H-D M8; Bloom Is Off The Rose ................

[Capt.Bob]

Lift Kit

I have to back up just a tad on the strength of my statement concerning Legends lift brackets. I went to their website and realized that they have been producing suspension upgrade systems since 1998. It appeared from their website that their main focus is shock designs (both coil and air). They have some pretty trick looking motorized air suspension systems for different kinds of Harley and ATVs. In one of their customer videos, the customers were commenting on how the Legends continues to improve their products so I guess they are not a one-shot type of organization. OTOH, Kevin rides his TGU as primary transportation and I tend to think that someone who does that makes sure that their suspension, including the ride height is the best they can make it.

 

[MikeyTX]

I figured that was the reason. Yeah, I did the install of the space kit myself. The lift kit I let my indie mess with. He only charges $65 hr so it was worth it.

 

[Capt.Bob]

Not out of the woods yet

Mike, Your concerns about the M8 engine are not being totally disregarded in my case. I had purchased the 2017 knowing that they had done some engine work on it. Unfortunately, at about 250 miles on the clock, the low oil pressure light came on at idle with the engine having the proper amount of oil. I called my local Harley dealer and they said that they had seen an oil pump bypass issue that was allowing the engine to lose oil pressure at idle. They are going to be picking up the trike tomorrow and have two techs that are quite familiar with the M8 engines. The service manager said that these are good engines but a few have had some problems. He was unaware of the o-ring issue that I had read about on the other large HD forum. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I have three other toys in the garage that I can play with so I am not at a loss of entertainment. These rough waters will eventually smooth out and it will be interesting to see how this machine performs over time. It is warrantied until November 2021 so the MOCO and I are going to be on friendly terms.

 

[MikeyTX]

As long as your servicing dealer keeps you supplied with fresh chocolate covered donuts all is good. Fresh hot breakfast Kolaches are a winner too ! orag: And as I clarified a while back, my issue is not with the engine. I like the design. And I really like the lack of intake noise such as we have on the '16. As a stockholder, I am tired of tll the bs that was thrown at us as regards the amount of r&d testing that went into this engine. They swore up and down that the bad 'ol days were behind us. Yeah right. When I buy one and I will, I want to know that after the initial break in fluid change, I can do just as I did on the '16. Load and go ..............

5k or more with no issues. Needing only an in transit oil change. Bob, may you and yours have a very merry and a happy new year. Mike

 

[Capt.Bob]

Everything is ship-shape

Very weird on my 260 mile M8-engined Tri Glide. I had the oil pressure light come on at about 200 miles while at idle. When I revved the motor, the light instantly went off. I brought it home and it was still showing the red light and the corresponding "info" suggestion to check oil levels even though the trike was spot on for oil level (1/2 up the dipstick fill marks).

The story gets more curious because I rolled the trike out of the garage, started it and let it idle for about 10 cycles of the fans coming on and no check oil light. So I proceeded out for a ride and about 5 miles from the house at a stop sign, the check oil light came on and I took the trike home. My local Harley dealer suggested that they come pick up the trike and do some testing.

They got it out yesterday and couldn't get a check oil light even with a test hop. Then they connected a pressure gauge to the trike and found that the oil pressure was fine at idle with no light coming on. How curious! Well, I had them change the oil and filter and asked them to save the oil and filter in a pan so I could inspect it (the dealer had been kind enough to pick up the trike and I wanted to give them some business). Went to the dealership this afternoon and with gloved hands felt through the oil with no apparent large particles. I then dumped that oil from one tub to another to see if their was residual o-ring particles/particulates, etc. in the bottom of the container. Much to my surprise, nothing was seen. The oil filter looked good and I decided to not worry about cutting it open as I am not sure how critical that would have been? I went out with the new oil and filter at 300 miles and put about 60 miles on the trike with no check lights at idle.

The bike is running strong and I am only about 140 miles from the 500 mile break-in period where I can then exceed 3500 rpm and not have to worry about keeping the engine running at the same speed/rpm/load for prolong periods of time.

I really like the new M8 engine and will ride the heck out of it and not worry if the trike blows up or not. It is, after all, under warranty and I bought and ESP so I don't have to worry about the trike until 11/21. I do have to confirm its reliability in the next few months before heading out on some long cross country adventures. That shouldn't be hard for me to do because I love riding this trike so much! Bob

 

[Capt.Bob]

Finally Past Break-In

Well, went out and rode 150 miles today to finish the break-in of the trike. No constant speeds, rpms and loads. So, at 511 miles, I ran it up to 5k in a couple of gears and the M8 makes some serious noise along with a little more torque/power. The increased torque is noticeable on the freeway where the bike moves out more quickly when you roll the throttle on at 70 mph in 6th gear. So far, not a hint of sign of that intermittent check oil light and the trike idles nicely. As some have pointed out, it does seem to slip into the "Active" mode on the EITMS a bit more quickly than my 2016 103 TGU did. I really don't care because the heat issues are the best I have experienced on a Harley, ever. It was about 77 degrees this afternoon and at stop lights, there was no roasting of legs or chestnuts If I don't see anymore issues with this M8, I am going to be loving it more than I imagined. Only time will tell about reliability but so far, I am headed in the right direction.

 

[MB1953]

I am now just about 4500 miles on my '17 TG, and I have to say that I have not seen or heard anything on mine that would cause me concern. Yes, the engine definitely pulls stronger stock than my '14 even with a Stage I done, yes, it is cooler and quieter (valvetrain), and yes, I have the ESP and maintenance plan that are going a long way to making this a low-stress effort. Coming up on the 5K service, and I am still convinced that I made the right move, at least for me, by moving to the M8.

 

[MikeyTX]

Hope the riding weather turns the corner here in N TX real soon. This one or two days a week isn't cutting it. Yeah, it's been warmer than usual. The drizzling rain simply sucks. Plus, I don't see as well in the dark as I used to so that pretty much keeps me in the cage on the few days I still work part time even if it is warm enough to ride. I need to get more mileage on the trike so I can justify trading it in the early fall after the 18 my bikes are out.

 

[Sunman]

I am interested in possibly trading in the 2015 FW but want to wait until 2018 to see how the new motor does. I remember the issues with the Twin Cam when it first came out so will wait a bit.

Sunman

 

[Capt.Bob]

I am interested in possibly trading in the 2015 FW but want to wait until 2018 to see how the new motor does. I remember the issues with the Twin Cam when it first came out so will wait a bit.

Sunman

Sunman, If you are planning to get a FW, those M8 engines are using added oil capacity instead of water around the heads for improved engine cooling and I have not been hearing of those engines having any problems?

 

[Sunman]

Sunman, If you are planning to get a FW, those M8 engines are using added oil capacity instead of water around the heads for improved engine cooling and I have not been hearing of those engines having any problems?

Thanks for that info. Not sure yet about trading in, only have 17,000 miles on this FW so may wait awhile.

Sunman

 

[1dn5up]

Been to my local dealer twice, October & december, they had NO trikes in stock. Stated that they sell as fast as they get them :Shrug: But have lots of new 2wheelers . Don't think they order many at a time. They take up too much room in the showroom.

 

[Springman2007]

Been to my local dealer twice, October & december, they had NO trikes in stock. Stated that they sell as fast as they get them :Shrug: But have lots of new 2wheelers . Don't think they order many at a time. They take up too much room in the showroom.

Sound like you need to go shopping.....there is a WORLD of HD Dealerships out there.......

Springman

 

[consitter]

Been to my local dealer twice, October & december, they had NO trikes in stock. Stated that they sell as fast as they get them :Shrug: But have lots of new 2wheelers . Don't think they order many at a time. They take up too much room in the showroom.

You thinking about trading to a '17, Frank? Enquiring minds want to know...

 

[1dn5up]

Naaa, had to renew my xtend warrantee for 3 more yrs. The place was dead :Shrug:. Had long converse with the lady in charge of operations. Also weasaled a Rushmore a/c cover from them epper: Got mine to the liking point , ain't starting over again. That's why my 91 FLH is still owned as new.

 

[MikeyTX]

Been to my local dealer twice, October & december, they had NO trikes in stock. Stated that they sell as fast as they get them :Shrug: But have lots of new 2wheelers . Don't think they order many at a time. They take up too much room in the showroom.

Till the baby boomer wave crests, they will continue to move as each year more and more in their 60's and even some in their 50's come to the realization that if they want to continue riding, a trike is the only way to go. I would imagine being where you are at this time of year doesn't help either. I can imagine the floor plan on a trike is pretty hefty. Even here in my part of TX where we can ride darn near year round, there are some dealers that don't carry trikes. They simply get one from another dealer when needed.

 

[Downtown Cowtown]

ft worth harley had 8 on the floor last week:Santa:

 

[MikeyTX]

ft worth harley had 8 on the floor last week:Santa:

Sounds about right. I rarely get up there now that Burleson is open.

 

[Capt.Bob]

Winter Bloom

The rose (2017 TGU with M8) after the early little bug of a check oil light that came on several times has seen to have not only cleared itself up spontaneously but is running quite well. I put another 230 miles on the trike today with a total now of about 760 miles and everything seems to working as it should. The DK Custom floor board extensions and custom lift kit made the ride very nice and so at this point, I may begin to lower my guard and just enjoy the ride like I have been doing. After all, other than the possible inconvenience of having to pull over and get a tow trailer, the trike is running like a champ and I am really, really enjoying the new M8 engine. The engine and transmission are definitely and upgrade from my 2016 103. Again, time will tell but it is sure bringing some smiles these days.

 

[55il]

Thank for posting H-D M8 updates

I have been reading this thread with interest. My current ride is a 2011 Tri-Glide with just under 40k with a lot of DK upgrades, 120 motor build and DFT independent suspension of which I'm quite happy with.

But I know a new trike is in the future and couscous about the Motor Company's new layout. Of course I'm not interested in all the fancy electronic wizardry.... only performance, reliability and dependability. At being over 70 I'm no longer into brake-downs along the road or pushing this is out of the question.

Thanks for everyone's input as it's interesting and informative. Thanks DJ