Someone Please tell me why...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
I can't believe that you used BMW and cheap maintenance in the same sentence....hehehe
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
It is a Kawasaki Nomad with an HD tourpak. No, absolutely no heat came off the engine. But it is liquid cooled and is a bit more open (no fairing), no lowers. At stops or in bumper to bumper traffic the fan would come on, but it never got hot.
The wife liked the comfort level, especially after I installed the Tourpak. The wife actually fell asleep on it several times. If it had more power and a batwing or similar fairing (protection, not looks), I would have kept it. But it is underpowered for two up riding. Also, its low speed manuvering like in parking lots is not even in the ball park of the EGC. Harley really got the steering right on later model FLHs.
JackL
The wife liked the comfort level, especially after I installed the Tourpak. The wife actually fell asleep on it several times. If it had more power and a batwing or similar fairing (protection, not looks), I would have kept it. But it is underpowered for two up riding. Also, its low speed manuvering like in parking lots is not even in the ball park of the EGC. Harley really got the steering right on later model FLHs.
JackL
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
Points all well taken...and since 80% of my job is research, you think I would have not worn the rose-colored glasses.
But perhaps something was lost in the translation. As a solo bike, I love it. And I consider, for example, the shock change (something I considered for the Nomad) as small potatoes.
But when they ask for the better part of $20K for a touring motorcycle, you would think that they could afford to equip it with a decent rear shock, saddlebag guards that don't bite the passenger, heat deflectors they know are required, etc.
And I am not new to Harley. I had a four-speed Sportster, my father rode a Sportster, Electra Glide, and now a Dyna, and he is 87 years young. We have had Harleys, Triumphs, and all sorts of every bike imaginable. I may not look the part, but I have the years and scars to prove my 45 years of riding. And if not Harley, what?
JackL
But perhaps something was lost in the translation. As a solo bike, I love it. And I consider, for example, the shock change (something I considered for the Nomad) as small potatoes.
But when they ask for the better part of $20K for a touring motorcycle, you would think that they could afford to equip it with a decent rear shock, saddlebag guards that don't bite the passenger, heat deflectors they know are required, etc.
And I am not new to Harley. I had a four-speed Sportster, my father rode a Sportster, Electra Glide, and now a Dyna, and he is 87 years young. We have had Harleys, Triumphs, and all sorts of every bike imaginable. I may not look the part, but I have the years and scars to prove my 45 years of riding. And if not Harley, what?
JackL
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 908
Likes: 96
From: Red Deer, AB
Love my bike. Wanted it for at least 25 yrs so I had better! I get what you are saying about dealer service costs. Add about 30% to what you are paying south of the 49th & it hurts even more. Now you know how we feel up here & our riding season is substantially shorter. That's why I don't go there unless it's a warranty issue.
Funny thing is a I put the UC bag guards on my RK because I like the look. Hasn't bothered my wife a bit. The seat sucks for her but I'm okay with it. I think she's getting a new seat for X-mas. Shocks are okay but not great. All in all it has been an awesome machine.
Take a look at any vehicle on a lot now. I looked at the sticker on a new F350 yesterday & needed CPR. $68,000. Accessories were 5 grand on top of that. Box liner, step bars, topper, grill guard etc.,
I guess to personalize anything it costs big coin nowadays.
You'll get it right. Change the rear boards & the seat. I'd start with the seat. Happy wife = Happy life. But if you dust the HD & go back to metric, you are probably going to blame your bride. Best keep it for both your sakes,
Rev
Funny thing is a I put the UC bag guards on my RK because I like the look. Hasn't bothered my wife a bit. The seat sucks for her but I'm okay with it. I think she's getting a new seat for X-mas. Shocks are okay but not great. All in all it has been an awesome machine.
Take a look at any vehicle on a lot now. I looked at the sticker on a new F350 yesterday & needed CPR. $68,000. Accessories were 5 grand on top of that. Box liner, step bars, topper, grill guard etc.,
I guess to personalize anything it costs big coin nowadays.
You'll get it right. Change the rear boards & the seat. I'd start with the seat. Happy wife = Happy life. But if you dust the HD & go back to metric, you are probably going to blame your bride. Best keep it for both your sakes,
Rev
Tourer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I bought an HD FLHTC...Yep, this is a vent thread.
Before I vent let me say that the members of this forum are pretty incredible. I have received valuable answers to my pre-sale and post-sale questions. The HD community and this forum in particular are a great resource and support. Thanks.
The thoughts I am about to vent were initiated by the most recent (of many) oil cooler threads on this forum.
Now the vent...
I have had a motorcycle since I was approx 10 years old. Right around that early age I saw my first HD Electra Glide. Blue and white. This was about 1966 or '67. The bike was similar to the Road King today. Anyway, I fell in love with it. Even though I rode dirt bikes at this early age, I knew that some day I would own an Electra Glide. As it turns out it would be 45 years before that want would be satisfied.
In the meantime I had four Kawasakis, four Suzukis, a Yamaha, a Honda, a BMW, a Sportster, even an Ural, but all along I wanted an Electra Glide.
This past year we decided to trade in our Kawasaki Nomad for a "better" touring bike. We started at our local Honda dealer seriously considering the Gold Wing. But for a variety of reasons, we decided against it.
And after serious research, visiting these forums, asking tons of questions, and the news that the Electra Glide received a proper frame in '09, and so forth, we pulled the trigger on the '11 Electra Glide Classic.
It did not take long for an eternal truth to stab me in the heart: You never know something until you own it.
Case in point, our 2011 EGC.
On our first long ride the wife complained that the Saddle bag guards were pressing up against her lower leg. She's a pretty tough gal. 25 years teaching PE, two boys, two grand boys. She does not complain about much. But the indentations in her skin prove it. Hard to believe that Harley Davidson would miss this obvious comfort issue. Or did they? They offer a fix, a "comfort" accessory. Hmmm...
On our first long ride on a hot day her legs fried especially on the right side where the right/left exhaust pipes converge. Not to mention the heat burning my thighs. No fix for her, but again, HD knowing the problem regarding the thigh burns offers an accessory to deflect the heat. Bought them and they work pretty well.
Oh, and it would appear that a majority of seasoned HD riders recommend an oil cooler, standard on many similar air-cooled V-Twin bikes. Oh, the HD accessory catalog offers oil coolers as well. On a hot day my engine feels like the core of nuclear reactor. It takes hours to cool down in our air conditioned garage.
We also noticed on these first rides that the rear shocks are junk. Even with the air pressure set (using the appropriate $60 air shock pump) correctly, the ride is beyond terrible. I can see that on a Softtail, but not this bike.
The gear ratios are not very well thought out. With a six speed box, 1st should be a tad lower...
Then there is the scheduled maintenance. My dealer wanted $400 for the 1,000 mile service with non-synthetic oil. 400 frigging bucks! Another dealer did it for $350. Still, that is exactly $350 more than I ever spent for service at the Kawasaki and Suzuki dealers for my last two big inch motorcycles. And soon, I have the prospect of dumping another $350 for the 5,000 mile service. And I can wrench, that's not the point. But the scheduled maintenance list for these bikes is significant. The service intervals for the Nomad consisted of changing the oil, coolant, and tightening bolts.
Given the accessories commonly purchased, the performance pieces most of us want, the necessary comfort accessories, the replacement shocks, the oil coolers, the costly service intervals, the HD Electra Glide is like the gift that just keeps on giving, as far as a dealer is concerned. These bikes are cash cows!
So that is my vent. I just spent a ton of money on a new motorcycle and have to spend more to make the bike "right"). The wife will probably never be completely comfortable. So I am stuck. And of course with the 2012 103CI engine, I am sure my resale value has been shot to pieces.
On a positive note, as a solo bike, I like it a lot. It steers and handles incredibly well, it feels much lighter and smaller than its size would dictate, the rear shock is a bit better suited for solo riding, the power is satisfactory, I have no buffeting, etc. The paint, chrome, fairing, saddle bags, trunk, and so forth are excellent.
By the way, I printed out this vent and mailed it to Harley Davidson Headquarters.
JackL
Before I vent let me say that the members of this forum are pretty incredible. I have received valuable answers to my pre-sale and post-sale questions. The HD community and this forum in particular are a great resource and support. Thanks.
The thoughts I am about to vent were initiated by the most recent (of many) oil cooler threads on this forum.
Now the vent...
I have had a motorcycle since I was approx 10 years old. Right around that early age I saw my first HD Electra Glide. Blue and white. This was about 1966 or '67. The bike was similar to the Road King today. Anyway, I fell in love with it. Even though I rode dirt bikes at this early age, I knew that some day I would own an Electra Glide. As it turns out it would be 45 years before that want would be satisfied.
In the meantime I had four Kawasakis, four Suzukis, a Yamaha, a Honda, a BMW, a Sportster, even an Ural, but all along I wanted an Electra Glide.
This past year we decided to trade in our Kawasaki Nomad for a "better" touring bike. We started at our local Honda dealer seriously considering the Gold Wing. But for a variety of reasons, we decided against it.
And after serious research, visiting these forums, asking tons of questions, and the news that the Electra Glide received a proper frame in '09, and so forth, we pulled the trigger on the '11 Electra Glide Classic.
It did not take long for an eternal truth to stab me in the heart: You never know something until you own it.
Case in point, our 2011 EGC.
On our first long ride the wife complained that the Saddle bag guards were pressing up against her lower leg. She's a pretty tough gal. 25 years teaching PE, two boys, two grand boys. She does not complain about much. But the indentations in her skin prove it. Hard to believe that Harley Davidson would miss this obvious comfort issue. Or did they? They offer a fix, a "comfort" accessory. Hmmm...
On our first long ride on a hot day her legs fried especially on the right side where the right/left exhaust pipes converge. Not to mention the heat burning my thighs. No fix for her, but again, HD knowing the problem regarding the thigh burns offers an accessory to deflect the heat. Bought them and they work pretty well.
Oh, and it would appear that a majority of seasoned HD riders recommend an oil cooler, standard on many similar air-cooled V-Twin bikes. Oh, the HD accessory catalog offers oil coolers as well. On a hot day my engine feels like the core of nuclear reactor. It takes hours to cool down in our air conditioned garage.
We also noticed on these first rides that the rear shocks are junk. Even with the air pressure set (using the appropriate $60 air shock pump) correctly, the ride is beyond terrible. I can see that on a Softtail, but not this bike.
The gear ratios are not very well thought out. With a six speed box, 1st should be a tad lower...
Then there is the scheduled maintenance. My dealer wanted $400 for the 1,000 mile service with non-synthetic oil. 400 frigging bucks! Another dealer did it for $350. Still, that is exactly $350 more than I ever spent for service at the Kawasaki and Suzuki dealers for my last two big inch motorcycles. And soon, I have the prospect of dumping another $350 for the 5,000 mile service. And I can wrench, that's not the point. But the scheduled maintenance list for these bikes is significant. The service intervals for the Nomad consisted of changing the oil, coolant, and tightening bolts.
Given the accessories commonly purchased, the performance pieces most of us want, the necessary comfort accessories, the replacement shocks, the oil coolers, the costly service intervals, the HD Electra Glide is like the gift that just keeps on giving, as far as a dealer is concerned. These bikes are cash cows!
So that is my vent. I just spent a ton of money on a new motorcycle and have to spend more to make the bike "right"). The wife will probably never be completely comfortable. So I am stuck. And of course with the 2012 103CI engine, I am sure my resale value has been shot to pieces.
On a positive note, as a solo bike, I like it a lot. It steers and handles incredibly well, it feels much lighter and smaller than its size would dictate, the rear shock is a bit better suited for solo riding, the power is satisfactory, I have no buffeting, etc. The paint, chrome, fairing, saddle bags, trunk, and so forth are excellent.
By the way, I printed out this vent and mailed it to Harley Davidson Headquarters.
JackL
Last edited by SkipCarey; Jul 19, 2011 at 07:23 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs CO
LMAO
Welcome to HD!
Great points and with a tune and rear shocks, pipes, apes, ...... you will have the bike of your dreams
Welcome to HD!
Great points and with a tune and rear shocks, pipes, apes, ...... you will have the bike of your dreams
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
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 69
From: Near Myrtle Beach, SC
Yep, you gotta pay to play. We all know the bikes are not worth what MOCO sells them for, but that's evidently not the determinant for purchase. I've had metrics before, and I am done with them. They were faster, handled better, and were cheaper. BUT, the HD fulfills all the voids and gaps for me. Sure, a stock HD sucks the big willie. A stock HD is an ugly damn thing to me. But that's part of the addiction. I can make My bike Mine. Not yours. But Mine. I can make it ride better, handle better, run better, and hell ya, look better!! And I have done that with each HD I have owned. Screw all this woa is me ****. So all you have spent is nearly $20K? Give me a break. And as you have been advised...there is no damn perfect bike. If it don't fit your plan now, make another plan.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 898
Likes: 66
From: Slidell, Louisiana
On the Gulf Coast heat is a given and when you get to a light, you cook like a lobster from the top and the bottom. You guys up north are getting a real taste of heat this summer.
Don't give up on it so soon. Make a few inexpensive changes and maybe the experience will not be totally lost. Changing out the shocks, adjustable passenger floor boards are simple changes and may help a bit. The seat is a good start. Most guys change that and the bars right out of the gate.
Don't give up on it so soon. Make a few inexpensive changes and maybe the experience will not be totally lost. Changing out the shocks, adjustable passenger floor boards are simple changes and may help a bit. The seat is a good start. Most guys change that and the bars right out of the gate.
Last edited by J2X; Jul 19, 2011 at 10:05 PM.