I picked up my 2007 Ultra on Friday and really like the six speed, 96" motor, and the louder exhaust; BUT Harley Davidson needs to slow things down a little bit and look into their quality control before they revert back to the AMF days. Let me explain, and please understand that I'm not bashing. I love my new bike, but it arrived with a scratched front fairing, scratched wind deflector and the rear speaker box on the right side didn't have a hole drilled in it large enough for the wires and their connector to go inside. My dealer showed me everything that was wrong and their plan of action to replace all of the defective parts; they also told me that things like this are more and more common with the 2007's. They have had chrome pieces with bubbles or wripples, numberous paint issues, etc. Dear Harley Davidson, please slow down! Fewer bikes and higher quality will help keep them in demand which will help maintain the value of both new and used bikes.

First impressions of the new bike, despite the defects:

1: Love the exhaust, they have just enough throaty sound to know it is a Harley without being loud. They will be nice for the 3,000-4,000 mile trips.

2: 96" motor has a little more (noticable) power.

3: The six speed !!!!!!!!!!! Yes, it has a little noise in 5th, but so far the good out weighs the bad.
2,500 RPMs at 70mph 2,900 RPMs at 80mph 3,250 RPMs at 90mph.

 

congrats on the new ride!!

however, personally- i wouldve refused delivery if my new bike wasnt in perfect shape out of the box

 

Beavis

Congrats on the new ride and enjoy.

Domestic Violence

If the dealer was the one that pointed out the defects to the new buyer and stated that they would take care and replace or repair the problems. Then why would you walk away from your new bike. To refuse delivery means that you don't have the bike to enjoy while the dealer orders parts to repair the problems. Not just motorcycles, are not always perfect, I have never bought a new car that didn't need some attention from the dealer at a later time.

 

I agree with you on the quality. Little things like my front end on a 07 SE Springer which on some parts looks like it was spray painted chrome, and a crappy spray job at that. Or a very tiny paint bubble on my fender, small but visible. Little things that make one wonder 'what the hell is going on'. I hear from folks that it has been happening alot lately, some say that the '02 models were the last models to come out not getting the quick treatment. I don't know, I still love mine but I do wonder where this will lead.

 

If you dont write Harley HQ they'll never get the message!

 

That sucks! Annoys me like hell when things aren't right from the off.

Got to say my '07 Heritage was perfect, no doubt. The dealer actually walked me over the whole bike and apologised for the odd fingermark or two - rushing away for a cloth and spray to clean up!

I'm real picky when it comes to my bike/car etc - I went over that bike in fine detail and real pleased to say that there isn't a single blemish on paint, chrome, etc. Very happy.

 

Congrats on the new ride, and for the performance report, i hope top see my Super Glide today (a week late)

 

I agree, in the next few days I will be putting together a letter that objectively expresses my ( our ) concerns. I dislike those who bitch and moan but never do anything about the problem. My dealer has been nothing but GREAT !! That is Harley Davidson of Salina Kansas ( pat on the back for them )

Ride Safe.

 

Damn a honest dealer. Did not know one of them existed?

 

The only thing I can find wrong with my '07 Heritage is the right saddlebag's rear strap is flimsier and thinner than the front one and won't stay in the loop. It comes out and starts flapping in the wind. The dealer called HD and they are supposedly sending a new strap and rivet kit. We'll see what happens.

Jim