2016 Ultra Ltd.... best choice for a tourer ?

[lucasg]

With all this crap I've been reading about the oil sumping problems, and other issues I'm really skittish about picking up a new M8 Ultra.  My current ride, a 2008 Flhx has served me well.  Did a HQ 107, three years ago & still runs strong.  Some tuning issues, but got it sorted out.  However,  for some time I've been longing for an Ultra Ltd.  So, my question(s) are:  did HD sort out most or all of the bugs out..ie,  compensator, crank run out, cam chain tensioned ?  Not sure if I've left anything out.  I had my share of problems with the compensator on my street glide but ever since dealer installed latest version with the oiling tray it seems to be holding up well.  Thought I remember reading about cupping issues on some of the tired nut not sure what years were effected.  Also, got a reality check/wake up call on the prices of these new bikes, in Canadian funds ..... Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.. TIA
P.S.  Majority of my riding is solo.

[r0de_runr]

Me personally would not buy an M8.  Nor a bike with a video screen in the fairing.

You can get a really nice '13 Ultra Limited and build the motor out with the savings and have enough left over for 5 years of gasoline.

[PoorUB]

I have a 2016 Limited and IMO, it is the best Twin Cam I have owned out the of the three, an '05, and 2010. I did gut the cat from the head pipe and put Fulsac re-core kits in the stock mufflers, plus a TTS tuner. Pretty much as far as I plan on going with it unless something happens to to the engine. I am getting stock MPG with a  few more ponies without opening the engine.

I believe the compensator issue for the most part has been remedied.

[bigal51]

I bought a 2017 FLTRU a year ago.  I did a 23 day trip to California with 2 1000 mile iron butt rides.  Got the patch and pin for the 1st one.  I have 16K on it now.  I do have an oil migration problem between the Trans and primary.  Not really bad.  Only happens if you travel over 80mph for a period of time.  The whole 8k trip only 10 oz migrated before I changes fluids.  I can deal with that as a maintenance issue.  The only other problem is sometimes coming to a stop, the engine will die.  The dealer replaced the gauge pod and said that should fix it.  It did for a few months but it started again a couple weeks ago.  I'm still happy with it and would rather have this than the 2013 FLTRU I traded in.  The engine torque is worth putting up with the 2 problems it has.  The MOCO should come up with a fix in the near future. 

[r0de_runr]

I bought a 2017 FLTRU a year ago.  I did a 23 day trip to California with 2 1000 mile iron butt rides.  Got the patch and pin for the 1st one.  I have 16K on it now.  I do have an oil migration problem between the Trans and primary.  Not really bad.  Only happens if you travel over 80mph for a period of time.  The whole 8k trip only 10 oz migrated before I changes fluids.  I can deal with that as a maintenance issue.  The only other problem is sometimes coming to a stop, the engine will die.  The dealer replaced the gauge pod and said that should fix it.  It did for a few months but it started again a couple weeks ago.  I'm still happy with it and would rather have this than the 2013 FLTRU I traded in. The engine torque is worth putting up with the 2 problems it has.  The MOCO should come up with a fix in the near future.

This is why we keep getting crap from HD.  Because we put up with it.  I really like my FLHXSE3 and won't give it up, but I'm sure tired fixing things on it.
These bikes are so bad we have to (and the selling dealer tells us) to buy an extended warranty and many many people swear it was a good thing they did.
About the time they get the poor design flaws worked out they make a major change.  That's why I think the air cooled 2013 touring is the last year I would ever buy.  Or perhaps a 16 Road King (no tv screen in the dash to go bad in 5 years).

Sorry about the rant.  I'm glad YOU like your bike and that's really al that counts.

[lucasg]

Thanks for all the replies gents.   I probably should've titled my post as " best year for touring model".  Anyways, appreciate all your comments & opinions.  It us true, sad that HD won't acknowledge they have some serious flaws in this new motor.  This sumping issue; the more I read about it it seems to be happening to bikes that have built motors and are ridden 80 mph and over for long periods at a time ?  I've test ridden a couple of M8's this past summer and did like the smoothness of the engine, quiet too, however I've never ridden a Twin Cam 103 so can't compare.  As to the "info display screen ".. I really didn't watch it on my test rides as I was watching the road ,and  especially it not being my bike.   Riding season pretty much done up here, so got plenty of time to ponder ... Thanks again...

[freddie_ray]

2012 FLHTK (Ultra Limited) best ride that I've ever had. You won't go wrong with this year..

freddie_ray

[harvman]

Lucas, I too was seriously thinking about a 2018 Limited. I have a 15 now. But after all I have read on the issues with the new engine, I won't be buying a new one. Too many problems. Even if they are covered under warranty, the down time and unreliability would drive me crazy. The riding season is short enough.
It really is too bad that HD will not put more time and engineering to fix their many problems. They still want to charge top dollar for a sub par bike. They are concerned that the new generation of riders are not into the Harley style. It starts with the quality of bike you put on the road. If they want to keep us existing owners happy, and get the new riders hooked on the new Harleys, it is time they start with upgrading their product.
It's all about profits and no longer about making a good quality product.

Rant Over!!