2014 wethead replacement possibly..
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 7,498
Likes: 19
From: East Alton, IL
This thread is still bashing Harley after we found out that the problem isn't even about the new design, or customer beta testing, or how much better your Honda is, but it's a defective release that has been around for years.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 814
From: Nevada
Anyone who doesn't think Harley thoroughly tested the Twin Cool doesn't understand R&D. The design is a paradigm shift. Problems that don't surface in development can occur in the real world.
The V Rod motor was developed jointly with Porche. Harley did not have this resource with the Twin Cool.
Only thing I question is with the release of the new Indians and the timing of the 110th event, did Harley rush the Twin Cool to market prematurely?
The V Rod motor was developed jointly with Porche. Harley did not have this resource with the Twin Cool.
Only thing I question is with the release of the new Indians and the timing of the 110th event, did Harley rush the Twin Cool to market prematurely?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,672
Likes: 17
From: Orange, VA,
Ok, these bikes are made by man, nothing made by man is perfect, people can complain about defects all they want, but every product made by man will have a defect or weak point, look at the space shuttle, it blew up, it was man made,
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
Good news! The techs originally thought that it was an exhaust leak, and after messing with the the header, and even replacing it, guessed that it had to be a head issue. After going through it with a fine tooth comb, the service guy informed me that it's NOT the head at all.. It's a faulty automatic compression release. New part in early next week, bike back by Wednesday..
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 771
Likes: 3
From: St. Bonifacius, MN
:icon_sad
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: Central Virginia
Finally got her back Saturday. The compression release was indeed the problem. The bike sounds normal and having full compression gave it a bit more power. I agree about the dealers not having parts. I'm wondering if this part is unique to this model year, or if it's something used on prior year models. I can sort of understand if it's a new part, but they should be able to get a part that's been around a while. Now I'm just praying that this is the one any only problem I'll have with this 2014..
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 350
From: Holly Springs, North Carolina
Harleys are expensive and everything about them...accessories, clothing, maintenance, etc. is expensive. Most Harley riders & buyers know their "quirks". The biggest thing for me is if my spending that much with them, then I expect first rate customer service...and we all know that is not necessary the case a lot of time with the dealer or the MOCO in general. I understand the issue with buying a new bike and then having to put it back in the shop. I understand the aggravation. But **** happens...that's why there is a warranty. But I would really "escalate" a situation if I was not offered a rental/loaner after spending 20-30k on a motorcycle that I can't ride.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Western South Dakota
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: anacoco, la
I learned my lesson on a new Ford pickup back in 03. It was the redesign of Fords new trucks in 04 and I had to have one. Bad mistake, in the shop after the first 3 weeks and several times after that. Got rid of it with 8,000 miles on the clock. Never again with the first ones until about a yr or so. The bugs should be gone by then and I'll trade. I hope though most of the problems are a simple fix and wish the best for all who buy the 2014. I love the bikes and think it's a move in the right direction for HD.
like everything else mechanical, some good, some not so much......
Finally got her back Saturday. The compression release was indeed the problem. The bike sounds normal and having full compression gave it a bit more power. I agree about the dealers not having parts. I'm wondering if this part is unique to this model year, or if it's something used on prior year models. I can sort of understand if it's a new part, but they should be able to get a part that's been around a while. Now I'm just praying that this is the one any only problem I'll have with this 2014..
Last edited by skratch; Sep 16, 2013 at 11:05 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
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From: Northern California
I think if I was trying to win that argument I would have just lied and said I was a water cooling engineer or something. You know, put that baby to bed.
Just me. I'm smart... I really am a mechanical and electrical engineer and computer science engineer so I know all kinds of stuff to argue about.
See what I did there... you believed me.
lp
Just me. I'm smart... I really am a mechanical and electrical engineer and computer science engineer so I know all kinds of stuff to argue about.
See what I did there... you believed me.
lp
This is not a slam, just a lot of truth. If you have been riding HD forever you learn how to deal with this or that. You actually dont want a perfect smooth machine, if we did we would own something else. Harleys have always had an edge. I test rode a new BMW. It was so perfect I hated the thing. When riders come from Honda, BMW they are going to have issues and dislikes with Harley. To each their own.