Quality issues??
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 436
Likes: 3
From: Norway
Quality issues??
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.
Last edited by JayOhh; Nov 2, 2015 at 04:19 AM.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 436
Likes: 3
From: Norway
Well the chrome is basically sh.. Which sucks, but most chrome parts can be fixed pretty easy.
The Paint on the other hand should not peel off a "New" bike. As I said, I never had this problem on my Japanese bikes. Would you Accept Paint peeling of a car after 18 months? I think not. So why should we Accept it on a bike?
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 436
Likes: 3
From: Norway
As I said. I've had other brands before, and never had this issue. Most parts on "other" brands are stainless, aluminum or non-metal.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 46
From: East Hartford, CT
I agree that the paint should hold up better and the chrome is not like the old bike chrome either.
I had to replace both fenders from corrosion issues starting around the lights and brackets.
I rode my bike into the cold season allot and the chemicals they put on the roads are very harsh, worse than regular sea air.
I am partially to blame for not washing the bike down after every ride but hey who really does?
Harley could put more effort into keeping the paint and chrome to last longer.
I had to replace both fenders from corrosion issues starting around the lights and brackets.
I rode my bike into the cold season allot and the chemicals they put on the roads are very harsh, worse than regular sea air.
I am partially to blame for not washing the bike down after every ride but hey who really does?
Harley could put more effort into keeping the paint and chrome to last longer.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 3,949
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From: South of Mordor
Not all piant is perfect nor are the applications, maybe you just ended up with a bad paint application. you said your bike is 1.5yrs new, Harleys come with a two year warranty, so the paint should be 100% covered. Go over ALL your tins if thats the case and make sure their all good. As for the rust, its what happens to metal when it lives in a salt air environment, you have to keep up with cleaning if you want minimal rust build up.
Tell me, how do Tempo Motorcycles hold up over there, being built there, I would imaging they are rust and corrosion free and the perfect option for your next purchase.
Tell me, how do Tempo Motorcycles hold up over there, being built there, I would imaging they are rust and corrosion free and the perfect option for your next purchase.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 125
Likes: 8
From: Santa Rosa, CA
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