2019 Road King in shop w/Sumping
#61
04-10-2019, 02:01 PM
Well, not mine but that wasn't my fault - first stock engine sumped at 5600 miles, replacement sumped 600 miles after that. That replacement lasted 400 miles, then Harley replaced the bike. Now I've got about 7400 on the new bike.
But to the other poster's point, yes, I started threads when all this happened, but not to claim that its some big universal problem and to warn others not to buy one, I just was interested in the advice of others and to understand who else had had these issues.
I love the bike, and in fact depending on what comes out in 2020, I may very well trade for a new one.
But to the other poster's point, yes, I started threads when all this happened, but not to claim that its some big universal problem and to warn others not to buy one, I just was interested in the advice of others and to understand who else had had these issues.
I love the bike, and in fact depending on what comes out in 2020, I may very well trade for a new one.
#63
04-10-2019, 06:14 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
You would think so of course, and I discussed this at length with the regional tech lead. They went through the engine oil passages in the transmission (both times), didnt see any flow issues, etc, but after the 3rd engine went, it was no longer an issue of correct diagnosis, I just wanted a new bike and he agreed with no hesitation.
The following users liked this post:
GPHDXLC (04-10-2019)
#64
04-10-2019, 10:09 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
It's a fair concern and your call to make on not buying the M8. That's the beauty of free enterprise, we're all free to vote with our wallets.
All I'm saying is the Twin Cams had similar problems. Cam Tensioners, overheating issues, etc.
Outside of the forums, I don't see many people complaining of sumping or fluid transfer. I think there is a bit of confirmation bias happening on this forum which is compounded by the fact that you principal hear from people who have problems and not people who aren't having problems. I'm approaching 30k miles on my M8 with no issues. To be fair, I did spend an additional $500 to buy the S&S cam plate and oil pump as a precautionary measure. They were both installed when I did my stage 2 upgrade last week.
I haven't had any noticeable fluid transfer, but I've kept my transmission and primary fluids the same (formula+) just in case.
Either way, this is a rambling post to say I disagree with your assessment, but I'm glad we're all free to make our own choices. In my case I decided that the low probability of sumping (especially after addressing the oil pump/cam plate) even when coupled with the high consequence of sumping weren't enough to dissuade me from the M8.
All I'm saying is the Twin Cams had similar problems. Cam Tensioners, overheating issues, etc.
Outside of the forums, I don't see many people complaining of sumping or fluid transfer. I think there is a bit of confirmation bias happening on this forum which is compounded by the fact that you principal hear from people who have problems and not people who aren't having problems. I'm approaching 30k miles on my M8 with no issues. To be fair, I did spend an additional $500 to buy the S&S cam plate and oil pump as a precautionary measure. They were both installed when I did my stage 2 upgrade last week.
I haven't had any noticeable fluid transfer, but I've kept my transmission and primary fluids the same (formula+) just in case.
Either way, this is a rambling post to say I disagree with your assessment, but I'm glad we're all free to make our own choices. In my case I decided that the low probability of sumping (especially after addressing the oil pump/cam plate) even when coupled with the high consequence of sumping weren't enough to dissuade me from the M8.
Still not buying an M8.... yet....
But I do keep reading the M8 section, and the experiences of people who love the M8 are the only reason I haven't completely blown it off........
#65
04-10-2019, 10:48 PM
You know, reading abt all these problems could well make a guy just steer clear of the M8
My problem is, I have a 2014 103 Tri Glide everything's good except it has NO roll on power
The 103s just aren't enough motor for the TG w/o some serious builds and I dont want to go that route...
My problem is, I have a 2014 103 Tri Glide everything's good except it has NO roll on power
The 103s just aren't enough motor for the TG w/o some serious builds and I dont want to go that route...
My Stage 2 below now has over 30,000 miles on the upgrade, runs like a beast, and gets 40+ mpg. And it was lot cheaper than a new motorcycle.
#66
04-10-2019, 11:10 PM
Road Captain
This is maddening. I'm sitting on 2 TC softails and a TC road king. I want a nice new bike so bad and could trade all 3 of mine in and have a new M8 touring bike paid for (Wanting RK) but these issues freak me out! My bikes are my wheels and any downtime is unacceptable (especially if all of my eggs are in one basket so to speak). I know the number of issues pale in comparison to production numbers, I just wonder how many people buy these bikes and use them to hold down the garage floor?
A million M8s sold and I bet 95% of them have less than 5k miles on them. Are the "few" problems in the 5% of those bikes that get ridden????
A million M8s sold and I bet 95% of them have less than 5k miles on them. Are the "few" problems in the 5% of those bikes that get ridden????
#67
04-11-2019, 06:36 AM
This is maddening. I'm sitting on 2 TC softails and a TC road king. I want a nice new bike so bad and could trade all 3 of mine in and have a new M8 touring bike paid for (Wanting RK) but these issues freak me out! My bikes are my wheels and any downtime is unacceptable (especially if all of my eggs are in one basket so to speak). I know the number of issues pale in comparison to production numbers, I just wonder how many people buy these bikes and use them to hold down the garage floor?
A million M8s sold and I bet 95% of them have less than 5k miles on them. Are the "few" problems in the 5% of those bikes that get ridden????
A million M8s sold and I bet 95% of them have less than 5k miles on them. Are the "few" problems in the 5% of those bikes that get ridden????
#68
04-11-2019, 06:38 AM
Club Member
This is maddening. I'm sitting on 2 TC softails and a TC road king. I want a nice new bike so bad and could trade all 3 of mine in and have a new M8 touring bike paid for (Wanting RK) but these issues freak me out! My bikes are my wheels and any downtime is unacceptable (especially if all of my eggs are in one basket so to speak). I know the number of issues pale in comparison to production numbers, I just wonder how many people buy these bikes and use them to hold down the garage floor?
A million M8s sold and I bet 95% of them have less than 5k miles on them. Are the "few" problems in the 5% of those bikes that get ridden????
A million M8s sold and I bet 95% of them have less than 5k miles on them. Are the "few" problems in the 5% of those bikes that get ridden????
#69
04-11-2019, 06:32 PM
HDF Community Team
I'm not sure I agree with the assessment that it's a design problem causing sumping. If it was a design problem it should show in every bike operated outside the design parameters. Since a fairly small number of bikes are sumping, I tend to believe it's a problem with production process or is a design issue, but only when the bikes are operated in a way at the edge of the operating envelope.
That doesn't excuss HD for having the problem, but it changes the way you need to look at the problem.
That doesn't excuss HD for having the problem, but it changes the way you need to look at the problem.
#70
04-11-2019, 07:02 PM
Road Master
2018 FLTRU Road Glide Ultra. 16,200 miles as of yesterday’s 140 miler to San Diego for a Dr appt. No regrets for trading my perfectly good 2016 Ultra Classic for it a little over a year ago.
This is the best motorcycle I’ve ever bought and rode. I don’t baby it a bit. I explore all rpm up to the limiter but I don’t ride WOT for more than a second or two. I wouldn’t do that on any of the three Goldwings I owned either. Just asking for trouble. With ANY engine.
I really feel feel for those who miss out on this great machine out of fear of a breakdown. It’s a darned shame.
This is the best motorcycle I’ve ever bought and rode. I don’t baby it a bit. I explore all rpm up to the limiter but I don’t ride WOT for more than a second or two. I wouldn’t do that on any of the three Goldwings I owned either. Just asking for trouble. With ANY engine.
I really feel feel for those who miss out on this great machine out of fear of a breakdown. It’s a darned shame.
The following users liked this post:
southerncannuck (04-13-2019)