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We are now what, 11 months or so into the new 2017 M8 engines? Often times it takes this long for problems to show up. Currently there are several pretty serious problems which are showing up with the engine. The MOCO up to this point is totally quiet on them so far. How the MOCO addresses these engine issues will dictate how the public views the Harley warranty. If they step up to the plate and admit to the problem it will likely restore confidence in the brand.
The TCs had plenty of problems early on - and some very recently. Any new motor will have its growing pains, but I would venture a guess, that by a large margin, the majority of M8 owners, including me, have not had any issues (granted I have only owned my since Thursday). The squeaky wheel gets the grease, because those who are unhappy, scream the loudest. Those with problems are part of a very small majority. And I agree with other OPs, Harley-Davidson is way above average handling their warranty issues.
Originally Posted by Punjabi HD
Traded in two 2015 very loved Limites for two M8 CVO Limited and SG wow these bikes are awesome power, handling, smooth and very little vibrations often feels like this motor can use 7 speed.
Sweet CVO! I love my 17 CVO Limited so far.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Jul 11, 2017 at 12:32 PM.
I guess this will make me a "Doomsday......bla bla..." too. So much for someone giving an honest opinion when asked.
My two cents -If I could have my 2016 Street Glide Special back (along with the extra 20k I paid for the 17 CVO, I wouldn't even blink to do so at this current moment.
Issues I see are below. Most have been mentioned at one time or the other by others.
1. The oil pumps sumping issues - I am about to either a) have my engine totally ripped apart and reassembled or b) a new replacement motor installed. Hoping for the latter but still not ideal for a 40K purchase with 3K miles on it.
2. The transmission oil transfer issue- While mine has slowed down for the time being(I am easier on it) it doesn't leave you comfortable when traveling or putting on serious miles.
3. Crazy Idle - Where I didn't come up with the name, I surely say it's spot on. While coasting in stop and go traffic, as you feather the clutch in and out ,one of the times when you are about to engage or disengage the idle will go crazy and jump from 850 to 1300. This happens at very very slow speeds, right when you need precise control. Sooner or later there will be a lawsuit on HD for this one. When you expect to be releasing your clutch at 850, and it jumps to 1300 or vis-versa, one day something negative is going to happen. (Edit: let me be clear, this isn't just happening on my bike, other have reported it as well)
4. Neutral is a $%itch to find. I hear all you guys saying I've gotten use to it but the facts are just this, neutral wasn't this hard on my 2014 or 2016 twin cam. Why would or should I accept it being harder to find now? It simple shouldn't be this way.
5. The transmission clunks even harder than the twin cam. In my opinion, if you are going to change away from something that works (the twin cam tranny) a)it shouldn't leak oil to the primary b) at a minimum it should clunk the same or less and c) the clunk shouldn't be felt all the way up in the clutch lever. Net- none of item 5 should be this way rather you like the bike or not.
While I am having a few smaller issues outside that, I am not as focused on these as they are what I would expect from buying something new. I'll ride with them and have them fixed end of summer.
What i can say positive about the M8, is that the bike does ride and handle great when not in the shop (A fair statement for someone in my shoes). The power when not sumping (again, a fair statement from my shoes) is right there all the time. All seriousness, the torque curve of even a stock M8 bike is nothing short of amazing (both the 107 and 114). I will also add the valve train noise is much quieter than the twin cam. I think once they work out issues 1-5 this will actually be a solid platform. I take full responsibility for making this purchase, so I am not pointing the finger at HD. It's a lesson many have learn long before I started buying motorcycles, cars or expensive toys. The lesson? What can happen when you buy a first or second year of anything. Especially when the company changes so many critical pieces at once (not just the engine).
Sorry if you don't like my response. Trust me, if 1-5 weren't there or get fixed (I ain't holding my breath) I'll be as tickled as all you positive "ninny's" Until then, I want my 2016 back.
Last edited by Macrunner; Jul 10, 2017 at 02:48 PM.
My two cents -If I could have my 2016 Street Glide Special back (along with the extra 20k I paid for the 17 CVO, I wouldn't even blink to do so at this current moment. I want my 2016 back.
$20K to 'upgrade' is a colossal chunk to not be happy..totally understand your particular predicament..tough to get out of it recouping a decent amount at this point too..sure hope enough resolution comes your way so you can at least enjoy the damn thing!
I guess this will make me a "Doomsday......bla bla..." too. So much for someone giving an honest opinion when asked.
My two cents -If I could have my 2016 Street Glide Special back (along with the extra 20k I paid for the 17 CVO, I wouldn't even blink to do so at this current moment.
Issues I see are below. Most have been mentioned at one time or the other by others.
1. The oil pumps sumping issues - I am about to either a) have my engine totally ripped apart and reassembled or b) a new replacement motor installed. Hoping for the latter but still not ideal for a 40K purchase with 3K miles on it.
2. The transmission oil transfer issue- While mine has slowed down for the time being(I am easier on it) it doesn't leave you comfortable when traveling or putting on serious miles.
3. Crazy Idle - Where I didn't come up with the name, I surely say it's spot on. While coasting in stop and go traffic, as you feather the clutch in and out ,one of the times when you are about to engage or disengage the idle will go crazy and jump from 850 to 1300. This happens at very very slow speeds, right when you need precise control. Sooner or later there will be a lawsuit on HD for this one. When you expect to be releasing your clutch at 850, and it jumps to 1300 or vis-versa, one day something negative is going to happen.
4. Neutral is a $%itch to find. I hear all you guys saying I've gotten use to it but the facts are just this, neutral wasn't this hard on my 2014 or 2016 twin cam. Why would or should I accept it being harder to find now? It simple shouldn't be this way.
5. The transmission clunks even harder than the twin cam. In my opinion, if you are going to change away from something that works (the twin cam tranny) a)it shouldn't leak oil to the primary b) at a minimum it should clunk the same or less and c) the clunk shouldn't be felt all the way up in the clutch lever. Net- none of item 5 should be this way rather you like the bike or not.
While I am having a few smaller issues outside that, I am not as focused on these as they are what I would expect from buying something new. I'll ride with them and have them fixed end of summer.
What i can say positive about the M8, is that the bike does ride and handle great when not in the shop (A fair statement for someone in my shoes). The power when not sumping (again, a fair statement from my shoes) is right there all the time. All seriousness, the torque curve of even a stock M8 bike is nothing short of amazing (both the 107 and 114). I will also add the valve train noise is much quieter than the twin cam. I think once they work out issues 1-5 this will actually be a solid platform. I take full responsibility for making this purchase, so I am not pointing the finger at HD. It's a lesson many have learn long before I started buying motorcycles, cars or expensive toys. The lesson? What can happen when you buy a first or second year of anything. Especially when the company changes so many critical pieces at once (not just the engine).
Sorry if you don't like my response. Trust me, if 1-5 weren't there or get fixed (I ain't holding my breath) I'll be as tickled as all you positive "ninny's" Until then, I want my 2016 back.
Yeah the idle is a little rough.. I suspect some of that is due to them running near stoichiometric at idle to reduce emissions..
Have seen 1 but a little if 2..
IMO the current clutch sucks.. Friction zone changes with Rs. IMO, tranny clunks like an old 4 speed sportster because of it.. Funny but the TC 5 speeds shifted very good, especially the later ones. When HD introduced the "Clunk Drive", it clunked.. M8 is worse.
I wouldn't be surprised if clutch part of the neutral problem... That an the anti backlash 1st gear.. I've replaced the shifter **** with a bigger one and it helped. I also found it easier to use wedge my foot between the floorboard and shifter then twist the ankle to control movement..
For me.. TCs were quieter.. My M8 rattles a little at idle when hot but then they all get a little noisier when the temps are near or above 100F.
I'm no complaining just noting what I've found. I still think it's the best HD has done yet..
Damn, mine has been significantly better than any twin cam I have owned, except for the S&S 124 that was in my last bike. It's pretty close to a tie between them.
Now my ATM card isn't happy with it. Mods and gas.... so happy to not have a POS. Hope the few of you that are having issues get it sorted soon, and with little expense.
Love it, absolutely love it!!!! NO COMPARISON to the 103. Have both, the M8 107 is better in every single way, incredible amount of torque through the entire range, no heat issues like the 103, smoother, quieter, etc, etc etc,
Been riding 45 years and every time I get off the bike I'm saying this the best bike I've ever owned.
'17 Road King stage III. Much faster than my built TC.
No issues so far. Just did the 1000 mi service and switched to Amsoil with Redline in the tranny and it seemed to really quiet things down and smoothed shifting.
I can't imagine how fast this thing would be at Stage IIII !!!
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.
Until then, I want my 2016 back.
