undulating feeling that I comes more from the batwing than anything else. Brakes were great, so great I noticed how lacking mine were in comparison when I got home. Handling was good, predictable, and easy to ride. Good seat, but the GF says my Fatboy seat is way more comfy. Needed a bit more motor shake and some pipes. Had fun on it though.
On long sweepers, I could feel just a hint of that bagger wobble. The bars never shook, never wobbled, but just undulating feeling that I comes more from the batwing than anything else. Brakes were great, so great I noticed how lacking mine were in comparison when I got home. Handling was good, predictable, and easy to ride. Good seat, but the GF says my Fatboy seat is way more comfy. Needed a bit more motor shake and some pipes. Had fun on it though.
#19
#20
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
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Funny thing is when I rode a 2017 Street Glide I didn't even notice the clutch or give it a second thought. I wonder if it is because twin cam guys were used to a faster idle compare to the M8 idle speed is close to an Evo?
I ride an Evo Heritage so the Street Glide was a lot different for me, but I liked it. I liked it a lot better than the twin cam bikes I finally tried. I really didn't like those but can't point to a specification or anything that demonstrates why. I do like the M8 and it has the immediacy that my well tuned Evo has. That is what I find is lacking in a stock twin cam but is present in the M8. Just a preference and not a slam against twin cammers.
The suspension and brakes were so good on the 2017 Street Glide that I ended up ordering some upgrades for my old bike afterwards.
I ride an Evo Heritage so the Street Glide was a lot different for me, but I liked it. I liked it a lot better than the twin cam bikes I finally tried. I really didn't like those but can't point to a specification or anything that demonstrates why. I do like the M8 and it has the immediacy that my well tuned Evo has. That is what I find is lacking in a stock twin cam but is present in the M8. Just a preference and not a slam against twin cammers.
The suspension and brakes were so good on the 2017 Street Glide that I ended up ordering some upgrades for my old bike afterwards.
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Tony P (03-23-2017)