Not at ease when on long trips. Please help
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
I like to go on long rides, like in one week I would do 2000 miles a few times a year.
The problem I have is I am at a point that I do not trust the HD product even though I love it.
In my 2008 Ultra limited I put close to 60000 in 4 years and I had many failures including two life threatening ones which were: a) lost power twice on the highway with my wife on the back ( limo mode ) and b) front wheel bearing failed 70 miles away from home. Was able to get home limping with cars passing me at high speed. I really was out in the boonies.
1.5 years ago I got a new 2012 and I felt much better except that now at 12000 miles I had to change the front bearing and the rotors. Also the battery light came on one night even though I have a new battery. I felt "here we go again"
If you are a bar hopper or a weekend worrier you might not understand how I feel, but if you ride long distances into the boonies like I do you will understand me.
So now, if I go in a long trip I constantly worry about breaking down and I really do not like the Goldwings that much. I know HD has a great dealer network but it also means loosing vacation time which I do not have a lot of. Maybe the answer is buy a 2015 :=)
So I would like to hear some positive perspectives from you guys cause I really would like to stay with the Harley family. Thanks
The problem I have is I am at a point that I do not trust the HD product even though I love it.
In my 2008 Ultra limited I put close to 60000 in 4 years and I had many failures including two life threatening ones which were: a) lost power twice on the highway with my wife on the back ( limo mode ) and b) front wheel bearing failed 70 miles away from home. Was able to get home limping with cars passing me at high speed. I really was out in the boonies.
1.5 years ago I got a new 2012 and I felt much better except that now at 12000 miles I had to change the front bearing and the rotors. Also the battery light came on one night even though I have a new battery. I felt "here we go again"
If you are a bar hopper or a weekend worrier you might not understand how I feel, but if you ride long distances into the boonies like I do you will understand me.
So now, if I go in a long trip I constantly worry about breaking down and I really do not like the Goldwings that much. I know HD has a great dealer network but it also means loosing vacation time which I do not have a lot of. Maybe the answer is buy a 2015 :=)
So I would like to hear some positive perspectives from you guys cause I really would like to stay with the Harley family. Thanks
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
42k on my 11 SG , so I know where you are coming from.
Nobody pays more attention to the details on a bike than a bike owner in your position, unfortunately the not even the overpaid dealer service team.
My best advice to you is do your own preventive maintenance and watch everything. Then seek out answers in places like this, and if going to a dealer is for service is necessary, have a direction planned out for them.
They are an absolute last resort for me.
Nobody pays more attention to the details on a bike than a bike owner in your position, unfortunately the not even the overpaid dealer service team.
My best advice to you is do your own preventive maintenance and watch everything. Then seek out answers in places like this, and if going to a dealer is for service is necessary, have a direction planned out for them.
They are an absolute last resort for me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
I've decided to keep on touring regardless of high miles. I have a 75 mile tow limit through Geico and depending what the malfunction is and where I am, it'll either be fix it there myself or tow it to the house (if I'm local,) or a tow to the nearest U-Haul dealer to rent a small truck one-way and take her home. With $95 an hour labor rates at unknown dealers and unknown techs, $400 or $500 to get her home and fix it myself suddenly sounds reasonable.
Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 8,538
Likes: 1,646
From: SF Bay area
I have a 75 mile tow limit through Geico and depending what the malfunction is and where I am, it'll either be fix it there myself or tow it to the house (if I'm local,) or a tow to the nearest U-Haul dealer to rent a small truck one-way and take her home. With $95 an hour labor rates at unknown dealers and unknown techs, $400 or $500 to get her home and fix it myself suddenly sounds reasonable.
That is a great idea... one I'll remember for sure.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Been of lots of longer rides with a group of riding buddies. Seems like we have some sort of mechanical issue on one or another of the bikes on most every trip.
Going over to the nearest Harley dealership has become a right of passage for our group. We make the best of it, and hang around the dealership looking at all the new stuff, buying some clothes or chrome goodies, and drinking some coffee, while we wait for the afflicted bike to get back on the road.
Going over to the nearest Harley dealership has become a right of passage for our group. We make the best of it, and hang around the dealership looking at all the new stuff, buying some clothes or chrome goodies, and drinking some coffee, while we wait for the afflicted bike to get back on the road.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
I like to go on long rides, like in one week I would do 2000 miles a few times a year.
The problem I have is I am at a point that I do not trust the HD product even though I love it.
In my 2008 Ultra limited I put close to 60000 in 4 years and I had many failures including two life threatening ones which were: a) lost power twice on the highway with my wife on the back ( limo mode ) and b) front wheel bearing failed 70 miles away from home. Was able to get home limping with cars passing me at high speed. I really was out in the boonies.
1.5 years ago I got a new 2012 and I felt much better except that now at 12000 miles I had to change the front bearing and the rotors. Also the battery light came on one night even though I have a new battery. I felt "here we go again"
If you are a bar hopper or a weekend worrier you might not understand how I feel, but if you ride long distances into the boonies like I do you will understand me.
So now, if I go in a long trip I constantly worry about breaking down and I really do not like the Goldwings that much. I know HD has a great dealer network but it also means loosing vacation time which I do not have a lot of. Maybe the answer is buy a 2015 :=)
So I would like to hear some positive perspectives from you guys cause I really would like to stay with the Harley family. Thanks
The problem I have is I am at a point that I do not trust the HD product even though I love it.
In my 2008 Ultra limited I put close to 60000 in 4 years and I had many failures including two life threatening ones which were: a) lost power twice on the highway with my wife on the back ( limo mode ) and b) front wheel bearing failed 70 miles away from home. Was able to get home limping with cars passing me at high speed. I really was out in the boonies.
1.5 years ago I got a new 2012 and I felt much better except that now at 12000 miles I had to change the front bearing and the rotors. Also the battery light came on one night even though I have a new battery. I felt "here we go again"
If you are a bar hopper or a weekend worrier you might not understand how I feel, but if you ride long distances into the boonies like I do you will understand me.
So now, if I go in a long trip I constantly worry about breaking down and I really do not like the Goldwings that much. I know HD has a great dealer network but it also means loosing vacation time which I do not have a lot of. Maybe the answer is buy a 2015 :=)
So I would like to hear some positive perspectives from you guys cause I really would like to stay with the Harley family. Thanks
" Maybe the answer is buy a 2015 :=) "
LOL!!!!
Thats not the answer either because i just read posts here in hdforums where 2 brand new 2015'hd's had serious issues with the motor & trans due to a leaking oil cooler hose & bearing failure ,1 was at 250miles and other was at less then 2300miles.
Your a prime candidate for an ESP and if your bike is in stock form you should have no issues when getting it as long as the bike is less then 12 yrs old , has less then 75k miles and passes pre-ESP inspection to verify bike is in good operation cond with no known / current mech/elec/etc issues @ timing of signing.
My ESP also stated it didnt become active till i went an additional 300 miles after they did the pre-insp to ensure there were no major mech / elec issues at time of signing & paying to protect the ESP company in case the hd tech doing the pre-esp insp missed a major mech/elec issue .
Scott
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
Been of lots of longer rides with a group of riding buddies. Seems like we have some sort of mechanical issue on one or another of the bikes on most every trip.
Going over to the nearest Harley dealership has become a right of passage for our group. We make the best of it, and hang around the dealership looking at all the new stuff, buying some clothes or chrome goodies, and drinking some coffee, while we wait for the afflicted bike to get back on the road.
Going over to the nearest Harley dealership has become a right of passage for our group. We make the best of it, and hang around the dealership looking at all the new stuff, buying some clothes or chrome goodies, and drinking some coffee, while we wait for the afflicted bike to get back on the road.
That right there sums up the avg HD these days,sad but true.
If HD spent a little more $$ on better mfg practices & better quality control within the company on what they build and what they buy from outside sources (especially compensator along with all bearings used in the inner prim case/ trans / engine/crank/cam/wheels) that would go a long way in fixing their whats beginin to look like a loosing battle for HD.
Scott
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,031
From: Carlsbad, CA
Blah...blah...blah. Too much to read.
Get AAA, a satellite phone, lots of water, some granola bars, a Glock 19, and you are good to go. You are covered no matter where you are, or whatever happens. If you have a schedule you need to keep, then get a Toyota Corolla.
Enjoy the adventure.
Get AAA, a satellite phone, lots of water, some granola bars, a Glock 19, and you are good to go. You are covered no matter where you are, or whatever happens. If you have a schedule you need to keep, then get a Toyota Corolla.
Enjoy the adventure.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 17,548
Likes: 7,173
From: Oxford, Nc
Blah...blah...blah. Too much to read.
Get AAA, a satellite phone, lots of water, some granola bars, a Glock 19, and you are good to go. You are covered no matter where you are, or whatever happens. If you have a schedule you need to keep, then get a Toyota Corolla.
Enjoy the adventure.
Get AAA, a satellite phone, lots of water, some granola bars, a Glock 19, and you are good to go. You are covered no matter where you are, or whatever happens. If you have a schedule you need to keep, then get a Toyota Corolla.
Enjoy the adventure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 24,231
From: NC, USA
I know the feeling.
30K on the 07 Street Glide and the Stator fried, then the starter clutch went out. Luckily I was able to limp home and then to my Indie mech for repairs.
I refuse to ride metrics or a Gold Wing so I guess I'll have to put up with whatever my HD's throw me.
30K on the 07 Street Glide and the Stator fried, then the starter clutch went out. Luckily I was able to limp home and then to my Indie mech for repairs.
I refuse to ride metrics or a Gold Wing so I guess I'll have to put up with whatever my HD's throw me.