sumping on 18 Softails ?
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Lansing mi
sumping on 18 Softails ?
How bad is the sumping problem on the 18 Softails !!! My son wants to buy a new 114"Fat Bob. We are going this Friday and he is ready to buy. I want to be well informed on the 18s when I go with him. I seen one in the M-8 Forum. My son wants a white one and I think that color is a 'early' build. The motor will stay stock most likely.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
How bad is the sumping problem on the 18 Softails !!! My son wants to buy a new 114"Fat Bob. We are going this Friday and he is ready to buy. I want to be well informed on the 18s when I go with him. I seen one in the M-8 Forum. My son wants a white one and I think that color is a 'early' build. The motor will stay stock most likely.
Largely though, I can't recall having read any first hand accounts that have complained of sumping on a Softail M8. Haven't read complaints about primary fluid transfer either (not expected... presumably the cable clutches don't have this issue).
I do try to follow the subject... I've been keeping a M8 Heritage on my Radar. These issues have been one of the reasons that I've haven't bought (waiting to see how this soap opera pans out). The other reason is that I'm a cheap bastard and hate the idea of buying new.
Last edited by T^2; May 2, 2018 at 08:41 PM.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Lansing mi
Thought I read somebody over on the M8 forum say they've seen it occur in a Softail or two. That's second, third, fourth etc... hand... so take it for what it's worth. Also just read a 114 complaint in another thread in this forum that sounded sort of like sumping. Again nothing concrete there...
Largely though, I can't recall having read any complaints/first hand accounts that have complained of sumping on a Softail M8. Haven't read complaints about primary fluid transfer either (not expected... presumably the cable clutches don't have this issue).
I do try to follow the subject... I've been keeping a M8 Heritage on my Radar. These issues have been one of the reasons that I've haven't bought (waiting to see how this soap opera pans out). The other reason is that I'm a cheap bastard and hate the idea of buying new.
Largely though, I can't recall having read any complaints/first hand accounts that have complained of sumping on a Softail M8. Haven't read complaints about primary fluid transfer either (not expected... presumably the cable clutches don't have this issue).
I do try to follow the subject... I've been keeping a M8 Heritage on my Radar. These issues have been one of the reasons that I've haven't bought (waiting to see how this soap opera pans out). The other reason is that I'm a cheap bastard and hate the idea of buying new.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
I have been holding back too. But my son is ready now for a new bike and he loves the look of the Fat Bob, he is 28 so he thinks it's a cool looking bike. I haven't said much to him on the sumping. I'm his dad and I'm trying to guide him. One guy for sure on the M8 Forum has a 114 Softail that did sump. Anxiety !!!!!
Then again... I've already seen a used '18 Heritage 114 at a local dealer... Although I was glad to see some used examples starting to show up, I have to admit the first thing that went through my mind when looking at it was - wonder if this was a problem child (sumping/transfer) that somebody offloaded? Wonder if that's why such a new bike is sitting here in the used lot?
However, I've read a post around here somewhere that somebody mentioned trading in their Fat Bob, not because there was anything wrong with it, they just wanted to get a Heritage or something that was more appropriate for them. Hard to say...
Sure... A recent used M8 Fat Bob would still have it's warranty... for whatever it's worth (I'd say not much at the moment for those that have been experiencing these issues).
Taking it all in... I'm still motivated to sit on the sidelines. Partly because of this soap opera, but also partly due to the fact that I'm a cheap bastard and I want to wait for the used prices to go down. Besides, I'm still enjoying kicking around on my Nightster (which I won't get rid of even if I buy another).
Last edited by T^2; May 2, 2018 at 08:58 PM.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Lansing mi
I do think some of the sumping is troll's. But some are for real and from respected members to. I wish sumping was all CNN news.
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Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Alton Bay, New Hampshire
I'd love to Stage 3 my 18 Low Rider. However after 2 blown motors on a 17 Road King (Stage 3) I had I'm waiting and watching. There is no feeling like having your motor puke at 80 miles an hour 1200 miles from home. I've done Stage 1 for now and am thinking about the Red Shift cam. It Seems as if It's stage 3 and 4 Touring models with the sumping problem. The Softail motor is a somewhat different design, so If your stock 107 or 114 your probably ok. I'd say get a new softail, I did. BTW I traded the RK for a 17 Fat Boy S. also love that bike, but she won't corner without scraping the floor boards.
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 467
Likes: 154
From: New Mexico
My Heritage Softail 114 with the SE Torque Cam and HD's SE ECU reflash has just hit 4,000 miles, in fact getting a new rear Michelin Commander II today. Don't do burn outs or anything like that, just ride it hard, One day I road almost 3 miles at the bikes speed limiter of 115 MPH on my Speedo. I routinely ride it between 3 and 5K R's riding with guys on their Crotch Rockets up here in the Smokey Mountains. I keep a close Eye on all three oil levels and conditions. I also occasionally hit the rev limiter of 6400 R's playing 'Go Fast".
To date, no issues what so ever, no Sumping, no Oil transfer and no Oil consumption.
Build date of my bike is 10/17. Could not be happier with this bike. My dealer is selling all they can get.
The only issue ever on this bike is a new left handlebar switch module replaced under warranty.
To date, no issues what so ever, no Sumping, no Oil transfer and no Oil consumption.
Build date of my bike is 10/17. Could not be happier with this bike. My dealer is selling all they can get.
The only issue ever on this bike is a new left handlebar switch module replaced under warranty.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 520
From: VA
I have come to believe that sumping is fairly rare. My dealers service manager, who I have a good relationship with, said they have not had a single case of slumping. I trust that because he has been honest about other reported issues. My dealership is a large one and has sold a lot of M8's. So if they have seen none the odds are in your favor. I have tried to make mine sump and have not been able to do it. Anything can happen, but it did not stop me from buying. I went through a phase where I was worried about the oil pump, since they keep changing it. But there are guys with the original version of the oil pump, who are getting some miles on their bikes, and have had no issues. Jamie Long bought one of the first M8's and used it as Fuel Motos test mule. He reported awhile back that they have not experienced sumping. Safe to say that bike has been run as hard as any out there.
