I am looking at selling or trading my 17 Heritage for an Ultra Limited for 2 up touring. The Heritage is ok for short 150-200 miles 2 up, but thats about it.

I want an M8 model. I am prepared to deal with the possible "issues". Please dont let this thread devolve into yet another discussion of the issues that have been discussed AD NASEUM... I'm aware of them, I am aware of the fixes, etc...

I have an 18 Slim for running around town.

Anyway I am running through 3 trains of thought here.

Used 2017. I would do an oil pump/cam plate kit from either S&S or Feuling as well as the CVO clutch push rod or $stonecold's fix(or maybe both) to fix the two biggest issues I see with these bikes. I wouldnt feel bad about doing it on a 2017 thats almost out of warranty.

New 2018. SHOULD have the latest oil pump in it from Harley so that helps my thoughts on possible sumping. While I would still feel better with the S&S parts or Feuling parts in it, I understand the newest Harley oil pump has a massive increase in pumping volume. I would probably install the CVO clutch push rod to possibly(from the reports I am reading so far) eliminate any problem with fluid transfer as I cant see Harley voiding a warranty for that. While I think $stonecold's method is legit, I am not sure, for warranty purposes, if I would want to do it on a brand new bike.

Wait for 2019's in August or September. The only thing I have heard that makes sense is the 114 motor being standard in the touring bikes. A complete frame and suspension re-design would be pretty killer too. Both are OBVIOUSLY rumor at this point. IF nothing materializes in 2019, I could still find a 2018 bike and probably make a better deal on it with the 2019's coming out. Obviously the sumping and transfer issues could still be an issue in 2019 and I would PROBABLY take the same tact as I would on a 2018.


I believe I can find just about any color I want in any of the years so thats not a huge concern. Obviously a 2017 is going to be cheaper, BUT for my peace of mind putting an oil pump/cam plate kit in is going to cost 600-1000 dollars, which eats up some of the savings of buying a used bike. I believe my dealer would make me a decent deal on a 2018. The 2019, who knows.

Anybody got any thoughts to guide me one way or another?

 

I suppose if it were me and I was ready to buy I would have a new 2018. You could speculate all day long what HD is going to do with the 2019 models.

 

oh yes, I am fully aware.

Like I said, the only "credible" rumor is the 114 in the touring bikes. And I would hate to buy a bike in late June and then a month later basically, the 2019 Touring bikes are released with the 114 motor at a minimum and new frame/suspension at a maximum. I sort of feel like I should wait the 1.5 months or so until the 2019 specs are released then re-visit...

BUT If I went to my dealer now and said "with the rumors of 2019's getting a 114, convince me to do a deal on a 2018 now vs. waiting 1.5 months to see what the 19's have to offer". I bet they could be convincing.

 

See what 2019 brings. If it doesn't excite you buy a leftover 2018.

 

I think you can get a better deal on a 2018 when the 2019s come out. And, Harley just might come out with that new frame.

Beary

 

Harley's M O is to offer a little each year to get you to upgrade each year, so this year maybe a new frame, then next year a new engine, then next year a fancy new infotainment system. The madness never ends. I received a $1500 voucher in the mail Saturday towards a new bike, you may look for that in the mail. I think everyone that ever entered an HD Dealer received one. I think it expires 7/30 though.

 

Thats kind of my thought process.

Im not really counting on a new frame, but I definitely think the 114 being standard might come true.

Yea I am aware the madness never ends. BUT a frame/suspension re-design(along with possibly some other changes that go along with that) is a huge change. Going from the 107 to 114 isnt a make or break, but obviously the 114 would be cool. Its like going from my 17 Heritage to my 18 Slim. HUGE difference between the bikes because of the engine and suspension/frame change. I have bought 2 Harley's now, never seen one of the cards. Not to concerned as the dealer I work with seems to be good to work with and definitely cuts deals.

 

...........

 

You have other bikes to ride for now. I would wait. That's what I'm doing

 

I would also wait, especially if they are talking new frame. The last update was lightyears ahead of it's predecessor. This info will be discussed at the dealer show which isn't that far away. You'll be able to make a decision during riding season just based off the info that comes from that.
I can't see them putting the 114 in other touring bikes unless they put a larger engine in the CVO, looking at history the CVO has always had a larger engine.