Longevity of a typical HD?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 958
Likes: 1
From: Birch Bay, WA
I think most guys part with their bikes these days because they want the latest and greatest, updated model. That's the American Way and it keeps the guy on the line working. You have a sweet ride and one day you will say to yourself "Gee, an Ultra would look really nice sitting next to my RK".
spiz
spiz
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
Any machine could be maintained and litterally last forever.It is all up to you.If you truly enjoy a vehicle maintain it, rebuild it,repaint it etc.We keep our vehicles a long time also.
Dog I'm curious above about the longevity of the big inchers you're runnin' 
There was a guy in NC I believe , had an article in AI back in the early 90's , had an EVO bagger with over 350k on it , never been inside the motor , they were tearing it down to "look" at it , was all still within specs ..
There was a guy in NC I believe , had an article in AI back in the early 90's , had an EVO bagger with over 350k on it , never been inside the motor , they were tearing it down to "look" at it , was all still within specs ..
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
From: Memphis TN
WOW! Tkx all!
I've owned several Kawa's. For some reason I've feared the 20k mile mark with this HD. History with "the other guy" I suppose. And this thing was just too damned much $$$ to be turing it around like those I've owned. I'm told Kawa's are "disposable" bikes. Get what you pay for.
HD says to changed fluids and do service every 5k miles usning synthetic. Reading this thread and REALLY wanting this RKC to last 12 times forever, I'm tempted to service more often. I can change oil as good as the next guy, and do it between the HD service. HD will do the services as long as this thing's under warranty, but I can toggle oil changes. Error on the conservative side. Whatdyathink?
"Gee, an Ultra would look really nice sitting next to my RK" - God I feel so guilty. I already am
! This is as bad or worse than my flying days. Learned at $17 wet, now it's $80+ wet. Bottomless hole regarding $$$. Had to make the 'marriage or flying' decision. I think I made the right call, she's a great gal!
Tkx guy! I'm riding without worry...
I've owned several Kawa's. For some reason I've feared the 20k mile mark with this HD. History with "the other guy" I suppose. And this thing was just too damned much $$$ to be turing it around like those I've owned. I'm told Kawa's are "disposable" bikes. Get what you pay for.
HD says to changed fluids and do service every 5k miles usning synthetic. Reading this thread and REALLY wanting this RKC to last 12 times forever, I'm tempted to service more often. I can change oil as good as the next guy, and do it between the HD service. HD will do the services as long as this thing's under warranty, but I can toggle oil changes. Error on the conservative side. Whatdyathink?
"Gee, an Ultra would look really nice sitting next to my RK" - God I feel so guilty. I already am
! This is as bad or worse than my flying days. Learned at $17 wet, now it's $80+ wet. Bottomless hole regarding $$$. Had to make the 'marriage or flying' decision. I think I made the right call, she's a great gal!Tkx guy! I'm riding without worry...
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 532
Likes: 2
From: A wee bit North of Florida (Ohio)
Absolutely agree - your bike will outlast you if you take care of it!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern Michigan
You really don't need to change your oil more often, unless you are riding in a severe element. (high amounts of dust/dirt) 5k is very safe to change oil at, changing any more often is just throwing money out the window. Save it for add ons 
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
From: Georgia
Well put. I have a friend that rides a softail passed to him from an uncle that is gone. Cool bike he will always keep.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,543
Likes: 19
From: Ashland Ohio
I'm withholding my judgment on a twinkie engine. I'm a bit miffed that 'they all sound like that' Old shovel mighta leaked a gallon of oil a week, but even with solid lifters didn't sound like these.
I got in a bind on the new SG financially... when I wrecked the Heritage, I traded and kept the insurance check, so now I'm upside down, BADLY! Then... business falls to nothing... stuck like Chuck with this bike for awhile. Not a bad deal except..., I do NOT like the sound and vibration of my new 'A' motor bike at all. My teeth 'buzz' at 3000rpms... No way in heck this makes 100k.
I got in a bind on the new SG financially... when I wrecked the Heritage, I traded and kept the insurance check, so now I'm upside down, BADLY! Then... business falls to nothing... stuck like Chuck with this bike for awhile. Not a bad deal except..., I do NOT like the sound and vibration of my new 'A' motor bike at all. My teeth 'buzz' at 3000rpms... No way in heck this makes 100k.
Last edited by wurk_truk; Jan 11, 2009 at 12:53 PM.