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 understand the 18 and 19 are completely different.
Completely new frame and swingarm, among many other things. For me personally, the swingarm was a no-go. It takes away from the softail look. The 18+ swing arm is no longer continuous with the frame like on the 17 and older bikes. The swingarm on the 18+ looks odd IMO due to the lines not matching up with the frame...or anything. Once you take off the stock exhaust, you'll see what I'm talking about. There is huge gap between the rear of the frame and the rear wheel, unlike the 17 and older models. I'm sure Harley did it for a reason, but like many things they do, they are god awful ugly. Again, just my personal opinion, but in the long run, can't go wrong with a newer Harley. Very reliable, always run strong, and look pretty damn good after you put about 3-5k into them.
After reading a few pages of the m8 thread I'm very leery of picking up a 18 holdover.. Granted most of the m8 problems seem to be on different bike platforms and not so much the breakout, just my luck getting a shop queen..lol... Doing all the research I can, I hear the ride is much better on the 18+. But honestly would rather deal with a not as good of a ride rather than worrying if my bike is going to spend more time in the shop rather than my garage... I have read very little negative on the 103 dependability.
I value y'alls opinions, y'all most likely know these bikes better than anyone. Ideally I would like a 114 so the power loss compared to my bike that was stolen won't be as noticable, but if the 103 is just flat more dependable it makes more sense..
Last edited by Slopok_KS; Apr 24, 2019 at 07:39 AM.
After reading a few pages of the m8 thread I'm very leery of picking up a 18 holdover.. Granted most of the m8 problems seem to be on different bike platforms and not so much the breakout, just my luck getting a shop queen..lol... Doing all the research I can, I hear the ride is much better on the 18+. But honestly would rather deal with a not as good off a ride rather than worrying if my bike is going to spend more time in the shop rather than my garage... I have read very
little negative on the 103 dependability
Here's a novel idea?
GO TEST DRIVE BOTH! Bet ya buy the M8...
I was thinking about trading for a 2018, but the oil cooler/radiator between the frame's downtubes was a deal breaker. If someone ever comes up with a way to relocate that thing I might give the M8 bikes a second look.
I was thinking about trading for a 2018, but the oil cooler/radiator between the frame's downtubes was a deal breaker. If someone ever comes up with a way to relocate that thing I might give the M8 bikes a second look.
I got one. I know what ya mean. I'm not crazy about them either. They make chrome covers, but to me, it just draws more attention to it. The engine sure likes it! Lol
Look who is talking keyboard *****.... Whats the point of having a forum to bounce off other people's knowledge? For all I know the 103 is a much more dependable bike. You don't have to be a ***** about it, but I'm sure you cant help it..
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.