Harley tech, just venting.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 5,120
From: SW Ohio
Depends on which bike. BMW K bikes were notorious for those. Goldwings (and I've owned 3), probably about the same rate of final drive issues as most cars. I never had any problems with mine. OTOH, I sold a new 06 K1200LT after 6 months, once I read about all the final drive, clutch, and other problems others had/were having. Life's just too short for that BS.
Now own a '04 Wing and a 12 SG, both great bikes, and being able to choose what I want to ride is nice.
Now own a '04 Wing and a 12 SG, both great bikes, and being able to choose what I want to ride is nice.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 122
Likes: 5
From: western PA
Always seemed to find a bit of adapting when going from one brand to another, finding or making them tools that reach that unreachable nut, different type of fasteners, metric/american sizes, seemed the limey bikes I had way back were some odd ball size too, but can't remember, anyway, methods of disasembly, etc.
All took a bit of trinkering with to find the easier way to do it.
Al
All took a bit of trinkering with to find the easier way to do it.
Al
^^^^^
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,759
Likes: 1
From: Breaux Bridge, LA
I said that I preferred the oil change on the Hondas I've had, and it was just the filter placement. The 3 holes on a HD don't bother me any more than a Honda, considering newer Hondas technically have 2 holes including the final drive oil which requires changing just about as much as the tranny oil on an HD. On the subject on final drives, I will say they made changing a rear tire much easier too.
Last edited by kajunkruzer; Jan 30, 2013 at 01:26 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,583
Likes: 115
From: Boston, MA
Harley 3 holes is fun but not awesome. What fluids you guys runnin' in yours? '
LOL
I swear I'm just kidding about that.
I also think that Harley abandoned the shaft drive in the '50s because they found that there was more horsepower loss at the rear wheel when using a shaft. Chains,,, eh whateverrrr
LOL
I swear I'm just kidding about that.
I also think that Harley abandoned the shaft drive in the '50s because they found that there was more horsepower loss at the rear wheel when using a shaft. Chains,,, eh whateverrrr
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 11
From: Kentucky
I've been riding and wrenching my whole life, well, since I was fifteen, which is close enough. I'm four days into my first HD, and frankly, the downshift from wrenching on Metric fours to this um, tractor, is enough to blow a guys mind.
I feel like the engineers at HD could teach the Luddites a thing or two about resisting technology.
Don't get me wrong, I love the bike, there's a ton of things about that endear it to me, but I'm having a really rough time not getting frustrated and throwing wrenches every couple of hours. Maybe I just need an Ativan and a coffee break.
Anybody else suffer massive tech culture shock coming over to these twins?
I feel like the engineers at HD could teach the Luddites a thing or two about resisting technology.
Don't get me wrong, I love the bike, there's a ton of things about that endear it to me, but I'm having a really rough time not getting frustrated and throwing wrenches every couple of hours. Maybe I just need an Ativan and a coffee break.
Anybody else suffer massive tech culture shock coming over to these twins?
I can't imagine what is easier to work on than a Harley, so I don't get what you mean about the frustration and throwing wrenches.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: San Dimas
Thanks for the insight, but no, I didn't. The Fatboy came my way in a trade, it's selling point is that its one of the few bikes I can still get on, on account of a hip issue.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 21
From: Delaware
Hey Noxx once you get some time with it then you can judge it. Hardest thing is accepting the fact that you need so many different size wrenches, sockets, torx bits, and allen heads for what seems like every job. From my experience working on a Honda VTX you can practically rebuild the whole bike with a 10mm wrench and a screwdriver.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 242
Likes: 17
From: MN
Only gripe I have about my Harley over my Honda is the oil filter placement. I cuss Harley up, down, left, and right every time I change my engine oil. My filter on the wife's VTX is under the engine so that oil doesn't get everywhere when you remove the filter. And that POS plastic oil catch deal that HD sells to put under your filter when you remove it ain't worth a frack. One day I'll get one of those filter relocation kits. All other maintenance, HD is way better than any of the Hondas I've had, all the way down to removing the seat and gas tank. Way easier on the Harley.
The best way to deal with this is a piece of aluminum foil folded over and slipped up under the filter. Make sure it's long enough to clear the bike. Loosen filter oil drains into pan on foil. Wipe down filter housing remove foil and put on new filter. No mess.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 996
Likes: 0
From: Surprise, AZ
I gotta say I DON'T miss shim under bucket valve adjustments. And don't get me started on desmo valve adjustments. I just won't have another bike that requires some top end disassembly for routine maintenance.
Chains? PITA
Shafts? Final drive issues and no way to reasonably change gearing
I gladly give up certain elements of performance for less upkeep.
Chains? PITA
Shafts? Final drive issues and no way to reasonably change gearing
I gladly give up certain elements of performance for less upkeep.
Originally Posted by JRP267
The best way to deal with this is a piece of aluminum foil folded over and slipped up under the filter. Make sure it's long enough to clear the bike. Loosen filter oil drains into pan on foil. Wipe down filter housing remove foil and put on new filter. No mess.