HD touring reliability

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Jun 10, 2011 | 12:11 AM

#31

RockerBob

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 103

Likes: 2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gliden

Besides the braggen rights..how fun was it really to saddle up for 17 hours a day? Seriously?

You know, it was actually one of the best rides I've ever been on. We had great weather and saw a lot of great scenery. Most of it was in Eastern WA, ID, and MT, so we could make good time with almost no traffic on some very scenic and fun to ride roads.

The last hour going 85+ in the pitch dark after riding all day was no picnic. And it was a pretty early wake up to get the 500 in the next day before the 36 hours ran out (we made it with plenty of time, but we had to leave a couple of hours in case something went wrong).

My seat was great. The only real discomfort I had was my right wrist. The downside of riding with a group is that it's hard to use cruise for long stretches at a time so the throttle wrist gets a work out.

Anyway, I had fun and would recommend it.

Jun 10, 2011 | 02:04 AM

#32

Avmech97

Road Master

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 878

Likes: 0

From: Tellico Plains, Tenn.

O Ye of little faith.

Jun 10, 2011 | 06:22 AM

#33

smokindave

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 1,783

Likes: 10

From: Oh

Life is about making memories and when you are old, sitting in that rocking chair, what memories will you have? Don't forget to take pictures along the way, you can smile even into old age.

Jun 10, 2011 | 06:38 AM

#34

shortride

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,932

Likes: 4

From: 46th State, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockerBob

Just got back from my first Iron Butt ride (1,000 mi. in 24 hours and 1,500 miles in 36 hours). I rode with my local HOG chapter. We had 13 bikes in the group and ended up going over a little on mileage. Bottom line is we had 20,000 total miles between us over 36 hours, including going over the Cascades and Rockies, some 90 mph sections in Montana, and some mid-80's temps. And we were on the bikes about 17 hours on day one with nothing but fuel stops.

We didn't have a single mechanical issue of any kind. Maybe I'm a pessimist, but I was pleasantly surprised by that.

I'm glad everyone had nothing but good luck. My '09 Ultra Classic stranded me twice 250 and 365 miles from home. Every time I turned around It was getting some sort of warranty work. My factory warranty expired the first week of April 2011. The past 2 months have been trouble free. Go figure! I guess you could call that, “Getting the bugs worked out of it.”

Jun 10, 2011 | 06:44 AM

#35

mrmud4x4

Road Captain

Joined: Aug 2010

Posts: 702

Likes: 16

From: Zebulon, NC

We just did 1400 mile trip - NC - VA - WV - KY - OH......only issue we had was a 06 Fatboy had a MAP error (bad manifold air pressure sensor)

Hooked my power vision up to his bike and got the codes....cleared them and got them again...that power vision helped us to quickly assess the problem.

We took 4 days though.......The ride was awesome......VA and WV have some pretty mountain roads .........

I have an 02 RK with a worn cam tensioner shoe.....it will rest now until I do the cam plate upgrade in July. I feel real good about the way my bike ran and handled. (BTW - average MPG for me was 44.65)

Last edited by mrmud4x4; Jun 10, 2011 at 06:47 AM.

Jun 10, 2011 | 07:53 AM

#36

SLiKPMC

Intermediate

Joined: Apr 2011

Posts: 49

Likes: 0

From: Reston

After all the whining I have done, very refreshing to hear this. I love my bike... But I think my mechanic is having an affair with it. My OL thinks I have something going with someone in the service department. Can't WAIT till the bugs are worked out... I want to ride!!!! I can relate with both sides here. bottom line, if I want to get somewhere, I will pound the miles... if I want to enjoy the ride, then the destination and mileage odesn't matter. Usually pound out th miles till I get there, and then putt around with friends and just enjoy.