I looked at a 2017 Dahon Speed 8 and liked it very much.

Trouble is, we couldn't get it completely folded, enough to latch...seemed the steerer was the problem.

The bike shop salesperson, who was very helpful also could not get it fully folded...the VISC 18 they had
folded quite easily and nicely, but the steeerer drops the opposite way to the Speed (VISC drops chain-side).

YouTube yielded no results 2017 Speed 8, just older ones.

We like the Speed 8 very much, and may procure a pair of them, but want to resolve the fold in our minds beforehand.

Anyone with input, or practical real-world experience with the 2017 model?

TIA

With the ones that fold the mast between the frame sections, you have to loosen the quick-release on the upper bar area and drop it below the derailleur to clasp the frame. It's fiddly and slow, but that's the trick.

I have an older (05?) Speed P8 and the current model on Dahon's website seems to look the same to me. I think the trick to getting the magnetic clasps to touch is to make sure that the handlebar is lowered enough (ie, towards the ground since the stem is upside down) so that it falls BELOW the front wheel axle. If the handlebar is anywhere above the front wheel axle, then it will contact the fork and block it from folding completely.

HERE is a picture - if you look at the bottom photo, you can see the handlebar just below the front wheel axle, and the silver magnetic clasps touching just above the axle.

Rotate the handlebars so the brake levers are pointed up. Then raise the handlebar stem above the red dot. In my case, a good two inches. Then fold the bars so the handlebars are below the axle.

Thanks folks for the replies. We raised the mast (lowered - if it's dropped already) to the point of it leaving the tube. Should be the same/similar to our other folders. Between the three of us (self, the Missus, salesman) could get no joy that way. Will retry...obviously it DOES fold completely.
reppans-nice collection and Thanks for the picture...how do you like your speed PB?

If you guys get stuck again, take some photos at a similar angle as mine, then post them and maybe we can help you better. The P8 has been a decent, reliable bike - I like it and it has its place (for me, an RV bike I don't mind locking up outside). But I'm now interested in downsizing my life and only want to keep a single bicycle - the Brompton is it.