H.D quality ????????????????
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 906
Likes: 0
From: State College, PA
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
The sad part of the HD quality story is that the VROD is an outstanding motorcycle and is very
modern in design. My dealer said that they have had zero problems with the VROD line.
But very few of us wants one. I had a chance to get one when I got my 07 Dyna and sometimes
I wish I had. They handle extremely well, are quick as well as being liquid cooled and balanced
perfectly. Hats off to the MoCo for an extrodinary bike! If I could afford it I would have a VROD too.
The old fashioned design we choose to ride is harder to compete with the newer technology and designs.
Trying to add FI to the old VTwin and satisfy the EPA for example or keeping vibrations down.
I see the biggest problem is the quality of the materials that they are using though.
I am not sure if any is coming from China but I know the company I work for tried to have some of our
metal components made in China but they had a problem with the inferior metals that was used in the castings.
And of course the " keep the bottom line as high as possible " is always a problem when you are owned by
stock holders.
My wish is that the MoCo will tighten up the QC/QA a bit more and maybe do more field testing before
introducing a new design ( like they did with the VROD).
But I am also aware that there is pressure to get new product out to increase sales.
There is more and more competition coming every year for them and I am sure it is not easy sometimes.
But for my 2 cents I do expect high quality and reliability when I pay 15K for a bike. I will say that the MoCo
had stood by the warranty on all my Harleys and I have zero complaints there. So with the challenge and need
to cut costs, reduce work force and outsource I am hoping HD can keep up the standards we are all in love with
and stay competitive.
VIVA Harley Davidson ! There is nothing else like one !
WillieC
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
In my experience, once folks start changing the engine they tend to have more problems than those leaving them stock. (both Harley and Metric)
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,167
Likes: 7
From: FL & SoCal
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
I totally agree with Willie's post below and I believe he hit the nail right on the head. First, the VROD is one hell of a bike, period. I don't own a Vrod but I've seen and read about them many many times and I believe they beat the metrics at their own game. Futhermore, the SE Vrods the MoCo has made the past few years are absolutely outstanding machines but out of the price range for most of us. Sadly, we don't want them and to most of us, it's not what owning a Harley is all about.
With that being said, Harley has done everything in their power to please the customer and give them what they want. We want "old school" bikes with modern conveniences and that's what they are delivering and they are doing it better than their competitors. If they step up their quality control just a bit more, we might not be writing in this post right now. Regardless, no matter what HD does, we're always going to find things to complain about and things they could've done better. I guess that's what innovation is all about....
With that being said, Harley has done everything in their power to please the customer and give them what they want. We want "old school" bikes with modern conveniences and that's what they are delivering and they are doing it better than their competitors. If they step up their quality control just a bit more, we might not be writing in this post right now. Regardless, no matter what HD does, we're always going to find things to complain about and things they could've done better. I guess that's what innovation is all about....
ORIGINAL: WillieC
The sad part of the HD quality story is that the VROD is an outstanding motorcycle and is very
modern in design. My dealer said that they have had zero problems with the VROD line.
But very few of us wants one. I had a chance to get one when I got my 07 Dyna and sometimes
I wish I had. They handle extremely well, are quick as well as being liquid cooled and balanced
perfectly. Hats off to the MoCo for an extrodinary bike! If I could afford it I would have a VROD too.
The old fashioned design we choose to ride is harder to compete with the newer technology and designs.
Trying to add FI to the old VTwin and satisfy the EPA for example or keeping vibrations down.
I see the biggest problem is the quality of the materials that they are using though.
I am not sure if any is coming from China but I know the company I work for tried to have some of our
metal components made in China but they had a problem with the inferior metals that was used in the castings.
And of course the " keep the bottom line as high as possible " is always a problem when you are owned by
stock holders.
My wish is that the MoCo will tighten up the QC/QA a bit more and maybe do more field testing before
introducing a new design ( like they did with the VROD).
But I am also aware that there is pressure to get new product out to increase sales.
There is more and more competition coming every year for them and I am sure it is not easy sometimes.
But for my 2 cents I do expect high quality and reliability when I pay 15K for a bike. I will say that the MoCo
had stood by the warranty on all my Harleys and I have zero complaints there. So with the challenge and need
to cut costs, reduce work force and outsource I am hoping HD can keep up the standards we are all in love with
and stay competitive.
VIVA Harley Davidson ! There is nothing else like one !
WillieC
The sad part of the HD quality story is that the VROD is an outstanding motorcycle and is very
modern in design. My dealer said that they have had zero problems with the VROD line.
But very few of us wants one. I had a chance to get one when I got my 07 Dyna and sometimes
I wish I had. They handle extremely well, are quick as well as being liquid cooled and balanced
perfectly. Hats off to the MoCo for an extrodinary bike! If I could afford it I would have a VROD too.
The old fashioned design we choose to ride is harder to compete with the newer technology and designs.
Trying to add FI to the old VTwin and satisfy the EPA for example or keeping vibrations down.
I see the biggest problem is the quality of the materials that they are using though.
I am not sure if any is coming from China but I know the company I work for tried to have some of our
metal components made in China but they had a problem with the inferior metals that was used in the castings.
And of course the " keep the bottom line as high as possible " is always a problem when you are owned by
stock holders.
My wish is that the MoCo will tighten up the QC/QA a bit more and maybe do more field testing before
introducing a new design ( like they did with the VROD).
But I am also aware that there is pressure to get new product out to increase sales.
There is more and more competition coming every year for them and I am sure it is not easy sometimes.
But for my 2 cents I do expect high quality and reliability when I pay 15K for a bike. I will say that the MoCo
had stood by the warranty on all my Harleys and I have zero complaints there. So with the challenge and need
to cut costs, reduce work force and outsource I am hoping HD can keep up the standards we are all in love with
and stay competitive.
VIVA Harley Davidson ! There is nothing else like one !
WillieC
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 642
Likes: 1
From: Luckey, Ohio
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
The only thing i ever had to replace on the 79 was a seat, fender, and tire from being rear-ended.....and a new chain at around 15,000 miles...and of course i had to get rid of the AMF badge and repaint...but no mechanical issues at all...sold it in '85' for 18 grand. Screwed up year for Sportys....new frame and mufflers the size of canned hams........
Novice
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
All I have ever ridden were harleys. For over 35 years its been a harley, so I have nothing to compare it to. But I do know that comparing it to a suzuki, kawasaki, yamaha, norton, bmw, ural, ridley, honda, triumph, ducati, victory, moto guzi, enfield, bultaco, deperado or any other motorcycle brand is like comparing apples to oranges.
In my opinion/life owning a harley is not owning just a motorcycle, it is a way of life.
In my opinion/life owning a harley is not owning just a motorcycle, it is a way of life.
Tourer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From:
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
fireball, what number is your FXD35? Mine is 548 and so far no major problems but only have a little over 1300 miles on it. I did go through two detachable windshield clamps and the inside of a chrome and rubber peg broke. Luckily all were taken care of fairly quickly and didn't need shop time. Git to ask at the shop about the 6 speed TSB also.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,958
Likes: 1
From: West Tennessee
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
ORIGINAL: fireball
Heres the deal craigc,Iwould be out riding if my bike was not in the shop. I did'nt spend my hard earned money on something to fall apart on me. The facts are the facts and the internet is a great resource for sharing info regardless of your opinion of a bitch or a complaint......I really like my 06FXD35 and plan on riding till I can't ride no more. Have a great Day and stay safe...I would be riding today, but guess what??????????? My bike is in the shop
Fireball
Heres the deal craigc,Iwould be out riding if my bike was not in the shop. I did'nt spend my hard earned money on something to fall apart on me. The facts are the facts and the internet is a great resource for sharing info regardless of your opinion of a bitch or a complaint......I really like my 06FXD35 and plan on riding till I can't ride no more. Have a great Day and stay safe...I would be riding today, but guess what??????????? My bike is in the shop
Fireball
I've been participating on internet message boards for a long time now. Mostly shooting related sites. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a new poster come onto a forum with his particular problem and Chicken Little Syndrome. This one guy buys one gun on one particular day that has one particular problem and the world is ending. "Quality control is dead". "This manufacturer is going out of business". "They don't care about their customers". The sky is falling, the sky is falling. All it takes is one over-reactive neophyte with a PC and an internet connection to buy something that isn't perfect in every way. Yes, manufactured products are not all gonna be perfect. Buy enough of them and you will find a dud or one that needs a little work. Hell, I've bought guns I couldn't get to shoot for ****. It happens, you sort it out and move on.
My other point was that very few riders, or shooters or whatever are going to participate on internet forums. My own father makes his living in the I.T. industry and spends most of his days in front of a computer. Every day since he hurt his back on a construction site in `82. He owns two Harleys and several guns, loves to ride and shoot but would never participate on a message board pertaining to either interest. Like so many people, it just ain't his thang. Perspective people, perspective.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From:
RE: H.D quality ????????????????
I have to agree with a few others on here. I am sorry, but a HD is NOT one of the most dependable bikes. Did I know this buying one? Yes, How many times has my bike been into the shop in 1000 miles, twice. But, I deal with it and take it as being a harley owner.
Would I trade it for anything else? Hell no. Like some have said, its all in the overall experiece.
I have to chuckle at some on here claiming their bikes are FLAWLESS and perfect. Hats off to you, because between me and my circle of friends, we always have problems with ours and take them in stride. We take turns on who is getting dropped off for the week at the shop and who is picking them up!
Would I trade it for anything else? Hell no. Like some have said, its all in the overall experiece.
I have to chuckle at some on here claiming their bikes are FLAWLESS and perfect. Hats off to you, because between me and my circle of friends, we always have problems with ours and take them in stride. We take turns on who is getting dropped off for the week at the shop and who is picking them up!