'16 or '18?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 962
Likes: 329
From: Louisiana
I'm actually looking at a similar situation a 16 compared to 19 though. I'm at a severe toss up. Cant go wrong either way I look at it. Some seat time in. Other should help answer the question.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,159
Likes: 11,249
From: San Diego, CA
I would stick with the '16, a twin cam bike...
I traded up my '12 Limited to a '16 Ultra Classic just about a year ago.
Money wasn't an issue for me, but the way the MoCo is handling the M8 sumping and trans to primary oil transfer issues are.
I realize the majority of the M8 bikes don't develop the problem, the stakes are more important to me than the odds, because there is no definitive fix for either issue yet. The MoCo seems content to try band-aide, after band-aide to limit their warranty liability, instead of fixing the issues properly and completely (read save a ton of money).
For that reason, I'm sticking with the Twin Cam until the MoCo fixes those M8 issues to MY satisfaction, not just to appease the stock holders' bottom line.
FWIW... I own '01, '03, & '16 Twin Cam bikes... all three run great, and have been completely reliable. I would leave on a trip to anywhere tomorrow on any of those 3 bikes (although a long ride on the Springer might be hard on my old back....).
I traded up my '12 Limited to a '16 Ultra Classic just about a year ago.
Money wasn't an issue for me, but the way the MoCo is handling the M8 sumping and trans to primary oil transfer issues are.
I realize the majority of the M8 bikes don't develop the problem, the stakes are more important to me than the odds, because there is no definitive fix for either issue yet. The MoCo seems content to try band-aide, after band-aide to limit their warranty liability, instead of fixing the issues properly and completely (read save a ton of money).
For that reason, I'm sticking with the Twin Cam until the MoCo fixes those M8 issues to MY satisfaction, not just to appease the stock holders' bottom line.
FWIW... I own '01, '03, & '16 Twin Cam bikes... all three run great, and have been completely reliable. I would leave on a trip to anywhere tomorrow on any of those 3 bikes (although a long ride on the Springer might be hard on my old back....).
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 81
From: Largo, FL
If I were making that decision, Id go with the 18. Most people I talk to whove done the move from a Rushmore to an M8 say its very much worth it. The M8 and suspension are improved. If my bike wasnt paid off, Id be seriously considering a new 19.
Last edited by slapshot12; Jan 29, 2019 at 06:23 PM.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 87
Likes: 12
From: Moorpark, CA
I would stick with the '16, a twin cam bike...
I traded up my '12 Limited to a '16 Ultra Classic just about a year ago.
Money wasn't an issue for me, but the way the MoCo is handling the M8 sumping and trans to primary oil transfer issues are.
I realize the majority of the M8 bikes don't develop the problem, the stakes are more important to me than the odds, because there is no definitive fix for either issue yet. The MoCo seems content to try band-aide, after band-aide to limit their warranty liability, instead of fixing the issues properly and completely (read save a ton of money).
For that reason, I'm sticking with the Twin Cam until the MoCo fixes those M8 issues to MY satisfaction, not just to appease the stock holders' bottom line.
FWIW... I own '01, '03, & '16 Twin Cam bikes... all three run great, and have been completely reliable. I would leave on a trip to anywhere tomorrow on any of those 3 bikes (although a long ride on the Springer might be hard on my old back....).
I traded up my '12 Limited to a '16 Ultra Classic just about a year ago.
Money wasn't an issue for me, but the way the MoCo is handling the M8 sumping and trans to primary oil transfer issues are.
I realize the majority of the M8 bikes don't develop the problem, the stakes are more important to me than the odds, because there is no definitive fix for either issue yet. The MoCo seems content to try band-aide, after band-aide to limit their warranty liability, instead of fixing the issues properly and completely (read save a ton of money).
For that reason, I'm sticking with the Twin Cam until the MoCo fixes those M8 issues to MY satisfaction, not just to appease the stock holders' bottom line.
FWIW... I own '01, '03, & '16 Twin Cam bikes... all three run great, and have been completely reliable. I would leave on a trip to anywhere tomorrow on any of those 3 bikes (although a long ride on the Springer might be hard on my old back....).
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
Highly recommended checking out the new rumbleon.com site. They have 18 touring bikes priced in the teens. Offer free shipping to your home.
I'd suggest the 18. Especially if you want a limited with water cooled heads. The 14-16 water cooled head design was not the best. I had a lotta issues with mine. The 17+ water cooled head design is much better design, same with the oil cooled head design.
I'd suggest the 18. Especially if you want a limited with water cooled heads. The 14-16 water cooled head design was not the best. I had a lotta issues with mine. The 17+ water cooled head design is much better design, same with the oil cooled head design.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 926
Likes: 135
From: Central, NJ
The '18 was better for me although my difference was only $2k and the mileage was way less on the '18. I test rode a '16 and '18 Road King and preferred the '18. After deciding I liked the '18 better I found an '18 at a different dealer with only 156 miles and a dealer installed stage one and heated grips for only $2k more. The '16 I test road had just under 10k miles on it. I noticed a difference in handling and power between the two.
I would ask the dealer for the FINAL price they are willing to give you on each, negotiate from there and shake on it.
I would ask the dealer for the FINAL price they are willing to give you on each, negotiate from there and shake on it.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 406
Likes: 13
From: Langley, BC. Canada
I would stick with the '16, a twin cam bike...
I traded up my '12 Limited to a '16 Ultra Classic just about a year ago.
Money wasn't an issue for me, but the way the MoCo is handling the M8 sumping and trans to primary oil transfer issues are.
I realize the majority of the M8 bikes don't develop the problem, the stakes are more important to me than the odds, because there is no definitive fix for either issue yet. The MoCo seems content to try band-aide, after band-aide to limit their warranty liability, instead of fixing the issues properly and completely (read save a ton of money).
For that reason, I'm sticking with the Twin Cam until the MoCo fixes those M8 issues to MY satisfaction, not just to appease the stock holders' bottom line.
FWIW... I own '01, '03, & '16 Twin Cam bikes... all three run great, and have been completely reliable. I would leave on a trip to anywhere tomorrow on any of those 3 bikes (although a long ride on the Springer might be hard on my old back....).
I traded up my '12 Limited to a '16 Ultra Classic just about a year ago.
Money wasn't an issue for me, but the way the MoCo is handling the M8 sumping and trans to primary oil transfer issues are.
I realize the majority of the M8 bikes don't develop the problem, the stakes are more important to me than the odds, because there is no definitive fix for either issue yet. The MoCo seems content to try band-aide, after band-aide to limit their warranty liability, instead of fixing the issues properly and completely (read save a ton of money).
For that reason, I'm sticking with the Twin Cam until the MoCo fixes those M8 issues to MY satisfaction, not just to appease the stock holders' bottom line.
FWIW... I own '01, '03, & '16 Twin Cam bikes... all three run great, and have been completely reliable. I would leave on a trip to anywhere tomorrow on any of those 3 bikes (although a long ride on the Springer might be hard on my old back....).
