Not to sound negative, but after reading all the different post about the Harley's, it seems logical to be skeptical about buying this motorcycle. It's depressing to say the least. Sounds like a crap shoot as to whether you’re going to get a decent problem free bike.

Everything from losing electrical power, oil leaks, mixtures not adjusted properly, and a slew of others horror/mechanical problems listed in this forum. Why would someone buy this brand?

I am days away from picking up my '06 UC and a bit worried about the reliability of this machine. As a consumer spending 20K+, shouldn't I expect a gem?

Haven't they been building this motorcycle for over 100 years? Shouldn't the bugs be worked out? How complicated can this machine be? Come on now. For the price, shouldn't folks expect a better product out the door? Are the employee incompetent? Or poorly trained?

I know Harley is the image, but my goodness, don’t you expect reliability? For 20K+, this bike should be turn key and problem free for a long time. With all the problems, maybe the selling price should be comparable to the quality of the product, or lack there of.

Hate to say Honda, I know they've had problems with their 1800's, but it seems they have a lot less problems than the Harley's. Is perception reality? It seems all the HD problems are complicated and are never an easy fix. Many of the problems which include simple fixes, are totally unacceptable for this type of product.

I just want a bike to ride that will provide years and miles of problem free mechanical gaffs. Is this the bike? I know the responses will include, if unhappy, go buy a Honda, BMW, or another brand.

Is there a quality control department @ HD? Quality assurance? Or do they just Wing it?( No pun intended) It almost like folks expect problems of some sort when purchasing a HD. Is that the expectation I should look forward to?

Sorry about the rant, but why settle for less when the expectation is high? Are the words service dept and job secuirty synonymous?

 

This is strictly a HD site, so you hear about all the complaints about HD. I also own, owned other brands and have complained about their problems on their respective sites. Plus, you have to remember that it is human nature to talk about the bad, and not the good. This is true with all aspects of our lives.

I am sure once you get in the saddle you will love your new ride.

Scout

 

One thing you have to keep in mind is perspective There are over 6000 registered users on this site Not counting the visitors. Harley sells hundreds of thousands of bikes a year. In perspective the relatively few complaints you hear on this site are a small percentage of the users and in turn there is probably a smaller percentage of complaints in ratio to total units sold. Just check the problems Ford is having where they are recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles for defects and that is only the ones they have to recall Consumer complaints on most other vehicles are enormous and a much higher percentage. Like its been said you only hear of the complaints Check out the Dyna world thread to see an example of satisfied customers who, like myself, have purchased and never had a problem and could not be happier. Odds are definitely in your favor of being a satisfied customer who loves their machine. Give it a chance before you start worrying. My .02

 

I ride the s... out of my 05 Ultra Classic. $23K out the door and after 10,000 trouble free miles I asked the Service Department how to check the oil. I have it regularly serviced by my dealer.

I suppose it's not wise to spend $23K and not bother even checking the oil. But that's the confidence I have in HD. I bought it to ride. I usually have bug juice all over the front end and let my dealer cleaner her up.

I too have read of the problems but then that's what this site is for. Most are related to modifications that the rider wanted.

I suggest you leave it stock. Mine is. It sounds and rides great. Whenever I stop around other bikes, everyone looks at mine!

I'm a very happy Harley Davidson owner rider. You will be too! :=]

Best Wishes,

Bob

 

It seems most of the so called problems come from the modifications we tend to make on the bikes. Once you change your pipes and A/C you need to make sure it's mapped correctly. Spending a little bit more for the Race Tuner and some Dyno time should take care of that problem.


Kicks

 

There is a "final drive" inspector at each plant but the assembly line employees are responsible for their own quality control.

Don't worry about the rant, you have every right to have the concerns you have and to ask the questions you asked...I'm sure you'll get some good advice here. Just keep in mind that this is a natural place for Harley owners to vent and get their problems solved. When everything is going fine, we are over in the "Off Topic" section or surfing other sites. I've had three Harley's and have had my share of minor "quirks" but nothing that would keep me from jumping on the bike and heading cross-country.

Good Luck!

 

I guess I needed the shot in the arm days before picking up my new ride and spending 20K+. I appreciate the confidence building comments about the HD. Looking for the positive comments from those w/o any serious problems.

Just a bit anxious and chomping at the bit to get the bike.

Looking foward to the ride home on the new ride.

 

55K miles on my 2001 RK and the only fault has been the vehicle speed sensor that failed and killed the speedo. $60. i worked at my family dealership in the 70s (the AMF years), problems were commonplace BUT look at the number of those bikes that are still on the road and are bringing high prices nowadays.

 

I think you'll notice (as a previous poster pinted out) that most of the troubles start when mods are done. The HD is 100+ years in the making and they make a good machine...we tend to think better ipes, air cleaners, cams, heads, ignitions, etc. will "improve" the scoot...often, it's just asking for trouble!

After hot rodding an EVO FXSTC (real close to a 100 hp cruiser) and gaining vibration, noise, etc., I tend to think stock is slick! Especially on a dresser...Hey....a GeezeGlide is meant for comfort and the long trek...not a street light stampede!

 

I didn't read the whole of your post or the rest of the posts, but I will add that I have had many bikes and still am part of many message boards. Go to any of them and they all have issues that are usually "stickies" (posts that stay at the top of the forum) about issues concerning many of their bikes. There are going to be issues some of any product. Just remember that ones with problems are the most vocal and that tends to amplify the minority. The VTX forums had enough issues that made me question my VTX purchase at first. It's the age of the internet where news, no matter how small or contained to one group, spreads like wildfire.