Quality issues??
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2011
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From: NorCal Rocklin
Getting a warranty on paint is rare because it will only cover defects like bubbling or orange peel.. I dont think rust is covered because it can be prevented by washing the bike regularity. Im sure you read the manual thoroughly and there are a lot of warnings in the first couple of pages that covers the whole entire bike. But like you mentioned, cracked tanks, and fenders are covered under warranty.
If you look under your fender it is bare metal and not even primered. You can probably see some overspray also. That is one way harley cuts down cost by only covering what is exposed and be seen.
If you look under your fender it is bare metal and not even primered. You can probably see some overspray also. That is one way harley cuts down cost by only covering what is exposed and be seen.
Sounds like a care issue to me. If you're not putting some sort of protectant on chrome, bare steel, paint etc it's going to deteriorate. Your environment just speeds the process up, and it sounds like you're slacking. I've seen two year old trucks here in the Midwest with rusted out fenders and bumpers, usually dirty and can be and its easy to see the neglect. I've also seen plenty of pitted chrome and rusted up bikes here too, And frankly they don't get cared for. My bike has a few rock chips just from riding and they're not rusty and I drive my bike year round. But I also keep it quite clean and take the steps to protect it with paint sealant and such.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Detroit
And as the OP mentioned, his jap bikes held up fine.
Last edited by Warp Factor; Nov 2, 2015 at 03:10 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 436
Likes: 3
From: Norway
Yes. My second Harley, both rust. Others held up fine...
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 436
Likes: 3
From: Norway
Sounds like a care issue to me. If you're not putting some sort of protectant on chrome, bare steel, paint etc it's going to deteriorate. Your environment just speeds the process up, and it sounds like you're slacking. I've seen two year old trucks here in the Midwest with rusted out fenders and bumpers, usually dirty and can be and its easy to see the neglect. I've also seen plenty of pitted chrome and rusted up bikes here too, And frankly they don't get cared for. My bike has a few rock chips just from riding and they're not rusty and I drive my bike year round. But I also keep it quite clean and take the steps to protect it with paint sealant and such.
I'm thinking probably washing it might be part of the issue, since it sees a lot more water than most, but in my head an outdoor vehicle should handle getting wet....
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 436
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From: Norway
Are you serious? Never noticed that. But if that's the case, no wonder it's peeling/rusting ar the tip of the fender. I'll have a closer look at it tomorrow...
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Norway
How often are you cleaning and protecting your bike? You live in a heavy salt area by the sea. I don't see how you blame Harley for that! You would have to move to a place away from the ocean and leaving your bike outside even in the summer time is still highly corrosive to your bike. Your environment is the main issue and not the manufacturer. Good luck with your dilemma op. Just my .02
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Illinois
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From: Detroit
True, but not really applicable. Cheap chrome won't adequately protect the metal underneath from rusting, so you get "rusty chrome".
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Texas
So I'm on my second Harley, and I have to say I'm less than impressed With the quality of these bikes.
First of all. I live in by the sea in Norway and we have Our share of rain. I park my bike in my drivway since I dont have a garage, but put the bike in Storage during Winter.
Last bike had som rust-issues. Mainly on chrome parts, but also the spokes needed some extra attention.
So I bought a New bike last year. When I got the bike, the Paint on the tank was cracked on the welds to the rear mountingbracket. Got a New tank from dealer.
After one season a lot of the chrome parts where Orange of rust ( nuts, swingarm-bolt cover,headlight etc. Took most of it off and got it powdercoated. My upper forktubes have some small cracks in them which turn Orange after rainfall. I have to keep this in check by polishing.
But last night, I saw that the Paint was discollored between the rear fender and the tail-light. Took a closer look, and the Paint has peeled of at the end of the fender and started rusting....
So is this what I should expect of a modern Harley? Never had these issues With my Japanese bikes. And before any of you guys start talking about indoor Storage. I never got a note With my bike that said "Indoor use only" or "Keep dry".
I will contact my dealer about my rear fender, but I'm guessing this will not be a straight swap since the bike is 1,5 years.
First of all. I live in by the sea in Norway and we have Our share of rain. I park my bike in my drivway since I dont have a garage, but put the bike in Storage during Winter.
Last bike had som rust-issues. Mainly on chrome parts, but also the spokes needed some extra attention.
So I bought a New bike last year. When I got the bike, the Paint on the tank was cracked on the welds to the rear mountingbracket. Got a New tank from dealer.
After one season a lot of the chrome parts where Orange of rust ( nuts, swingarm-bolt cover,headlight etc. Took most of it off and got it powdercoated. My upper forktubes have some small cracks in them which turn Orange after rainfall. I have to keep this in check by polishing.
But last night, I saw that the Paint was discollored between the rear fender and the tail-light. Took a closer look, and the Paint has peeled of at the end of the fender and started rusting....
So is this what I should expect of a modern Harley? Never had these issues With my Japanese bikes. And before any of you guys start talking about indoor Storage. I never got a note With my bike that said "Indoor use only" or "Keep dry".
I will contact my dealer about my rear fender, but I'm guessing this will not be a straight swap since the bike is 1,5 years.
I am curious here...if you were not happy with your first Harely, then WTF did you go and get another one?? We have an old saying over here that goes, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
Then I am curious as to why you would go on a rant about minor issues that need constant attention and that you should already be aware of since you are a previous Harley owner?
Finally, it would seem to me that since you are a previous Harley owner and are very much aware of the need to stay on top of corrosion issues in places like chipped paint and spoke rims (ALL freakin' bikes with spoke wheels will rust if not religiously cared for...). Cleaning, polishing, and just basic general preventative maintenance practices are necessary to keep your ride looking great, ESPECIALLY if you are living in an environment like Norway and park outside 24/7, and if you are not prepared to stay on top of these things, then don't blame HD when rust and faded paint happens...
my dos centavos