Beyrayed by a friend :(
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
Look at all the 5-6 year old bikes out there with less than 25,000 miles on them. So those folks who ride 25, 30 or more, thousand miles a year are in the minority. Meanwhile, Harley has sold the image and in the 80's revamped HOG into a yuppie club instead of the riders it used to be. I was listening in to the HOG group in Jacksonville Florida discussing who's trailers to use to go to a HOG rally. I piped up and said 'maybe ride the bikes there?', and got surprised stares. The rally was less than 500 miles one way. I knew most of those folks had never ridden more then 200 miles in one day, and that took all day. A friend and I rode with them on a day trip to Daytona from Jacksonville. You would have thought that they had just completed an Iron Butt ride.
High mileage riders are in the minority. But that's okay. Because then I get to select from many low mileage bikes every 4-5 years.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 317
From: CA
Our Iron Horses can seem like a trusty steed of yore but as for HD being my friend, only if I'm a principle stock holder or a board member.
It could always be worse - they could have grenaded already. You have one of the better years and may be fine for 20k plus more more miles.
It could always be worse - they could have grenaded already. You have one of the better years and may be fine for 20k plus more more miles.
How is HD your friend? It's a large company that makes motorcycles, I don't get the friendship thing. You can have brand loyalty and they, the MOCO, can have customer loyalty, or not.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 2,726
Likes: 717
From: Pennsyleffinvania
Dianne, you and I are the same age, and I've had my m/c endorsement for 50 yrs. I've been "betrayed" by HD, BMW, (3times), and Kawasaki. So far, Triumph and Honda have been solid, but give them time.
All that having been said, I can't feel too bad as I have had a blast all these years of riding, and I still get excited about my next ride. Most of the disappointments have been like the issue you are talking about, not intentional at the time of design or production, but clearly the companies have refused to step up when it is clear there is a design/production failure.
I've been mad enough to swear off a brand for a few years, but then I usually give them another try and enjoy them for the unique element they offer.
Maybe consider the gear drive option (I believe) and never have to worry about it again.
Ride safe and chill.
All that having been said, I can't feel too bad as I have had a blast all these years of riding, and I still get excited about my next ride. Most of the disappointments have been like the issue you are talking about, not intentional at the time of design or production, but clearly the companies have refused to step up when it is clear there is a design/production failure.
I've been mad enough to swear off a brand for a few years, but then I usually give them another try and enjoy them for the unique element they offer.
Maybe consider the gear drive option (I believe) and never have to worry about it again.
Ride safe and chill.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
Sorry you feel betrayed but HD is a publicly traded company and as so their first obligation is to the stockholders. I know it sounds pretty rude and you would like to be on a first name basis with the officers of the corporation but that ain't how big business is done.
Learning about your bike and either maintaining it yourself or paying somebody to do it is about your only option 'cause they ain't gonna' be givin' away any free parts anytime soon.
Learning about your bike and either maintaining it yourself or paying somebody to do it is about your only option 'cause they ain't gonna' be givin' away any free parts anytime soon.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 1,614
From: Eastern Ohio
I was taught by my grandfather, maintenance maintenance maintenance. You buy a vehicle, tractor, or any equipment, you buy the corresponding manuals to go with them. Then follow the maintenance schedule. If you have a failure, you fix it. I don't see that anyone let you down. Were you expecting a letter from Harley?
Dear Dianne,
It has come to our attention that you purchased a used motorcycle with our name on it. We here at Harley Davidson would like to extend an apology for a design oversight that if not properly maintained could cause some problems for you. We're deeply sorry for being in business to make money. Sorry to cut this letter short, but we have an entire lineage of motorcycles that I have to apologize for one by one.
Your besty,
HDMC
Dear Dianne,
It has come to our attention that you purchased a used motorcycle with our name on it. We here at Harley Davidson would like to extend an apology for a design oversight that if not properly maintained could cause some problems for you. We're deeply sorry for being in business to make money. Sorry to cut this letter short, but we have an entire lineage of motorcycles that I have to apologize for one by one.
Your besty,
HDMC
Yeah, but the last good year for Evos was 1994!!! Bwa ha ha!!! 
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,733
Likes: 9,242
From: Snow Hill, NC
You will be OK... if it hasn't blown up yet you are probably fine to replace them and ride another 30 some thousand miles/.
It is a very well documented problem and whoever was servicing your bike should've mentioned it...
It is a very well documented problem and whoever was servicing your bike should've mentioned it...
