Agree with orginal posting. I rode Yami's for 30+ years - no problems. Bought this 05 Ultra new and had it in the shop 12 times in two years (regulator, fuel gauge, valve stem seals, and complete main wiring harness were the big problems).

But, tell you what, the resale value on the jap bikes sucks. Lost my shirt trying to sell my Roadstar (bought for like $12.5k and sold less than two years later for like $6.5k). Also, much more after-market stuff for Harley's.

Agree that the Moco can do much better in the "reliability" area. My guess is that profit has something to do with it.

 

Right after buying a used bike he had problems? Who knows what the previous owner did to the bike? I've owned 3 Honda's and 3 Harley's and had no problems with any of the bikes. But I take care of my bikes.

 

[sm=popcorn.gif]

 

Sorry about your brothers bike. But:

He bought it used. You have NO idea how it was treated or maintained by the previous owner. As for the wonderfull “bulletproof” Hondas:

My VTX 1800:

2 water pumps shot by 40k. The first at 9k, the second at 33k. About $500 a pop for parts and labor. (first one was under warranty)

Rear drive flange bearings came out in PIECES at 38k tire change. About $150 parts and labor.

Clutch shipped under accelleration. Whats a new clutch cost?

Maintenence? How about $350 every 8000 miles for a valve ajustment? In addition to any other maintenace?

Yea, “BULLETPROOF” and cheaper to maintain than HD. My ***.

Only issue I have had on any of my 3 HDs was on the first one when the shifter linkage (stock POS) falied at about 25k. Dealer GAVE me a new takeoff to replace it.

 

I had a Honda before my HD and it had elctrical problems out the wazoo... Every time I cleaned it the head light wouldn't work for half the day. You know what the dealer said "well it isn't a water proof system!" WHAT? that was the biggest load of crap I had ever heard!
I have 6600 on my 07 Dyna and not one single issue yet! That said, my father in-law baught a V-rod has not had one issue... then also baught a Softail deluxe and had to have the gas tank cleaned and flushed after having 3 fuel pumps replaced because there was paint residue in the tank (custom HD paint job)
It's all luck of the draw!

I can't tell you how many people I have know who have had major issues with VW and yet I can name just as many people who have not had one problem with VW and won't own anything else. I know of at least 10 people who have had major issues with Ford. I have had a major issue with Dodge (I will never buy another Dodge again because of that one) Don't even get me started on Porsche... talk about a money pit!

 

Okay I agree we don't know what the previous owner did to the bike. Maybe he did beat the $hit out of it or not maintain it. Its possible. That said, I doubt it. The dude was like 65 and most guys I know who ride at that age take immaculate care of their bikes. Also, the bike was in great condition-never laid down and at least 5K in upgrades. Again, not saying that doesn't mean the bike wasn't maintained or beat on but seems a lot less likely. From the posts I've seen, it seems MOST of the HD's here are performing and running great whichis awesome. I've also seen a few posts saying that they have had issues.

That said, like someone said "its the luck of the draw sometimes" and I tend to agree with that....I guess on the bright side at least mine is running great!!

 

I'm not the one on here crying about how HD is crap. I believe you opened that can of worms. Just put your big girl panties on and soldier on or trade for the ricer. You know you really want to. You'd look good riding one going to "Honda Hoots". With all the money you'd save on not having to do maintenance (yeah right) you could order GPS or a latte machine or whatever else the Honda crowd puts on their bikes. And pointing out the facts as you say, the preponderence of folks on here haven't had problems as you describe. Statistically, I would say you are in the minority as far as problems.

Your buddy bought a bike that was used and remember the word abused includes used.Who knows who did what to it. Have you not ever bought a used car and had problems with it? I'll bet lots of folks here have too. Maybe that's more the issue than HD qulaity such as it is

I'm going riding

Bubba

 

You don't know some of the 65 year olds I know...

We took NOS to a rental Neon. I'll leave it at that.

 

No he's not.

 

It's not a POS, it is a very nice bike and I worked my *** off to pay for it. That said if it has any more issues I think it will be down the road.