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I'm usually pretty harsh on the engineering, especially on the newer bikes. I try to do all my own work, and it can't be done, or at least easily and economically done, on the electronic gadgetry, EPA mandated, and easy-to-assemble-but-a-bitch-to-work-on bikes of today.
Been dreading taking the front pipe loose on the Nightster to install the forward brake assembly because of the crossover. Much to my surprise the design pretty much assures a leak-free connection, as the pipe is pulled into the crossover by tightening the mounting cap screws. Good design!
I think they are pretty user friendly for service, one of the guys at work has a metric cruiser and he has to remove one whole header pipe and muffler just to change the oil.
I just took out my stator today, for three days I knew I was going to have to attack it, and never having done it before I was not looking forward to it. It turns out its not that tuff a job.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.