So not to be a dick but......
Just wondering if it is acceptable behavior to buy a Harley just because you like the styling, the sound, the image, and having wind in your face. Do you have to be a mechanic, or be mechanically inclined to be viewed as a proper Harley owner? I rode dirt bikes for many many years, and wrenched on them all the time. Completely changed frames on one of them. Nowadays, I just like to ride mine. Bought it with a service contract and it goes into Harley every 2500 miles for scheduled maintenance. I have never had an issue with it. Not a drop of oil, no bolts falling off, nothing. Now, I did do all the wrenching on the modified rear end, but had an indy do the bars, headlight, and forks. Im not sure I will be able to sleep at night if I cant be viewed as a proper Harley owner. Obviously there is nothing wrong with a person who has been around Harley's since the panhead days, but is there anything wrong with a guy who decided he likes Harley's later in life and just wants to ride? I think not...but then Ive been wrong a time or two.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,217
Likes: 90
From: Detroit
Who knows if all this stuff was done properly prior to your owning the bike? Depending who's worked on it, any vehicle can leak oil and have parts fall off.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 911
Likes: 9
From: colorado
Your kidding right? Am i suppose to be paying friendship dues for owning a Harley? Yes I bought a Harley b/c its a Harley. There is the legend of the brand. I would not have bought a metric bike for the simple reason that they are a poor investment. I have never rode anything but a Harley but i would not be surprised if a Metric bike is "nicer". My 21 year old FLSTC is worth more than most Metrics 1/3 its age. IMO it only matters how b.a. a biker you are if your trying to join a m.c. The only application required for owning a Harley is if you cant pay full price in cash. Am I wrong?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
Mine dripped 2 weeks after receiving it. 15,000 miles. Turned out whoever serviced the trans had cross-threaded the drain plug during reinstall. I cleaned up the threads and it hasn't leaked a drop from anywhere since. When I do maintenance, I always go around the area I happen to be working and check whatever nut or bolt I can reach. It's a Harley and I love it. Everything else is just a motorcycle.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 0
From: FLORIDA
I had a NEW 09 Street Bob that got an oil leak from the oil sensor. Fortunately, I had the grey engine cover and it showed a slight shadow. Had I bought the one with the black engine, I might have never seen it. These bikes are built by people and people aren't necessarily on top of their game ever day at work in any profession.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 125
From: Japan
These bikes make loud noises (not just from the pipes), they vibrate, they're hot, parts come loose once in awhile and yes, they even spring leaks from time to time. No, they're not as precision, fast, or perhaps even as reliable as a BMW yet, they're still the most desirable bike, EVER. Can't swallow paying almost 20 grand and deal with what makes a Harley a Harley? There are plenty of other choices out there. Take yer pick and stop whinin!
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 974
Likes: 4
From: Utah
Well..it is a Harley. Buy stock in Loctite like others have said. They will vibrate bolts loose occasionally. As far as the primary leak goes, that would be a maintenance issue 90% of the time. You gotta take care of them just like anything else.