Does anyone have feedback on the Harley '08 touring models?

Question

Wondering what if any mods you may have made. I understand you cannot change the exhaust system on the '08's touring models.

Answer 1

the new 96 ci engine has overheating problems, passengers are burning their legs if they come in contact with the engine, it has a closed looo O2 sensor on the exhaust, thats why you can't change the exhaust.
thats all I know about the new HD's

Answer 2

You can change the exhaust on the 08 models. You have to either buy a power pack to re cal your fuel injection or buy the Harley model. It will take several months before manufactures come out with several exhaust pipes for the 08 model.

Answer 3

The '07 and '08 bikes had to meet strict new epa standards. So, Harley went to a closed loop o2 sensor system. This means that the bikes runs so lean and so hot, that they are actually burning the legs of riders. I had this problem on my '07 Ultra. There is a cure but, the EPA says you can face up to a $25,000.00 fine if you change or modify the exhaust system. Having said that, the cure for the new motors is this: first change to a free flow exhaust. The easiest way is to go with a set of slip on mufflers (rather than changing the whole pipe which leads to headaches with the o2 sensors) then, go to a high volume air intake like screaming eagle stage 1 etc. these two mods, allow the motor to bring in more air, and push out more as well. BUT, this alone causes the motor to run leaner, causing more heat, so, you have to change the fuel/air mix. This can be done in two ways, first, if you install vance and hines exhausts, you can go to their website, purchase a "fuel pak" which plugs into your bike, then you tell them which pipes and which airflow kit you used and they give you the new codes to enter into the fuel pak ( just pushing buttons) and it sets up your air fuel mix and you are ready to go. Or, you can purchase a Harley davidson "race tuner" which does the same thing, but for much more money, and it requires up to 5 hours on the Dyno at harley to get it set up right. In the end, the bike runs cooler, and in my case, I picked up 24 horsepower and increased torque to 90 . I went with Python slip ons, the stage 1 kit and the race tuner, I also installed an oil cooler and "saddle shields" on my back. I then rode in a 2 hour parade and did not burn my legs anymore. The main difference with the "fuel pak" vs the "race tuner" is that the fuel pak costs around $250.00 while the race tuner is at least $100 more. Also, The fuel pak is a plug in, set it up yourself unit. It can be removed at any time and the bike defaults back to the stock air fuel set up, and you can install the fuel pak on another bike if you sell yours. The race tuner, requires at least 5 hours of dyno time, but, it can be "tweaked" if you change cams, or make other engine mods whereas the fuel pak will not work for other motor changes. Also, the race tuner, is a software program that "marries" itself to your bike, it cannot be removed or reinstalled on another bike. Several member of my MC club have "07 bikes (like me) and several have '08 models. All report the heat problems that require fixing. Just a word to the wise, if you change the pipes, keep your stock ones in case you get cited for noise, then swap back your old ones to get the ticket signed off. Inside info says that Harley is going to a ceramic exhaust in the next 2-3 years, and that they may be working on the new water cooled motor as well, with expected release in around 4-7 years.