Rant on Harley (pissed)
#51
04-11-2012, 06:26 PM
I agree that there are lemons out there but there are a couple reasons why people are more familiar with Harley problems over Japs/Victory problems. First reason is that there are way more Harley's on the road than Japs/Victory's. So naturally you will hear more about Harley problems. Second is if someone has a problem with their bike, they go searching usually on the internet and then forums to find a fix for their bike or vent about their situation. The guys who are not having problems are not going to start a thread saying, "Hey everything is great on my bike, no problems at all".
I have an 02 Road King Classic that I have owned for two years. It has about 30,000 miles on it and it's been a good bike. I redid the top end because I had some blow-by but honestly I really just wanted to do a big bore kit. The blow-by was minimal.
My friends have all been happy with their Harley's.
I have an 02 Road King Classic that I have owned for two years. It has about 30,000 miles on it and it's been a good bike. I redid the top end because I had some blow-by but honestly I really just wanted to do a big bore kit. The blow-by was minimal.
My friends have all been happy with their Harley's.
#53
04-11-2012, 10:23 PM
#54
04-11-2012, 10:51 PM
Ultimate HDF Member
I just started reading this thread, please don't tell me you even thought about trading your Hog for a Kaw, lol. Well issues can be had with all manufacturers, HD is not immune, and I'm sure HD doesn't make the regulator. I hope your issues are resolved soon. I have to agree with one of the other post, if there were as many GWs or Victory's on the road as HDs, you would hear of a lot more problems, both bikes have their issues. As for me, I'm sticking with HD.
#55
04-12-2012, 01:56 AM
It's a bummer to be stranded, but the same thing can and does happen to other manufactures, not just Harley.
Here's how: Let's say you're in charge of the supply chain for HD. You forecast selling about 1,000,000 bikes with the new regulator, or roughly 30,000 per month for three years. From past figures, you estimate the failure rate of the the part to be 1% of the install base per month. That means you'll need about 40,000 of the regulators on hand per month to cover warranty and manufacturing (less at the beginning of the manufacturing cycle).
But something is rotten. Six months into production, the failure rate suddenly spikes to 20%! That means you have 36,000 bikes right now needing regulators under warranty, plus another 30K in the pipeline at the factory. Add to that, Engineering has put a hold on future orders of the part until they can figure out what is wrong.
You can see just how easy it is to develop a critical situation for your customers, especially when the failure rate is extremely high. But you're still right, it sucks when it's you that is stuck by the side of the road.
Here's how: Let's say you're in charge of the supply chain for HD. You forecast selling about 1,000,000 bikes with the new regulator, or roughly 30,000 per month for three years. From past figures, you estimate the failure rate of the the part to be 1% of the install base per month. That means you'll need about 40,000 of the regulators on hand per month to cover warranty and manufacturing (less at the beginning of the manufacturing cycle).
But something is rotten. Six months into production, the failure rate suddenly spikes to 20%! That means you have 36,000 bikes right now needing regulators under warranty, plus another 30K in the pipeline at the factory. Add to that, Engineering has put a hold on future orders of the part until they can figure out what is wrong.
You can see just how easy it is to develop a critical situation for your customers, especially when the failure rate is extremely high. But you're still right, it sucks when it's you that is stuck by the side of the road.
#57
04-12-2012, 07:31 AM
My point is this, we as a country have to continue to raise the bar so we don't allow China to pass us. They may meet our "older heights", but we always need to be one to two steps ahead or we will see our position fall quickly. Ok, I will demount the soap box!
#58
04-12-2012, 08:02 AM
Road Warrior
as does Rick Fairless as he is a Victory dealer. I'm sure they are very good bikes. I would love to own an 8-ball but I am not giving up my ultra Ltd.
I've owned 3 Harleys and never had one ounce of problems. Sorry for the OP bad luck.
#59
04-12-2012, 08:06 AM
Road Warrior
#60
04-12-2012, 09:04 AM
Seasoned HDF Member
My first Harley was a 07 RKC, had to get the IDS to take the stress out of the drive train and stop the noise, only put 35 k on that bike before I went to an 09 Ultra with ABS. The 09 Ultra issues, 4 front wheel bearings, 3 compensators, 1 stator. Just traded the 09 at 50 k miles for a 12 Ultra limited. I am on a ride out to Arizona from Miami, as I pull into Mesa my batt light, check engine light comes on and I notice volt gauge indicates 10 V, pulled into hotel called dealer and they told me to bring it over this morning, I show up at Chesters and they tell me that it probably is the regulator and they ran out of them from very high demand on the new touring bikes, and Harley has them on back order trying to redesign or fix the issue. They sent me over to Chandler who showed in stock on their computer, granted it s the current fkd up part number but I cant wait for Harley to get their issue resolved while I sit 2500 miles from home. The dealers are good but Harley design and engineering is wanting at best. I am pissed, really pissed, I am contemplating riding across town to the Kawi dealer and buying a Concourse. Either way, I think this might be my last Harley.