Your worst bike?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,179
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
My worst bike was a Kawasaki 500 Mach III.
3 cylinder machine that had a dead spot in the power band that would all of a sudden catch and about dump me every time, especially if I forgot and was on the throttle hard.
3 cylinder machine that had a dead spot in the power band that would all of a sudden catch and about dump me every time, especially if I forgot and was on the throttle hard.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
First one in 1965 at 15, was a 125 Capriolo, no less than 30 brake and clutch cables, couldnt leave the city without braking one. then less than 3k on it the risk pin came out and the piston froze in the cyl. which dealer said it wasn't covered in warranty. traded for 305 super hawk as soon as we got it back together.
In 71 bought a used 69 xlch 4k on it which wasn't much better, a lot of valve problems.
rode it hard but it took yearly tear downs to work on valves
In 71 bought a used 69 xlch 4k on it which wasn't much better, a lot of valve problems.
rode it hard but it took yearly tear downs to work on valves
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 654
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Island, BC
This one is a no brainer for me .. Although loved it when it ran right ... 64 Triumph Bonneville .. Don't mention Lucas Electrics unless want to ruin my day .. After spending more time beside the road than riding trying to figure out whats wrong electrically this time, Sold it for about 1/2 what paid for it ..
Also whenever I was about 30 miles from anywhere, the engine would quit. I think I pushed that thing more miles than I rode it.
Not to mention the near cardiac arrests and almost broken leg trying to start it.
And don't even talk about oil leaks. ha ha
Stubby
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 823
Likes: 1
From: Chattanooga, TN
Had many bikes over the years and by far the worst one was a 79 super glide (AMF). I bought it new and it was broke down more then it ran. I was always afraid to take it out of town because I never knew if I would make back home, (This was before cell phones).
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,920
Likes: 264
From: Deep in the heart of New Jersey
Many moons ago I had a '48 pan that was cool lookin but could just about fall apart underneath you while riding. Only had a rear brake, and the rod broke about 4 times. It's a real eye opener when going to push on the brake and theres no peddle there. Had the frame break and more annoying issues then I want to remember.Wish I had it today.,,