When is it safe to make the jump?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,430
Likes: 239
From: northeast
I just bought a 16' for this reason.. while paying for the new bike at dealer today I was told of another M8 completely trashed internally with less than 500 miles on odo... the moco wanted that engine shipped back for research purposes and had the dealer install a new ticker
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,674
Likes: 314
From: Ohio
On the Vrod it took about 3 or 4 years to really work out all the issues, however minor. I purchased the second year and had to deal with several things, leaking water pump, hydraulic clutch adjustments, pitted cams surfaces, motor mount and belt alignment. If I was going to get a new bike I think I would continue to monitor the issues folks are having and make a determination as we get closer to the 2018s.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 160
Likes: 14
From: North of Denver
I'd wait...just so there's an aftermarket selection of upgrades.
Yea, sure there's plenty of slip-ons to choose from but what about cams, cam plates, etc., etc. We know HD is really touchy now about performance adds but the last thing I want is to run a cat filled pipe and stock tune way too lean for any amount of time.
Yea, sure there's plenty of slip-ons to choose from but what about cams, cam plates, etc., etc. We know HD is really touchy now about performance adds but the last thing I want is to run a cat filled pipe and stock tune way too lean for any amount of time.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 157
You'll also be that much older the longer you wait. If you wait for the latest and greatest, you'll never buy anything.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,160
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
I'm waiting until fall 2018, especially with the rumor of a new frame update in 2018...
If you look at the launch of the Rushmore models, since it's HDs last, most recent new model launch... they had most of the twin cool issues well in hand about 8 months after launch.... HD was all over any reported issues with the new cooling system....
From what I've read, HD is all over the few reported issues with the M8 also.
If I was really anxious to get another bike, I wouldn't feel bad about buying an M8 before spring. Mostly to get a better deal than waiting till spring/summer...
If you look at the launch of the Rushmore models, since it's HDs last, most recent new model launch... they had most of the twin cool issues well in hand about 8 months after launch.... HD was all over any reported issues with the new cooling system....
From what I've read, HD is all over the few reported issues with the M8 also.
If I was really anxious to get another bike, I wouldn't feel bad about buying an M8 before spring. Mostly to get a better deal than waiting till spring/summer...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
At the rate the MOCO is changing things ( for the better) all waiting is going to do for you is get you another "new" thing you are going to have to wait for the bugs to work out. I have a 2103. It isn't even paid off and the 2017 is a completely different animal from nose to tail with every model year in between having new additions and upgrades. No telling what they will add in 2018.
Having said that a completely redesigned engine is definitely something to make sure is right before you buy. Going from 88 to a 96 to a 103 is not a real change in design but the M8 is pretty much new from scratch. It is warrantied and you can always purchase the extended warranty anytime before the factory warranty runs out.
I'm considering upgrading but I'm still happy with my 2013 Limited and like that I have the last year model of the true air cooled. I'll look at the 2018's and will probably base my decision to upgrade on the available colors. Love the old school teal and white on the 2017 Ultra Classic but you can't get it on a Limited.
Good luck making your decision. Keep it or upgrade, either way is a win.
Having said that a completely redesigned engine is definitely something to make sure is right before you buy. Going from 88 to a 96 to a 103 is not a real change in design but the M8 is pretty much new from scratch. It is warrantied and you can always purchase the extended warranty anytime before the factory warranty runs out.
I'm considering upgrading but I'm still happy with my 2013 Limited and like that I have the last year model of the true air cooled. I'll look at the 2018's and will probably base my decision to upgrade on the available colors. Love the old school teal and white on the 2017 Ultra Classic but you can't get it on a Limited.
Good luck making your decision. Keep it or upgrade, either way is a win.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,807
Likes: 1,488
From: SW Washington State
Coming off a 14 Road King with 34,230 miles I was ready for a change. A new Road Glide looks good to me now. Life is too short to worry about things that may or may not happen.
I ponied up for a new RG with a 114 kit and tons of other changes. having seen the insides of this engine Im stoked, Got a warranty for any issues and Im stoked again.
I can be stranded many miles from no place with any number of issues, none of which are from a 1st year model release.
I ponied up for a new RG with a 114 kit and tons of other changes. having seen the insides of this engine Im stoked, Got a warranty for any issues and Im stoked again.
I can be stranded many miles from no place with any number of issues, none of which are from a 1st year model release.