Replacement for the M8

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Jul 31, 2018 | 02:52 PM

#61

beary

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 285

From: Edmond Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadrash3

On top of that they new boxer motor the 1250 is coming out this next year with 140HP, I hope Harley is on their game and not hitting the market with a underpowered machine

Depends really. The one big knock of the boxer is the weight and width on a trail. I read the test ride of a GS comparison where one of the riders broke his leg crossing a stream because it was too heavy to hold up going slow. It's not ideal for overly rough terrain for which many owners use them. Also, while the boxer itself is somewhat reliable, the rest of the bike doesn't have the same respect. It has a lower than average reliability record with a way above average cost for maintenance. The suspension alone tends break down in the first 10,000 miles. It happened to me while riding a friends 1200 GS with 6000 miles, on a paved road.

And, BMW has a terrible dealership network, which scares a lot of buyers away because of the risk of breaking down. Harley has the best dealership network of any manufacturer.

IF, and it is a big IF, Harley produce a reasonably powered bike with a sound reliability, I'm sure it would have some following. Likely me. The 1250 GS is liked for it's highway comfort along with the ability for off road terrain. That would be the goal to find converts.

Beary

Jul 31, 2018 | 03:42 PM

#62

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2006

Posts: 11,476

Likes: 3,003

From: Charleston, SC

Quote:

Originally Posted by teedoff65

Ha. Yeah mine was blue. It was a fun toy! I upgraded to a honda XR75 I believe and gave the 50 to my sister. First time she rode it, she ran head on into a tree and bent the front rim. Not sure what dad did with it, but we never fixed it.

That's the bike that started it all for me. Man did I love that first bike.... great memories.