When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I have the M8 114 Fatboy and personally I think it's BS. Sure, it has a lil more power(minimum more power compared to my twinkie).
I should have kept my twinkie. Easy to work on, no issues, no HD blowing smoke up me **** why the M8 has so many issues.
Big mistake on my part, I wanted the M8 so I could say I've owned every HD motor since the pan. I screwed up.
Edit: The M8's were designed to make service more money. Tires wear out at 7K instead of 10-12 on the rear and 20 on the front on a FB. M8 plugs are recessed into the top of the jugs which means tank needs pulled to replace them and water will stay in those recesses if you dont pay attention. In other words washing the bike and putting it in the garage afterwards is a big no no. You need to run it so the heat dissipates the standing water. Oh yeah, don't get me started on the hot oil check. Anyways, just sharing a lil hands on with y'all
Last edited by Tampa Fatboy; Dec 27, 2020 at 02:57 PM.
I have no intention of replacing my '07 Heritage with an 2018+ model. I just bought it this past summer with 20,000 miles on it and expect that with reasonable care and maintenance it should last for many years to come. The saddlebags of the 2018+ Heritage are a turn off for me. Besides the visual appeal of my Heritage, it's paid for.
The fake oil tank and the radiator spoil the looks of the new ones for me but wouldn't be a deal breaker. I've ridden an M8 and was very impressed with the stock motor. I've got my 13 Slim just the way I want it and am happy with the twin cam in it, I don't see myself making a move to a new bike anytime too soon.
Hey Rat, I don't know what your budget is like, but I have the same exact bike and year. I run an Arlen Ness Big Sucker, V&H Straight Shots, topped off with the
Feuling HP+Camchest kit #7220 and a Dynojet PCV. After the install I had her dynoed. I guarantee you will love the seat of the pants feel, she's a completely new bike. I rarely run the highway, if at all, but I wanted the power for 2UP touring, I did a complete Progressive suspension F/R as well. Every time I think I need a Touring bike or a bigger motor, my camed TC88 never let's me down.
I appreciate the parts recommendation. I'll keep pushing the 88 to keep up with the "big boys" until the motor surrenders. Then perhaps I will upgrade. Or to paraphrase Quint, "You're gonna need a bigger bike."
The 88 was a great engine.. I pushed my 99 Night train to well over 150k miles. Oversized the cylinders at about 60k. The only week spot on that engine was the crank, and that's what gave out at about 167k. miles. and you what, I sold that bike for 9,000 dollars WITH the blown engine. The guy put in an S&S, and last I heard was still riding it in 2011.
The 88 was a great engine.. I pushed my 99 Night train to well over 150k miles. Oversized the cylinders at about 60k. The only week spot on that engine was the crank, and that's what gave out at about 167k. miles. and you what, I sold that bike for 9,000 dollars WITH the blown engine. The guy put in an S&S, and last I heard was still riding it in 2011.
Didn't the '99 Train come with an Evo, though?
Regardless, I agree the TC88B is a great engine, and can last forever if maintained properly. I plan on testing that theory. I have over 185,000 miles on Reaper's original bottom end, already, and did a top end rebuild this past summer.
The engine was taken to 95ci (with cams, head work, etc...) after less than 10K miles on the original 88, and then to 98 ci a few years later, and she's running as strong as ever now.
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.
