Struggling ot understand....
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
Just my opinion, but. I think Harley relies on their "mystic" instead of quality and customer satisfaction. The standard compensator on pre 11 bikes is a perfect example. It's a very weak part. It causes kickback. It affects starter performance. It was a well known problem and yet Harley insisted on installing it in their new expensive bikes anyway. So what if the customer gets screwed. They'll do nothing for those stuck with this crappy part except tell them to spend $700 to fix it. It's no wonder new bike sales are down for Harley. The younger generation of bikers doesn't seem to favor this kind of slip-shod quality.
As far as sales, HD is doing better than most in a terrible economy from what I have seen.
This all sounds more like a dealer problem than a bike quality issue. Everything mentioned should have been corrected under warranty the first time, if it was not then perhaps a different dealer is the solution.
I have an '08 Ultra, and besides having to replace the TBW sensor (covered under warranty) I have had no problems at all in the first 20,100 miles.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
I take you have change your name since the Roadie forum. THen again, I haven't hung out there in the last 5 years very much, was very active from 2000 thru 03 or so.
I had my engine casing split, new gear put in as well as rings at 55,000 or so miles, mainly due to Yammy contacting me and saying to bring it in and they would do for free. Glad i did it for peace of mind and nice ot have new rings dropped in...lol
First model year Roadie, it had numerous issues, but mostly minor, not the kind of thing that would leave you stranded typically. Those are expected on a completely new design bike.
The Ultra has revolved, but certainly there is an effort by the Company and dealerships to ignore some issues until "after" the fail. And no, can't speak for everyone of course... but I must admit, when i read the SE compensator (for 1 example only) is described as being able to perform 7 times greater than the OEM...well, that is pretty black n white... gives one that warm fuzzy feeling about their OEM compensator...lol
I do agree, I'm taking the time to go thru everything I can on the bike before our trip... but if I can help it, I'm not going back to a dealer to have them work on it again. They can fix the ABS they screwed up on my initial fluid change, but after that... just like my half priced Roadie, they won't see the bike again for a very long time.
There's much gratification in wrenching on your own and knowing it was done correctly is priceless.
I had my engine casing split, new gear put in as well as rings at 55,000 or so miles, mainly due to Yammy contacting me and saying to bring it in and they would do for free. Glad i did it for peace of mind and nice ot have new rings dropped in...lol
First model year Roadie, it had numerous issues, but mostly minor, not the kind of thing that would leave you stranded typically. Those are expected on a completely new design bike.
The Ultra has revolved, but certainly there is an effort by the Company and dealerships to ignore some issues until "after" the fail. And no, can't speak for everyone of course... but I must admit, when i read the SE compensator (for 1 example only) is described as being able to perform 7 times greater than the OEM...well, that is pretty black n white... gives one that warm fuzzy feeling about their OEM compensator...lol
I do agree, I'm taking the time to go thru everything I can on the bike before our trip... but if I can help it, I'm not going back to a dealer to have them work on it again. They can fix the ABS they screwed up on my initial fluid change, but after that... just like my half priced Roadie, they won't see the bike again for a very long time.
There's much gratification in wrenching on your own and knowing it was done correctly is priceless.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 6,682
Likes: 12
I'm hardly a rookie, azzrider. I've been riding for 30 years and got my first HD when I was 15 years old. I worked in an Indy bike shop specialing in HDs as a wrench for a while and never saw a bad compensator. Given, it was before this compensator problem arose I guess so I really don't need "your help". I asked a simple question and got a simple answer from another poster here. In case you haven't figured out, let me "help you". That's what this forum is for. If you don't have time for it, don't respond. You could have told me the problem with the compensator faster than all the stupid talk about how I "don't do my homework" bs. I'm done with you and this thread now.
Thanks for the answer, SG 1.
Thanks for the answer, SG 1.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
I'm hardly a rookie, azzrider. I've been riding for 30 years and got my first HD when I was 15 years old. I worked in an Indy bike shop specialing in HDs as a wrench for a while and never saw a bad compensator. Given, it was before this compensator problem arose I guess so I really don't need "your help". I asked a simple question and got a simple answer from another poster here. In case you haven't figured out, let me "help you". That's what this forum is for. If you don't have time for it, don't respond. You could have told me the problem with the compensator faster than all the stupid talk about how I "don't do my homework" bs. I'm done with you and this thread now.
Thanks for the answer, SG 1.
Thanks for the answer, SG 1.
So we have been on the road the same amount of time, assuming you didn't take any breaks that is. Reckon you are no more a rookie than I...but then again, i didn't start that BS.
>That's what this forum is for. If you don't have time for it, don't respond. You could have told me the problem with the compensator faster than all the stupid talk about how I "don't do my homework" bs.<
I started this thread, so I tend to respond to the contributors since I appreciate "most" of them. It's a courtesy thang. You're right, I could have told you the same thing SG 1 did and more, but know it is a lengthy read with numerous opinions...I gave you what i felt was the best response...search for yourself and make your own conclusion. Sorry that didn't fill your expectations and you felt a need to draw first blood with your "rookie" stab...twas your choice to be offended and then attempt to offend, not mine.
Since you mustered the strength to respond without the stick n stones gig this time, I end with a suggested truce...may you get another 30 yrs of rollin in.
Last edited by Tazzrider; Aug 9, 2010 at 12:26 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Nope, still there as a matter of fact. Same name I use here. I am not knocking your Roadie, my experience with them was very negative, as I noted I know many who would own nothing else. I love all bikes and have owned all makes and models. I call it like I see it and could careless what someone rides. My point was there are good and bad in very brand. Each person's experience is there own to embrace. If you have the ability to work on your own bike, that's great. If you have lost confidence in your dealer, find a different one. I just made a switch myself after a simple oil change. They are willing to work on your bike. And most are very good at what they do. Your bike is not even broke in yet at 2200 miles and you should be having better luck with it than you are. Have them check it out. I wouldn't get too bent out of shape reading about a part here that may be bad and have you concerned. If you go back to the Roadstar forum you used to visit you will see that many of them have bad stators and the starters go out. doesnt mean that it does on all bikes or that it has on yours. Just means the few that did have made a negative post about them. Good luck in your search and happy riding.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
Oh my stator finally went out this yr at 85,000. Wasn't a tough fix, but did run me $400 since i updated the rectifier at same time. Not bad for 85,000 miles. Looking foward to the next 85 on her.
Sorry if you thought I sensed you were dissin my Roadie or cared what others rode, actually neither entered my mind.
Enjoy the ride....
Sorry if you thought I sensed you were dissin my Roadie or cared what others rode, actually neither entered my mind.
Enjoy the ride....
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 811
Likes: 0
From: Inverness, FL
Jumped to the end because most of the posts were whining.
Some people love Harley's, I'm one. Can't blame the MoCo for it's poor dealers any more than you can Ford or GM. Some people swear by Yama or Honda. My 2 cents?
People out there still think Toyota has great quality so it's amazing what people will put up with. If you want to solve problems, post them.
If you want to bad mouth Harley's, go back to the Yama or Honda sites.
Some people love Harley's, I'm one. Can't blame the MoCo for it's poor dealers any more than you can Ford or GM. Some people swear by Yama or Honda. My 2 cents?
People out there still think Toyota has great quality so it's amazing what people will put up with. If you want to solve problems, post them.
If you want to bad mouth Harley's, go back to the Yama or Honda sites.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
Jumped to the end because most of the posts were whining.
Some people love Harley's, I'm one. Can't blame the MoCo for it's poor dealers any more than you can Ford or GM. Some people swear by Yama or Honda. My 2 cents?
People out there still think Toyota has great quality so it's amazing what people will put up with. If you want to solve problems, post them.
If you want to bad mouth Harley's, go back to the Yama or Honda sites.
Some people love Harley's, I'm one. Can't blame the MoCo for it's poor dealers any more than you can Ford or GM. Some people swear by Yama or Honda. My 2 cents?
People out there still think Toyota has great quality so it's amazing what people will put up with. If you want to solve problems, post them.
If you want to bad mouth Harley's, go back to the Yama or Honda sites.
Recalls are typically issued by the mother company, not by dealerships.
Anybody who swears by any one brand, i think, is unrealistic and need to open their eyes a bit eh if they are honest to themselves.
Not that this is about cars, but I can say I've never had an issue with 2 of the Toyotas I have owned...lemons come in all flavors regardless of frequent bias opinions. However, I'll praise my Ford F150, simply because they didn't suck off the American tax payer to stay afloat. Kudos to Ford.
If i wanted to bad mouth any specific brand, simply put, I would walk away from the puter. But i guess to some, if you hold a casual convo that does anything otherthan stroke a brand pride, then they consider it a diss. I call that, reality denial.
No offense, but, HD ain't anymore perfect than any other brand. Certainly I'm not alone in discussing some real issues on here. Perhaps avoiding all posts that aren't titled positively would ease your pain?
Have a great day.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,045
Likes: 36
From: ST. Louis
I must be lucky.
2008 Street Glide traded after 11,300 miles: Radio quit putting sound out - covered under warrenty.
2009 Street Glide now has 14,750 miles: Never had it in for a warrenty repair.
2008 Street Glide traded after 11,300 miles: Radio quit putting sound out - covered under warrenty.
2009 Street Glide now has 14,750 miles: Never had it in for a warrenty repair.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: Grand Rapids MI
Sounds like it so far, Congrats!