There will be several videos coming after this one...after crank upgrades, timken bearing conversion, then to cylinders, pistons, heads, etc. The full assembly will be recorded in the series then...tuning and suspension work. Thanks for watching!

man. I wish I knew what you were talking about

This is so cool to see a step by step build on my own bike ! Thanks Kevin ! All the knowledge that is in that head of yours is going to pay dividends for me in the future. Thanks again for all the help !

His punctuation reminds. Me of William. Shatner when he randomly. Pauses in the middle. Of a sentence.

I have more knowledge of my M8 114 then when I bought it. Thank you for taking the time to teaches more about our bikes.

I appreciate the performance gains in the new harley engines but personally for me a Evo cant be beat in a sense of just wanting it to start and go and have minimal issues. When I want to ride i just want to get on and go and that's usually everyday so reliability is everything while performance isnt as much.

Looking forward to watching the rest of the series on this. Thanks Kevin.👌👍

Thanks for all the great videos Kevin, very informative! Been riding my 2017 SGS FOR almost 40K miles with no issues other than the oil leak and clutch recall which my local HD dealership took care early on. Been running just a stage one. Running stock head pipe with no cat, high flow and FP3 with RCX 4” slip ons. Would love the motor to be louder but hope by keeping it mostly stock I’ll have longevity. Love the long trips we take!

Your channel is awesome, Kevin! Very informative. I was the guy that said he’d never own a Harley. Well I just bought a 2020 Fat Bob 114 with 1,167 miles on it and I love it. I plan to take it to Stage II and stop there. The SE tuner and cam kit is on order. I want a reliable bike. I hope I get that with my M8.

Always looking forward to your videos. Thank you! I appreciate the knowlege you share.

If I ever get a new bike again, I'm just going to leave it alone and ride the thing. They're engineered the way they are for a reason. Plus they last longer that way. Great video with lots of info.

twin cam hands down

Great video Kevin, with great info. Thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers

Got a Evo thats over 25 years old and it runs like swiss watch, not one problem .will never trade for twincam or m8

Another great video thank you! Would like to say that I did my first repair on my twin cam 88. Still waiting for my shop manual, I got a Haynes manual that gave me enough information to change the seals on my primary, and check the chain tension. The primary was leaking really bad, not sure how well my job is but it’s not leaking yet.

Straightforward advice that we need to be reminded of before building. Thanks man I’m not skimping. Now

Excellent vid Kevin. Thanks

Just stumbled upon your channel, I’m looking at buying a 2013 softail slim with the 103. Great info and u have another subscriber

Great info, thanks for all the knowledge 👍👍🍺

Great "writeup". Thanks Kevin for making this, look forward to seeing more of the series.

Wow, that first six minutes reminded me of my first day in algebra class. Love your channel.

I am the same way when ever I work or modify a anything. Do it right the first time.

Thanks Kevin, been watching your videos for a while and almost caught up to all the ones from the past too. I am sending you an email about my newly required TC build.

I traded in my 2014 Ultra Limited on a 2018 Road Glide Ultra after renting and riding one on Oahu. First thing I noticed was that even in traffic, the stock M8 engine felt cooler to me than my Ultra Limited which had the catalytic convertor removed, ceramic coated headers and Power Commander installed, and was dyno tuned. I also traded in because I discovered on that ride that I prefer the Road Glide.

I have a 107 M8, limited I only used a new 107 cam, but cam plate, lifters,pump,etc are all S&S , This with stock pipes,gives me peace of mind, with factory tuning,i was not chasing,more power,but reliability

I have experience several of those problems mentioned at 9:36 but I bought my 17 SGS right when they first came out. Spent a lot of time in and out of the shop. None of my HOG buddies who bought 2018 and up bikes with M8s have had any issues but they are riding stock with a few just upgrading to Stage 1 and slip ons. I recently upgraded to the HD Screaming Eagle 128 due to they had to disassemble by bike to find a sumping issue and suggested to go with the 128 since they had it disassembled. Since I was covered under the Extended Service Plan, I was able to do the upgrade for 1/4 of the cost. I am still carrying my ESP and have 30K more or till 2022 before it runs out. I am aware that some folks reporting issues with the Stage 3 & 4 kits before the big bore 128/131 were released. I will run it until such time and make a decision to sell or keep the bike. If I was going to upgrade my engine and not concerned with 2 yr warranty or ESP, I would definitely take it Kevin and let his shop do the service upgrade using the recommended parts he suggests. *** I will state however my bike is running the HD Pro Street Tuner and Smart Auto Tuners. It wasn't dyno'd after the build. I rode it in all types of riding conditions up to 1,700 miles and went back to have the data from the Smart Auto Tuner dumped into the ECM and man did it wake that engine up!!! Totally different engine performance from before to after. It's still governed at 110 mph but I have no desire to go past that speed on a motorcycle but I can get to 110 really quick now and it's a whole lotta fun doing it.

excellent information!

Good solid information .

Amazing and valueabl information being shared... Thumbs Up N Thank you :-)

I am slowly assembling some upgrades for my 2011 FLSTFB. I’ll be contacting you for timken conversion and a dark horse crank install in my stock cases. This will be a very informative series.

Awesome video!

Good video Mr Baxter 👍

Very informative

Didn't know they both were same stroke. Thought the m8 was a longer stroke. Looking forward to next video.

Awesome video.

Looking forward to this series, thanks for sharing your expertise with us. I learn new things every day! I really enjoyed your vid with the superbike racer. Again, thanks, and when i need parts or if friends do I will send them your way.

Good info

Whew!.... that’s a lot of numbers 😂

Im sticking with my 103, Streetglide, D&D Fat Cat full exhaust, SMT Wheels with PM Alluminum pully for weight savings, Legend Revo 13 inch shocks which were lighter as well, Chassis Support bracket and lower fairings and klockworks windshield my bike is so stable and flys on the highway. Forget the gas guzzling motors, learn to ride and get some good safty gear.

Nice to listen to someone who knows what there talking about. Great vidios.

The twin cam is obviously the best for the following reason, I own one. If I owned a M8 then they would be the best.

103 for me. The M8 is the more powerful engine but reliability of the 103 wins for me. BUT. I‘d trust my EVO before any bike I’ve ever had.

Yeah I'm more confused about what cam to look at might just end up getting a tuner and different slipons call it a day

I own a wonderful 74 cid shovel. The 74 CIDs were made from 1936 to 1978. You know why it lasted so long ? It was a winning combination and Harley was not manufacturing Yamaha Road Star clones.

Thanks great video let me start off by saying I am harder than all the way also have new 15 Honda Valkyrie watercool horsepower virtually no maintenance sometimes I wonder??

Good lord! How in the heck do you remember all that?! Haha Much respect! I have a 96. Just stage 1. Was thinking of doing a stage 2 however really thinking of making it a 110. Is it much cheaper to make it a 103 vs 110?

I will keep my TC , had a set of Feuling 4 valve heads on my EVO Tour Glide when they came out , that was a waste of a big chunk of fun chips

Boy I learned the hard way to build to much horsepower in a stock 2000 heritage softail. Spun my balance sprocket in 8000 miles and developed a sudden vibration. Darkhorse was my solution to this now I have plenty of strength but struggling trying to figure out where to set the dynatech 2000 ignition control module to achieve maximum power and mileage.

If I bring a bike down there to have an engine built could I convince you to put the first 500 miles on it for break in? Not sure I have the self control to go easy on the twisty grip.

What I get from all this is that if I keep my 114 M8 stock, do my maintenance on time, and don't abuse it I should have a fairly reliable engine. Since I have enough power for my style of riding I see no need to go for more power until I wear this one out.

I am new to HD and just bought a 2019 FLHR. Are there any major issues with the stock M8? I will not be modifying it.

There’s a Quiz of what you just viewed, So get ready 🤪🔨

Great video kevin👍🏼I have a tc88 A which is still on the original bore at 175000km (Australia).I had the se billet camplate upgrade done at 65000km. For a while now I have noticed oil consumption has increased a little and the rear cylinder sparkplug smells of burnt oil.Im happy enough with the power it produces.If I were to bump up compression with say wiseco 88 pistons im not sure if my bottom end would handle it . Also is there anyway of telling if my flywheels have shifted on the pin without complete disassembly. It still seems to run pretty smooth and regular services have always been maintained. Keep up the great content Kev cheers🙂

Why does SE have a 131 but all the after market companies have 128's? Is the bore bigger on the 131 or does that kit come with a longer crank?

I want to upgrade my camchain tensioners on my 01 RG . I have to change cam plate and cams what are the best parts for upgrading . Also might want to go with bigger cam.

Good Morning to everyone! Good day here in Va. and Tenn. for a little ride. In regards to GOOD quality parts and labor, I would like to share an old statement I came by many many years ago. "If you're looking for good quality oats, they can be had at a higher, but reasonable cost. However, if you desire less quality oats, they can be purchased at a lesser cost after they have been thru the horse; however, we don't sell or produce them here. This is in memory of a dear friend and associate, Mr. Steffey, who passed away several years ago. He had this statement posted in his shop. In all the years that I subbed mechanical work to his shop, not once did I ever have a need to return work for any reason. This is a goal that I wake up to every day.

Does the 2008 Softail deluxe have a M8 motor? How many miles are they good for?

How you did that without cracking up is beyond me

After doing a lot of research, I know all the parts that I'm after, except one critical one. A compensator upgrade. I cannot seem to find a compensator that fits the FLFBS 2018+ Fat Boy. Baker and Dark Horse both make comps for the new softail but both say their comp DOES NOT work with the 240mm rear tire softails. Where do I look for a comp upgrade then? It's the last piece of the puzzle I want for a stage 2 build.

Hi, I joined and have watched tear downs etc I admire your talents and knowledge. I have a 103 ho on a 2015 ultra limited with stage one as far as I know. I'm satisfied with performance etc. I just bought it 3 months ago and previous owner kept this bike very clean and I do the same. I watched oil level after I bought it for 3000 and didn't use a drop of oil. I changed it and trans and primary at 26000 miles using harley fluids, oil. Are these 103 ho good motors. And in your opinion maintained right what mileage expedancy could I get. Thanks so much.

I do have a FLXRS 117 MY22 ... on stage 1 .... I hope it last long.. do you think that this is a reliable engine?

kevin - any tips / easy way to check and identify issues like sumping or blow by, etc in the m8?

Twin Cam 103 hands down. Had an Evo....too much vibration.....M8...Doesn't sound like a Harley.

I imagine the cost in all the upgraded parts and labour would be at least 35% of the total cost of the purchase price of the bike originally. Nice if you can afford to blow that amount of cash for the fun factor. One good thing is that the US has less speed cameras than the U.K. or Europe.

Got a 2006 Heritage. I’m good 😊

Sweet series first to comment

The biggest improvement in M-8s over Twin Cams is the 8.0in.Rod.....improved rod/stroke ratio

Hey Kevin, I have a question for you...Have you ever heard of M-8 Compression Releases going bad? I started having trouble with mine shortly after purchase. I didn't think anything of it. It still cranked over ok with some hesitation with the stock 114 inch engine. Then when I installed the Big Bore Kit & Cam, Cranking problems were Intermittent. The pistons would come to a dead stop upon cranking. Then I'd try a couple more times and it would work. I thought it was the T-Max ECU not instructing the Compression Releases to open. Then it got progressively worse until it wouldn't crank at all. That's when I decided to check the Compression Releases. Sure enough, BOTH Compression Releases didn't work !! And the Bike only has 11,000 miles on it. What are the odds that both of them would go out so soon. So it looks like I'll have to keep spare Compression Releases on hand at all times.

Just my thoughts. Almost always, the 1st generation engines have bugs or issues. It's been that way with Harley for a long time. Look at the 1st generation twin cam for example. In its 1st generation, you could argue it was better than the last gen evo, but it had issues with scizoring cranks and it had cam chain tensioner issues, which the plastic foot would disintegrate, causing plastic to lodge in the oil pump, grenading the engine. Because of these issues, you could say the last gen evo was a much better engine than the 1st gen twin cam. It no different now. I mean the m8 is obviously newer, and probably more capable, but it's a 1st gen engine. I don't think it's as good or refined, as last generation twin cam . In the next 5 or 6 years, well see a second, and a third generation of the m8, and that will be the better engine. Never buy 1st gen I promise. I mean it's a gamble. Just my opinion here. To me the better engine, is the one you can trust. I owned a softail slim 103, it was a great bike. I could have got the m8. I don't regret my purchase. I sold it and bought a buell xb12s. Its amazing, best bike I've ever owned, and it's got the final generation of evo sportster engines with lots of refinement from Eric buell. You cant go wrong with an older engine that is its last generation platform.

Sorry but I am confused, which one to buy????

👍👍

I've had all three, a 98 Evo, three twin cams (04, 07,11) and now a 2019 M8 / 114. All bone stock. There is no comparison. I love my old bikes, but I wouldn't trade my 19 for any of them. Not in today's world. If you like riding in the left lane in 2020, then you had better have, or get, some power underneath you. 85mph used to be passing speeds. Today, its becoming right lane speed. Especially in the bigger cities.

On a limited budget and if it was the last bike you’ll ever buy, which parts would you say should be upgraded on the Milwaukee 8? I have a 2018 Ultra Limited Low, built around April of 2018, and I’m 69 and the bike fits me perfectly so I have no intention of selling it or trading up. I’m wondering if it’s better to just wait until something and then upgrade or upgrade before it happens.

Hi Kevin. Does changing stock cams to S&S 465, adjustable push rods, new lifters in an M8 107 engine end get it DYNO tuned put extra stress on the engine? Or is it a safe modification?

Would you say putting a stage 3 on a factory 114 is ok?

What about improving the 107 without increasing cubic inches? That is what I am interested in. Making it more reliable and efficient. What needs to be improved?

I’m getting old I guess. I really don’t care to go much over 65 mph these days. And I pretty much like doing that when I’m going up hill. Got some d and d 2 to 1 on an 88 and it all just sounds awesome as fuk when I roll on that throttle. And even better when I roll off between gears. My world is complete.

Do one on the most reliable engine. I ride LONG miles n fast is smooth n smooth is fast enough.

I have a 2008 Road King Classic 96 ci motor with super tuner and screaming Eagles slip ons. Is there anything in particular that I should pay attention to?

Hey Kevin I'm curious do people swap entire motors for example if you have a 99 road king is it common to swap out for a newer water cooled higher horse power motor not sure if that's even possible ?

Kevin! Take my money!

Nobody is complaining about the motor's . Its the death of the dyna frame

After 30 years on Harley’s I’ve come to realize that they’ve been forced to change Because of the market but there is no excuse for getting rid of the 5 piece bulletproof crank. The crank in the Evo was great and the rest of it in stock form was a weak piece of shit. Having said that, I hated the TC due to heat issues and the weak crank. The M8 is fantastic but once again the crank is shit. Want big power? Get a Darkhorse Crank and go from there. The 4 valve head flows great and 150 hp and tq with just a cam and bore/intake upgrade is nothing and zero reliability issues. 240 hp with a little head massage from Branch/Okeefe is easily done with the aforementioned mods but everything hinges on the crank.

what can I do to my 2013, 103 motor to operate cooler in stop and go traffic.

How do we join membership. I can not seem to get back to that page?

dude we need a math degree to keep up with all the numbers on your video!! Great work !!

Ummm🧐 so wich ones better M8 or TWIN CAM

Well, what I want to know, is the m8 a reliable engine in its stock form. I have never owned nor ridden a Harley. I currently have an Indian chieftain and I love it. I am considering getting a soft tail slim because I love the look and it's a lot lighter than my chieftain, getting older and want a lighter bike.

Bore to 98" or use s&s 100"? Cam is 26g Andrew's

I see all these mamafreekers saying "I'll keep my EVO" but I never see an EVO out and about.

The M8 is a victory motor in disguise .

I'll keep my Evo

Aaaaaaah... I’m happy with my evo. Lol!

M8 all the way

What's better, evolution

So many digits ;-). But excellent as usual. Pro.

The answer is easy: S & S EVO!!!

That was great !!! The best one yet to make my mind up for me. I have an 2009 96 cu. In. Cross Bone. I am try to make this the bike of my dreams. It is my forever bike. Even if i buy a new bike latter. This bike gets built first. I will call U next weak & give the secretary my want list in the order of the build then U can mail me a written eastament for each step untill i get the bike done. I want a balend blue print 107 cu. In. When it is done. Ur fucher customer. Charlie Wright. Thank U sir !!!!! U are a life saver. I go right by Ur shop everytime i go home to Asheville, NC.

My buddy’s 2012 street glide lost compression in the rear cylinder. It wouldn’t fire at all. We pulled the head and found a gap in the exhaust valve where we could see daylight. May have stuck the piston but hard to tell for sure. Any ideas on the cause. I’m trying to talk him into getting parts from you, but he’s hard core harley. So we’ll see.

is the screaming eagle 103 any different than the standard 103