Pre M8 sound?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5,063
Likes: 2,582
From: On my bike!
In my experience decatting 2 different M8's, (107 and 117) decatting the stock pipe made minimal, at best, difference in sound. Like others have said, the cam is where it's at if you want sound.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 121
From: Southern WV
I did RCXhaust Tormentor head pipes and their Torx mufflers, RS 468 cam and a Fuel Moto tuned PV. I got the cam and pipes off the parts for sale section here at about half of retail. Bike now sounds like a Harley should and runs like a raped ape. I can't stop grinning every time I fire it up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,028
From: Carlsbad, CA
You can throw $2K at it for a cam and full exhaust. It might lope more, and be louder...but it will never sound like a TC. The valve design gives it a different sound. If you want your M8 to:sound like a 103, trade it in on a 103.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 497
Yeah, you'll never get it to sound like a TC, EVO, etc. That said, I think the M8 properly outfitted with exhaust, cam, and tune sounds awesome! Heck, I'm one of the few, but I think they sound great with all SE parts. Does it sound better with aftermarket? Oh, yes!! But I honestly think they sound really good with the SE-447 cam and full SE exhaust. YMMV
Yeah, you'll never get it to sound like a TC, EVO, etc. That said, I think the M8 properly outfitted with exhaust, cam, and tune sounds awesome! Heck, I'm one of the few, but I think they sound great with all SE parts. Does it sound better with aftermarket? Oh, yes!! But I honestly think they sound really good with the SE-447 cam and full SE exhaust. YMMV
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 443
From: PNW
I soon will be looking to improve the sound of my 2019 SGS (114). I have a set of Jackpots bolted up to the stock header and she sounds ok. But I am thinking to change out the cam and header to get back to the harley sound, pre M8 that is. I understand there is only so much we can do given the M8 but I have read several threads where a new cam/header/pipes improved the sound side. My 114 runs really good so I am not looking to get screaming dyno results but just looking to get the lope/sound back. Any suggestions on a good combo that would get what I am looking for? My budget is $1K-$2K.
And, I am certainly aware of the warranty issue. Thanks in advance......
And, I am certainly aware of the warranty issue. Thanks in advance......
I spent lots of money chasing the right sound on my 1800VTX for years. Finally ended up with a set of Roadhouse slipons that sounded deep at just the right volume, but nothing like an HD. Two bikes later I have my Fat Boy which sounds OK, but not like an HD, to me. Did the Stage 1 with SE Street Cannons and the Stage 2 with the SE447 torque cam and now it sounds like I want it to, deep and fairly loud with enough of a lope at idle and when riding has that distinctive HD rumble that's not quite smooth and very pleasing to the ear. I've ridden with earbuds and music for years and years. This year I have yet to use anything other than earplugs for wind noise. Love the way my M8 sounds now.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
These M8's are not TC or EVO's. You can scrap that Cat, add some slip-ons even gut your stock pipes and completely hollow them out and not only will you be dirty after all that work, but you will be pissed because it will still sound like a friggin Honda. Honestly unless you're going to go with a cam the only pipe I've ever heard give a stock M8 somewhat of a rumble is a Thunderheader. Not trying to bust anyone's bubble but as your post is titled 'Pre M8 sound" doesn't happen by pipe or header alone.
Keep in mind, cam swaps need: lifters, pushrods, cam, intake, tuner and eventually a dyno.
Thunderheader $1600.00
Tuner required.
Keep in mind, cam swaps need: lifters, pushrods, cam, intake, tuner and eventually a dyno.
Thunderheader $1600.00
Tuner required.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 13,623
Likes: 11,356
From: State of Confusion
yeah, people need to stop living in the past and give up on that..the M8s aren't your 'Father's Oldsmobiles'..thank God, they run so much better than any of their predecessors which to me is what matters most
