Never found out where in Cali... I was told it was used by H-D as a "marketing" bike. That was straight from customer support in Milwaukee after they ran my VIN.

 

I am a certified Harley Tech and my opinion is take the trade you can get the guard dawg a lot cheaper than the HD security and still have a better bike I would try to get some parts and accessories discount to just my 2 cents the dealership will honor most decent requests to keep you as a customer good luck and enjoy the breeze!!!!!!!!!

 

Rob,

Like the others, I would return the 2011 for the 2012 even if it costs an additional $1k. I would still haggle for an even trade. The bubbled paint and rust are the defects you can see, what's present that you can't see? It would be nice to retain the ABS but not with the problems you've encountered on the 2011. If you want the security, that can be added later for a few hundred bucks.

As far as the other questions, both the 96 and 103 are reliable engines. IMO, the 96 is a good but the 103 is better. tconrad002 gave you two good reasons why. Lastly, I don't believe the V&H Shortshots for the 2011 will fit the 2012. NocturnalNature gave the most likely explanation why.

So, it sucks that you have to go through this. For your troubles, maybe the dealer can throw in the 1k service or, even better, the 1k & 5k service unless you prefer to do those yourself. Each is around $300 at most dealers.

Let us know what happens. Nonetheless, welcome to the forum and congrats on your eventual new (to you) Blackline.

 

I will do it for 1k but if they swing it for even up I will be ecstatic. The only thing I left out is that I noticed the rusted area on the swingarm the day of purchase but that was the only spot I noticed. I told the sales guy and he assured me that it would be taken care of before I saw it again. I called him again yesterday (day before delivery) and he again said I assure you the bike is perfect. Then I got it today and the spot was still there and I noticed everything else. That is when I went ballistic in the most polite fashion and spoke directly with the owner of the dealership. Adding that onto the previous story should hopefully give me bargaining power for the 1K difference. It really bugged me that he lied to me without a care in the world.

 

...talking about the 1 and 5k services. Any suggestions on oil, gear lube and grease? I have been considering Amsoil 20W50 in all three, Amsoil filter and Amsoil #2 grease for the head bearing lube. Is there such thing as a PDF manual available for these things? I am going to purchase the three manuals but I would really like the PDF version as well.

 

You can never go wrong with Amsoil in all three holes.
http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...l/?GroupID=169

Others will likely chime in with their recommendations.

HD only sells their manuals in print. You would have to create your own digital copy of it. Older manuals may be available online in digital (pdf) format???

 

Personally I would not do it. Security and ABS come as a package deal so no security no ABS. I personally would not buy another bike without ABS if it is an option for that make. I would see if they could do a trade on a slim or fatboy lo with ABS.

 

Get rid of the salt bike as quickly as you can. You will find more damage and it will get worse. I have an Army buddy that was stationed in Alaska for a couple of years and his bike is only 4 years old and looks like it is 20 years old from all the road salt damage. His truck looks even worse.

 

While i like ABS (i know lots don't) your better off with the 103 and no rust.

The rust will hurt you a lot more in the long run than no abs if u ever decide to sell not to mention possible further problems

 

I'd try and talk them down, tell them they had no business selling a bike with that much corrosion.

If they won't budge, I'd still take the deal, for the warranty and bigger engine