Well, if they really are introducing a new frame then it makes sense to wait for that...
Plus, I guess if I was the MOCO I wouldn't want to bet the entire farm on the first year of a new engine. Seems to make sense to introduce it a bit at a time.
It won't take long. The potential rider that is in the market for a Softail or Dyna will wait and these models will stall in the sales market until "the new motor" is in production. Also, not to mention the emissions issue solution the M8 is the foundation for. When the 103 came out in the FL's, it killed the Softail/Dyna market that year. It's also going to kill the Rushmore resale and new Rushmore's that are still unsold. I would gues to trade up from a Rushmore to the "latest and greatest upgrade will be $12000-$13000, which I'm sure some potential buyers have found out.
probably next year. since they've sunk who knows how much money into the M8, it makes sense for them to put it in the high-dollar touring bikes first. Plus, they might have to make some modifications for the Softail's unique engine mounting system. there's also the rumored common frame core which will underpin the mid-size (Dyna) and Touring range next year.