Scrap or Masterpiece? Pros & Cons of Harley's Milwaukee Eight Engine

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Sorry for the fast paced talking and editing. I noticed it after uploading the video, when it was already too late. Watch it at 0.75x speed, if it's more convenient to you🙂 Other than that, I am really curious to hear about your experience with the M8 engine. Is it scrap or a masterpiece ;-)

[@RoadKing2022]

Thank you for the very informative video! I have 2 Road Kings, one with the 103 HO Twin Cam the other with the 114 Milwaukee Eight. The 114 definitely has more torque while the 103 feels a bit smoother. Both motorcycles have been rock solid, no issues whatsoever. Very pleased with the quality of both bikes!

[@gki1982]

I might not know much about motorcycle engines, but the places you ride through look like absolute paradise! 0:40

[@waynemosteller9970]

I own a 2018 ultra limited 107 m8. The bike has 16.5k miles on it at present. I do a couple of longer trips a year, the rest of my mileage is fairly local. I have another bike, so the Harley isn't overstretched! I have had no issues with jumping or oil transfer. I tend to ride fairly hard, but with an eye on keeping my licence! It's far better than my old 103 dyna in power, torque, and running temperature. As much as I hate to say it! This ultra is staying in my garage for the foreseeable! 😍

[@robertcook5965]

I’ve studied this. The M8 is an engineering marvel. I have a 114 heritage and have made some serious modifications to it and love it. Doing a stage 2 with high compression cylinders with the on screen dyno System I can pretty much take anything on the highway. Pushing 125 Hp at 190 k + works for me.

[@marcloy9821]

I ride my 2019 Heritage Stage II 114 at least 1000km a week commuting, love it, doesn’t skip a beat, and has brutal power

[@therealrobertbirchall]

I ❤ my heritage softtail as well. Best bike Harley made yet. Vivid black with white wall tyers looks as fantastic as it rides.

[@johnscott5662]

Great video. I own a 2020 Softail Standard. It has the 107ci engine of course. I have had no issues at all. You set my mind at ease. So many alarmist videos have people thinking that their engine is going to freeze up at any moment.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

The 107s are pretty solid. I would bechk it for sumping once, to be 100% sure. Basically you a sensor and check the oil level. It's a pretty simple procedure, and there are plenty of guides on that matter. Ride safe!

[@guyconnell2250]

I have a 2015 Road Glide (hydraulic clutch). I definitely also had the trans-primary oil transfer issue. I morphed a vent system for my primary and it seemed to have solved the issue. For some reason this was far more common on M8 models but is/was an issue on some of the TwinCam models as well. So, when HD went back to cable clutch, though the reasons given for doing this never included the oil transfer issue, I think we can all agree the oil transfer was the real reason. I'm glad you stated that directly.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Thank you for your comment. I have another video on twin cam touring models. It seems that some twin cam models MY 14-16 also suffered from that issue. Safe roads!

[@Mike-jv8bv]

Ignore the drama queens in the comments talking out of their butts. The M8 is going to end up on the historybooks as being just as dependable as the evo. They are really good engines with only a few kinks they already fixed.

[@wilsta67]

Having owning plenty of Harley I now have 2 117s and a 114 awesome engines

[@mattbroussard7409]

What a beautiful ride! Great informative video!

[@drewp.wiener1205]

The M8 is a masterpiece. I think it's funny how people always speak about 'needing' (when it's actually wanting) more power. These bikes - even the 107 - has loads of power. People want the larger engine for bragging rights. Most people will never use those engines to their full potential. A 107ci is approx 1753cc. That's a larger displacement then most cars are putting out. A lot of cars are 1.4L (I'm aware they'll be a turbo). Nobody needs this kind of power in a bike - people just want it. And yes - I'm one of those people too - but the point is a 107ci is actually still a crazy sizeable engine.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

I agree. The 107 engine offers sufficient power. Safe roads.

[@robertcook5965]

I will agree the M8 is a powerhouse. I have tweaked my 114 with a power cam, high compression cylinders and a dyno on board tuner on a heritage classic. I love it especially on the highway when I’m passing at 180k with lots more to give if required,

[@frankG451]

Thanks for the advice. Extremely useful advice and video ! 👍

[@BobSmith-eq9vs]

I own a 2007 StreetGlide and a 2016 FatBoy. I just bought a 2023 Royal Enfield Intercepter 650 and have really enjoyed riding it. Bought used with only 154 miles on it for $4195 out the door. It rides cool and comes stock with an oil cooler. Oh I almost forgot it also has four valves per cylinder. I guess we could call it the Indian eight.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

I did a test ride of the 650 interceptor. Great and nimble bikes.

[@bselvadurai1]

I enjoyed the video, makes me feel even better abt my 2020 FXDR 114. Good job. I would probably agree with most if not all your points about the M8

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Congratulations on your FXDR. They are rare birds nowadays. Ride safe!

[@jmac6242]

Absolutely Agree. Well Done!

[@chromesporty4984]

My 2022 Heritage just clocked over 60,000 KM's. So for flawlessly! It is easy to ride and has excellent handling. I've even gone off road with my BMW buddies with no issues The Heritage in particular has 4 1/2 inches of suspension travel in the rear, 5 1/2 in the front with good ground clearance. I'm 70 years old and will be riding this bike until I can ride no more. I expect to get hundreds of thousands of KM's out of my baby before I pack it in. That may be a while as it keeps me feeling young!

[@BikesandBrezeln]

The Heritage is a great ride. It is the most reliable motorcycle in Germany for a reason and I believe it is well deserved. Ride safe!

[@nickmcclellan9623]

This is a great video. I wonder why you didn’t mention the switch of the Street Bob from the Dyna family to the Softail family? I have a 2019 Street Bob with the M8 107 (that is what you missed). I love the 107 and I don’t need/want all of the new gadgets that the new bikes come with. 😊

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Thank you. I will do a video on M8 softail models soon 😉 stay tuned.

[@Riff156]

I have a 2024 HydraGlide Revival (basically a Softail Heritage) with the 114. It's a great motor, pulls like a freight train. However, I do miss the shake of an Evo or Twin Cam. Thinking about changing the cam to get that Harley 'lope', but I don't know if it's worth risking the overall reliability of the engine by opening it up and changing out a part that isn't broken... Good job on the video!

[@jlafayet]

I got the Hydra-Glide too. Absolutely love it! I did the Stage I upgrade (air cleaner was already in there stock) to get some performance improvement and definitely some sound improvement. I have a Softail Standard with a Stage II torque cam and I love that, but didn’t think it was worth it for the Hydra-Glide. It will definitely reduce your gas mileage and at least on the Standard with its 107, that thing just explodes off the line, so the difference in performance is noticeable. I figured the Hydra-Glide has enough power though, and didn’t want to limit its range.

[@Riff156]

@@jlafayet Where are you located? Where'd you get the bike? I am loving it...just got back from a @200 mile ride on and around Skyline Drive in Virginia, USA... Bassani true dual exhaust and a decent tune...All I need!

[@jlafayet]

@@Riff156 that sounds fantastic! I’m in the Seattle area, got my bike through Emerald City HD. The first weekend I had it was amazing weather, but it’s been cold and rainy more often than not since, so I’m not getting the riding in I want. So painful to see the thing just sitting there! 😩

[@BachelorHarley]

This is an awesome video. Well done. Please keep the pop ups up longer and slow it down a little. I want to savor and comprehend the information. Danke schön

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Thanks for the feedback. I will slow it down a little next time.

[@robbyclark6915]

I met a guy a few weeks ago riding a 2017 street glide with a 107 M8. He said he had about 50k miles on it and had never had a single problem. He also left it mostly stock with only slip on mufflers. ???

[@kynond6850]

I love my 24 road glide!

[@BikesandBrezeln]

I recently did a test drive on a 2024 Street Glide. Awesome bike!

[@angelcotti4821]

I own a 2021street bob 114 and the moter is fine runs cooler than an 1999 reod King and it sounds like a Harley not like the older ones but it's a new one and it's bad ass baja orange 🍊😆😉

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Awesome Color 🤩

[@Lee-em1lb]

I'll keep my TC. it's a 96cu with stage 2 and has ample power for my riding style. You're correct about specs, is all that power actually going to be usable for the average person for the M8?

[@BikesandBrezeln]

@Lee-em1lb I've recently riden the latest 117 CI M8 on a Street Glide. The engine is pretty powerful and makes a lot of fun. But if I'm honest, the basic 107 CI version is just as good for me. Power wise the 96 CI Twin Cam is a great platform and also sufficient for most purposes. I consider the older TC 88 and the Evo with 80 CI somewhat insufficient. I live in Germany and sometimes it's necessary to ride on the Autobahn and at 130-140 KM/H. You need at least a Twin Cam 96 to do that effortlessly.

[@haroldwiser2641]

Halfway thru the video he says let's jump right into it 😅🤣😂

[@BikesandBrezeln]

😂😂😂

[@martyv5417]

I'd put the exhaust sound in the "con" category. The factory pipes on my FXST made it sound like an angry sewing machine.

[@anthonyhughes8888]

ive had 3 harleys all m8 my latest 2024 roadglide I feel is a great touring bike with plenty of power I've never had any issues that weren't fixed buy harley recalls. I've had great service and dependable service

[@charlesvan9726]

M8 is for sure the best engine Harley-Davidson has ever produced! But,.. Check your facts please, Performance Specifications: Milwaukee-Eight 107: 1,745 cc, 108-112 lb-ft of torque, 87 horsepower* Milwaukee-Eight 114: 1,868 cc, 119-124 lb-ft of torque, 94-100 horsepower* Milwaukee-Eight 117: 1,923 cc, 124-130 lb-ft of torque, 94-105 horsepower* Milwaukee-Eight 121: 1,977 cc, 145 lb-ft of torque, 127 horsepower* * Torque and horsepower may vary depending on model and engine tuning.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Hey Charles, Thanks for your comment. All my specs are from Harley's official spec sheets. Funny story: During my research, I found that even Harley's official information in the specs deviates from their homepage. From what i see, your specs are mostly in line with what I said. The 107 CI has 87 horsepower in the softail models, but the touring line has 90 horsepower with the same engine. I am mentioning in the video, that I am looking exclusively at the touring model numbers. The 114 engine has no horsepower listed in the official US spec sheet. So the number is taken from the European model, which has 90 HP. The only stats that seem a bit off, are the 127 Horsepower in the 121 CVO models. The official US spec sheet lists it with 115 HP. Maybe this difference stems from regional differences? There are not only differences across models, but also regions. For instance, some models in Europe are more/less powerful than in the US. I'm curious. What region are you from? Drive safe.

[@Karrpilot]

The engine is okay. What needs to be addressed is their dealers. Selling 2 years old new unsold units at and over list prices, along with aftermarket bling and their markups, had me walking out the door.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Sure, different dealer may have different strategies. I also prefer buying older bikes at a discount ;-)

[@karrpilot7092]

@@BikesandBrezeln I have been to multiple different dealers in a few states. They pretty much treat me and their customers the same. Bad. I wanted a bone stock bike, nothing added, brand new, no hassles, no accessories, and at a good deal. Couldn't find it. I do my own repairs and maintance. I want a bike under warranty, and let them deal with it and any issues. I can take it from there. Not happening, no takers. They all want the upsells and the commissions. I don't want an older bike, nor do I want to restore one. I don't have the time and patince.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

@@karrpilot7092 I am curious: Do you get warranty on used bikes in the US? In Europe, there is a law, which says that all used bikes sold by a dealer should come with one year warranty on the engine and transmission. This law ensures, that dealers sell reliable used bikes.

[@twinsixty]

hab eine 117er Lowrider mit Nocke und eine Fatboy 103 Twincam.... der M8 ist super.... aber dieses Nähmaschinen-Geräusch vom M8, dieses Heulen vom Motor ist wirklich furchtbar, dagegen hat der Twincam einen richtig satten bassigen Sound im direkten Vergleich

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Das Kühlergeräusch finde ich auch nicht so gut. Aber mit gescheiter Nocke und Auspuff hört man das dann nicht mehr ;-)

[@swagger7]

24 RG: great M8! Power and torque is fantastisch! Its not the wurst for sure! 😉

[@BikesandBrezeln]

I'll do a testride with the 2024 street glide with the 117' engine soon! Stay tuned ;-) Them puns, tho ;-D

[@jamessouthworth1699]

Harley-Davidson has been building engines for too long to continue having the same problems. I think the real problem is they present themselves as a premium brand at a premium price then turn around and put cheap parts inside the engine along with cutting corners in the assembly process. This has been going on since the twin cam and I see they haven't learned their lesson. After having to fix all the flaws in my twin cam I have certainly learned my lesson. I would never buy another new Harley.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Used harleys are great and valid alternatives to new bikes. Especially used CVO models are often much cheaper than new bikes. Ride safe.

[@greg2463]

You can say this about any brand or situation. Anytime a large change is introduced, in this case the engine, problems are bound to occur. Engineers often cannot predict all outcomes. It's a human factor. To avoid, do not buy the first series of any new model, etc.

[@MrPoliarinis]

Since when harley is premium ? Infact even Indian looks more premium brand.

[@Cosmo0916]

The internet always makes it sound like all 2017-19 had the issue. There were actually very few and most of those were the ones that had Stage III and above kits and didn't upgrade the oil pump. My 2019 Ultra with a Stage I, stock pump. I put 29k miles on and never had any problems. The M8 is a good motor, but, it hasn't been around long enough to get it's 'soul'

[@BikesandBrezeln]

I agree. Apparently, there is a bit of a negativity bias goin on when it comes to the M8. I've found it mostly reliable.

[@therealrobertbirchall]

They do breathe engine oil into the air filter though. You need to vent the crankcase properly and you will actually get a smoother engine as well because it's not fighting crankcase pressure.🎉

[@Cosmo0916]

@@therealrobertbirchall No argument from me. I did have an external breather on mine.

[@Mike-jv8bv]

The m8 has already been out for 7 years. Its a proven engine.

[@m.f.m.67]

The only problem I have with the M8 engine line is that they no longer sound like the Harley engines of old. Especially at idle. Go listen to an old shovel or Evo engine at idle, then listen to an M8, not even close any more. The heartbeat is gone.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

I agree, the Evo does sound awesome. Too bad it was discontinued.

[@Mike-jv8bv]

The solution for that is a bigger cam to give it that harley chop.

[@robrobb4370]

Shovelhead forever!

[@BikesandBrezeln]

They do sound and feel great 👌

[@michaeldinardo2519]

I've been in the HD game so long that babies that were born then are now grandparents. The M8 motor is the best that HD ever built. ( OK....the Evo XR Sportster with oil cooled heads is the best they ever built)

[@philhobson1532]

i have a 107 ultra ltd 30000 miles the only problem the oil transfer fixted under warenty no other problems standered engine

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Do you know how they fixed it? Probably they installed the primary vent?

[@philhobson1532]

@@BikesandBrezeln yes they did install the vent25000 miles ago so it certinally worked. I have checked for sumping there has never been any sign of sumping. But it is a standard engin I am Told that a higher reving engine with a high lift cam is more likley to sump. Thanks for a great video.

[@philhobson1532]

@@BikesandBrezeln yes they installed a primary vent that solved the problem i have had no sumping problems though the engine is standard i have heard that fitting a high lift cam and making a faster reving engine causes sumping

[@Ako1130]

Hallo! Als jemand aus Deutscland wieso fährst du nicht mit bmw bikes? Soo witzig😊 Obwohl sie haben keine schöne Töne, sie sind echt gut bikes. Trotzdem habe ich auch ein 2021 fat bob, alles Gute aus Ungarn!

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Danke. Gute Fahrt

[@longislandhillbilly4780]

I’m a truck driver and I have only seen Harley’s broken down on the side of the road, both old and new. So that magazine article you mentioned is just as unreliable as Harley Davidson motorcycles. You, sir, are clearly biased in your view on the bottom line reporting of this subject. Harley’s are overpriced,overweight and underwhelming. It took them 40 years to include 4 valves per cylinder on their motors . And except for a couple of exceptions; they still put both pistons on the same crank journal. This was a cost saving process back in the day when it was more difficult to make crankshafts. Today this manufacturing process is inexcusable and a disservice to customers that want more horsepower from their bikes. Rube Goldberg could design a better machine

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Thank you for your honest opinion. I try my best to be as objective as possible. The magazine I am referring to did a 33k Miles endurance test. Of course bikes with higher mileages can break, but this is generally true for vehicles with high mileages. I think harleys are not primarily about power. Still it's nice to see the company make some progress in that regard. Ride safe.

[@longislandhillbilly4780]

@@BikesandBrezeln I have to admit that I am just as bias as you on my opinion. This probably is due to the whole image projected by the HD culture. Which in my biased opinion, has an emphasis on an unsavory cultural lifestyle that is covertly racist, promotes lascivious conduct and maybe a little violence to boot. This is not to say all HD riders have this mentality, but a positive step for Harley would be to disassociate the brand from outlaw biker gangs that perpetuate this pervasive image in their brand. Unfortunately this would probably bankrupt HD, seeing that society deems this aspect to somehow be appealing. After all if I was a podiatrist, I would love to feel like the Incredible Hulk by just jumping onto a motorcycle. The bottom line is the Harley Davidson lineup does not stand on its own merits due to engineering, value, performance or practicality. It’s image is largely superficial

[@BikesandBrezeln]

@@longislandhillbilly4780 I agree with your last argument. If you compare Harleys primarily in terms of engineering, value and performance, there are other brands which offer a better "package". The brand contributes a lot to the buying decision ... and it hurts me somewhat seeing the brand beeing damaged due to unwise decisions ... However, having toured on various Japanese, German, British and (other) American bikes, I must say, that Harley's Touring models are some (if not THE) most practical, comfortable and satisfying bikes i've ridden. And to be frank I love the aesthetics of Harley. I also love some of the inefficiencies, just as you mentioned the crank. Surely, some other brands may outperform Harley in Terms of Price and Performance, but it doesn't nearly tickly my attention in terms of aesthetics as the Big Twin Harley. On the one hand I am a big fan of the bikes, but on the other hand I am also a customer who wants to buy GOOD and RELIABLE products at good prices. So if their engines were to blow up frequently, I also wanted to know it. Long story short: I try to remain as neutral as I can, but it doesn't always work ofc. And I am leaving out the modern engines (RevMax) here ... this is a completely different story ... which shall be told in another video ;-) *RidesTowardsSunsetWithMedievalMusic* Have a good day sir.

[@longislandhillbilly4780]

@@BikesandBrezeln I was a heavy handed in my replies, I apologize and have subscribed to your channel. And I must say that some of Harley Davidson new offerings are very appealing. The Sportster S is definitely a giant leap in terms of technological advancement. Incredible power along with hydraulic lifters are very attractive features a wider segment of the riding public will enjoy. Other models have tapered steering head bearings with zerk fittings for easy greasing ( no disassembly needed) The styling and sound of Harley’s are another high point along with fit finish that’s second to none. Respect your views and admit there is merit in what you say . Again I apologize and look forward to viewing your videos.

[@suprajam3000]

I was just thinking,of course it's the best, most reliable, engine ever made,... until it leaves you stranded or the dealership explains how totally F'd you now are,oh Harley you do supply a lot of laffslol

[@tkkape]

The problem with Harley is the money you have to spend to make the engine reliable. Once you have spend 5gs on top of the purchase price.... then it's bullet proof.

[@therealrobertbirchall]

A Harley is a kit motorcycle

[@BikesandBrezeln]

If you plan to put a stage 4 kit on your bike, then sure you can spend 5G 😉

[@HowardHunt-s7z]

Harleys are best known for turning gasoline into noise without the added benefit of horsepower. BMW Motorrad.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Horsepower are overrated anyway. Torque is where the fun is at ;-)

[@AR-cw7yx]

Talking too fast, I saw you're note, doesn't matter. You skip right over that harley sold hand grenade motors to customers for years ('18 to ? ), and they designed a crankcase that froths oil, and more garbage. Useless video. Too nice. Class action lawsuit for harley.

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Most M8 engines were bulletproof after MY 2021 for both, Touring and Softail models. To be fair, in Europe Harley offered an extended Warranty for four years, so even in case something had happened before, they'd fixed it for free. As far as I am aware, some models leaked oil due to the sumping problem, which was indeed a nuisance for some, yet not all bikes. I hope this helps. Ride safe.

[@geraldscott4302]

"Scrap or Masterpiece?" Absolute GARBAGE. It doesn't sound like a Harley engine, it certainly doesn't feel like a Harley engine, and it's more computer than engine.

[@margoool2890]

nevertheless it is a Harley engine! and I couldn't care less how the old engine felt

[@BikesandBrezeln]

Some people may not like how the M8 sounds and feels in comparison to the "old" Harley engines. I absolutely love the Twin Cam and the Evo. But I have to admit, objectively, the Milwaukee eight is an outstandingly well designed engine. Kudos to Harley.

[@MHeadroom]

I have a 2021 sport glide with the 107ci. Stage 1 with full Vance and Hines Big Radius. More than enough power and torque. 33,000klms on it now and absolutely bulletproof motor. No issues whatsoever. I say M8 is all good. 👍

[@BikesandBrezeln]

@@MHeadroom Good to hear that. Ride safe!

[@geraldscott4302]

@@margoool2890 For me, the sound and feel of a Harley are my only reason for riding one. The brand has nothing to do with it. I have a 1989 FXRS Low Rider and a 2002 Sportster 1200C, both are carbureted, have aftermarket exhausts, they sound great, and they have that wonderful Harley shake that lets you know there is a big internal combustion engine down there.