Harleys reliable?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 128
They sold roughly 54,000 new bikes in the first quarter. Guys don't start threads about NOT having a problem and the number of people that do compared to the annual sales is very small. I've owned Harleys since the late 60's and the only time my bike was in the shop for a repair not caused by an accident or neglect was exactly 1 time and that was for a broken throttle cable about 6 months after purchasing the bike new. Sure I've had problems, but nothing unexpected given the mileage the bike had on it when the problem surfaced. I replaced a base gasket on a 84 shovel after 56K miles. I've replaced clutch plates, brake pads, batteries, lights, cables, chains, and a million other pieces and parts, but all of it was due to normal wear and tear. They have been as reliable as I could have ever hoped for. I've ridden my bikes through every state east of the Mississippi and a few west, and I've never broken down on the road except for that damned throttle cable.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,813
Likes: 6
From: Rio Grande Valley-Texas
Been riding for about 40yrs now. The great majority of issues I've had with any of my bikes have been self-induced. Modifications, extreme environment and plain old abuse. Outsiders confuse continual wrenching on a bike as always broken when the truth is some of us older types just cant leave nothing stock or well enough alone.
Last edited by AtkRWC; Jul 2, 2013 at 11:35 AM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
In 17 years of Harley ownership, not a single problem when I took care of them. I did let one sit in Louisiana for a few years. Then and only then, problems.
Take care of the bike, and it will take care of you.
Take care of the bike, and it will take care of you.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Newmarket, NH
I bought my Heritage Softail in early 2011 (new) and have yet to have even one warranty claim. Very dependable and well made in my opinion.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
Guess I have to stand apart from most of the other posters on this thread. I've owned a bunch of bikes/cars/trucks since 1968 and my current '04 Dyna has been the most unreliable of them all. It is it only vehicle I've ever owned that left me walking miles from home for mechanical (not crash) reasons. It was a retired cop bike so I guess it didn't have an easy life before I got it, but in my ownership tenure, I've found it absolutely necessary to either (a) have deep pockets for parts/repairs or (b) be a pretty fair mechanic. Just my experience.
Hopefully you've worked the bugs out of it by now.
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