2017 M8 postmortem
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 605
Likes: 313
From: Colorado
Eyes wide open when I bought my Ultra. No looking back. I like it better than the one I traded in ('16 Road King), so I wouldn't take my ball and go play with someone else.
Owned Harley's since 1976. None of them worth a damn.
However, I can't say that any one brand (I've owned damn near everything) other than HD has been in my garage all that time.
Owned Harley's since 1976. None of them worth a damn.
However, I can't say that any one brand (I've owned damn near everything) other than HD has been in my garage all that time.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,323
Likes: 11,765
From: Omaha,NE
My experience with my RGS thus far has been very good (1K service to be done this weekend). I've owned many bikes from sportbikes, boulevard cruisers, to softails and touring, some of them being Harleys. I ran this bike easy the first 500 miles, and hard the last 500 miles. The suspension is stellar IMHO (I can swing this thing into curves like a sportbike), the power is fantastic, the fuel economy is very good, and I feel that this bike is mechanically superior to any I've owned and the overall build quality (fit and finish) is excellent. Time will tell if I hold that opinion later.
In my experience as a late-model hot-rodder (I built a 600hp 2012 Camaro), folks on forums seem to invent problems that aren't there. I think a lot of it is driven by the aftermarket parts market trying to create a "need" for a fix that isn't needed. As someone else pointed out, for every 1 owner that has a problem, there are 100 who don't. It really is the false hype that creates paranoia.
In my experience as a late-model hot-rodder (I built a 600hp 2012 Camaro), folks on forums seem to invent problems that aren't there. I think a lot of it is driven by the aftermarket parts market trying to create a "need" for a fix that isn't needed. As someone else pointed out, for every 1 owner that has a problem, there are 100 who don't. It really is the false hype that creates paranoia.
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 104
From: Detroit
I've noticed on hdforums that those who are actually experiencing the problems tend to remain fairly calm and zen about it.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
If you are relying on the forums for a warm fuzzy on anything you will die a rich man because you won't buy anything.... motorcycle... car... truck.. cell phone... the list goes on. All mechanical things may have issues. Same goes for electrical. This is why this stuff carries a warranty. Thing is unlike other brands a Harley is a relatively simple machine that can be torn down in an owners garage and some times on the road to fix most things. They have a large dealer network if you're on the road and a lot of knowledgeable people to help out if you have an issue.
Harley's are not for everyone. I suggest you rent one for a full weekend of riding. They are hot... They vibrate.. They are heavy and they can be noisey in the drive train.
That being said I just returned from a 4000 mile trip from Cleveland Ohio to Granby Colorado and road around Colorado for a week. I had minor oil consumption (less than half a quart) and no noticeable oil migration from the transmission. It didn't sump on the highway at 80 pretty much the entire ride. I have almost 9000 on the ODO and no issues yet.
Harley's are not for everyone. I suggest you rent one for a full weekend of riding. They are hot... They vibrate.. They are heavy and they can be noisey in the drive train.
That being said I just returned from a 4000 mile trip from Cleveland Ohio to Granby Colorado and road around Colorado for a week. I had minor oil consumption (less than half a quart) and no noticeable oil migration from the transmission. It didn't sump on the highway at 80 pretty much the entire ride. I have almost 9000 on the ODO and no issues yet.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 104
From: Detroit
If you are relying on the forums for a warm fuzzy on anything you will die a rich man because you won't buy anything.... motorcycle... car... truck.. cell phone... the list goes on. All mechanical things may have issues. Same goes for electrical. This is why this stuff carries a warranty. Thing is unlike other brands a Harley is a relatively simple machine that can be torn down in an owners garage and some times on the road to fix most things. They have a large dealer network if you're on the road and a lot of knowledgeable people to help out if you have an issue.
That being said I just returned from a 4000 mile trip from Cleveland Ohio to Granby Colorado and road around Colorado for a week. I had minor oil consumption (less than half a quart) and no noticeable oil migration from the transmission. It didn't sump on the highway at 80 pretty much the entire ride. I have almost 9000 on the ODO and no issues yet.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 31
From: Eastern PA
I had a 2012 CVO.. good bike ran good spent money on cams and tune, Ohen's shocks.. The 2017 CVO I have, my wife and I really enjoy, I admit I am paranoid about trans migration, also sumping, I have a Stage IV w the latest oil pump.. the bike is a dream for both of us.. stumping thumping quick, very quiet drive train, suspension is awesome in comparison, no trouble w the GPS, Radio system is fine/enough (always looking for more base), fit and finish is great. When I list these things out, what is not to like but price and I blew a trans (ripped 3rd gear right clean) had what I believed sumping, but could not mimic it again.. Harley took care of my issues or should I say my dealer Classic HD every time.. Do I wish more for myself? Of course, is it a morbid situation? No! Would I do it again, of course, it's what I do. I'm a glutton for punishment as some see it. But what really do these people know? I believe I have first hand experience do they? I don't mind if folk don't buy the M8, Why can't I have something they don't want or need. If your survey OP is to bring out the worst in us.. then ask the question on a Honda forum.. Some of us just gotta have a Harley. Oh and a KTM for the off-road.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 8
From: Arvada, CO
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 413
Likes: 104
From: Detroit
I had a 2012 CVO.. good bike ran good spent money on cams and tune, Ohen's shocks.. The 2017 CVO I have, my wife and I really enjoy, I admit I am paranoid about trans migration, also sumping, I have a Stage IV w the latest oil pump.. the bike is a dream for both of us.. stumping thumping quick, very quiet drive train, suspension is awesome in comparison, no trouble w the GPS, Radio system is fine/enough (always looking for more base), fit and finish is great. When I list these things out, what is not to like but price and I blew a trans (ripped 3rd gear right clean) had what I believed sumping, but could not mimic it again.. Harley took care of my issues or should I say my dealer Classic HD every time.. Do I wish more for myself? Of course, is it a morbid situation? No! Would I do it again, of course, it's what I do. I'm a glutton for punishment as some see it. But what really do these people know? I believe I have first hand experience do they? I don't mind if folk don't buy the M8, Why can't I have something they don't want or need. If your survey OP is to bring out the worst in us.. then ask the question on a Honda forum.. Some of us just gotta have a Harley. Oh and a KTM for the off-road.
I am not trying to bring out the worst in anyone. I am sorry if It sounded that way. What I'm asking is if those that have had issues would still choose their bike, in spite of their experiences. Like you, most would. No one is so incensed by their troubles that they regret their purchase. I was trying to get past all the frustration and mixed messages and ask simply, "would you or wouldn't you take the money instead?"
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
Mr. Skewl, have you seen the movie "The Terminator," where Arnold has a heads up display that gives him several possible responses to the janitor? That
https://youtu.be/oAKG-kbKeIo
yea, that
https://youtu.be/oAKG-kbKeIo
yea, that