I know, I know. Dumb question, but someone has to ask it. The question is, within
a reasonable time of usage ( say below 100k miles). Does the bike get better?. I mean in the beguining you have a few issues and bugs that you correct and then as you ride towards the high milage the bike is pretty stable problem wise. OR, is it the other way?, as the bike gets older, you have more and more problems ( keep in mind under 100k). What has your experience been?

 

i have heard people speak of harley engines "loosening up" (in a good way) after 20k miles or so, i have no idea what this means nor expierianced it either.

 

Common with all man made items. Manufacturing defects and bad engineering tend to fail early (very low miles). Then everything goes good until parts start reaching their expected life.
Think of it like life. If you survive infancy you stand a good chance of reaching retirement age. From there on your odds of making another year keep getting slimmer.

 

probably what you mean is you get to know your bike really well and know pretty much what to expect you start to become one with your older well cared for bike.like your dog that is always there and when somthig just isn't right you can sense it.did that make sense
?

 

My bike loosened up a lot after 800 miles. The bike just seem to like going after that mileage. It feels a looser now at 10000 miles, but nothing like the difference I felt at 800 miles. However, I can't imagine that it gets better from here on out. It doesn't burn or leak any oil, it sounds pretty good for a Harley. It's broke in now and wear is wear, so I wouldn't say it get better. Still, I do expect it to be worth more than I paid 50 years from now. I guess that part is better.

Beary

 

Some wine gets $hitty over time !

 

Wine only gets better with age if you don't drink it. I don't know how that works with Harleys. My '08 rides the same as it did 28,000 miles ago, but it does get better mileage than it did when new.

 

I know mine has definintly gotten better with age. I finally have things adjusted and tuned and upgraded to my standards. Only have 50k on it but don't think I would trade it for a new one knowing what it took to get this one where I like it, not so much money but time and experimenting with it.

 

I've had my bike longer than most.
It's a '96 with a meager 30K.

I had a few issues in the early days(cam bearing,clutch,etc,)

I think(hope) that she's done cutting her teeth!

The last 20K have been un-eventful in the repair department!

The loss of a cam bearing gave me a stage two cam,air cleaner,bigger injectors,and a new oil pump!

I've done a few other mods to make it fit me better.

It starts on the first click,doesn't get hot,and runs like it's on a mission to get somewhere FAST!!

I've been tempted to buy a new one but hate to go through the same teething stage when the one I have runs so good!!

 

Don't know about better, but a Harley certainly gets more expensive ....... for both an owner and (if long enough) a buyer .....