How dependable is your Harley?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,863
Likes: 21
From: Kennewick, WA
).when the clutch explodes on a Friday and I need to get to work on Monday.
I don't want to be the turd in the punchbowl here but several thousands of $ in maintenance, towing and repairs, during 20000 miles of operation, does not a reliable vehicle make.
But maybe I'm just unlucky.
I don't want to be the turd in the punchbowl here but several thousands of $ in maintenance, towing and repairs, during 20000 miles of operation, does not a reliable vehicle make.
But maybe I'm just unlucky.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 6
The only problems I have really experienced with my bike is waiting 8 days for pulley bolts after the guys I got my pulley from sent the wrong ones with the pulley. I have ridden 900 miles without stopping, then pulled over for 6 hours to let the dense fog with zero visibility dissipate, jumped back on and rode the last 100 miles in 24 hours, without one problem and without any back/butt problems (could have kept going but made it home - 1K miles each way) so ride away!!!
A friend wants to ride 1 hour tomorrow morning so will oblige, hit the gym and then plan on a 6 hour ride in the afternoon. Love my Dyna!
A friend wants to ride 1 hour tomorrow morning so will oblige, hit the gym and then plan on a 6 hour ride in the afternoon. Love my Dyna!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I have one each of the air cooled HD's. Never an issue with any of them. I got the 07 FXSTC in Sept of 06. Original battery. Only went to the dealer for the negative post guard on a recall.
The 010 Ultra bought new in Sept. 09 only went to the dealer for the stronger front gas tank mount. Put 10K on it with no issues.
Same goes for the XR1200 and Dyna SG. Not a single issue.
I'm sure glad that after four decades of riding metrics that I went to HD.
Life is good.
I might as well add the Buell. It's a 08 Ulysses and not a single issue with it either.
I should add that I do my own services including changing the tires when needed.
If you look at my avatar and signature you can see how much I ride the machines.
I am leaving in two weeks to do the Pacific Coast highway. Taking the Ultra. Going to Sturgis by way of Canada and will take the Softail for that ride.
01JUL11 - Back from the PCH , Death Valley and desert SW in 105 to 115 degree temps. Not a single issue with the Ultra for the 6,000 + ride.
The 010 Ultra bought new in Sept. 09 only went to the dealer for the stronger front gas tank mount. Put 10K on it with no issues.
Same goes for the XR1200 and Dyna SG. Not a single issue.
I'm sure glad that after four decades of riding metrics that I went to HD.
Life is good.
I might as well add the Buell. It's a 08 Ulysses and not a single issue with it either.
I should add that I do my own services including changing the tires when needed.
If you look at my avatar and signature you can see how much I ride the machines.
I am leaving in two weeks to do the Pacific Coast highway. Taking the Ultra. Going to Sturgis by way of Canada and will take the Softail for that ride.
01JUL11 - Back from the PCH , Death Valley and desert SW in 105 to 115 degree temps. Not a single issue with the Ultra for the 6,000 + ride.
Last edited by lh4x4; Jul 15, 2011 at 10:22 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,377
Likes: 20
From: Kafar Hanusi
response
Hey,
My Sportster 1200 is very dependable, 2008 bought 1st hand IE:2nd owner with 20K on it for 2 yrs, the bike was not even broke in and all I've had to do is change the oil , brakes and tires, great bike! No leaks or problems.
I understand this was not allways the case, glad they got it together as $35,000 would be a real waste.
My Sportster 1200 is very dependable, 2008 bought 1st hand IE:2nd owner with 20K on it for 2 yrs, the bike was not even broke in and all I've had to do is change the oil , brakes and tires, great bike! No leaks or problems.
I understand this was not allways the case, glad they got it together as $35,000 would be a real waste.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 3
From: 3rd Rock
I've had my fair share of issues with my '06 superglide... but all have been on my terms! I don't travel that much... Savannah to Datona for bike week every year. However, I commute 80 Mi 5 days a week..365 And, have never been left on the road-side! Imean NEVER! for 111,000 miles Top that folks. best wishes... H.T.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
What are some of the common problems you guys run into on your Harleys?
My wife and I are looking at a 2011 Wide Glide and I wanted to check with the experts to make sure we would be getting into something that isn't going to cause us a lot of problems and would be up for some longer roadtrips.
Any feedback is appreciated!
My wife and I are looking at a 2011 Wide Glide and I wanted to check with the experts to make sure we would be getting into something that isn't going to cause us a lot of problems and would be up for some longer roadtrips.
Any feedback is appreciated!
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 862
Likes: 3
From: Henderson, Nevada
Alway's get home with the Buell. The Harley-Davidson's been towed home twice due to electrical problems. (45,000 miles)
Last edited by Harleyboyddk; Jun 4, 2011 at 10:30 PM.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 398
Likes: 1
From: KCMO
My 2010 Wide Glide has 14000 miles under it. Bought it last May with 3 miles on it. Only issue is keeping rubber on the rear. With the right seat you can ride forever. In the last 3 weeks she's been thru MO, KS, OK, TX, NM, AR. Over 3k miles in that time.
