Repair or Buy new bike?
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6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
From: Pennsylvania
Repair or Buy new bike?
Hi fellow riders:
I desperately need some advice.
In 2014 I bought my first Harley, a used 2012 EG Ultra Limited with just 3500mi on it and the price was a bargain. I absolutely love that bike! Up to now I really did not have any issues with the bike, except wear&tear items like tires, brake pads.
Fast forward to today. I brought in the bike for the 45000mi service and was told of several issues:
I asked the service guy what would be the "next big repair" to be expected and he mentioned the valve pistons levers ($800-$1000) to start worrying about in about another 10000mi or so.
I ride about 10000mi/year, most of it on weekends (100-200 mi), one big tour 3500mi/year, and to work whenever weather permits. I never winterize the bike, I ride all year long (Philadelphia area).
Since this is my first bike here are my questions:
Please let me know your opinion. In particular the question of how reliable my "vintage" of Electra Glide is is something I would liek to learn about in order to make an educated decision.
Thanks in advance,
Stefan
I desperately need some advice.
In 2014 I bought my first Harley, a used 2012 EG Ultra Limited with just 3500mi on it and the price was a bargain. I absolutely love that bike! Up to now I really did not have any issues with the bike, except wear&tear items like tires, brake pads.
Fast forward to today. I brought in the bike for the 45000mi service and was told of several issues:
- Rear brake rotors below specs (kind of expected)
- Front rotors just above specs (also kind of expected)
- But what threw me a curveball was the fact that the belt and the pulley (and some related small parts) were pretty worn and would need to be replaced better sooner than later.
I asked the service guy what would be the "next big repair" to be expected and he mentioned the valve pistons levers ($800-$1000) to start worrying about in about another 10000mi or so.
I ride about 10000mi/year, most of it on weekends (100-200 mi), one big tour 3500mi/year, and to work whenever weather permits. I never winterize the bike, I ride all year long (Philadelphia area).
Since this is my first bike here are my questions:
- What is the typical life span of an Electra Glide? (I ride pretty gentle, e.g. my rear tires which I wanted to have replaces today have 15000mi on it.)
- Any opinion of whether I should pay up and keep the bike? To be honest, I really hesitate to shell out about $25000 (plus the trade in $7000) for a new bike. BTW, the better engine of the newer bikes etc. is not an argument for me right now.
- Would it be better to keep the bike, put up the $4000 and $1000 in a year or two and "ride it to death"?
- What else is likely to fail over the next 40000 mi?
Please let me know your opinion. In particular the question of how reliable my "vintage" of Electra Glide is is something I would liek to learn about in order to make an educated decision.
Thanks in advance,
Stefan
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 1,524
From: Bunola pa
4000 for brakes and a belt? Time for a new dealer imo. Whats wrong with the sprockets? Did something get caught in one?
is that in pesos or something? Looking parts up online you might have 750 in parts.
is that in pesos or something? Looking parts up online you might have 750 in parts.
Last edited by Jshopes; Nov 28, 2018 at 08:01 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
That's an outrageous estimate evern for up here. It's about $600 in parts up here. Rear wheel has to come off for the belt swap so they can't pyramid the Labour for the rear rotor change. The belt change is a pain in the butt because the singarm has to come off but I seriously question why it requires changing with the mileage you have. Get a 2nd opinion.
Last edited by RevBlk; Nov 28, 2018 at 08:08 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 14,438
Likes: 2,421
From: Pittsburgh, Pa
I agree with these guys. That price is nuts! Find a local indy or put some of that amount in tools and a manual and do it yourself. It's winter. So you are not riding anyways. Take your time and do it yourself so when it gets warm, your riding. Worse case, if you screw it up someone here can help get it fixed! We're all here for you!
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,801
Likes: 3,800
From: Cape Cod
just had both pulleys and belt replaced when the belt broke last spring........$1200 at dealer.....lots of labor
valve pistons levers???????
Dont forget the fuel filter.......
valve pistons levers???????
Dont forget the fuel filter.......
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Were they looking you in the eyes when they said that? It's the turnip truck effect, getting treated like you just fell off one....
Last edited by TwiZted Biker; Nov 28, 2018 at 08:18 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,034
Likes: 1,524
From: Bunola pa
i was leaning towards lifters and rocker arms but who knows. I do know that 4k for a belt and pads is stupid.