Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey everyone -

Searching for some opinions and input on a bike I'm looking at buying. I have my eye on 2 bikes - a 2017 breakout and a 2018. The 2018(M8 114) is brand new, and a great price. However I really like the look and the customization of the 2017 I'm looking at - also in the same price range. My question is for you guys that have happened to ride both is how much of a difference did you notice in the performance and torque between the 114 and 103 motors? In my bit of research it seems the consensus is its slightly noticeable(I believe HD says its 10% more torque) but not a reason to pick one over the other. Other drawback in the 2018 is 1.5g less of a tank(3.5 v 5.0). HD advertises the 2018 with 47mpg(doubt it) and wondering from you guys who have ridden the 2018 or newer how you view the smaller tank and stopping more. I should note I'm not a long distance rider -- mostly keep it in state and county/backroad riding. Thank you guys I really appreciate your time and thoughts!

I haven't ridden either bike, but a couple basic questions to get the ball rolling.

What condition is the 2017 in, how many miles on it, and what things were customized? And if they're critical components, were the custom bits installed by a reputable technician? I love some aftermarket done well, but done poorly it can be a liability.

For tank size, even in-state and backroads can be a lot more fun with 30% more fuel. Also consider what you're riding now, and how your riding habits might change with the new scoot? Will you still be riding in-state with new bike or is that horizon going to get a lot more enticing?

I'll let the H-D guys sound off on the character of the two motors.

Hope that helps! Also, welcome to TMW! We're excited to have you!

https://www.hotbikeweb.com/10-key-diffe ... 8-twin-cam

https://www.bikebandit.com/blog/back-to ... cam-engine

Guys, thanks a lot for the quick responses! I appreciate your time! Here is the link to the 2017 -

https://www.cycletrader.com/listing/201 ... 5010758320

I agree, having the tank size almost cut by 1/3 is not very appealing to me - so even more of a reason to go for the 2017. I dont anticipate my riding changing, I do some remote riding in the country but nothing too crazy where gas stations arent accessible - but that extra 50 miles or so can make a world of difference. Let me know what you think of the bike! Thanks again everyone!

Zootech - Thank you for those thinks - awesome! Don't know why I couldn't find those on my own, but I have them now! Great reads, I appreciate it!

If it were me, I'd take the 2017. The larger tank and aftermarket bits are very appealing, and when you say the price is about the same remember that the 2017 has done some of its depreciation already. And 2k miles is nothing, might as well be brand new.

To me, that's more than enough to make up for a 10% power difference. The only benefit I can see to the newer motor is not having to adjust the valves.

The 10% power increase for the 114 is as compared to the old 110. The difference between the 103 and 114 is about the difference between The Pony Express and Email. The 8-valve Milwaukee Eight can actually breathe, so the rev limiter doesn't kick in just above idle like the previous motors did. And the 114 gets water cooling on the heads, higher compression, and tighter piston rings. In other words...CAFE standards and customer complaints finally compelled HD to design a fairly modern engine. If the price is the same, the updates on the new motor far outweigh the aftermarket trinkets bolted to the 2017 model.

ZooTech wrote: ↑Thu Feb 13, 2020 7:44 pm And the 114 gets water cooling on the heads

Only on the Touring and Trike models, there's no place to hang the rads on the others.

LoL, well, glad we could clear things up for you FJM!

Gummiente wrote: ↑Fri Feb 14, 2020 1:23 am

ZooTech wrote: ↑Thu Feb 13, 2020 7:44 pm And the 114 gets water cooling on the heads

Only on the Touring and Trike models, there's no place to hang the rads on the others.

Yes, of course, my mistake! The tiny radiators are well disguised within the lowers on the Touring models...the Breakout has no such bodywork, it gets the new oil cooling only.