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I love my HD bikes (Street Glide, Softail, and Vrod) but the 2017 Street Glide Special is the one that I love most. The M8 engine has power, the suspension is great on the road (street and highway), and the Rushmore changes still excites me. I got the bike in April 2017 and continuing to improve the performance and looks. The OEM platform already impresses me to keep it stock but the mod bug got me again.
I also wanted to share my experience in modding this bike to my taste. Most of the parts are used, ebay specials, and forum sales. A ton of great deals on this site! This forum was a big help with all of the rich information from Harley enthusiasts. I will mention them as we go.
A few advice to other members who are still on the fence on the new M8 bikes:
1. Test ride the M8 Touring bikes, you will smile after.
2. Go for it (at this time wait for the 18 models). Visit the dealer on the last week of the month. These sales personnel are hungry to make their quotas and will do anything to get a sale. Weigh your options when selling or trading your bike. Consider tax incentives and blue book values. Got mine for $22K OTD.
3. Always ask! Got some cleaning kits for the Denim and leather stuff. Some gets the 1K service for free. So demand those freebies.
1. Stage 1 - Screamin Eagle Air Cleaner and Street Cannons tuned with Power Vision
Got a good deal with these used Screamin Eagle parts. I went this route to have that OEM look plus the sync functionality of HD parts. I installed the Street Cannons first and ran for 100 miles without any issues. Acceleration was still responsive and no decel pops. I did the same method with the air cleaner and it felt the stock tune was sufficient with these mods. I was hesitant to use the Power Vision at first but at the end, I flashed Fuel Moto's custom tune. I love the exhaust and intake tone. Mellow but will bark once you open the throttle.
Great pull across the powerband and did not notice any flat spots. I will continue to play with auto tune based on my riding style and environment. The more I play with Power Vision's auto tune the acceleration and sound keeps improving. I am now on my 10th itiration of auto tune, riding in variety of 20-30 mins on country roads, highways, and street traffic to mimic daily use.
Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Jul 22, 2017 at 05:47 AM.
I am impressed with the wind noise and air deflection of this windshield. The "flip" at the top of the windshield is designed to reduce buffeting by kicking the wind up and allowing it to flow back as "clean," less turbulent air for the rider.
Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Jul 23, 2017 at 02:35 PM.
Lean and clean profile that follows the countour lines and style of the SG. This seat helps planting both feet on the ground. The seating profile pushes you back and down, perfect for cruising with or without your significant other.
Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Jul 23, 2017 at 02:38 PM.
4. LEDs - HD Daymaker and Custom Dynamics 1157 Front and Rear
Compared to the chinese Daymakers that I used in previous SG, this HD Daymaker have no radio or GPS interference. It is whiter, brighter, and of course safer than the OEM halogens. Aside from getting a great deal of the used Daymaker, Custom Dynamics 1157 LED inserts are also abundant in the classified section. All LEDs are DOT legal, produces brighter AMBER (front), RED (rear), and WHITE (running lights) outputs that makes your bike noticeable on the road especially at night.
Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Jul 8, 2017 at 10:08 AM.
The KWD focuses on the air that passes through the lower triple tree/forks and front fender. The CWD minimizes the wind over and sides of the tank and directs air downward to the engine. Both helps controlling the air flow to the chest/face and cools the engine too.
I will give more report on these inexpensive add-ons. Hoping to reduce the air buffeting during interstate rides. Let us see if these items lowers the engine temperatures also.
KWD
CWD
Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Jul 8, 2017 at 04:07 PM.
To avoid the nasty oil that goes directly to the throttle body, I used DK Customs's Breather Kit that comes with a drill bit and tap. I have extra breather filters but opted for the vented catch can which collects excess fluid that the engine spits (blow-by). I plan on servicing the catch can also during oil changes.
Pictures below are excess oil from a 300 mile trip.
External breather kit and installation:
Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Jul 23, 2017 at 02:41 PM.
8. Reinforcer front wheel - The best deal I could find for a 21" front wheel is from Sport Chrome. I picked the Reinforcer wheel so I can reuse all existing hardware (of course, except for the bearings). With Sport Chrome's current specials, they included everything for the installation - tires (installed and balanced), ABS wheel bearing kit, fender risers, and axle covers.
Due to the larger diameter of the wheel, I lowered the fork tubes to compensate for the acquired rake. I do not want to change out the suspension internals yet. This way I still have the same travel of the front suspension. So far, no issues on the 100 mile test ride yesterday - ride is same as stock, front fender not hitting, both feet still planted on the ground, no vibrations, no ABS errors...
Last edited by sgt_gman2005; Nov 12, 2017 at 07:47 AM.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.
2017 SGS M8 Screamin Eagle Power Vision LED
