If experts(FM and HD) recommend 950 due to OIL pressure issues, why in the world would you want to go lower? You'd rather have a slightly better sounding idle than have better oiling? You crazy bro, that's nuts.

 

My tach shows it.

 

The M8 engine has NO oil flow issues at idle, the Twin Cam did. They do however have an issue with the oil pressure switch failing. We have run the idle down to as low as 750 at idle and oil flow tesed just fine but I would never keep it that low just due to the unstable idle you get when doing it. Letting the clutch with the idle this low (750) requires that the rider has very good throttle control and clutch lever control or it's going to stall.

 

You did not mention what year your bike is. The first change HD made to the M8 in 2017 was up the Idle 850 to 950 it was to slow. reason was charging battery also low Idle causes stalls.
If you want the bike to have that sound do the cam it will sound great.

 

Mine is a 2020 and it was idling at 850 till I got a new tune from Fuel Moto, and didn’t know any different prior to that. Had been in for dealer service at 1000, 5000, 10,000 as well.

I thought it sounded GREAT the first 10,000 miles at idle running Rineharts, but shortly before I loaded the new tune around 12,500 it sounded just a little like the pistons were slapping or something at that low idle.

 

I actually like 1000 rpm for idle. Lot less vibration and oil and charging is better..

 

Thanks Steve, very good info, I'd not seen anyone say that

And sorry all, I just noticed I obviously had a brain fart as well, the lowest the bike will idle with the PV is 900, not 950, sorry for any confusion folks. My map is still set at the stock default of 850 but if you log it, it averages at 900 with a plus and minus 90 or so either side (damned if I can find a setting or fuel value that reduces the plus n minus variation smoother)