Thanks to everyone for giving me some insight involving my dilemma of purchasing a new or used '05 FXD. I'm leaning toward the new simply because I am concerned that the Stage One/Thunderheader wasn't done by a dealer or even a shop... it was done in the garage by the seller. It probably is a solid bike and my concerns are not warranted, but nonetheless my decision is made.

I will purchase a new '05 FXD, Vivid Black. Here is where I need some information:

The dealership is telling me that I need to put at least 500 miles on the bike prior to their Service Dept. doing a Stage One. Anything prior to that is "against the law", according to one salesperson.

Having said that, the issue of warranty comes up. A salesperson and a Parts guy (sometimes the best in honesty and knowledge) both told me if I purchase an extended warranty at the time of purchase, fender to fender warranty, a Stage One done at that dealership would be covered at any authorized Harley dealer. Sound kosher to you guys?

Lastly, while I am still not sure if I want EFI or Carb... although I must admit I am leaning EFI if I don't buy this used bike... I am torn between Vance and Hines Staggered BigShots or just staying with the SEII.

I want the ooomph of a Harley, but I also have to be conscientious about my neighborhood. Is the noise on the V&H Staggered BigShots going to be too noisy for a bedroom community? How does the noise compare to the SEII? How about performance? I love the look of the V&H, and while it would be roughly $200 more to do the stage one with (according to the Dealership), is it truly that much better than the SEII?

One of the main reasons I am leaning to EFI now is the fact of noise in my neighborhood. My info tells me the carb needs to be warmed up several minutes more than the EFI... that could make a big difference on a Sunday morning when I am ready to roll while everyone else is still snoring. Thoughts please on both the warranty issue and the two exhaust pipes? Thanks again.

 

Let see- so many questions............


1. 500 miles to let the motor break in before it gets romped by a new Stage 1 owner feeling his or her oats

2. Stage one does not void any warranty issues as long as dealer installed

3. Pipes- I am starting to lean toward some of the new models that include a CROSSOVER built into the design. I believe that they can work more like a 2 into one for perofrmance. The EFI is the right way to go- for many reasons. AS far as warm up, etc. in the bedroom community- Either you can ride a legal bike there or not. Only you control the throttle. Be smart- and you shouldn't have problems.

BRUCE

 

Dealer put Stage 1 intake and SEII on my ride before I picked her up from the factory. It does not void the warranty, reality is, it INCLUDES the work in your 2 year warranty...sounds like the turd is not being straight IMHO. He's telling you that if you buy the extended warranty it will cover the Stage I...but Stage I not covered if you don't buy the extended warranty.

Sorry if I got it wrong, but this is not right. I will call my dealer today to verify if you like...but sounds like your dealer is not so nice.

As for the other bike and voiding warranty with the aftermarket pipes...CALL HARLEY direct. I don't trust your dealer at all right now based on what I think I read. You will get the skinny from them, they are very good. As for damage caused from after market pipes...if the bike is tuned properly (no backfires, missing, etc.) you'll be fine, I don't think you are going to have a problem with that other bike.

My $.02 only. Let me know if you would like me to call my local dealer (he has a great rep), though I may do it anyway.

Mac

 

Capt.

You are absolutely correct. It even states in the Parts and Accessories catalog that any of Harley Davidson's power upgrades that are installed by a HD shop and installed at the time of purchase are warranteed the same as the bike. This includes big bore kits, Stage 1's etc.

I also had the stage 1 installed before the bike left the shop, except for the mufflers, which I put on as soon as I got home. Because the mufflers were included in the purchase price, they are warranteed as well, even though the dealer didn't install them.

Regards,

BIll

 

- The salesperson specifically said that his dealership service dept. would do the Stage One, but only AFTER 500 miles were on the bike. Maybe it's a California thing... but his comment counters the above note directly from Harley's catalog. My druthers would be to purchase the bike and IMMEDIATELY have the Stage One done. I'll continue to check around. Unfortunately, the dealership that is giving me the best quote - $13,900 out the door for a Super Glide Vivid Black - NO LONGER does Stage Ones. They refer to a private shop... LAWNDALE CYCLE, which has a great reputation. Having it done at a place OTHER than a Harley Dealership is the 'grey area' regarding the warranty. See Below:

- Straight from the Harley Corp: - when you make ANY modifications after purchase, the warranty becomes questionable... and if the problem can be diagnosed as being directly related to the modification performed, REGARDLESS WHERE IT WAS DONE, the factory warranty would not cover the problem.

I did not ask Harley about the extended warranty issue... but I will today. They did say, however, that if an individually owned Harley dealership did a Stage One, if they are a standup dealership, they will back up their Stage One work. If that is the case, I need to find out how long they will 'back it up' WITHOUT an extended warranty. I always get antsy when a salesperson pushes extended warranties... maybe the way a car rental company sales rep pushes the 'full coverage insurance so you don't have to worry about a thing'.

- Do you like the SEII? How about sound? Do you get the 'Harley thunder'? Performance and sound in comparison to Thunderheader and V&H Staggard BigShots? I live in a quiet neighborhood (single family homes), and while it may still be 'legal', I also have to continue to live with these friendly people. I guess I could always push the bike a block away and then start it up... just need to hear your comparisons between the three above-mentioned Pipes. Thanks.

 

I purchased my new ride from Van Nuys HD and had stage 1 mods done prior to taking delivery ..... sounds like your dealer is just being a Adam Henry IMHO

 

They are just coverng their butts to comply with the law. 2 shops in the Long Beach area received hefty ($200,000+) fines for installing exhaust mods PRIOR to delivery. Here in South Orange County, some will make you put 500 miles... others even just 1 mile.


Final Plan... your approval please (or thumbs down works, too):

'05 Dyna Vivid Black out the door $13,900
5 year Extended Warranty $ 904
Stage One with SE II $ 700-$800

I've decided against the V&H pipes (BigShots) because I am afraid the noise level might become an issue in myneighborhood. The SE II is supposedly a nice upgrade, makes the Harley Thunder 'potato potato', and is a tad cheaper. Approval or not? Thanks.

 

I went with VH Pro-Pipe 2-1, SE's in my opinion arent loud enough, SEII dont know. I went thru 4 different set of slip ons on my last ride....mater of personal preference, loud, not loud enough, too loud. Suggest you try and hear as many as you can before you buy as it gets a little expensive.

We try and avoid Orange County due to the helmet and pipe hassels by the local PD's. Doesnt surprise me that the shops are being cited .

 

I guess in the end it will be your call, and ulitmately the call of the dealer that you are asking to do the warranty work. My dealer stands firm that the mods are covered, and my warranty is in no way changed due to the mods. If your dealer won't work with you, than you will have to decide what's best for you.

SEIIs are good pipes, and I think they are the right volume. Noone gets pissed off, but people can hear me. I don't get on it in the neighborhood, and I think all is well. Go down to your local HD and see what is there, get them to start their bikes for you. V&H are louder and deeper IMHO, more than I personally wanted, though I do like the sound of them.

Hope this helps.

Mac

 

Fuente

The final approval will be when your cruisin down the road with that **** eating grin!