In light of the M8 transmission fluid migration issue that some here report and that the MoCo acknowledges but doesn't offer a fix for yet, if you were in the market for a used Street Glide would you shy away from a 2017 model and go with a 2016 or slightly older model year? This will be my first HD. (Only metric cruisers previously.) I value the opinions here and am curious what you all would recommend at this time. 2017? Older than 2017? Wait for spring and decide then when maybe a fix is out and I'd be more comfortable buying a 2017 M8 model? Is the M8 that much better than the twin cam that it's worth rolling the dice on or worth waiting for a fix for? Thank you for any helpful input!

 

Id get the newest you can afford. They did a lot of changes in 2014 to the touring bikes so if it were me, I'd look at 2014 and up.

 

I'd get a 2017..coming off metrics and never on a Harley the shake, rattle and roll and noises will be less of a transition for you and think you'd be more impressed with how they run..there are likely 10's of thousands of happy M8 owners that don't experience the problems you read about here..just my opinion, sure you'll get a variety pack of em'

 

I have to concur with mjwebb on the oil transfer issue. Once you start riding a Harley you'll ask yourself "Why did it take this long?" I've owned Harley's, British & Metric's and I love the ride, history & mostly the people who ride the same bike. I sold my 2016 Road Glide for a new 2017 Road Glide Ultra. At the end of the day it doesn't matter what you ride, just enjoy the journey. Good Luck on deciding.

 

Sticking with the M8. Just over 12K on it now. I also trade a 2016 RGU for the 2017

 

I guess it comes down to what you want and can afford. M8 guys are going to say buy the m8 and the twin cam guys are going to say twin cam. It is a known fact that the m8 is having issues and you are rolling the dice. The twin cam has its known issues but also has known fixes so at the end of the day buy what makes you happy. Just remember if you are going to add aftermarket parts dont purchase a warranty with the 17

 

Like you, I came from the metric world with my last 3 bikes being sport touring models, I currently still have a 2015 BMW RT1200. I thought I would dip a toe into the Harley world so I went and test drove a new 2016 and 2017 street glide special back to back on a test ride with the salesman. He advised me not to be afraid to twist the throttle so I banged them both off of the rev limiter through the gears. In my honest opinion it was very little difference between the two. The 2017 did seem to have a tad bit more torque but it was nothing ground breaking. I could not tell any difference what so ever with the rest of the bike, ride, handling etc. I ending up buying the 2017 because hey, it was the latest and greatest and the salesman was pretty convincing, so was the military recruiter when I signed up and that didn't turn out like he promised but I digress. Coming from the sport touring world I would have to say the biggest let down for me with my SGS would be power. This thing is a slow, heavy boat anchor but the more I rode it, the more I started to like it. It just took me some time to realize that the Harley is not a sport tourer and I should not expect the same things out of it. Now that I am ok with the differences I will say that I love my SGS, I find myself riding it as much if not more than my Beamer and I have also spent more money on this thing than I care to add up in my head, I think Harley filters cocaine dust into the dealerships or something because I can't seem to quit buying stuff for this bike! Would I recomend Harley, yes I would! I love mine but my advice is go in with an open mind and realize they are not metrics and are not meant to be. Best of luck with your decision and ride safe!

 

I have owned both twin cams and now a M8. An so far I have not had any major trouble out of any of them. Knock on wood. But I kinda wish I had bought a left over 16 twin cam. Could have saved a few bucks. Not had to worry about the epa/warrenty issues that has came about new for 2017 and etc. Also I think the twin cams sound a little better. The M8 is smooth and I like the rushmore improvements but I could have got that with a 16. An I wouldn't feel like a lab rat with the new engine. But hey im happy with what I got and the 17s are bad *** bikes. Just saying if I had it to do over I would prolly be on a 16 not a 17.
If you dead set on a m8 I would get a 2018. The stretche bags alone really make that bike look good. An if your into blacked out bikes you can get a 18 already done from the factory. GOOD LUCK!

 

I’m on the fence of 2014 to 2016 versus the M8. Don’t get me wrong...I traded my 14 in on my 2017 and love it. There seems to be a lot of talk with the oil migration (I haven’t seen it) and then the whole voided powertrain warranty issues if you use non-SE parts. Of course, if you buy used, the warranty is a moot issue.

The M8 alone wasn’t the driving factor in my trade, I was looking for a deal on a 2016 Ultra or CVO Ultra and really didn’t find anything that I would considered a “deal”. So why not buy the latest and greatest??

As it stands, I wished I had picked up a BX custom bike over buying a brand new M8. My Ultra stands out from the crowd like a Toyota Camry, and runs about the same as my 2014 did. The bigger thing I like over the 2014 now?? The twin cooled motor, which I could of had on the 103.

 

I traded my TC for the M8 and so far am very happy with the decision. Like most things internet related, you read far more negative than positive on any product, IMO.