I am getting ready at the age of 47 to purchsae my first Harley. I am wanting the 2005 Heritage Softail Classic. I have always had Hondas up to this point. Now my friends that still ride Hondas tell me even the new Harleys leak oil, and that due to vibration you are constantly having to check bolts. I cannot deny Hondas are dependable and that I have had great luck with them. But, I have come into the situation to buy a new Harley, and for me this has been a life time dream. Is there anything I should know before I purchase a Harley. I have a fair amount of mechanical knowledge, but I am sure I would take my bike to the dealer for maintenance and general work. Are they pretty much turn key and go? or do you have to go over them before every ride?

 

You probably should go over any bike before a ride... Leak oil - NOT! Vibrate - NOT! Especially the Harley that you are anticipating - it has a syncro-balanced engine. AND the new Harley Davidsons do not leak oil at all.

Honda, Kawasaki, and Suzuki are wanna-be Harleys so why would they have anything good to say about the best motorcycle (with the most class) in the world? Get your Harley, you'll never look back.

Your new Harley will not reveal its true self for the first 500 - 1000 miles. Being new, many components work in during the break in and improve in performance. Get the FI, you'll be most satisfied.

BClem

Where is everybody?

 

Oil leaks?

The problem with oil leaks, is not being able to fix them in the 1st place. I've heard the some ol stuff about Harleys and oil leaks, however with my 73 ElectraGlide after a collision that required pulling the outer primary, I was maticulous about cleaning, sealing and replacing it. No Leaks.

Now this ol 78 I bought with some leakage, I've already cured some with replacing the oil lines.

Now how does this apply to a new bike... it doesn't

Make your purchase Heritage Dream, like BC said, "you won't look back!"

 

Thank you both for taking the time to answer my questions. This is a lot of money to me, but it is something I have always wanted. I figured I was being given bad info from my friends. Again thanks !!!!!!

 

I just purchased a new Harley myself... These things are solid. I did plenty of homework before I laid the tall dollar. Sounds like a few uneducated friends or a bit of envy/ jealousy. You won't regret it man, DO IT.

 

I've got to agree with B.B. Get an H.D, you won't regret one minute of it.

 

Howdy, I've been riding very used jap bikes for 30 years thinking I couldn't afford a Harley. I purchased my first Harley last year. And it to was almost ten years old when I bought it. I should have never waited. I wish I had bought a Harley years ago. But with the kids activities and trying to make a living I thought I couldn't afford one. But that's history. My advice is buy the Heritage and enjoy it. If my old bike if dependable jut think what a new one will be like.

 

I have an 05 Heritage. I love it! No vibrations, no oil leaks, no problems...

Ryan

 

I bought a new hertiage softail classic in 2003 and you will not find a speck of oil no where under it and also it is as smooth as i have ever seen.

 

I've have had two new Harleys and have never seen a spot!
Your friends are going insain from riding in the metric system!

-Billy