Went to the store to pick up a sandwich. Got the all too familiar crank bang grind twice before it would start. Wondered how much of the repairs I am reading about are bridges we will all have to cross.


a) compensator
b) primary bearing
c) T-beaing on crank
d) stator's
e) starters
f) what else

not to mention the things you have to jiggle, shake or slap to get to work.

 

You must be riding a Ural. My bike's 3 years old and NEVER had a problem.
Hmmmmmmmmmmm.

 

2010 FLHTK, 19 months old, 35,000 miles.

- compensator
- S/E compensator
- clutch
- stereo
- IDS
- shift shaft seal
- inner primary bearing
- chrome flaking off wheels
- weeping front master cylinder
- ungodly noise from the top end and the cam chest
- death wobble in 60+ mph sweepers

Bike's in the shop now for the primary and the motor, as well as the wobble issue. It's become clear to me that Harley's building bikes for the typical Harley owner (1200-1800 miles a year) rather than the serious rider. I love the bike, but the reliability is unacceptable.

 

I ride about 8000 miles a year.
My 06 POLICE bike has had the front mount replaced once with a velva ride. Tranny seal replaced and shifters upgraded because they wouldn't tighten down.
Not bad for 29,000 miles on the clock.

Maybe the newer bikes are being made cheaper?

Edit:
I will say though that I just ordered the parts for a 95" stage 2 build and will be changing cam bearings and already had the hydraulic tensioner kit installed to ward off any future problem. It seems at around 30,000 miles failures seem to have a better chance of happening.

 

I'm with you....it's amazing how bad the reliability really is...dropping 20K on a bike you would expect more.....seems like on the 96's...compensators..clutch basket...inner primary bearings...T-bearinking on crank are very common break down items.....I'm at 10K on an 07 and just started to have the crank bang grind and am wondering if I should just trade it in on another bike that will probally run OK for 2 - 3 years.

 

my bike, and the others who have issues, were probally made on a monday morning or friday afternoon.

your bike was obviously made tuesday thru thursday.

 

05 ULTRA, 48,000 miles. Stator, throttle position sensor, fairing brackets

 

Almost two years and 19k miles on mine. No problems that I didn't cause with an aftermarket part (like a leaky oil cooler/filter adapter).

 

2008 EGC 25,000 miles

Fuel Filter Shell Recall (twice)
Compensator
Rear brake switch
IDS rubber isolators (replaced)

May have an ABS front wheel sensor issue (diagnosing now)

 

2010 Street Glide, 11400 miles

weeping front brake master cylinder cover. (warped cover and gasket replaced under warranty)

loose upper motor stabilizer bolt. (remove, clean, re-tap hole and loctite)

No problem with compensator but I'm going to replace it this winter anyway for peace of mind!

Bikes run very nice, I'm extremely happy with it....Hell, any new vehicle whether, its a car or a motorcycle, no matter how well built usually requires a few minor adjustments. I think my Harley is of very high quality.