Close but no cigar.....(the aluminum head Vega in-line four cosworth V-2...but you did not hear it here).

 

Regardless of weather you get a 16, 17, or wait for an 18, the touring models will give you a much improved long ride experience. My best advice is to rent or demo ride and figure out the model you prefer. Then buy one in a color you want. Don't worry about the year it was made. You can always opt for a lightly used one as well.

Ultimately it's gotta be what makes you happy. Given your upcoming trip, I would not wait for an 18.

 

The Road King VS (very special.) Similar to the current S, solo seat ,no bags no passenger boards and 40" wide beach bars,only $22,799.

 

If you get a 17 for the price you want buy the damn thing.

 

I'm waiting till they get this Obamacare thing worked out....which means I'll probably never get a new bike. Good thing I like my "11 Ultra".

 

id wait till 2018 so the first year production bugs have been worked out. Honestly, I don't know if there has been any major reported issues with the m8 as I haven't been following them much online.

 

Harley really seems to have gotten the M8 pretty much right straight out of the box. With as many out there now as there is I would buy with confidence. Even the long threads on here about M8 problems have very few actual problems to report. A few early ones with oil pump failure and some minor oil leaks all taken care of by Harley!

 

I heard 2027?was going to b the bomb.com I would wait ..... I went with the m8

 

IMO you answered your own question...if you want to spend more buy an 18...if you want to spend less wait till the 18 come out and buy a 17...however when it comes to myself when i want a new bike i go buy one regardless of when the new one comes out...remember theres always a new one right around the corner...

 

And then...ya gotta think...i wonder what they'll put in the '20s? so, I'd wait forever.