Hi guys - thanks for all who have provided advice in my oil filter removal thread.

So far, it's still stuck on the bike but will post about how/if/when I remove it.

My Q is this - why doesn't my M8 sound like a Harley?

I know that it's a new generation engine, but with the same 45 degree cylinders and single crank I was hoping that it had the same classic potato sound that my Evo had.

I have a V&H air cleaner and V&H Mini Grenades exhaust system. While it definitely sounds like a twin, it kind of lacks that classic Harley sound.

Any advice on how to achieve that, other than buying an Evo/Twin Cam?...or is it just not obtainable?

Thanks for any constructive replies.

 

Get a stage 2 cam that's got a good lope.
22XE cam gave my bike a "Harley" sound, and it's lope isn't as aggressive as other cams.
A cam swap and tune may give you the sound you're after.
Check out the RS468, 22XE, CR480, Star 30/30, MHP485, S&S 475c. Each of these cams may give a nice lope to your bike.

 

Thanks for that. Yes - my FXST had a high lift cam (can't remember the brand - S&S, I think) as well as some other improvements like a Mikuni smooth bore carb, and I loved the sound and the vibrations.

 

FranBunny's advice, if done right, will get you a cool sound along with a healthy performance boost. Just don't expect it to sound the same as a cammed EVO or twin cam. Obvious difference in head design, 4 valve v 2, makes a difference in sound... and performance.

As for the M8 not sounding like a Harley, Lol. People used to say the same thing about EVOs and twin cams when they first came out.

 

It looks like a Harley. What counts. EFI needs the 1000 rpm idle to be reliable Not because electronics isn't fast enough or oil pressure, it's how it introduces the fuel to the air. (I think)

Tin men sale that sound mess. And of course, their followers.

And heaven forbid you thinking noise or the last great act of defiance, AKA a horn, keeps you safe.

 

If you want to understand where the "potato" sound comes from, FortNine covered it here:

 

I'm sure it does sound like a Harley, be it a NEW Harley...
Seriously its not gonna sound like a EVO same as my EVO didn't sound like a Shovelhead when I purchased her new, I even tried drag pipes but was a no go with little back pressure so I went with V&H Straight Shots, A EV-27 cam and turned that idle screw down on my S&S carb and it would cam and lobe and I ended up with a killer sounding bike IMO but was not a Shovelhead.

With my new M8 I added a SE torque cam, removed the stock head pipe replacing it with a bassani and Rinehart dbx 45 exhaust. Does it sound like my EVO... No but I like it!
A cam does wonders IMO,,,
Cold Sound

Hot Sound

You Tube

 

A factor in the sound of an M8 is that it’s an eight valve motor.

 

I think you need to idle a M8 below 900rpm to get a good lope.

 

My wife would have trouble locating the spark plug on a weed whacker. When I traded my TC Heritage for an M8, she heard it and asked, 'what's wrong with it"?