When the new M8 was released I remember pouring over the ride reports in anticipation of determining if 'this would be my new bike.' The magazines complained about the feedback in the clutch lever (hydraulic clutch only i think) when shifting. They hated it and said it was too weird. Then ride reports starting showing up in the forums...the new owners hated it.

Fast forward to my 2018 Ultra Limited...yup, when I test rode it the little blip was there on shifting. Now after 3500 miles, mostly in rush and go commuting, I don't even notice anymore. I guess my brain has tuned that little feedback noise item out.

So when reading motorcycle reviews (or car, truck, kayak, RV, airplane, house....whatever) keep in mind the perspective of the 'this is terrible, don't buy it' opinions. A lot of it is due to the changes between the item under review and what they are used to. Case in point..."don't ever buy a bike with the turn signals split left and right because it is awful...you never know where the signal button is. It needs to be one stalk." This is a preference not an issue. You get used to things like this. Same with pulsing clutch levers...I don't even notice anymore!

 

I solved the clutch problem on my 2017 FLHR with this:

https://www.hogleverage.com/

 

I don't really feel it anymore either unless I'm actually feeling for it.

 

You don't feel the truth, you just feel the change. Kind of like a haircut. You don't notice your hair getting longer, but you do notice when it's cut. Now that you're used to it, the old clutch would probably feel weird at first.

 

It was not just the M8's . The HDY clutch had a long engagement travel. many of us wasted not time we solved it with adjustable leveler. By now most have figured out they can live with it or have solved it. Last weekend on a ride a met a rider he noticed my adjustable lever and ask about it. I allowed him to try it . He was on his smart phone looking to order one so it would be there when he got home.
HD has had turn signal on right and left a long time. My Street has one switch on the right. I prefer the two.

 

 

I test rode a new '18 Road Glide last week. Noticed an annoying click that I could feel in the clutch lever when downshifting. Did you notice this and is that what you mean by pulsing?

 

 

I don't know if my bike does it, I never noticed. And I agree about reading the magazine reviews and this is why I don't. They are looking to get as many readers as possible and come up with lots of weird stuff that no normal person would ever notice. Test ride/drive for yourself, and say yes or no

 

Did not like how far you let out before it grabbed,Put a Soft Brake Clutch Lever[$50} my problem solved no more complaints.