When is it safe to make the jump?
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 464
Likes: 42
From: NC
IMHO if you are concerned about losing trade in value consider the amount of money you lose by riding off on a new bike. You are far better off buying a bike from a want-a-be biker. That is the guy that buys a Harley, gets hit in the face with a bug, parks the bike in the garage and then sales. Low milage, low price and you are not hit with the high depreciation.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,512
Likes: 345
From: Ohio
I bought mine already.
I got to thinking about it and a couple of points made me jump on board:
1) Perfection is the enemy of good enough - if I wait for the perfect product I'd never by another motorcycle
2) The warranty is good enough for me
3) If they really do change the frame next year then less of the 2016 and earlier accessories (think seats, floorboards, pegs, etc) will fit
4) I've only seen a handful of problem cases posted here and that got me thinking about statistical sampling... the posters here are a really small portion of all harley owners and more people post with problems than they do with blissful buying experiences
5) five of my friends bought new M8s right off the very first few truckloads in my area. All five of them have had perfect experiences - no problems at all
So far I haven't regretted it (and my favorite seat slid right on over to the new bike with no problems at all)
I got to thinking about it and a couple of points made me jump on board:
1) Perfection is the enemy of good enough - if I wait for the perfect product I'd never by another motorcycle
2) The warranty is good enough for me
3) If they really do change the frame next year then less of the 2016 and earlier accessories (think seats, floorboards, pegs, etc) will fit
4) I've only seen a handful of problem cases posted here and that got me thinking about statistical sampling... the posters here are a really small portion of all harley owners and more people post with problems than they do with blissful buying experiences
5) five of my friends bought new M8s right off the very first few truckloads in my area. All five of them have had perfect experiences - no problems at all
So far I haven't regretted it (and my favorite seat slid right on over to the new bike with no problems at all)
I am considering making the jump from my current twin cam, 2013 UC, to the new M8 Ultra Limited. From what I hear the new engine is fantastic. I do however agree with many of you who have said to never buy the first year of any major design introduction. I have read the many posts where there have been oil pressure issues with the new M8. With that in mind, when do you think it will be safe to assume the bugs have been worked out? I'm leaning toward waiting for the 2018 model but wonder if I should wait even longer.
I'm just curious what others think.
I'm just curious what others think.
Last edited by riknbeth; Dec 13, 2016 at 08:37 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I am sitting back and waiting. Not going to be a beta tester and Harley is notorious for phasing in changes over several model years then going into a period of refinement. Someone has to do it. It's just not going to be me on a long trip on the side of the road.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,982
Likes: 6,111
From: Florida
" My counter thought is the longer I wait the more my current bike loses trade in value."
That's true, but look at it THIS way. let's say you wait 2 years & lose 2 year's value in your bike. When you get the NEW one, it will always be 2 years newer & worth "2 years newer" more.
That's true, but look at it THIS way. let's say you wait 2 years & lose 2 year's value in your bike. When you get the NEW one, it will always be 2 years newer & worth "2 years newer" more.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3,555
Likes: 119
From: Brockport, NY
Doesn't matter these days anymore. We all will have bugs anywhere, any time of the year. Just go, buy, ride and hope for the best.
Had several recalls, warranty work done on my '09 UC as I still ride and love my baby ever since.
Thorey
Had several recalls, warranty work done on my '09 UC as I still ride and love my baby ever since.
Thorey