School me....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,569
Likes: 57,123
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Thee "Old Dog" as you put it Does work on them and Does have the knowledge to do so its just the majority of any bikes (all of them) that have problems come from the 2008 and newer ones. Knowledge isn't the problem its Harley's new direction that doesn't sit well with him.
Look at the M & M's candy Has it changed NO Does it still look the same YES Does it taste the same over the years YES every ingredient inside it is still the same and many years have past since the Birth of the M & M's. Just one old mans 0.02
Look at the M & M's candy Has it changed NO Does it still look the same YES Does it taste the same over the years YES every ingredient inside it is still the same and many years have past since the Birth of the M & M's. Just one old mans 0.02
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 308
Likes: 39
From: So Cal Lower Desert
I Like This Guy. Especially that the fact the Dealers don't work on what they SOLD in the past 10+ yrs. Actually they don't have/keep the Tools to work on the oldies but goodies. The Dealerships repair wise only work on the new'esh bikes. That's there way in getting you to buy a newer bike and keeping there profit wallet thick.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 308
Likes: 39
From: So Cal Lower Desert
Well ... being as I'm an "old man" too ( on my 70th trip around the sun ) and having earned my living as a ASE mechanic for most of that time I'll say that change is inevitable ... the ones that want to learn will survive and flourish in spite of the products and will find ways to correct the inequities that the "mothership" has created
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157,569
Likes: 57,123
From: Michigan 15 Minutes East Of Hell
Yes Evolution of Design is inevitable I know its just when US Manufacturers have the product made overseas is a problem with the Cheapness they produce with the product. The Spirit of us buying new ideas that don't work well doesn't "Flourish" in my eyes. A tried and true idea works, why try and change it. That's right what was I thinking you can have a product made over in China for a $1 and sell it back in the USA for $30 what was I thinking, just have the product made here again for $15 or $20 and be proud you are keeping Americans with jobs. just my 0.02 guys
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 308
Likes: 39
From: So Cal Lower Desert
That's right what was I thinking you can have a product made over in China for a $1 and sell it back in the USA for $30 what was I thinking, just have the product made here again for $15 or $20 and be proud you are keeping Americans with jobs ... This I can go along with ... Excellent !
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I Like This Guy. Especially that the fact the Dealers don't work on what they SOLD in the past 10+ yrs. Actually they don't have/keep the Tools to work on the oldies but goodies. The Dealerships repair wise only work on the new'esh bikes. That's there way in getting you to buy a newer bike and keeping there profit wallet thick.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,413
From: OH
I have yet to experience all the horror issues that you read about with these 09 and up big twins. I do regular maintenance on them and they have yet to leave me stranded. One thing I can say is the pre-rushmore/CANBUS electrical system is easier for me with limited knowledge of electronics to work on if something electrical goes wrong. Mechanically all the ones I have owned right up to the M8 have been reliable.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,152
Likes: 406
From: Hurdle Mills NC
I accept that most makes and models of anything mechanical have their share of known problems and so I am not going to pass on a Harley. I am just trying to prepare myself for what the "cost of ownership" will be. My previous experience with HD was a 2000 Raod King....I sold it to fund my guitar gear and bought a metric bike to be able to do both hobbies.
So I mentioned in a previous post I am planning on buying a 2010 or newer EG Ultra Classic in the fall or spring (want to spend about 10 - 13K and no more than 15K). In my first post I was concerned about going needing to go to gear drive and after the replies and a little more research I have concluded that I won't necessarily "need' to invest in that.
Now, though, I am reading many posts about the compensator issue and I am concerned this will be an ongoing costly problem as it seems like some people have gone through several replacements and have experienced repeat failures. I am looking for some input here on what I can expect to pay for these repairs or what a good solid fix would be.....sprocket?
Many of the failures seem to be in 3 to 5k miles and with me putting on about 10K miles a year +/-, this could be a frequent problem
So I mentioned in a previous post I am planning on buying a 2010 or newer EG Ultra Classic in the fall or spring (want to spend about 10 - 13K and no more than 15K). In my first post I was concerned about going needing to go to gear drive and after the replies and a little more research I have concluded that I won't necessarily "need' to invest in that.
Now, though, I am reading many posts about the compensator issue and I am concerned this will be an ongoing costly problem as it seems like some people have gone through several replacements and have experienced repeat failures. I am looking for some input here on what I can expect to pay for these repairs or what a good solid fix would be.....sprocket?
Many of the failures seem to be in 3 to 5k miles and with me putting on about 10K miles a year +/-, this could be a frequent problem
You can soften the maintenance and repair wallet blow by finding a competent independent. I use a guy who is a custom builder who charges 50 an hour and is well versed with Harley as well as the ricer and euro brands. There is another guy who is out of range that is a master tech who opened his own shop. Ask around look around.
I started with harley and moved to ricers for some time, now back. No bashing .. truth based on MY experiences.Harleys do break down more often. I have at least 500k on hondas .. yamahas and Harleys since getting back into riding in 2004. I dont think that you can help all the nuances/common failures of each brand.
Research .. then make a choice and be ready and willing to deal what comes your way.
I dont often buy used bikes... it may be a good idea to buy an extended warranty if they offer them on used. If there is the potential of frequent failures, the return on investment should be realized quickly.
Really not much else you can do.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,271
Likes: 29
From: Green Country,Oklahoma
If you want about fool proof buy a Goldwing. If you ride the **** out of a Harley you are going to have issues. What I see these folks talking about for mileage is a joke. At 110,000 I have had quite a few issues. Right now 2013 parked at home waiting for engine seal , 2005 springer on duty with me at work 36,000 on it. Big Blue starting to need overhaul can not hardly pull itself up hill in sixth gear. Runs pretty good in fifth. Would I buy anything but a Harley no.