You got some good responses from Bluesrider and Shodown220 and I have not ridden an M8 Low Rider, but happy to share my experience, too. I have a 2016 black FXDL. I live in the Bay Area and ride year-round, both twisty roads and longer distances. I actually bought my '16 Low Rider used in December 2016 with about 5,000 miles on it, more or less stock. Now, I’m a little shy of 30,000 miles and have really made the bike my own. I’ve included a couple of photos of how it sits currently at the bottom of my post.

1. The ignition switch and the horn bracket are definitely the two most commonly discussed issues on this thread. (Knock on wood), I haven’t had to deal with either one of them. The only minor issues I’ve had to deal with are a rocker box leak (pretty common for the Twin Cams) and a bit of moisture in the gauges on hot days. I fixed the first and haven’t had an issue since, and live with the condensation in the gauges because it doesn’t show up all that often. I do feel like I’ve gone through more tires on this bike than others, but I ride fairly aggressively and year-round, so I chalk that up mostly having a lot of fun on this thing.


2. Ask 10 people about the best Stage 1 setup, get 10 different answers. I can tell you what I’m running and I’m pleased with it all. I have a Vance + Hines FP3 tuner. I took a Screamin’ Eagle Street Tuner off of it, which was garbage. The FP3 works just fine for my needs. I also run a Two Brothers Racing Comp Gen II megaphone. It’s a 2-in-1 style full exhaust system. It’s actually a little louder than I’d like, but the performance is night + day over what it felt like before. (When I bought the bike, it had a Screamin’ Eagle Nightstick slip-on on it.) Seriously opened the engine up, and combined with the FP3, felt like a new bike. I recently switched a Ness Big Sucker air intake that was falling apart too quickly for an S&S Mini Teardrop. Digging it so far, but it’s only been a couple thousand miles.


3. I really have made a lot of mods. Beyond the Stage 1 performance mods, I can say my favorites include Legend Revo-A shocks (performance + comfort), Patriot Suspension Genesis drop-in kit to stiffen up the front end and minimize the brake dive, JD Custom Fabs T-sport repop fairing (distance + comfort), Leather Pros V2 quick-detatch saddlebags (distance), 11” Lucky Dave’s Lucky 13 pullback bar (performance + comfort). LED lighting is an easy early upgrade, too. One thing I really do like about this bike as a platform is that you can take it in so many different directions.


4. My bike is an ABS version. It works pretty well. It’s been rare that it’s kicked in in a moment that didn’t warrant it. I’m in the minority here, but I’d say that the braking overall is adequate, not killer, for the way I ride, even with the dual-disc setup. I have upgraded my lines (stainless) and pads. My next big project will probably be some Galfer Wave rotors at some point in 2020.


5. Pricing—I won’t weigh in on this because in California, late model Dynas are like gold. I'm sure they're a lot cheaper in Florida.


Again, I’ve never ridden the M8. I will say, I was surprised to see Harley drop the dual-disc brake setup and go with a 2-into-2 stock exhaust. That said, people seem to dig ‘em. Good luck with your decision.

 

I would get the 2016 LR with all the extras. First, it is a true Dyna and not a Softail. Second, the new LRs come with a single front disc brake. Not two like the 2014-16 LRs. Third, I am not sold on the M8. Fourth, all those accessories means money you are not having to shell out.

 

Thanks DMo and Ikelov for your excellent replies. And DMo, your FXDL is outstanding. Love everything about it.

I'm pretty sure I am going with one of the two 2018's. My choice is the one loaded with accessories, options, and is almost exactly how I would have built it. I like the M8 for it's potential, the ABS of which I'm a fan and believer. It is Bonneville Salt White which I also like better than the blue 2016. Also, the tech description by Harley at the launch of the new Softail line is impressive. Lighter, better lean angles, more suspension travel, stiffer frame, security, ABS all make it attractive and it is essentially the same price as the 2016.

So, when it's done one way or another, I'll report back, post a few pics, and hope to hang here even if I'm not on the "real" Low Rider!

Thanks again for all the help and experience. Back to you all soon!

 

I've ridden many of the M8 Softails and they are sweet bikes. You won't be disappointed.

 

No matter which way you go you will end up with a great motorcycle. Looking forward to your future report and pics.

 

Having had both bikes, allow me to offer some input. The M8 softails are fantastic. The new softail frame is solid, making for a better handling machine. The M8 is a great power plant. Smooth and plenty of power. The single disc is fine. IMO not as good as the duals, but plenty of brake for most people. Cheap and easy upgrade is Lyndall Gold + pads. The rear brakes however, sucks and definitely needs two things. Those pads, and raising the pedal a bit helps. That’s really the only deficiency. However...

While the new softails are essentially better machines in every measurable way, in my opinion they lack the one thing that makes a Harley, a Harley. Soul. Sounds strange, but I recently bought a used 2017 Low Rider S because I sorely missed my 2016 that I traded for the softail. The moment I sat on that bike and felt that 110 Twin Cam shaking in the frame at idle, then pull away like a tractor, smoothing right out, I was “home”. I kept my 2020 Low Rider S as well, because I love it as well, but it was like having an itch I couldn’t scratch.

That said, coming from baggers and BMW’s, you may like the smooth linear nature of the M8. I say test ride them both. A couple times.

Good luck.

 

"That's what she said"

 

Gotta love autocorrect... Fixed it for her.

 

I know nothing about the new Softail LR, but given the fact that it is the newer bike with the M8 107 and prices all pretty much in line, I'd go with the 2018 with ABS...put a Stage I on that bike and you'll have a screamer....depending on what you do, people are getting sick numbers out of the M8....

 

Thanks all, locked and loaded on the 2018 FXLR this morning. Will pick it up within the next 7-10 days and definitely post pics and details.

Gotta change my signature!!

Excited for sure!