Concerned about owning a Harley
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 505
Likes: 194
This year I thought I would get into the harley scene.
FWIW I have a10 year old road king with 100k and no real issues.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
So I now own 3 bikes.
2008 Honda VTX 1300
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700
2016 Harley Road glide ultra
I use to tease all my buddies about there harleys. I'm sure you all have heard it. Lol
I've owned my Kawasaki and Honda for several years.
Never ever have I had any issues with either of them. I am a snowbird and go to Florida for the winter. Never an issue.
This year I thought I would get into the harley scene.
I purchased my Harley in Dec and came to Florida.
In the first week I was riding I couldn't shift gears. The clutch wasn't working. I took it to the dealer and no big deal, the fluid was low and had to be filled.
2 weeks later I begin to go for a ride and my temp light and check engine light comes on. I drove straight to the dealer.
Turns out the water pump failed. Apparently it's a problem with pre 2017 bikes. The water pumps were failing and they change the design. $700 US later I'm back on the road.
Now I fight with the decision, do I just get rid of this thing and go back to riding my other bikes or I've determined that in order to own a Harley you need 3 things.
1. Extended Warranty
2. Tool box in the bags
3. Twist Ties
This bike only has 6000 miles.
Just venting now, but really need to decide what to do.
2008 Honda VTX 1300
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700
2016 Harley Road glide ultra
I use to tease all my buddies about there harleys. I'm sure you all have heard it. Lol
I've owned my Kawasaki and Honda for several years.
Never ever have I had any issues with either of them. I am a snowbird and go to Florida for the winter. Never an issue.
This year I thought I would get into the harley scene.
I purchased my Harley in Dec and came to Florida.
In the first week I was riding I couldn't shift gears. The clutch wasn't working. I took it to the dealer and no big deal, the fluid was low and had to be filled.
2 weeks later I begin to go for a ride and my temp light and check engine light comes on. I drove straight to the dealer.
Turns out the water pump failed. Apparently it's a problem with pre 2017 bikes. The water pumps were failing and they change the design. $700 US later I'm back on the road.
Now I fight with the decision, do I just get rid of this thing and go back to riding my other bikes or I've determined that in order to own a Harley you need 3 things.
1. Extended Warranty
2. Tool box in the bags
3. Twist Ties
This bike only has 6000 miles.
Just venting now, but really need to decide what to do.
You have a nice bike there. I wouldn't panic about the one issue of he water pump, because that's behind you now. Fro here on, have the dealer do the next few service intervals for you. They have a big checklist of things to fix, replace, and check. They will find out if there are any other problems that need immediate attention. After a few service intervals by the dealer, you may want to do your own maintenance. If so, You need to buy the Harley SERVICE MANUAL for YOUR bike, 2016 Road Glide Ultra. That way, you know what, and HOW, to do what's necessary.
Two things I've learned about Harleys and other bikes over the years: 1. Harleys aren't as bad as you've heard 2. Metrics aren't as reliable as you've heard. In other words, even the Goldwings have had their share of "issues" over the years too.
Enjoy that bike! It's a good one!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 4,126
Likes: 2,117
From: W. MI.
I guess this is just me. IF I buy used, I test ride. I check the oil before I do that. That tells a bunch. If I like what I rode, I will buy it. When I get it home I fully service it. That's when I can usually see the big picture and catch the seen problems. To each their own.
The unforeseen stuff is always a gamble. But, the chance you take buy used and maybe someone else's problems.
The unforeseen stuff is always a gamble. But, the chance you take buy used and maybe someone else's problems.
Last edited by Bass Player; Feb 20, 2020 at 11:32 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 2,235
Likes: 1,210
From: AZ
So I now own 3 bikes.
2008 Honda VTX 1300
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700
2016 Harley Road glide ultra
I use to tease all my buddies about there harleys. I'm sure you all have heard it. Lol
I've owned my Kawasaki and Honda for several years.
Never ever have I had any issues with either of them. I am a snowbird and go to Florida for the winter. Never an issue.
This year I thought I would get into the harley scene.
I purchased my Harley in Dec and came to Florida.
In the first week I was riding I couldn't shift gears. The clutch wasn't working. I took it to the dealer and no big deal, the fluid was low and had to be filled.
2 weeks later I begin to go for a ride and my temp light and check engine light comes on. I drove straight to the dealer.
Turns out the water pump failed. Apparently it's a problem with pre 2017 bikes. The water pumps were failing and they change the design. $700 US later I'm back on the road.
Now I fight with the decision, do I just get rid of this thing and go back to riding my other bikes or I've determined that in order to own a Harley you need 3 things.
1. Extended Warranty
2. Tool box in the bags
3. Twist Ties
This bike only has 6000 miles.
Just venting now, but really need to decide what to do.
2008 Honda VTX 1300
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700
2016 Harley Road glide ultra
I use to tease all my buddies about there harleys. I'm sure you all have heard it. Lol
I've owned my Kawasaki and Honda for several years.
Never ever have I had any issues with either of them. I am a snowbird and go to Florida for the winter. Never an issue.
This year I thought I would get into the harley scene.
I purchased my Harley in Dec and came to Florida.
In the first week I was riding I couldn't shift gears. The clutch wasn't working. I took it to the dealer and no big deal, the fluid was low and had to be filled.
2 weeks later I begin to go for a ride and my temp light and check engine light comes on. I drove straight to the dealer.
Turns out the water pump failed. Apparently it's a problem with pre 2017 bikes. The water pumps were failing and they change the design. $700 US later I'm back on the road.
Now I fight with the decision, do I just get rid of this thing and go back to riding my other bikes or I've determined that in order to own a Harley you need 3 things.
1. Extended Warranty
2. Tool box in the bags
3. Twist Ties
This bike only has 6000 miles.
Just venting now, but really need to decide what to do.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 261
Likes: 186
So I now own 3 bikes.
2008 Honda VTX 1300
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700
2016 Harley Road glide ultra
I use to tease all my buddies about there harleys. I'm sure you all have heard it. Lol
I've owned my Kawasaki and Honda for several years.
Never ever have I had any issues with either of them. I am a snowbird and go to Florida for the winter. Never an issue.
This year I thought I would get into the harley scene.
I purchased my Harley in Dec and came to Florida.
In the first week I was riding I couldn't shift gears. The clutch wasn't working. I took it to the dealer and no big deal, the fluid was low and had to be filled.
2 weeks later I begin to go for a ride and my temp light and check engine light comes on. I drove straight to the dealer.
Turns out the water pump failed. Apparently it's a problem with pre 2017 bikes. The water pumps were failing and they change the design. $700 US later I'm back on the road.
Now I fight with the decision, do I just get rid of this thing and go back to riding my other bikes or I've determined that in order to own a Harley you need 3 things.
1. Extended Warranty
2. Tool box in the bags
3. Twist Ties
This bike only has 6000 miles.
Just venting now, but really need to decide what to do.
2008 Honda VTX 1300
2013 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700
2016 Harley Road glide ultra
I use to tease all my buddies about there harleys. I'm sure you all have heard it. Lol
I've owned my Kawasaki and Honda for several years.
Never ever have I had any issues with either of them. I am a snowbird and go to Florida for the winter. Never an issue.
This year I thought I would get into the harley scene.
I purchased my Harley in Dec and came to Florida.
In the first week I was riding I couldn't shift gears. The clutch wasn't working. I took it to the dealer and no big deal, the fluid was low and had to be filled.
2 weeks later I begin to go for a ride and my temp light and check engine light comes on. I drove straight to the dealer.
Turns out the water pump failed. Apparently it's a problem with pre 2017 bikes. The water pumps were failing and they change the design. $700 US later I'm back on the road.
Now I fight with the decision, do I just get rid of this thing and go back to riding my other bikes or I've determined that in order to own a Harley you need 3 things.
1. Extended Warranty
2. Tool box in the bags
3. Twist Ties
This bike only has 6000 miles.
Just venting now, but really need to decide what to do.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,000
Likes: 11,441
Go back to your metric you do not have a clue what your doing. Have owned many HD. And from 1996 on have not had any real issue with them. Fastest way to cause issue with a HD is read the internet.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 8,039
Likes: 1,305
From: Jayhawk Country
I'm gonna respond with out quoting your original post because that is just simply ridiculous, Sell it and move on.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
I certainly wouldn't be happy, but I've had used vehicles break down on me a few times early on until I got things sorted out on them. Not many miles and pretty new for the stuff you describe, but so be it.
I too come from a metric bike background, mostly Honda. Harley was not even on my radar, but I rode a Road King and fell in love. Actually, my 04 RK has been one of the most reliable bikes I've ever owned.
I too come from a metric bike background, mostly Honda. Harley was not even on my radar, but I rode a Road King and fell in love. Actually, my 04 RK has been one of the most reliable bikes I've ever owned.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 655
Likes: 759
From: Coconino County AZ
I've owned many different brands of bikes over the last half-century, new & used. There wasn't one I didn't have somethog that needed fixing. Same with all the cars and trucks and Jeeps I've owned. If you're scared away from a couple of bumps in the road, go back to what you know. Life is too short to worry. If you have a bike that was trouble free (not too likely, but) stay with that bike, never sell it and ride on brother. Maybe your expectations are greater than what H-D can provide.