Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville, Fla
Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
I've posted many threads about the brackets that keep breaking on our batwing touring bikes...just got word from HD engineering headquarters that they're not going to fix this problem on bikes that have slip-on after market pipes.
They said that they've done dyno tests on bikes with upgraded exhaust systems and there is more vibration translated to the fairing causing these brackets to break? YEAH RIGHT.
The local HD shop manager that istrying to get a more permanent repair is a bit confused as well. He said that as long as I have my bike they will continue to replace these brackets at no cost to me.
Not what I wanted to hear! It looks as though HD will never fix these cheesy brackets as long as they can find ANY modification to your bike that deviates from the original bike when you bought it!
I have access to tooling where I work and we're going to manufacture a piece that will solid rivit to the end peice of the these brackets that breaks;they will be made of stainless steel. I'll prove them out after one month of riding and then offer them to anyone that wants or needs them at the same cost as you would buy them from HD.
They said that they've done dyno tests on bikes with upgraded exhaust systems and there is more vibration translated to the fairing causing these brackets to break? YEAH RIGHT.
The local HD shop manager that istrying to get a more permanent repair is a bit confused as well. He said that as long as I have my bike they will continue to replace these brackets at no cost to me.
Not what I wanted to hear! It looks as though HD will never fix these cheesy brackets as long as they can find ANY modification to your bike that deviates from the original bike when you bought it!
I have access to tooling where I work and we're going to manufacture a piece that will solid rivit to the end peice of the these brackets that breaks;they will be made of stainless steel. I'll prove them out after one month of riding and then offer them to anyone that wants or needs them at the same cost as you would buy them from HD.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
I certainly am no engineer, but increased vibration or vibration frequency could cause this problem for you describe. I understand your upset, but you
did modify the bike from stock. They might have a point!
did modify the bike from stock. They might have a point!
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville, Fla
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
The problem with that analogy is that most people I know have upgrade exhaust?
Bottom line...these brackets are worthless for their intended purpose.
Bottom line...these brackets are worthless for their intended purpose.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
That could be the situation indeed. But, again, the bike wasn't delivered with after market High Performance pipes - it was designed to be used with the stock exhaust.
It would be nice if HD fixed everyones problems.
It would be nice if HD fixed everyones problems.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 694
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
If the moco uses that as an excuse not to fix a bike under warrenty, then they will only fix2% of the bikes, because 98% of us change the exhaust, plus a lot of other things...... Come on now..... Get your head out of the sand.......... hdman PS And the moco SELLS modifed exhaust and Other Goodies that are on the show room floor......
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 477
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville, Fla
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
HDSAE60,
It's just another way for the MOCO to NOT do something to fix the problem.
It's just another way for the MOCO to NOT do something to fix the problem.
Trending Topics
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
you can't run these NEW bikes very long stock,they run too hot thanks EPA,.and the selling point of aftermarket pipes and a/c was to get a freeier flowing system to cool them down.now they see it causes a problem they tell you that was the cause? one word
LOOPHOLE
LOOPHOLE
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
Likes: 0
From: Cato, WI
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
Fry---I did the same mod on my brackets. Trimmed back end about an inch where the fracture is happening and used .075 304 SS sheet twice the lengthshaped to match the original. I used both epoxy and rivets at the joint. 2 1/2 years and nearly 20K miles and all is fine.
And yes the motor in nonstock. - way non-stock! Tom
And yes the motor in nonstock. - way non-stock! Tom
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 501
Likes: 0
From: Galveston Bay Area, The Republic of Texas
RE: Batwing Touring bikes...brackets
My dealership sells most of their new bikes with aftermarket pipes and mufflers before they even roll out the door. The MOCO is doing anything to blow off the issue just like the vibration/chatter issues with 07's which can be repaired with IDS. I have a complete aftermarket exhaust system with fuelpac. Batwing has been fine so far. Since my dealer installed them for me, they let me know any warranty issues will be covered and addressed. If this will happen to my UC then we will find out once I go in for that repair.