Are the Softails sumping?
Thread Starter
|
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,315
Likes: 1,663
From: Tampa
Are the Softails sumping?
Just wondering, I'm not seeing a lot of bitching about the Softail line sumping. All the posts I've taken the time to read into it's a touring bike of some fashion, most being CVO's.
I ask because i'm really leaning towards a Low Rider or Street Bob.
I ask because i'm really leaning towards a Low Rider or Street Bob.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,674
Likes: 11,462
From: State of Confusion
if you really want one just go buy one, ride it, enjoy it, have fun and don't let the relative few that may, cause you to miss out
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
AFAIK there has been only one report here of an M8 Softail sumping, and it was stock.
I agree with mjwebb, if you buy it do so with the idea of riding it, and just enjoy it. The odds are very definitely in your favor and you're unlikely to experience problems. Then again if you plan to build it into a stage III or IV, you ride hard for long periods, and do so in extreme temperatures then you start tipping the balance the other way, according to what has been reported. But remember, some of the twins cams sumped too.
I agree with mjwebb, if you buy it do so with the idea of riding it, and just enjoy it. The odds are very definitely in your favor and you're unlikely to experience problems. Then again if you plan to build it into a stage III or IV, you ride hard for long periods, and do so in extreme temperatures then you start tipping the balance the other way, according to what has been reported. But remember, some of the twins cams sumped too.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 638
Likes: 127
From: Kentucky
with that said go buy a 2018 street glide special in you color choice and ride that bad buy if money allows.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 3,134
From: Texas
In all the time I've been on this forum, and lurking before I was a member, I have only heard one user claim that a Softail sumped. Odd thing is, what he described doesn't sound like sumping at all, he says d there was no loss of power, no burnt oil smell, nothing like that, just some leaking from some lower gaskets, but the dealer told him it was sumping. I wonder if he didn't just encounter an idiot service writer who told him the wrong thing?
In any case, it sounds to me that the Softails are relatively immune from sumping. It COULD happen, according to the Harley tech bulletin, but I don't think we have ever heard of a case of it happening here, with the typical symptoms. I think if you go Stage IV you can ncreincr the odds, maybe. But I am quite confident the lighter weight, more frequent gas stops, different crankcase, etc., all combine to make it rare to non-existent on the Softail M8's.
In any case, it sounds to me that the Softails are relatively immune from sumping. It COULD happen, according to the Harley tech bulletin, but I don't think we have ever heard of a case of it happening here, with the typical symptoms. I think if you go Stage IV you can ncreincr the odds, maybe. But I am quite confident the lighter weight, more frequent gas stops, different crankcase, etc., all combine to make it rare to non-existent on the Softail M8's.
Last edited by FatBob2018; Sep 9, 2018 at 10:33 PM.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 13
Likes: 10
From: FL
None that I've heard of
I have a 2018 heritage 107 with a stage 1 and a dyno tune.
Mine has 4900 miles, and has not sumped. I ride very fast and tend to take off from stops quickly...i'm having fun.
I see one of the techs fairly often at church and recently asked if he'd seen any softails sump. He said no, only touring models.
I personally won't buy another Harley, it will be back to the trouble free Japanese bikes for me.
Mine has 4900 miles, and has not sumped. I ride very fast and tend to take off from stops quickly...i'm having fun.
I see one of the techs fairly often at church and recently asked if he'd seen any softails sump. He said no, only touring models.
I personally won't buy another Harley, it will be back to the trouble free Japanese bikes for me.
Trending Topics
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
In all the time I've been on this forum, and lurking before I was a member, I have only heard one user claim that a Softail sumped. Odd thing is, what he described doesn't sound like sumping at all, he says d there was no loss of power, no burnt oil smell, nothing like that, just some leaking from some lower gaskets, but the dealer told him it was sumping. I wonder if he didn't just encounter an idiot service writer who told him the wrong thing?
In any case, it sounds to me that the Softails are relatively immune from sumping. It COULD happen, according to the Harley tech bulletin, but I don't think we have ever heard of a case of it happening here, with the typical symptoms. I think if you go Stage IV you can ncreincr the odds, maybe. But I am quite confident the lighter weight, more frequent gas stops, different crankcase, etc., all combine to make it rare to non-existent on the Softail M8's.
In any case, it sounds to me that the Softails are relatively immune from sumping. It COULD happen, according to the Harley tech bulletin, but I don't think we have ever heard of a case of it happening here, with the typical symptoms. I think if you go Stage IV you can ncreincr the odds, maybe. But I am quite confident the lighter weight, more frequent gas stops, different crankcase, etc., all combine to make it rare to non-existent on the Softail M8's.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
I would say you have a greater risk of dying on the bike, than the bike dying on you.
