Don't miss my Harley

[scumdog]

If he has been working on ironheads and early evo sportys then he might have a point. But the late model sportys are very reliable, We hear of these "problems" but can anyone be more specific? From what I have seen the majority of "problems" are owner induced.
One of the most underated, reliable boring bikes around is a stock 883. Over engineered, understressed, excellent crash survivability, ie they are built out of steel, very low running costs, they will run forever with regular maintenance. Dont bore it out, dont change the exhaust, just leave it alone and ride it.
of course if you are buying a Harley so people will look at you then you will have to add chrome and noise, otherwise they will think you are on a Honda!

What he said.

Normajeanes sporty has about 43,000km on it.

Biggest 'reliability problem she has had with it has been a faulty oil-light switch.

I'ts a 1200'S' and has boringly taken the two of us all over the South Island a few times.

The only time it has 'failed to proceed' was at Tarras - and that was some klutzy 'mechanic' who hadn't tightened the eath-strap on the battery.

[Headbanger]

Your all too polite.

Simple fact is that Sporties are reliable as fuck, and any fuckball who says otherwise is tugging on it. They are low revving understressed bikes built simple and solid as fuck.

Look how many of them are still on the road as good as new 20 to 30 years after being produced. Fuck me I'm impressed.

You want to know about HD reliability then talk to a full time Harley Mechanic, Not one that works at a dealer either. The answer you will get is they are all pretty good. But like all mechanical devices shit can fail, Sometimes it just takes a decade or two.

[b1unt3d]

I find that it is the fit and finish that is extremely lacking on Harleys.

[scumdog]

I find that it is the fit and finish that is extremely lacking on Harleys.

Compared to???

[Big Dave]

There are a few fasteners on the underside of the exhausts that can rust, apart from that I would say that the bikes I've tested have had very nice paint and style points. Probably the best.

Once upon a time they (Harley) stood out in this regard, now the Japanese and Brits have generally matched them.

Of the test bikes I've had, notably the poorest 'fit and finish' has been on several Italian machines, but it still wasn't worth bitchin' about either.

[sinned]

I find that it is the fit and finish that is extremely lacking on Harleys.

Would you be prepared to give some examples of this lack of fit and finish?

Compared to???

While a HD is not presently my kind of ride I can't help but be impressed with the quality of the modern Harley.

[peasea]

What he said.

Normajeanes sporty has about 43,000km on it.

Biggest 'reliability problem she has had with it has been a faulty oil-light switch.

I'ts a 1200'S' and has boringly taken the two of us all over the South Island a few times.

The only time it has 'failed to proceed' was at Tarras - and that was some klutzy 'mechanic' who hadn't tightened the eath-strap on the battery.

Do your own mechanic-ing do ya?

[peasea]

Your all too polite.

Simple fact is that Sporties are reliable as fuck, and any fuckball who says otherwise is tugging on it. They are low revving understressed bikes built simple and solid as fuck.

Look how many of them are still on the road as good as new 20 to 30 years after being produced. Fuck me I'm impressed.

You want to know about HD reliability then talk to a full time Harley Mechanic, Not one that works at a dealer either. The answer you will get is they are all pretty good. But like all mechanical devices shit can fail, Sometimes it just takes a decade or two.

With you there dude. Simplicity and 'rebuildability' still has a place in this modern, throw-away world; bikes you can fix without a degree in computerisationalismisticalatude V2.1.

Carbs and pushrods will get you home and that's what counts.

[scumdog]

Do your own mechanic-ing do ya?

Why, what made you think that eh??

[peasea]

I find that it is the fit and finish that is extremely lacking on Harleys.

"Fit and finish"? What's wrong with it? HD don't cover up the whole shebang with plastic (and expensive) fairings and covers, what you see is what you get and in my (albeit limited by comparison to some on kb) experience things are finished and fitted very nicely thank you.

Do I detect a hint of bias here?

[peasea]

Why, what made you think that eh??

Just reading between the lines.
Now, get off the pooter and go tighten something.

[peasea]

There are a few fasteners on the underside of the exhausts that can rust, apart from that I would say that the bikes I've tested have had very nice paint and style points. Probably the best.

Once upon a time they (Harley) stood out in this regard, now the Japanese and Brits have generally matched them.

Of the test bikes I've had, notably the poorest 'fit and finish' has been on several Italian machines, but it still wasn't worth bitchin' about either.

Italian food is pretty sloppy too. Shall we talk about their women?

(Grabs riot shield and Remmington....shaver, not gun)

[b1unt3d]

Would you be prepared to give some examples of this lack of fit and finish?

I'll take a couple pics of my dads 06 Softail Deluxe tomorrow.. after only a couple years, there are a few areas where stuff is already flaking. My uncle has an 08 nightster, and it is already doing the same thing. Just wasn't impressed with the overall level of quality with either bike, after only a year of ownership.

[peasea]

I'll take a couple pics of my dads 06 Softail Deluxe tomorrow.. after only a couple years, there are a few areas where stuff is already flaking. My uncle has an 08 nightster, and it is already doing the same thing. Just wasn't impressed with the overall level of quality with either bike, after only a year of ownership.

A mate of mine bought a W/g new and the rear rocker cover's chrome started flaking. Took it back, got it fixed, no problem. Maybe these guys should approach the dealer.

[Molly]

My wife's '06 883L had beautifully finished, deep metalic paint an perfect, glossy powder coat on the frame. Side by side with an '06 Triumph we also had at the time the quality of the finish really stood out.That said, the black paint on my '03 FXST and '09 FXDF marked really easily. I even considered having them re-lacquered with something harder wearing.

My neighbour has a black '06 Suzuki and the paint is flawless. It looks like it's just rolled out of the factory. HD could address this but how many less bikes would they sell if they didn't? No less.