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[Toofast_28]

Just stopped at my local dealer, they said MoCo is cutting overall production by 11,000 cycles this year, and CVOs would be cut by a bigger percentage to bring back "exclusivity".  I doubt the CVO reduction stands, as they make the largest profits on them.

Anyone seen MY16 CVO production totals yet?

[muddypaws]

I have been told the same thing. Several dealers have offered me the 2017 CVO Limited with $3000 off. On Monday Harley stock was not on the buy list.

[Pan1]

Production cut and limited CVO offering is probably just a strategic hedge against possible warranty issues. Having been an OEM equip Mfg, it is best to put out limited product.

[WYD OPN]

Just stopped at my local dealer, they said MoCo is cutting overall production by 11,000 cycles this year, and CVOs would be cut by a bigger percentage to bring back "exclusivity".  I doubt the CVO reduction stands, as they make the largest profits on them.

Anyone seen MY16 CVO production totals yet?

MY16 production totals won't be available until mid-December.

[WYD OPN]

Having produced almost 6400 SESGs in 2015, I'd say "reduced production to restore exclusivity" will still mean plenty of units.  That 6400 was an epic high production for CVO models.

[Toofast_28]

Having produced almost 6400 SESGs in 2015, I'd say "reduced production to restore exclusivity" will still mean plenty of units.  That 6400 was an epic high production for CVO models.

I'd guess similar numbers for 16 SESG based on what I see still for sale, and the hundreds I saw in sturgis this year.

[ultrarider123]

think im stopping Saturday in KC at the power train plant on my way to Arkansas, they are having a demo ride day...maybe they will have some CVOs there and i can get some pics, and a test ride or two

Good deal. Let us know whatcha find out and think about the new bikes.

[WYD OPN]

I'd guess similar numbers for 16 SESG based on what I see still for sale, and the hundreds I saw in sturgis this year.

I'll find out for sure in less than 4 months.  I always get the production numbers every year.

[ultrafxr]

Went to two dealerships today to check out the 17s and got to test ride one at the second dealer.  Here is what I learned and my observations:

Just the facts ma'am, not good nor bad:

The Limiteds (both CVO and non-CVO) are water cooled; all others are oil cooled.  The water cooled bikes have no oil cooler but do have a huge ugly plastic shield (for lack of a better description) where the oil cooler would be.  Don't know why.   

Saddlebag latches are bolts with a wing so you do not need a wrench to remove/install.

The adjustable shocks have the adjustment on the left shock only.  The right shock has no adjustment.  I think it preferable to put the adjuster on the right side as you have to remove the saddlebag mounting bolts and at least tilt the bag away from the bike to access the adjuster.  On the left side gravity works against you making it more difficult to hold the lose bag and since the bike is leaning on that side more difficult to see the adjuster.  I would prefer it on the right side.

As previously reported no CB standard on any model save the CVO Limited.  If you want a CB on any other model be prepared to dump some for the CB module, antenna, switch pack, PTT button, wiring harness, etc.  I've not thoroughly researched it but I'll bet parts alone in the $700-$800 range and no idea what install at the dealer would be - a few hours for sure.  So the moco sure saved themselves some bucks here (they didn't lower the price of the bikes, lol) and assured themselves a nice big fat ticket for those who do want a CB.  Way to go moco, not!

I spoke to a service writer at the first dealer and the service manager at the second.  As best I can determine there is no provision for valve adjustment other than the hydraulic lifter which operates a single pushrod which actuates a crows foot/bridged rocker arm controlling two valves.  The service manager was at the dealer show and reported that the moco said the rockers would 'wear in' and the adjustment synchronize between the valves over time.  Huh?   

Test ride impressions of the 2017 Limited:

Motor was smooth and quiet.  Fortunately I've not had a problem with valve clatter on my 2012 (well I am hard of hearing, lol) so I really could not tell any difference here.  Motor was strong and from the short distance I was able to ride seems to pull as well as my '12 110" which is also bone stock.  The test ride was not all that long but no complaints about the heat from the motor and it was a hot day - 90 degrees.  So no complaints here at all.

I like the narrow primary as the older style is so intrusive - and hot should your calf touch it when backing up!

Suspension:  it has been so long since I've ridden a stock Harley I don't actually recall how bad they were but the '17 is very nice.  I purposely hit several bumps and imperfections in the road surface when I could find them and have no complaints about the suspension.  But honestly it does not seem any better that my '12 with the Premium Ride Cartridges up front and the Legend Aeros on the rear.

Clutch & tranny:  Here is where I found some objection.  The clutch performed just fine and I did not notice 'late engagement' - well not later than on my '12 anyway.  What I did notice was increased effort to pull the clutch in.  Not really that noticeable when shifting but when stopped at a light it is definitely stiffer than the other hydraulics I've had - '06; '07; '11 and '12 - so I'm not stranger to hydraulic clutches.  It wasn't bad, just stiffer.

But the tranny had a odd characteristic.  I didn't notice the first gear clunk but when shifting up or down there is definitely a loud, distinct, noticeable clunk for lack of a better description.  There was no clashing, metallic noise or other disconcerting sound - just a noticeable clunk with each shift.  And after a while I noticed that with the clunk I could actually feel it in the clutch lever - slight but it was there.  Don't know if it was an anomaly but the escort rider (yes they had to escort me on the test ride) was on a '17 Street Glide and when I mentioned this he said his bike made the clunk also but he had not noticed anything in the lever.  Strange but definitely there.

So overall if I were in the market for a new bike I would definitely seriously consider a '17 (CVO of course!).  But since I have no pressing reason to trade I plan to keep my '12 cuse7.  I just don't see enough improvement to dump $000 on a trade and with 63.5k on mine's clock and now five model years old the difference to trade would be significant - $20 or more I'm sure, probably a few thou more.  Not worth it to me.

[Twolanerider]

Went to two dealerships today to check out the 17s and got to test ride one at the second dealer.  Here is what I learned and my observations:

I was all over the parts manuals for them today and a couple of technical specs manual got to see then did a test ride too Jerry.  There is no adjustment on the rockers.  They do still use the -99C lifters.  Since they are loaded so much differently just have to wait and see whether they're any good or not.

I got to ride a 16 and a 17 back to back for a test ride (they thought I'd for sure pony up for the newer bike if I did).  At least on those two bikes (both Road Kings) the suspension on the 17 was better.  Front wheel stayed on the ground noticeably more and the rear was just more stable.  The 17's engine was notiecably quieter and smoother.  Much less vibration.  The internal balancer combined with the rubber mount seems to be doing their thing quite well on this bike.  I actually quite like the little "whirr" sound from the gears for the balancer.

Now just have to watch the civilian fleet in service for a year or so and see what Harley has screwed up and what they've got right.

[Heatwave]

Went to two dealerships today to check out the 17s and got to test ride one at the second dealer.  Here is what I learned and my observations:

Just the facts ma'am, not good nor bad:

The Limiteds (both CVO and non-CVO) are water cooled; all others are oil cooled.  The water cooled bikes have no oil cooler but do have a huge ugly plastic shield (for lack of a better description) where the oil cooler would be.  Don't know why.   

Saddlebag latches are bolts with a wing so you do not need a wrench to remove/install.

The adjustable shocks have the adjustment on the left shock only.  The right shock has no adjustment.  I think it preferable to put the adjuster on the right side as you have to remove the saddlebag mounting bolts and at least tilt the bag away from the bike to access the adjuster.  On the left side gravity works against you making it more difficult to hold the lose bag and since the bike is leaning on that side more difficult to see the adjuster.  I would prefer it on the right side.

As previously reported no CB standard on any model save the CVO Limited.  If you want a CB on any other model be prepared to dump some for the CB module, antenna, switch pack, PTT button, wiring harness, etc.  I've not thoroughly researched it but I'll bet parts alone in the $700-$800 range and no idea what install at the dealer would be - a few hours for sure.  So the moco sure saved themselves some bucks here (they didn't lower the price of the bikes, lol) and assured themselves a nice big fat ticket for those who do want a CB.  Way to go moco, not!

I spoke to a service writer at the first dealer and the service manager at the second.  As best I can determine there is no provision for valve adjustment other than the hydraulic lifter which operates a single pushrod which actuates a crows foot/bridged rocker arm controlling two valves.  The service manager was at the dealer show and reported that the moco said the rockers would 'wear in' and the adjustment synchronize between the valves over time.  Huh?   

Test ride impressions of the 2017 Limited:

Motor was smooth and quiet.  Fortunately I've not had a problem with valve clatter on my 2012 (well I am hard of hearing, lol) so I really could not tell any difference here.  Motor was strong and from the short distance I was able to ride seems to pull as well as my '12 110" which is also bone stock.  The test ride was not all that long but no complaints about the heat from the motor and it was a hot day - 90 degrees.  So no complaints here at all.

I like the narrow primary as the older style is so intrusive - and hot should your calf touch it when backing up!

Suspension:  it has been so long since I've ridden a stock Harley I don't actually recall how bad they were but the '17 is very nice.  I purposely hit several bumps and imperfections in the road surface when I could find them and have no complaints about the suspension.  But honestly it does not seem any better that my '12 with the Premium Ride Cartridges up front and the Legend Aeros on the rear.

Clutch & tranny:  Here is where I found some objection.  The clutch performed just fine and I did not notice 'late engagement' - well not later than on my '12 anyway.  What I did notice was increased effort to pull the clutch in.  Not really that noticeable when shifting but when stopped at a light it is definitely stiffer than the other hydraulics I've had - '06; '07; '11 and '12 - so I'm not stranger to hydraulic clutches.  It wasn't bad, just stiffer.

But the tranny had a odd characteristic.  I didn't notice the first gear clunk but when shifting up or down there is definitely a loud, distinct, noticeable clunk for lack of a better description.  There was no clashing, metallic noise or other disconcerting sound - just a noticeable clunk with each shift.  And after a while I noticed that with the clunk I could actually feel it in the clutch lever - slight but it was there.  Don't know if it was an anomaly but the escort rider (yes they had to escort me on the test ride) was on a '17 Street Glide and when I mentioned this he said his bike made the clunk also but he had not noticed anything in the lever.  Strange but definitely there.

So overall if I were in the market for a new bike I would definitely seriously consider a '17 (CVO of course!).  But since I have no pressing reason to trade I plan to keep my '12 cuse7.  I just don't see enough improvement to dump $000 on a trade and with 63.5k on mine's clock and now five model years old the difference to trade would be significant - $20 or more I'm sure, probably a few thou more.  Not worth it to me.

Thanks follow the great work write up. Do you want u mind sharing how many miles you've ridden ur '12 CVO?

[iski]

Jerry gave a great report.  Will give a Clif Notes version of my demo on a 17 SG today.

Test rode a 2017 SG today.  Bone stock 107.  Plenty of power.  In 6th loafed it from 70 to under 50, then rolled throttle & it went up to 85 mph with no issue & no lugging.  Counterbalanced, no shakey shake.  Quieter motor, less squirrel cage sounds at idle.  Exhaust note a little deeper/better, suppose due to new non rattlebox motor not rattleboxing.  Linked brakes very good.  Suspension, especially front was better at keeping front wheel down on bumpy curves.  Back suspension better/stiffer on this ride. Less heat, no hot spots, rode when temp was 93 F.  Clutch is an odd feel.  Engage point very different, almost feels electric.  Not bad but would take some getting used to.  Air cleaner has an indent, is thinner for right knee - very nice, felt more comfortable.

Heard rockers were preset at factory, and they can be adjusted but should not need adjustment based on design.

Impression overall - more power, better ride throughout power band. Love short time since ride was not long.

[ultrafxr]

Thanks follow the great work write up. Do you want u mind sharing how many miles you've ridden ur '12 CVO?

Sure. 63,500.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Twolanerider]

Sure. 63,500.

Jerry, he meant all together.  Not just this summer.

[Grizzly]

Went to two dealerships today to check out the 17s and got to test ride one at the second dealer.  Here is what I learned and my observations:

Thanks for the great report... Now I finally have a definitive answer on the CB's for 2017, plus a whole lot more info on the bikes.

Thanks again.