Why do bikes ship without fluids?

momoharley · #1 10-02-2007, 01:02 PM

My salesperson called me to be present at the uncrating of my SERK. After it was uncrated and I stopped drooling, I asked him if I could take it fora quick toot around the block. He replied that I couldn't since they are shipped without any fluids in the bike.

This has made me wonder whether the MOCO performs any quality/test ride after the bike has been manufactured. From what I know, all cars coming off the line are taken for a test ride to idenitfy any defectes, quality control issues, etc. Does MOCO do the same? If so, why doesn't the bike ship without fluids?

I thought that I would post this to see if any of you would know. I have been wondering about this since I got my bike.

indyjeff · #2 10-02-2007, 03:57 PM

I have purchased numerous new bikes since 1991. Other brands beside Harley too. Thedealer has to complete the final set up. I don't think there is alot to do, but some. It makes the shipping carton alot smaller,the crates are stacked on top of one another. The dealereither hires an outside company to complete the assembly, or they do it themselves.Most dealers I have spoken to want to try and pass that cost onto you, the customer. Itis up to the dealer to ensure it is in safecondition and properly assembled.

Iwas going to buy a Nightster, but decided not to.Iwas waiting for the dealer to receive it from HD. After they got it, it was determined it had an electrical problem with the charging system and the dealer had a hard time diagnosing the problem. That's not whyI didn't buy it though. As for fluids not in it, I am not sure. You get fresh fluids of course, but the bike might set there for5 months, like the one I bought, before someone buys it.

It seems like no matter what you buy brand new, motorcycle, car, washer/dryer, there is always something not quite right with it. It's a good thing theyall come with an initial warranty. Ofcourse, youknow that is already calculated into the cost of the product whether you want it or not.

Have fun withthe new bike!!!

Pete7539 · #3 10-02-2007, 08:42 PM

They're tested and drained before they are boxed and shipped. Cars on open car carriers have fluids in them because of the type of truck/trailer combination that is hauling them and the permits that they have. When shipped in an enclosed trailer they have to be dry because of Department Of Transportation regulations.

Shovelhead Bob · #4 10-02-2007, 09:42 PM

Sorry, but that is incorrect info....

The bikes ARE shipped with fluids (Engine, Primary and Trans)... Minimal gasoline....

If you were really paying attention, you would have seen the sticker on the Derby Cover, that said it was shipped with SYN 3, and that dealer staff are NOT supposed to open it up....

The reason that the Salesperson said that you weren't allowed to take it for a spin is that is hasn't been "Cleared" for the floor... Meaning that is hasn't been checked out for operational and cosmetic defects.... Face it, your Sales person lied to you...

Pete....

They are in DOT compliance.....They are NOT drained before they are crated..... Gasoline is at a minimum in the fuel tank... just a splash....

Pete7539 · #5 10-03-2007, 05:09 PM

My bad, I've shipped vehicles in enclosed moving trailers and fuel was the issue where you'd get jammed up.

RonB · #6 10-04-2007, 08:30 AM

I watched my Ultra come off the truck, it had all the fluids installed and enough gasoline to start the engine, your Salesmanjust didn't want to waste time letting you ride it, The engines are run at the factory when they leave the assembly line.

kyroger · #7 10-04-2007, 09:31 AM

I find it hard to believe that a HD salesman would not tell a customer the truth. (yeah right)
Mine told me that I could wait for a service. The service department guys are still laughing at me.

extech · #8 10-15-2007, 04:20 PM

Shovelhead Bob is right on the money

JamieCarr · #9 10-15-2007, 04:24 PM

They just figure all the fluids are gonna leak out anyways,....what with it being a Harley and all!

scttgr8 · #10 10-15-2007, 04:30 PM

All fluids except gas are in the bikes when they are uncrated. as for the splash of gas that also is not true. the tank has had NO gas in it since they hook up to them on a dyno type set up at the factory and plug directly into the fuel line, make the test run/fire, and unhook and crate for shipping.