M8 Smoking at start up
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
Even if the ESP does not cover the latest, I’d upgrade the oil pump, and while on their put in a Torque cam. But, if you are going to get the Indian…enjoy it…they don’t have any problems.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 247
From: Florida
Thanks for this thread, made interesting reading.
I do love my RGS, I know its 4 years old but I put that 40,000 miles in two years thanks to covid, wasn't allowed back into the USA.
I think a lot depends on how the dealer and esp treat me and how my bike is when I get it back, Im guessing I will give it one more chance, but I did feel so disappointed when it started smoking and then finding out it seems quite a commonish problem.
I will be pushing for the dealership to fit the latest and greatest oil pump as I feel this is part of the issue.
I do love my RGS, I know its 4 years old but I put that 40,000 miles in two years thanks to covid, wasn't allowed back into the USA.
I think a lot depends on how the dealer and esp treat me and how my bike is when I get it back, Im guessing I will give it one more chance, but I did feel so disappointed when it started smoking and then finding out it seems quite a commonish problem.
I will be pushing for the dealership to fit the latest and greatest oil pump as I feel this is part of the issue.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 1,256
Likes: 620
From: Pittsburgh suburb
First off that is a beautiful bike - give the dealer a chance....! you posted a shout out to Advanblack for the trunk replacement & same day complain about smoking exhaust & thinking trade in???????
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,833
Likes: 8,739
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Couple of problems with that line of thinking:
- Recalls only address safety issues; what you are hoping for would be called a service campaign
- No vehicle manufacturer, including Harley is going to preemptively change parts on a vehicle that has shown no signs of trouble, as the large majority of M8's have
I get it, we all like to get free stuff but one way or another we all pay for it in the end.
- Recalls only address safety issues; what you are hoping for would be called a service campaign
- No vehicle manufacturer, including Harley is going to preemptively change parts on a vehicle that has shown no signs of trouble, as the large majority of M8's have
I get it, we all like to get free stuff but one way or another we all pay for it in the end.
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 805
From: Washington
I'm not much at all of a mechanic but I had a hard time understanding this thread. The oil burning problem seemed to come up very suddenly - why? Its had the same oil pump for 40,000 miles. Why are the older oil pumps a problem? Do they circulate too much oil and some ends up in the cylinder getting burned? Or, do they not circulate enough oil such that a cylinder over heats.....but it takes 40,000 miles to do it (wow!). Also, in the 'old days' didn't they used to do compression tests, leakdown tests, mike the cylinders and measure the ring gaps before saying "I visually looked at it, it overheated and we will throw cylibders, pistons and heads at it? Like I said, I'm not a mechanic.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 1,077
From: SE SC
Thanks @702 for referencing my thread and my Indian experience.
As I said, the Indian was a failed experiment. As far as form, fit and finish it doesn’t compare to the MoCo in the long run. One item i may have failed to address. The Indian is designed (IMO) to be maintained by Indian. Yes, you can do some minor maintenance, but for anything major, the entire bike almost has to be disassembled. Look at videos for something as simple as installing new cams……the engine itself is an integral part of the frame. Hell, to just change the rear brake pads, you have to take off the left muffler! I’m usually a pretty even-keeled guy, but after almost 9000 mile in the Challenger, my garage wall has a few holes in it from thrown tools……
In any event, if the OP wants to discuss the Indian experience of a Challenger, I’d be more than happy to discuss.
As I said, the Indian was a failed experiment. As far as form, fit and finish it doesn’t compare to the MoCo in the long run. One item i may have failed to address. The Indian is designed (IMO) to be maintained by Indian. Yes, you can do some minor maintenance, but for anything major, the entire bike almost has to be disassembled. Look at videos for something as simple as installing new cams……the engine itself is an integral part of the frame. Hell, to just change the rear brake pads, you have to take off the left muffler! I’m usually a pretty even-keeled guy, but after almost 9000 mile in the Challenger, my garage wall has a few holes in it from thrown tools……
In any event, if the OP wants to discuss the Indian experience of a Challenger, I’d be more than happy to discuss.
