Road the '17 Limited and RGS, at the local HD demo rides and some observations:

1. Transmission: No matter how soft or hard, fast or slow, I head the "clunk" all day shifting to 1st on both the Limited & RGS...I am not sure how some are reporting they are not hearing the "clunk", but the demo fleet models I rode was doing all day and these bikes were running all day from 10AM to 5PM.

2. Suspension: I hit every available manhole and road pot holes that could find , and was pleasantly surprised how smooth it felt vs pre '17MY. However, this are demo bikes, fully empty, and only load is a half tank of fuel, and me, @150lbs, 5'8". I think more saddle time, fully loaded with a wife on back before I believe the new suspension is worth the hype. However, I still think, it will perform nicely when challenged.

3. Engine Heat: Local temps were in the mid-70s, with westerly light breeze at 5mph…my right leg almost never felt the heat from the exhaust system, especially the area where the CATs meets the factory mufflers…I placed my hands near the exhaust after the half hour ride & never felt that it was overly hot & radiating …amazing how the new head pipe design is able to dump/vent most of the heat while on the road. However, the half hour demo ride did not encounter stop & go traffic…again will need to retest how good the ‘17s dissipate heat, in an full stop & go traffic scenario and with ambient temps in the 90s and above.

3. Roll on Power @60mph on 6th: Definitely it is there, and will leave my ’14 one to two bike lengths. As most have observed, the torque is more linear over the rpm band. How it performs fully loaded, will have to wait and see.

4. Idle Shake: Like most have said, it’s almost gone and negligible. The factory stock exhaust system do sound better vs pre ‘17s…could be due to the less gear & miscellaneous noise from the reengineered & redesigned M8 engine.

There are the most notable changes that I had observed in the short time I have with the Limited and RGS. All other features with the Rushmore model remain the same except for some cosmetic changes. Will I trade my ’14 LTD, not quite yet, perhaps in about two years or when the hype has subsided and local dealers are more willing to negotiate

 

rode one yesterday. i agree with above write up. Personally i don't cotton to the counterbalancing in the new engine. I prefer my 103 with the shake and noise. anyone agree?

 

I wouldnt be riding a harley if i didnt want to hear the little noises my bike makes and feel the shaking when im stopped. Maybe Im old school but those are the things you get used to riding a harley.If I wanted a no noise bike I would look at the goldwings.

 

I rode a sg and limited low last Saturday and was not impressed with the suspension at all. It might not of been set up right i dont know. A couple was riding the sgs just behind me and they complained as well the wife said no way they will keep their 15 road king. The limited low was a pleasure to ride the suspension was better but not a huge improvement for me any ways. I have JNR design air ride and mine rides better imo. I heard the transmission clunk on both bikes. The engine felt strong on the sg not so much on the limited but it is a bigger and heavier bike. Hardly any vibration and imo it felt like the metric bikes. I too like others have said i bought and like my harley because of the clunks,the engine noises and shaking it gives it soul

 

I agree. I had a Deuce with the B motor then went to a RK. I actually liked the shake better. That's trade mark Harley right there. Although there are improvements with the '17s, my '14 TK will be around a while. I've got it dialed in just right for me.

 

Right with you on this one. I like the way my '16 t-glide sounds and feels. Only have '16k on it. At 71, it should carry me off into the sunset without issue.

 

After my 1/2 hour ride, my feelings are that HD is getting closer and closer to the Gold Wing. I did several shifts into first and as with my 15 - quiet some and clunk on other - no big deal. Engine wayyyy to smooth, lol - old school here.
Suspension - must be subjective - i rode same route with my 15 and I did not feel a huge difference?
Engine - little more felt Torque - but it should

Enough to dump my 15 - nope

 

100% agree. Pretty sure the transmission didn't change like AT ALL.