School me....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,143
Likes: 11,211
From: San Diego, CA
OP.... knowledge is power.... the forums are excellent for learning things about these bikes that a dealer or salesman will never tell you...
There are known problems for known years from the 40's to the present.... research the years you are interested in and store that info for future reference... whether that be for a pre-purchase inspection, bargaining for price, or planning maintenance and/or upgrades... But don't let it keep you from buying a Harley..
You will learn that there are problems that need to be addressed and others that only need to be addressed if an issue arises... good to know the problems in either case..
Examples;
1) There are years that have spring cam tensioners (88" engines), which is a known weakness for those years. I have two models that had spring tensioners and I addressed them. I don't believe it's one of those issues that can be ignored, as the consequences of a failure are significant, and there are several ways to reliably fix them. If you look at a bike from those years... check to see if they have been dealt with, if not negotiate price accordingly, and if you get one where they haven't been addressed, fix it.... you will then have a reliable, good bike...
2) There are years that had parts with issues, like the "redesigned" compensator in 2006-07. It originally was terrible, the MoCo improved it over the years, and they currently offer a version that while not bullet proof like the pre-2006 compensators, is acceptable. If you have one of the trouble years, there's no need to fix it if it doesn't make noise... but be aware that it may/could go bad, and note the warning signs. You will then be prepared for a quick diagnosis and fix if it should happen to you..
Be informed, inspect a potential purchase closely, ask a lot of questions, and if you don't like the way soemthing looks, sounds, runs or the seller seems to be giving you a run around.... walk away... there are a lot of used Harleys out there and it's a buyer's market...!!
Enjoy the search and good luck....
Last edited by hattitude; Oct 8, 2019 at 09:59 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 6,863
Likes: 3,727
From: St. Charles, MO
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
Last edited by QNman; Oct 8, 2019 at 09:30 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 406
From: Hurdle Mills NC
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.
The new ones have at least one catastrophic engine failure. I have also heard there are problems with the front end .. that's scary ..
I owned the 2012 and a 2016 Wings.. solid bikes for
the most part .. but they still had their problems.
Like I said earlier, dont think you can get away from common mechanical issues.
Hope my new SG can handle the beating. Bought it in July and getting ready to roll 9k. Praying.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 406
From: Hurdle Mills NC
The day I was supposed to pick up my new 2012 Goldwing; one of the first of the then new body style sold, I was about to leave the house and got a call from the dealership who told me not to come. Brake recall .. he couldn't release the bike. Rode that bike for 92k before trading it ... when ever the rear brake heated up I would have a shutter.
The new ones have at least one catastrophic engine failure. I have also heard there are problems with the front end .. that's scary ..
I owned the 2012 and a 2016 Wings.. solid bikes for
the most part .. but they still had their problems.
Like I said earlier, dont think you can get away from common mechanical issues.
Hope my new SG can handle the beating. Bought it in July and getting ready to roll 9k. Praying.
The new ones have at least one catastrophic engine failure. I have also heard there are problems with the front end .. that's scary ..
I owned the 2012 and a 2016 Wings.. solid bikes for
the most part .. but they still had their problems.
Like I said earlier, dont think you can get away from common mechanical issues.
Hope my new SG can handle the beating. Bought it in July and getting ready to roll 9k. Praying.
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