oh, as to why I own one? It wasn't because I bought it. It was given to me, complete with the blue lights and all the cop gear when it's previous rider dropped dead. It was his on duty bike, he really liked it, and rather than let it go back into the motor pool, a favor was called in and the title was signed over to me.

Would I buy one? Probably not. I enjoy the bike, but it seems to me every model year brings another disaster from the MoCo that I can attribute to one of 3 things usually.

Poor engineering, poor quality control/assurance, or the fact they are refusing to come into the 20th century by putting a water cooled engine in the baggers. Trying to meet EPA mandates using an air cooled V Twin with increasing displacements is insanity.

If HD wants to sell bikes to people like me, people who have bought Asian or euro bikes for the most part from the time we were teens, they really need to resolve the three issues I mentioned above. HD in their infinite wisdom did build a bike that would compete with the rice bikes, had great suspension, brakes, it handled, it performed. It took a while to perfect it, and as soon as they got a damn good sport bike, they killed off the Buell line.

I would be the first guy down at the dealership putting a deposit on a 2013 bagger if they would put a V Rod power plant in it.

As I said I like my 03, but the problems with the baggers in every model year since would make buying a new one a low probability. That is reinforced by MoCo's treatment of the customer too.

P.S.S. If you need more proof that the MoCo is out of touch with the riders, just remember who they got to be the headline act for the 100th party in Milwaukee.

 

Why don't you get that "Road Rod"? It's a V-Rod with a RoadGlide fairing and hard touring saddlebags. There is even a tourpack option. It looks great and from what I hear is impressive to ride. The local dealer had one on the floor. Rumor was that Brad Pitt bought it.

 

Do you know what the total cost will be going plan B they should give you at least 20% off what ever you have to pay out of pocket

 

Sounds like it worked out just right. You handled it just like a good man should. Be proud.

 

Good on you Denny. A cool level head prevails. You are a better man than me. Myself I would have taken the loaner and if I did not already have a good rain suit asked they throw one in, head cold aside. Looking forward to a negative to turn into a big positive for you.

 

In the UK we get free loaners as standard service every time a bike goes in. In fact, they ask you ahead of time if there is anything specific you want to ride - one of the reasons I enjoy service time!

In terms of jumping the queue - in principle I agree that you should not jump the queue, but there us an awesome way you can win all round - how's about getting your top techie to do a couple of hours overtime that night?

 

I do it every time I get on mine.

 

I agree. I own a CVO and don't expect to bump to the front of the line just because of it. I have to wait just like everyone else.

 

Amen to that statement.

 

Holy, talk about hijackin a thread with wayyy to many pics of your own ride!! WTF