Harley engines, junk or paranoia
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 69
From: michigan
Actually the truth is, if you go to any forum for any brand motorcycle out there you will see that every bike made has issues. I used to have a Goldwing. Read their forums, holy crap they have problems, yet Goldwing owners will tell you how reliable their bikes are. Read up on BMW's. You can't even wrench on those by yourself. Get ready to spend some service money. They have issues and Mother Honda and Papa BMW don't want to address those issues.
Another funny thing, why is it that nothing I own ever has much for issues? Once in a while I have a repair but I'd ride my Harley anywhere and not even bother with a tool kit that's how much confidence I have in it. Get triple A or have a towing rider put on your insurance and don't worry about it. Change oil. Change oil. Change oil. Keep good rubber on and check the belt. If it works don't fix it.
Another funny thing, why is it that nothing I own ever has much for issues? Once in a while I have a repair but I'd ride my Harley anywhere and not even bother with a tool kit that's how much confidence I have in it. Get triple A or have a towing rider put on your insurance and don't worry about it. Change oil. Change oil. Change oil. Keep good rubber on and check the belt. If it works don't fix it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 21
From: central florida
i truly feel a lot has to do with HOW you ride and maintain your bike. modify this -soup that up- add this -take that off -use this instead of that all figures into it IMO
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
Stop reading and start riding.
I think the best thing everyone can do is get off the forum and go ride the bike. I wish I could, but I am stuck in NJ at waiting for take off time. My bike is in Indianapolis.
I have a friend with a Victory who spends so much time reading and writing on forums that he is afraid to leave town on his bike.
I have an 08 Ultra with 19k and no problems, except when the nice lady pulled out in front of me this summer. I don't think that was Harley's fault, except that she was riding a Harley.
It does not have the power that my stock metric had. However, it is a comfortable cruiser that is enjoyable to ride.
I also ride my fathers 2010 FLHTCUSE. The only complaint I would have with it is the "tapping noise" when riding. Everyone insists that it is "normal". However, it just sounds like a lifter tapping.
I have a friend with a Victory who spends so much time reading and writing on forums that he is afraid to leave town on his bike.
I have an 08 Ultra with 19k and no problems, except when the nice lady pulled out in front of me this summer. I don't think that was Harley's fault, except that she was riding a Harley.
It does not have the power that my stock metric had. However, it is a comfortable cruiser that is enjoyable to ride.
I also ride my fathers 2010 FLHTCUSE. The only complaint I would have with it is the "tapping noise" when riding. Everyone insists that it is "normal". However, it just sounds like a lifter tapping.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,932
Likes: 4
From: 46th State, USA
Actually the truth is, if you go to any forum for any brand motorcycle out there you will see that every bike made has issues. I used to have a Goldwing. Read their forums, holy crap they have problems, yet Goldwing owners will tell you how reliable their bikes are. Read up on BMW's. You can't even wrench on those by yourself. Get ready to spend some service money. They have issues and Mother Honda and Papa BMW don't want to address those issues.
Another funny thing, why is it that nothing I own ever has much for issues? Once in a while I have a repair but I'd ride my Harley anywhere and not even bother with a tool kit that's how much confidence I have in it. Get triple A or have a towing rider put on your insurance and don't worry about it. Change oil. Change oil. Change oil. Keep good rubber on and check the belt. If it works don't fix it.
Another funny thing, why is it that nothing I own ever has much for issues? Once in a while I have a repair but I'd ride my Harley anywhere and not even bother with a tool kit that's how much confidence I have in it. Get triple A or have a towing rider put on your insurance and don't worry about it. Change oil. Change oil. Change oil. Keep good rubber on and check the belt. If it works don't fix it.
.
.
I think the point is, people that spend $20k to $30k on a motorcycle shouldn't have to worry about warranty issues within the first 5k to 14k miles. Especially when it is stock and hasn't had any ride-ability modifications. I also think, that is what a lot of folks are complaining about.
I'm glad you're not having any issues with your scoot. But that's no constellation to those that are.
You're right, every brand has it's problems but knowing that makes no difference to those that could care less about the issues someone else is having.
The real world for me has been, from 5,000 to 14,000 miles, my '09 Ultra Classic, has been to the dealer for a warranty issue an average of every 1,800 miles. None of it has been because of poor maintenance or neglect.
If this is a prelude of things to come, Im surely not looking forward to what's in store after the warranty expires.
.
.
.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,719
Likes: 1
I would have to ask... "What is your definition of junk?"
I ask that because, were I being an unbiased critic, I just might add harley engines to that category...
I'm not a machinist, but I have done machine work, and was actually trained to be one. The tolerances in these engines, (ALL of them, from 1903 to the present), have always been a little loose. There is more technology used in the chroming process, than in the manufacturing of these engines. And, that's being conservative in my claim.
I've said it before, and I'll prolly say it many more times...
These engines were built in a manner which would allow anyone with a handfull of common tools to work on them. With the exception of diagnosing the present day electronics, that is all you need now. And let's don't forget how often a hammer is required... That's right, you NEED a hammer. Ever seen a crankshaft straightened (also known as being 'trued')? Let me see you do it without a hammer!
Of all the engines I've worked on, Harley motors (I know, some one will say they are not electric motors, they are combustible engines) are indeed one of the most simple configurations. I've often told friends that I see them as just slightly more complicated than a lawn mower engine, and I probably always will. But...
I don't get the same feeling mowing my lawn while riding my mower!
Let me ask one question... Why are Harleys so expensive?
Answer: One man's junk, is another man's treasure! LMAO!
I ask that because, were I being an unbiased critic, I just might add harley engines to that category...
I'm not a machinist, but I have done machine work, and was actually trained to be one. The tolerances in these engines, (ALL of them, from 1903 to the present), have always been a little loose. There is more technology used in the chroming process, than in the manufacturing of these engines. And, that's being conservative in my claim.
I've said it before, and I'll prolly say it many more times...
These engines were built in a manner which would allow anyone with a handfull of common tools to work on them. With the exception of diagnosing the present day electronics, that is all you need now. And let's don't forget how often a hammer is required... That's right, you NEED a hammer. Ever seen a crankshaft straightened (also known as being 'trued')? Let me see you do it without a hammer!
Of all the engines I've worked on, Harley motors (I know, some one will say they are not electric motors, they are combustible engines) are indeed one of the most simple configurations. I've often told friends that I see them as just slightly more complicated than a lawn mower engine, and I probably always will. But...
I don't get the same feeling mowing my lawn while riding my mower!
Let me ask one question... Why are Harleys so expensive?
Answer: One man's junk, is another man's treasure! LMAO!
Last edited by CroK; Nov 2, 2010 at 12:49 PM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Like most, I've owned plenty of metric bikes before my first Harley and I don't ever recall the bad press that HD receives regarding their engines. Cam bearings (for the last 10 years), Head gaskets, lifters, cylinders leaking, bad fuel filters and now we have Compensators failing left and right....or are they?
Head gaskets? I haven't heard of any problems. Lifters? Very rarely on stock lifters, although some aftermarket products have some negative feedback. No base-gasket problems on TC engines that I've heard, although the Evo was known for base-gasket leaks. I rode an Evo for 106k miles and never had a leak there.
I haven't heard of any fuel-filter problems, although the '08 had a recall for problems with a component inside the tank. Compensators are not "failing left and right," but some owners complain about the sounds they make, and some have had them replaced in warranty.
Told an independent shop I was getting a new CVO and was told the 110 engines are junk.
Now for me, I've owned several Harley's that have accumulated probably 75,000 miles total. My problems? A seal on my 08 SG causing wet sumping...
...a bad fuel filter...
...and a primary bearing failure....
I'm also being told the 09 needs a new compensator.
I'll say this, the more I hear about the 110 engines the less good I feel about my purchase in Feb. of the CVO SG. I wish someone would come on here and tell me how great HD engines are, particularly the 110's. I think I'm becoming paranoid.
, but most of us have peon-grade Harleys (88-103 ci) and there isn't much talk about 110's here.
Last edited by iclick; Nov 2, 2010 at 12:51 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,623
Likes: 6,441
From: Honah Lee
Repair
As with anything mechanical you will have a certain failure rate. The biggest problem with Harley engines,primarys and transmissions is all the odd normal noise they make. Sure you have the real bearing failures from design change and such but in my opinion owners hear or read about noises and they think the starter bang is the compensator and they paid $1200 for an extended warranty and they fuss at the dealer who gets paid and Harley get $50 more for a 49.95 part and Harley, the dealer and owner all all happy. With all the roller bearings in a Harley you could tear down 100 and 95% of them would have a few scratches here and there on the bearings were trash went through them and someone would say they were torn up. Truth be the bearing would have gone another 100K. My Harley has 40K, was driven by a lunatic the first 25K and sound like a rotary tiller in a gravel bed. Still runs fine. I have been in both sides of it and do all my mechanical work on all I own. Check my albums. However I had a 1100 V-Star that was just as well if not better build for 1/3 the dollars. But there is not another thing you can buy like a Harley that can claim to be more American. (remember I said more--not ALL)
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Nov 2, 2010 at 01:11 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 163
Likes: 0
From: Bismarck, ND
.
.
.
I think the point is, people that spend $20k to $30k on a motorcycle shouldn't have to worry about warranty issues within the first 5k to 14k miles. Especially when it is stock and hasn't had any ride-ability modifications. I also think, that is what a lot of folks are complaining about.
I'm glad you're not having any issues with your scoot. But that's no constellation to those that are.
You're right, every brand has it's problems but knowing that makes no difference to those that could care less about the issues someone else is having.
The real world for me has been, from 5,000 to 14,000 miles, my '09 Ultra Classic, has been to the dealer for a warranty issue an average of every 1,800 miles. None of it has been because of poor maintenance or neglect.
If this is a prelude of things to come, Im surely not looking forward to what's in store after the warranty expires.
.
.
.
.
.
I think the point is, people that spend $20k to $30k on a motorcycle shouldn't have to worry about warranty issues within the first 5k to 14k miles. Especially when it is stock and hasn't had any ride-ability modifications. I also think, that is what a lot of folks are complaining about.
I'm glad you're not having any issues with your scoot. But that's no constellation to those that are.
You're right, every brand has it's problems but knowing that makes no difference to those that could care less about the issues someone else is having.
The real world for me has been, from 5,000 to 14,000 miles, my '09 Ultra Classic, has been to the dealer for a warranty issue an average of every 1,800 miles. None of it has been because of poor maintenance or neglect.
If this is a prelude of things to come, Im surely not looking forward to what's in store after the warranty expires.
.
.
.