For me, and me alone, this scenario is from a dream world. That’s my kind response. That said, I hope Harley bike owners that own current models live in your dream world. I guess in another way, you are saying nothing is impossible when it comes to keeping your Harley on the road.

 

We have to realize that by the time H-D adopts technology it has already been in use for several years in the motorcycle and automotive industry. They're never on the bleeding edge but need to do whatever is necessary to compete, and the demand for modern technology is most often greater than the resistance to it. We old curmudgeons will complain but the industry moves forward with or without us.

 

Who said anything about carbs? But why does it take a computer to run all facets of a vehicle? It is all about making vehicle obsolete quicker. It also helps to re-direct folks back to the dealerships with the "authorized computers" to do "authorized updates".

 

We can no longer get simple wiring harness for knock sensors for flagship Lexus LS430 from Toyota so I doubt very much we will be able to get all this junk from HD 15-20 years in the future... Still having trouble getting HD ABS Module replacements...

The whole idea of HD has been simplicity, dependability, durability, reliability, and... Repairability...

So... Yes... Way too much non-value-added automation... And... Way too little MOCO experience...

What do I NEVER want to be asked? "Which firmware do you have installed on your bike?"

I love HD but for THE BEST high-tech bike Honda GoldWing is the only way to go...

 

I am a fan of the @DK Custom videos as well. I pointed this out on their comments, and will point it out here. My biggest concern is how long will Harley provide security updates for their software? We can debate how well MSFT/Apple/Google, etc do this.. but they are way ahead of auto manufacturers and consumer product companies at doing this. When was the last time your 3 year old "smart TV" got an update? Look at the zero day's out there for older versions of Android TV. With the way these motorcycles connect to wifi and the internet, keeping head of zero day hacks with software is important. When the security updates stop, these devices need to at least be disconnected from any outside networks. In general, when security updates stop, it is time to replace the device.

I am also concerned as to how long the components in these devices will be available. Chips rot, solder joints break, etc. I still see 90's Road Kings out there as daily riders. Not sure my 2024 Road Glide will be operational in 2040.

 

How about this: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/2024-...h-reboots.html

You can have it...

 

Another Harley bash thread, how surprising.

For those saying the old bikes are better...good luck getting those to pass modern noise and tailpipe emission standards. Think basic fuel injection is better? That won't pass emission standards either.

Also, does someone younger want a crappy analog gauge to look at, or a nice TFT? People say that old school carbs and whatnot are better and can always keep going. How many old school bikes with points or magnetos do you see on the road? If your magneto loses charge, good luck finding someone that can restore it. Think a Goldwing is better? Go ahead and buy one...and hope you don't have the catastrophic engine failure that many new Goldwings suffer from.

Just because you don't want or can't afford the new technology does not make it bad.

 

Electronics go obsolete when the manufacture stops supporting the machine its used in. I see it at work from time to time. Manufactures are happy to sell you the latest and greatest product. Newer doesn't make it better but neither does older. Spend your money and take your chances but always enjoy riding. Life is short.

 

Old bikes / cars / trucks, etc. don't have to meet new vehicle standards.

Preferences are subjective. Lots of younger people like gauges and lots of older people like the TFT screen. The bitching would go away if it was reliable and not a $4k part to replace.

Even people who are nostalgic for that old stuff don't want to deal with it any more than as a hobby. You have to understand the frustration of being a decent home mechanic, and all of a sudden you need a $40k computer and exclusive secret training to diagnose & fix a common problem.

Seems to me that the complications & cost associated are a way around the Right to Repair law.