Touring buy
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,816
Likes: 7,847
From: SE Louisiana
For the M8 bikes, by late 19, they had the few known problems solved.
They went back to a cable clutch control in 21, thats not a problem, but just a preference, I liked the hydraulic clutch.
14 - 16 Twincam bikes are good, the 103 HO engines are solid.
They went back to a cable clutch control in 21, thats not a problem, but just a preference, I liked the hydraulic clutch.
14 - 16 Twincam bikes are good, the 103 HO engines are solid.
If you want a really good deal and not allot of bells and whistles, then anything from 2009 to 2013 is a good choice.
2009 to 2011 has the 96 CI Twin Cam and the 103 CI Twin Cam in the 2012 & 2013.
The Twin Cam is a solid engine with lots of potential for HP.
They upgraded the frames in 2009 for better ride and handling.
The Rushmore redesign came out in 2014.
2009 to 2011 has the 96 CI Twin Cam and the 103 CI Twin Cam in the 2012 & 2013.
The Twin Cam is a solid engine with lots of potential for HP.
They upgraded the frames in 2009 for better ride and handling.
The Rushmore redesign came out in 2014.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 372
Likes: 83
From: FL East Coast /Western NC
If you want a really good deal and not allot of bells and whistles, then anything from 2009 to 2013 is a good choice.
2009 to 2011 has the 96 CI Twin Cam and the 103 CI Twin Cam in the 2012 & 2013.
The Twin Cam is a solid engine with lots of potential for HP.
They upgraded the frames in 2009 for better ride and handling.
The Rushmore redesign came out in 2014.
2009 to 2011 has the 96 CI Twin Cam and the 103 CI Twin Cam in the 2012 & 2013.
The Twin Cam is a solid engine with lots of potential for HP.
They upgraded the frames in 2009 for better ride and handling.
The Rushmore redesign came out in 2014.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,847
Likes: 999
From: Southern Virginia
I didn't think there was much difference in the first gen M8 bikes until I got the brake hold upgrade on my 23. I use it all the time when I take off in the morning, then stop later when it's warmer. Real easy to set the brake in neutral and take my jacket off and stuff it in a saddlebag.
I THINK that option is only available in the 21 and later years.
I THINK that option is only available in the 21 and later years.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 894
Likes: 537
From: Central NY
I have a 2022, I love it. Keep an eye on the used market, many people buy these and never ride them. Look for a garage queen.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 567
Likes: 556
From: Northern plains
I'm more of a basic bike kind of guy, although I've previously owned decked-out bikes. I'm just hopeful that a police bike wouldn't have too many electronic gimmicks or gremlins, just waiting to break or malfunction.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,847
Likes: 999
From: Southern Virginia
There are a couple of users here that can give the details, but I think the main difference between the regular FLs and the police bikes are lack of radio and the seat. Things REALLY got complicated in the 23.5 refresh of the Street Glide and Road Glide models. For 24 the Ultras were still the first gen M8 configuration but they were black only, no chrome. That's why I tracked down an unsold 23 FLHTK in chrome. I'm happy with the tech/classic balance of the bike.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,945
Likes: 600
From: The 1980's
I bought it in Daytona and hauled it home to the NY/Canada border so I haven't had the opportunity to ride it other than the test ride in Florida. I've only had the opportunity to spend money on it to get it exactly to my liking!