So the 2021 has no lower fairing, will I miss these? On my 2016 I use them for storage. On the 2015 I use them for speakers. Was it difficult getting use to not having them?
Yes, I ended up going with lowers and speakers (which Harley says won't fit) and I'm very glad that I did.
The ride seemed firmer/harsher. Is that just brand new stiff suspension? Or is it crappy suspension like I had in my ‘15 and ‘16 till I replaced it with better?
The stock suspension is much better front and rear, when properly adjusted, and settles in nicely after about 2500 miles, BUT the rear is still not as good as it could be with a set of Legend Revo-A's.
Do the M8’s run hot? Will I feel it?
No, the M8's seem to run much cooler and a lot smoother with more torque and HP out of the gate. There is also an oil cooler fan kit that is a plug and play item that works really well. It does need to be flashed though and so will your stereo if you add another set of speakers.
Although there are a lot of cool Twin Cams out there, I will never go back, at least as far as my main bike goes!
Hope this helps.