So my new 2012 Roadking broke down yesterday with just 49 miles on it.
I am trying to keep my sense of humor about this and its easy because breakdowns are just part of the Harley Experience as I have learned from these forums.
I decided against a extended warranty but now I am thinking maybe I should get it and the dealer did offer a discount and an extra year.

I guess this is just bad luck but the funny thing is when I was riding my new Harley I joked to myself about how long until the first breakdown?

HOW ABOUT ON THE FIRST FRICKIN DAY BITCH!! NICE!

Sorry just venting.

 

What happened?

 

No breakdowns in my HD experience.

 

yeah really..wtf happened?

 

No, breakdowns are not part of the Harley experience.
But sometimes something does happen to even the best built machines.

I've had brand new cars break down on me, but never a Harley.
It happens to all manufactured goods, no matter who builds it.

 

RollaMO is right on. +1 on his comments

 

You ride enough miles, and breakdowns are gonna be part of your experience, no matter the brand, that being said, most mechanical devices manufacturered have a certain frequency of 'birth defects' due to flaws in assembly or fabrication (that's what quality control is all about..minimizing such failures). I suspect, without knowing anything about your breakdown except that it occurred on a new bike, is the issue.

I know a lot of Harley and metric riders, and I can say Harleys are nowadays every bit as dependable as any bike on the road...and have the added benefit of a dealer network strategically placed across the country.

 

I was riding by my house going about 35mph and I heard a funny sound like something fell off the bike or I ran over a small piece of metal.
Sure enough half mile later the bike totally powered down and engine light came on. No leaks and oil pressure ok.
I read owners manual and it sounds like the ETC has put my bike in limp mode.
Dealer is coming by any minute and they are going to try and fix it today.
Hopefully its just a minor issue.

 

Not an "official" breakdown yet.

 

I was once stranded in a brand new Lexus SC. It was the first year they came out. 75K car and the alternator went out.

Point is, nothing is perfect. There are always gonna be the possibility of malfunction. Moreso during the 1K break in period. My buddies goldewing had a lot of electrical issues. It is what it is.

About the warranty.... It's a 2012 - you got 2 years of worry-free unlimited mileage... Don't worry about the extended until when the 2 yrs are close to being over. Also, just a tip - shop around for that. Sometimes they could be hundreds of dollars different from place to place.