I came across the JD Power report for motorcycles a few days ago and this is making me re-think my Sportster purchase. I actually couldn't believe it, but JD is one of the most reputable sources out there. I know you all have probably already seen this but just in case you haven't, here's a link: http://www.jdpower.com/autos/ratings/motorcycles.[/align][/align]I was just wondering where you all think the Sportster rates among the Harley's as far as dependability and maintenance?[/align]

 

I love my sporty and don't really care what jdpower says [8D]

 

That's the response I figured I would get but not whatI was hoping for. This is a big decision and I just wanted to know about it's dependability. Has yours ever broke down? What all do you have to do maintenance wise?

 

You should get the metric it will serve you fine! I think thats the answer that you are looking for!

 

The answer i'm looking for is how dependable the Sportsters are.I don't want to spend 10grand and regret it later.And by the way, I'm not looking at a metric, it's between the Sportster and the 8 ball.[/align]

 

The survey to me is worthless since they don't break the mfg. down by model. It could be comparing apples & oranges.You can't for instance compare a sportster to a Honda gold wing. If you compare a sportster to a Honda shadow the shadow is a cheap piece of tin. IMO

 

If you have to question it, get a honda, they never break.

 

I havent had any major problems with my sporty, the couple problems I did have were fully covered under the warranty and I had the bike back in a day or two.

As for deciding what kind of bike you should get, don't go solely by those reviews. Test drive every bike your interested in and even some your not (you'd be suprised what you end up liking) and decide that way not by some starts on a website.

 

You're exactly right, a Honda will last forever but I don't want a Honda. I've ridden every metric out there and I just don't want one.[/align][/align]As far as the survey goes they don't break it down by model that's why i'm posting here![/align]

 

I don't think the quality difference is that big a deal anymore, HD vs metric. My ninja has had more warranty work done then my two harleys put together....your responses here will be like that...very specific, with limited personal experience, but there it is

Cost of ownership...now that I've owned the ninja for a while, I was surprised to find that the metric shops are at the same price or more for repairs. I figured nothing could cost more the harley, but you should see some of the prices for ninja. Just an example...

Oil Changes:
harley shop....$65 for synth. Check cables, tires, lube cables, test ride
metric shop....$80 for dino. Check nothing, ride nothing. Torque filter on so tight I have to puncture it to remove.

(needless to say, harley changes the dyna and I do the ninja myself)