Someone Please tell me why...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,380
Likes: 9
From: Texas
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
With the HD products and all the 3rd party venders you are free to "adjust" your bike to suit you as you see fit. The possibilities are endless so I cannot imagine any other make having more possibilities, probably less in most situations.
That is part of what the HD world is...customizing the bike to reflect your likes, your shape and size, your imagination, etc. I doubt 5% of the people here bought a Harley so they could look like the next guy.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Jack,
I do feel your pain. I got mine used I think they intentionally put the most uncomfortable handlebars and rock hard seats, shift linkage. At 25,000 miles my rear shift lever ball joint failed with the front and rear shift lever. Could not believe that the primary would have to be pulled to replace the rear lever. Can't understand why only the HD oil coolers restrict flow down so much making them pointless and prone to leak. and why do the HD thermostats seem to fail more often. The some of newer frames have gotten so weak you can squeeze and flex it with your hands. Why on earth did they change to a harder skinnier tire on the touring bike is nuts.
For years HD have been recruiting suits that have never turned a wrench or ridden a motorcycle and it shows.
I feel your pain but you'll grow to love your RK. Welcome to the club.
I do feel your pain. I got mine used I think they intentionally put the most uncomfortable handlebars and rock hard seats, shift linkage. At 25,000 miles my rear shift lever ball joint failed with the front and rear shift lever. Could not believe that the primary would have to be pulled to replace the rear lever. Can't understand why only the HD oil coolers restrict flow down so much making them pointless and prone to leak. and why do the HD thermostats seem to fail more often. The some of newer frames have gotten so weak you can squeeze and flex it with your hands. Why on earth did they change to a harder skinnier tire on the touring bike is nuts.
For years HD have been recruiting suits that have never turned a wrench or ridden a motorcycle and it shows.
I feel your pain but you'll grow to love your RK. Welcome to the club.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
Hey Jack, neither one of us us getting any younger and you've been wanting this bike for 45 yrs. It's pretty much the same with me. You spent a lot of money to get exactly what you've wanted for a long time and it turns out you didn't get your money's worth.... Well, I think that happens a lot with HD bikes. But you can have it exactly like you want it if you spend some time and money. I didn't let a little money stand between me and my dream. I've long forgotten about the money because I have the bike I always wanted and have it set up to fit my wife and I.... Hang in there a little longer and you're gonna love that bike. Just think of it as a never ending project. Enjoy it while you still can.
I been at this Harley game for better than forty years .. They are better now than they have ever been , cept the Twinkie is a dumbed down EVO , the EVO is about as bullet proof as a Harley can be ..
The heat is an issue because they have to roll off the floor meeting EPA guidelines ..
I remember in the past saying all of the following things :
never a bike with a front brake
never mag wheels
never more than one throttle cable
what ?? no two piece fat bobs
never more than four speeds
never anything but a hardtail
never a bagger
never an EVO
never a TC88 ( hey managed that )
never a TC96
never a six speed
never a belt final drive
never fuel injection
There is no perfect bike
like others I think your "issues" are just that "yours"
I always felt like at purchase you should be given a couple options on seats and bars , other than that I'm happy ..
The heat is an issue because they have to roll off the floor meeting EPA guidelines ..
I remember in the past saying all of the following things :
never a bike with a front brake
never mag wheels
never more than one throttle cable
what ?? no two piece fat bobs
never more than four speeds
never anything but a hardtail
never a bagger
never an EVO
never a TC88 ( hey managed that )
never a TC96
never a six speed
never a belt final drive
never fuel injection
There is no perfect bike
like others I think your "issues" are just that "yours"
I always felt like at purchase you should be given a couple options on seats and bars , other than that I'm happy ..
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,010
Likes: 1
From: The Deep South
This has been a very funny read.......
So much truth has been spoken, reality once again collides with fantasy, riding a motorcycle is, well, riding a motorcycle???
I have also had brief, sporadic, episodes of whining about my bike, but then again, they were brief and have not been prevalent for some time.
Not long after the purchase of this new bike, I grew out of my fantasy that this new harley was perfecttt...
after some mods., and touching lots of the new bikes parts with my tools, I became very pleased and that touch of buyers remorse dissipated, but boy was I disappointed when the '09's came out....yeee
I like my bike, other folks will disagree ....
So much truth has been spoken, reality once again collides with fantasy, riding a motorcycle is, well, riding a motorcycle???
I have also had brief, sporadic, episodes of whining about my bike, but then again, they were brief and have not been prevalent for some time.
Not long after the purchase of this new bike, I grew out of my fantasy that this new harley was perfecttt...after some mods., and touching lots of the new bikes parts with my tools, I became very pleased and that touch of buyers remorse dissipated, but boy was I disappointed when the '09's came out....yeee
I like my bike, other folks will disagree ....
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
+100, no perfect bike, from any maker, stock and off the floor.
Having owed several HD's as well as several metric brands I think the
people that are most unhappy try to relate price paid ( compared to
other bikes they have owned ) vs. perceived ( or actual depending on how
you look at it ) HD shortcomings.
As in most everything in life higher price doesn't ALWAYS mean best or
perfect.
Having owed several HD's as well as several metric brands I think the
people that are most unhappy try to relate price paid ( compared to
other bikes they have owned ) vs. perceived ( or actual depending on how
you look at it ) HD shortcomings.
As in most everything in life higher price doesn't ALWAYS mean best or
perfect.
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