New bike time
#11
02-03-2018 | 08:54 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 20
From: Downingtown, PA
Ride what makes ya happy. What I think has nothing to do with what bike will make you happy. That being said the M8 bikes are the best "off the shelf" Harleys I've ever ridden. Period. (Let the flames begin!) If you don't think the stock M8 kicks the **** out of stock 103, you may have ridden a broken one. Now, sounds like I'm being a wise-***, but years ago my buddies and I demoed Indians. Two of us were impressed with the 111 motor compared to the HD 96 and 103, but the guy on the TC88 said, "My bike has more power (stock engine)." We did another round and he rode a different bike. We get back and he says, "Now, I get it." The first bike had something going on that robbed it of power. Maybe too many demos, who knows? I agree with a previous poster that the M8 issues are overblown. Yes, unfortunately, some owners have had problems. Can't help you on the warranty thing. That's a solid consideration depending on what you're going to do. Good luck and enjoy the ride, whatever it may be.
I think my new M8 2018 SGS is the best ever for Harley. The torque curve is perfect! Not to mention the engine is perfectly balanced and refined just enough not to diminish that traditional Harley sound & feel. I’m happy Indian is back and putting up a fight. I was almost persuaded to jump ship and buy a Chieftan until I got on a new SGS. I think thanks to Indian we will see even more improvement coming from Harley soon like standard TPMS and central locking for bikes under 40k. Competition always breeds innovation...
Im excited to see what’s next from Harley over the next few years...
John
#12
02-04-2018 | 01:13 AM
Banned
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 16,988
Likes: 14,670
From: in a cave at the foothills
#14
02-04-2018 | 08:26 AM
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 773
From: Stuart, Fl
M8s are great just need to be left stock have seen and heard some with slipons and tuners I quess stage 1 but not worth the upgrade money for me. Its going to be a while for MoCo to figure out the issues on the higher stage upgrades and theres lots of problems not worth the headaches for me. I am happy with my Stock 17 Ultra.
#15
02-04-2018 | 08:43 AM
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 1,669
Likes: 311
From: Ohio
M8s are great just need to be left stock have seen and heard some with slipons and tuners I quess stage 1 but not worth the upgrade money for me. Its going to be a while for MoCo to figure out the issues on the higher stage upgrades and theres lots of problems not worth the headaches for me. I am happy with my Stock 17 Ultra.
#17
02-04-2018 | 09:09 AM
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 216
From: Davenport, IA
I agree with the others. I highly recommend the M8 with a stage 2. I have had mine since October of '16 and not had a single issue. I modded myself out of a warranty, but I'm ok with that. And if you buy an older bike without a warranty, you're going to wind up paying for any repairs you need anyway.
Now, there are loads of newer used bikes out there that can be had for a great price. But after moving from a 103 to a 107, no way would I go back to a 103.
Now, there are loads of newer used bikes out there that can be had for a great price. But after moving from a 103 to a 107, no way would I go back to a 103.
lets face it, the rushmores starting with 2014 are the best Harley's and happen to now be a bargain considering used prices. jmo.
#19
02-04-2018 | 09:39 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 23,515
Likes: 7,181
From: Snow Hill, NC
#20
02-04-2018 | 10:18 AM
The Rushmore's have the newer Canbus electrical, the Highout 103 engine, and some are water cooled.
You can add a Bolton 110 kit, and has proven performance parts, exhaust systems from all manufactures,
plus the fairing vent too.
The CVO's have great paint jobs, and the parts & accessories book was thrown at it. If you
can swing 2014 CVO I would say go for it.
JMO
John
You can add a Bolton 110 kit, and has proven performance parts, exhaust systems from all manufactures,
plus the fairing vent too.
The CVO's have great paint jobs, and the parts & accessories book was thrown at it. If you
can swing 2014 CVO I would say go for it.
JMO
John