Reliability Concerns....
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,505
Likes: 379
From: Florida
Reliability Concerns....
I’ve been away from riding for a good bit, life happens but always been with me and time to think about another scooter. Biggest concern is reliability. Having read the M8 forum here and other sites, the M8’s seem to have their share of issues. Honestly it’s a concern and granted not every scooter with an M8 will have a problem but it’s a concern.
Prior to the new switch say up thru 2016 what are the most reliable years? There are a ton of late model bikes on the market and I want to keep an open mind before writing a big check. Hopefully by 2019 the M8’s will be dialed in but with the deals on the used market I can’t see buying new.
Prior to the new switch say up thru 2016 what are the most reliable years? There are a ton of late model bikes on the market and I want to keep an open mind before writing a big check. Hopefully by 2019 the M8’s will be dialed in but with the deals on the used market I can’t see buying new.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,582
From: Wisconsin, USA
Ive been away from riding for a good bit, life happens but always been with me and time to think about another scooter. Biggest concern is reliability. Having read the M8 forum here and other sites, the M8s seem to have their share of issues. Honestly its a concern and granted not every scooter with an M8 will have a problem but its a concern.
Prior to the new switch say up thru 2016 what are the most reliable years? There are a ton of late model bikes on the market and I want to keep an open mind before writing a big check. Hopefully by 2019 the M8s will be dialed in but with the deals on the used market I cant see buying new.
Prior to the new switch say up thru 2016 what are the most reliable years? There are a ton of late model bikes on the market and I want to keep an open mind before writing a big check. Hopefully by 2019 the M8s will be dialed in but with the deals on the used market I cant see buying new.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 574
Likes: 156
From: Big Sky Country
I don't know, I'd much rather have a good bike than a good warranty. That said, there were some pretty significant long term reliability upgrades with 96/103 twin cam v2 in 2007 (cam drive system, lubrication, ??) and I believe more trickled in through 2010 (chain tension shoes, se compensator, others?). Not aware of much in the way of reliability oriented changes since then.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4,816
Likes: 1,320
From: Good roads, cold beer
No desire for a newer M8 tourer.
IMO building a GPS into the fairing wasn't a great decision. I know one can 'flash' update maps etc (I run a Garmin GPS and have for years), but even the best Garmin today looks (and runs) outdated 5+ years down the road at the rate technology moves.
I can easily buy a new Garmin GPS and mount on the bike to replace my 590, but if its built into the bike, its somewhat permanent. That sucks. Same goes for Indian.
IMO building a GPS into the fairing wasn't a great decision. I know one can 'flash' update maps etc (I run a Garmin GPS and have for years), but even the best Garmin today looks (and runs) outdated 5+ years down the road at the rate technology moves.
I can easily buy a new Garmin GPS and mount on the bike to replace my 590, but if its built into the bike, its somewhat permanent. That sucks. Same goes for Indian.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 68
From: Hawaii
No desire for a newer M8 tourer.
IMO building a GPS into the fairing wasn't a great decision. I know one can 'flash' update maps etc (I run a Garmin GPS and have for years), but even the best Garmin today looks (and runs) outdated 5+ years down the road at the rate technology moves.
I can easily buy a new Garmin GPS and mount on the bike to replace my 590, but if its built into the bike, its somewhat permanent. That sucks. Same goes for Indian.
IMO building a GPS into the fairing wasn't a great decision. I know one can 'flash' update maps etc (I run a Garmin GPS and have for years), but even the best Garmin today looks (and runs) outdated 5+ years down the road at the rate technology moves.
I can easily buy a new Garmin GPS and mount on the bike to replace my 590, but if its built into the bike, its somewhat permanent. That sucks. Same goes for Indian.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 68
From: Hawaii
Every year has it's issues. And there is somebody who loves ever year. Find a bike that you like in good condition, that has a known maintenance history, and buy it. I bought an '03 in 2011, with 2,090 miles. I have 42k miles with no major problems. I plan to hold onto this bike until I die. If I start having reliability issues, I would buy newer, but I don't like the Rushmores. Other people love them. Good luck.
OP, I guess then that it is no surprise that I'd be looking for a low mileage Rushmore if I were in the market for a used bike.
Dave
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Big Sky Country
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 377
From: Georgia
Of coarse you always prefer a perfectly reliable ride but having insurance is just peace of mind for the odd chance you get one with something wrong. After all, they are made by failable humans.
You really cannot go too much by fourm complaints either. Forums are pretty much created for people with problems to find help, or to simply bitch about a problem. Pick a vehicle, most any vehicle, and it's likely you can find someone complaining about something. Look at the number of vehicles sold and compare it to the complaints though and I think you'll find the problem ones are a pretty small percentage of the total.