I went the to the ugly BMW in 2014 and have loved every minute of it. R1200GSA
This is by far one of the funnest motorcycles I have owned for a long time. It is extremely reliable. The suspension is out of this world. The Garmin gps is simple and straight forward.
The motor is a gem that I had no idea I was going to fall in love with! This thing has two personalities. Torque on this boxer is what I love the most but when I raced a buddy of mine on his K1600GTL I discovered a whole other side of this beast that pulls like a freight train all the way to the rev limiter. Throw in wide open "no clutch" shifts with gear shift assist pro and you just can't help but smile.
This bike gets no love...I took it on a 10 day trip to the Black Hills, Yellowstone, and Red Lodge and back to my place in the burbs of Chicago. I did not wash one bug off until I got home.
Very unlike my HD days.
Funny thing is the dirtier it got the more people it attracted. This thing is ugly and yet it draws a crowd unlike any HD I have owned?
So what I might add to those considering a switch.
BMW seats suck. But thats it. Pretty much love the rest of it.
Not saying if HD built a reliable performer that was not subpar in suspension and performance and reliability that I would not add another HD to the stable. I like HD's.
I was giving the M8 2 years to work out the problems and after reading all the sumping issues I will be waiting on whatever comes next.
While I wait to see if HD steps up I will continue to smile on this ugly fun bike.
I have ridden the k1600 and it is a beast. It is a performer in every way.
If you find it to be without soul try one of the boxer motor Beemers.
Torque and horsepower, a drone at certain rpm's that reminds of a twin engine prop plane with the props slightly out sync.
You might just find out HD is not the only motor with heritage and soul.
And I promise you at 1200cc you will not be disappointed.
4 Harley's later I have discovered (or remembered) my favorite roads are the unpaved ones. Going on trips I have done before but this time turning down every dirt road and discovering I missed the best parts by staying on the pavement.
I am really sorry to those that have M8's that are having on going problems and I hope that HD gets it figured out for you.