Breaking down
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
RE: Breaking down
My best and most uneventful trips are those where the decision to go was made in 2 minutes prior to departure. Make sure you have: cell phone, roadside assistance card, 2 credit cards, cash and a HD jacket on. If you are walking somewhere carrying a helmet & wearing a Harley jacket you will have many HD brothers in cages stop to offer you a ride. If you don't believe me try it at home.
BTW, if you are at the bar with your buds and have been drinking and all decide to go across country "right now" it is better to wait a few hours until you sober up.
Almost forgot. good idea to call home and tell the wifey you are going as well. 
BTW, if you are at the bar with your buds and have been drinking and all decide to go across country "right now" it is better to wait a few hours until you sober up.
Almost forgot. good idea to call home and tell the wifey you are going as well.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
RE: Breaking down
Today's Harleys are very reliable. The only itemsI carry are a flat fix kit,thetool kit that came with my Ultra Classic and a cell phone.I also have a roadside assistance plan through H.O.G., although I'm moving to AAA when it expires.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,716
Likes: 103
From:
RE: Breaking down
ORIGINAL: rh8234
My experience is that if you take along a very full tool bag with every tool and spare part imaginable, you will never need a single thing in the bag. If you try to lighten up the bag by leaving a couple item home, those will be the item you need. If you bring zero tools and spare parts, you are certain to have a breakdown. I carry the tools as an insurance policy and hope to not need them.
My experience is that if you take along a very full tool bag with every tool and spare part imaginable, you will never need a single thing in the bag. If you try to lighten up the bag by leaving a couple item home, those will be the item you need. If you bring zero tools and spare parts, you are certain to have a breakdown. I carry the tools as an insurance policy and hope to not need them.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
RE: Breaking down
I maintain my bike because i do long (8,000 miles) trips every summer, my suggestion is to get Road America, have a cell phone, tools for those small repairsand a gps with dealer locations in it.
1. Road America has an ultra pkg. that takes care of a couple of bikes as well as you cars or trucks..kinda like AAA but for bikes as well.
2. GPS- download dealer locations at www.poi-factory.com
Even with all my maintenance....
I had a short in my starter switch that caused my starter to engage constantly...got it towed to dealer(road america, got it fixed(found closest dealer on gps)and was on my way.
There is no way to tell if something is going to happen....so i find it best to be prepared and have a little peace of mind.
Life is Great...We all Ride!!
[IMG]local://upfiles/48412/4370B2A331D74CA38D1BACDEE1A71BEF.jpg[/IMG]
1. Road America has an ultra pkg. that takes care of a couple of bikes as well as you cars or trucks..kinda like AAA but for bikes as well.
2. GPS- download dealer locations at www.poi-factory.com
Even with all my maintenance....
I had a short in my starter switch that caused my starter to engage constantly...got it towed to dealer(road america, got it fixed(found closest dealer on gps)and was on my way.
There is no way to tell if something is going to happen....so i find it best to be prepared and have a little peace of mind.
Life is Great...We all Ride!!
[IMG]local://upfiles/48412/4370B2A331D74CA38D1BACDEE1A71BEF.jpg[/IMG]
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: West Plam Beach FL
RE: Breaking down
ORIGINAL: turczytj
What are the chances, in your opinion, of a 1-2 year old Softail breaking down on a 3000 mile round trip? Assume the bike has been properly maintained, it hasn't been ridden hard,and there have been no problems with it.
Do bikes break down that much more than cars?
What are the chances, in your opinion, of a 1-2 year old Softail breaking down on a 3000 mile round trip? Assume the bike has been properly maintained, it hasn't been ridden hard,and there have been no problems with it.
Do bikes break down that much more than cars?
join AAA and the enjoy the trip.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,015
Likes: 5
From: Alaska
RE: Breaking down
ORIGINAL: turczytj
What are the chances, in your opinion, of a 1-2 year old Softail breaking down on a 3000 mile round trip? Assume the bike has been properly maintained, it hasn't been ridden hard, and there have been no problems with it.
Do bikes break down that much more than cars?
What are the chances, in your opinion, of a 1-2 year old Softail breaking down on a 3000 mile round trip? Assume the bike has been properly maintained, it hasn't been ridden hard, and there have been no problems with it.
Do bikes break down that much more than cars?
The only time I needed assistance on a road trip was when I had a flat.
I carry HOG Roadside Assistance Extended package and a cell phone.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 190
Likes: 0
From: Northern Colorado
RE: Breaking down
I've made two 4,000 mile trips on my Softail. I've made several 2,000 mile trips. And I've been to Sturgis the last 4 years. It's never broken down on me. Well, I did get a flat once on a local ride near home. That's it. It's got 35,000 miles on it now and I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a road trip if I didn't have my Ultra now. In fact, I might be letting a friend take it with us on a 4,000 mile road trip I have coming up in July. Like others have said, just carry basic hand tools, zipties, and some tape. You'll be fine.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,642
Likes: 6
From: Forest Lake, Mn
RE: Breaking down
Holy Toledo!! Mine is 44 this year. Guess I'd better leave the Ol' Boy parked. Cancel those trips, Honey. If I used that thought process as my beginning point, I really would NEVER leave the sight of the shop. What's the worst that could happen? The electronics takes a chit 22 miles from a nearby town. Some guy pulls up, do you need help? You say, yes, he helps, and in the process you find out he is really a neat guy, and a rider as well. You have just made a new name for your Christmas card list. Some ofthe"best" times I look back on, were times that happened because I/we did break down. And hopefully, God and the checkbook willing, will seea few of them folksthis summer in Sturgis.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 655
Likes: 7
From: Flowery Branch, Ga.
RE: Breaking down
sorry if I offend you, but this is a silly wasted post,
1) you don't even advise the current miles on the bike
2) new or old, bikes can brake down
If you are that worried, clean it each weekend & let it sit in the garage.
1) you don't even advise the current miles on the bike
2) new or old, bikes can brake down
If you are that worried, clean it each weekend & let it sit in the garage.