Harley engines, junk or paranoia
Advanced
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Denver, CO
I used to read these forums all the time. I realized it was making me crazy. Every post I read had me thinking my Harley had the same problem. Now I just browse couple times a week and try not to get all caught up in the forum postings about problems people are having.
My 2008 Roadglide has a little over 23,000 miles and only one issue. The lock on the saddle bag would not lock.
Try to spend more time on the Harley then reading about other peoples' problems with theirs.
My 2008 Roadglide has a little over 23,000 miles and only one issue. The lock on the saddle bag would not lock.
Try to spend more time on the Harley then reading about other peoples' problems with theirs.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
I used to read these forums all the time. I realized it was making me crazy. Every post I read had me thinking my Harley had the same problem. Now I just browse couple times a week and try not to get all caught up in the forum postings about problems people are having.
My 2008 Roadglide has a little over 23,000 miles and only one issue. The lock on the saddle bag would not lock.
Try to spend more time on the Harley then reading about other peoples' problems with theirs.
My 2008 Roadglide has a little over 23,000 miles and only one issue. The lock on the saddle bag would not lock.
Try to spend more time on the Harley then reading about other peoples' problems with theirs.
Very good advice!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Many of the 'problems' reported on forums like HDF are being repeated not experienced. I have a TC88, but have had no timing chain tensioner problems with it, they are fine. I have decided what I will do if and when they show serious wear, after reading all about the 'problem', so I am prepared. But I am not about to 'fix' it just yet!
Same applies to all the other things we can read about here and elsewhere. The vast majority of Harley owners are not members of HDF and are riding their bikes in complete ignorance of the things that might go wrong with them.
Ignorance is bliss! Better get out there and enjoy your ride, before something you haven't read about goes wrong....
Same applies to all the other things we can read about here and elsewhere. The vast majority of Harley owners are not members of HDF and are riding their bikes in complete ignorance of the things that might go wrong with them.
Ignorance is bliss! Better get out there and enjoy your ride, before something you haven't read about goes wrong....
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 954
Likes: 3
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
I concur.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 549
Likes: 0
From: Ft Myers FL
Don't get me wrong, I love my Harley. I had a Honda in 1971, a Kawasaki Vulcan in 2001 and bought my first EGC in 2005. I put 35k miles on the 05, had to put $2000 in the cams that went bad before trading it in. Now I have an 09 EGC. So far the rear tail light had to be replaced, had a gas tank bracket recall, a front tire replaced due to cupping, a rear brake switch went bad, a front wheel bearing went bad, I broke down on the side of the road with an engine error code and the motor wouldn't go past 1800 rpm. Mostly there small nuisance issues, maybe to many for 19k miles, but I still wouldn't hesitate getting on and taking a trip of 5-6k miles which I plan on doing again this summer.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 600
Likes: 0
From: La Vernia (San Antonio), Texas
If you own something mechanical, it's not a question of IF you'll have a problem, it's a question of WHEN.
Being a "glass is half full" kind of guy, I try to take an optimistic perspective on owning anything, especially a bike.
That being said, I bought the extended warranty and all my services are performed by the dealer.
I'm big on preventative maintenance, check the tires weekly, the fluids before every trip, and keep my insurance (both bike and health) near the maximum allowable and always paid up.
And, yeah, I'm also an ATGATT guy as well.
Always be prepared.
Being a "glass is half full" kind of guy, I try to take an optimistic perspective on owning anything, especially a bike.
That being said, I bought the extended warranty and all my services are performed by the dealer.
I'm big on preventative maintenance, check the tires weekly, the fluids before every trip, and keep my insurance (both bike and health) near the maximum allowable and always paid up.
And, yeah, I'm also an ATGATT guy as well.
Always be prepared.
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
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
I rode a CVO 110 CI. over to a storage for a friend who has split with her old man (the bike was in her name). I was not impressed at all with the ride or the pickup compared to my 08 Ultra. Mine runs like it's on steroids, and I didn't find anything I liked about the CVO except the dashlights, not for $42,000. It was a 2010.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
At the risk of sounding like an old fart.........well I guess I am (63). Been riding since 63' on leaky Pans, rattling shovels and more words used in vain at AMF than most people have posted here. But, I still ride the damn things. There is just something about my growing up with a motorcycle that still gives that same thrill, every time! If you had grown up with me you would have never walked, because I was known as being very ingenious in making things run. No Harley was going to be left beside the road because it wouldn't run. You don't make those kind of comittments very often in life ( married 37 yrs, that count?) where you stick through thick and thin. In my life the bikes have gone through (more than I care to admit) my fingers like sand at the beach. But each one was special because, they all had that same thrill from the first time. I quess maybe they don't make bikes like they used to (suppose that's good and bad) but then, you could say that about todays motorcycle riders also. I'm in till the bitter? end.