An engineer's opinion of Harley quality
#11
09-05-2013 | 10:00 PM
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,442
Likes: 19,806
From: Centennial, CO
I'm a machinist and the new breed of "engineers" need to have their crayons taken away from them. It's a wonder that anything can built correctly the first time. It's no wonder some things have huge cost overruns and are behind in meeting a build date. Just incredible.
#13
09-05-2013 | 10:31 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: poof
#14
09-05-2013 | 10:41 PM
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 933
From: Illinois
The quality of the OP's writing does not reflect the background that he claims to have. Nor does it have any statistical backing for the claims made. The post is without merit or substance. I have never had to adjust the clock in my 10 Ultra which is four years old last month or any of the other 9 HD's I own.
There are many aspects to "reliability" to a product that has electronics, paint, chrome, rubber, plastic, steel, aluminum, bearings, bushings, levers, gears and on and on.
None of the limited examples cited constitute a body of evidence supporting a poor quality product.
To the OP - Go pound sand.
There are many aspects to "reliability" to a product that has electronics, paint, chrome, rubber, plastic, steel, aluminum, bearings, bushings, levers, gears and on and on.
None of the limited examples cited constitute a body of evidence supporting a poor quality product.
To the OP - Go pound sand.
#15
09-05-2013 | 10:45 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 538
Likes: 17
From: Lexington, Ky
Hmmn. You're an engineer and you know a " thing or two about quality." That combined with what you have been "hearing" about the new bikes leads you to believe the quality is substandard.
Things sure have changed since I went to engineering school. Back then we relied upon empirical data and statistical analysis. Not to say you aren't plugged directly into the factory at HD and being copied on every early life failure report. And I'm certain that the opinions of the handful of people on these forums who are having issues with their 2014's must represent the vast majority of purchasers. Or perhaps not.
All manufacturers have to trade cost vs quality somewhere on the curve. Hopefully Harley and the other 2 wheel manufacturers are conservative on the cost vs safety curve. I believe the size and loyalty of the customer base clearly shows that they definitely deliver on the cost vs value curve, all bitchin' aside.
Things sure have changed since I went to engineering school. Back then we relied upon empirical data and statistical analysis. Not to say you aren't plugged directly into the factory at HD and being copied on every early life failure report. And I'm certain that the opinions of the handful of people on these forums who are having issues with their 2014's must represent the vast majority of purchasers. Or perhaps not.
All manufacturers have to trade cost vs quality somewhere on the curve. Hopefully Harley and the other 2 wheel manufacturers are conservative on the cost vs safety curve. I believe the size and loyalty of the customer base clearly shows that they definitely deliver on the cost vs value curve, all bitchin' aside.
#16
09-05-2013 | 11:02 PM
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 843
Likes: 43
From: Louisiana
Harley did not design the radio, Harmon Kardon did...
No vehicle manufacturer that I am aware of directly builds their own radios. (Some of the Asian conglomerates are huge and have diverse subs, so who knows about them....)
My radio keeps perfect time, actually now that you mention it I have never heard one of my friends bitch about their radios, so I assume they keep perfect time too! I really don't think it is a major issue.
I have bought 2 Harleys new for a total of about 30,000 miles so far. I have never had a single break down, never been left stranded. My 2009 Heritage came with a scratch on the gas tank, it was replaced under warranty, hassle free.
The term that you appear to be looking for is "warranty cost per vehicle"(WCV). Of the big 3 Chryslers's is by far the worst (sorry Chrysler / Dodge fans, but it is the truth. Look it up.) Based on my experiences HD's WCV as percentage of vehicle sales would be relatively low.
Now if you wanted to complain about the fuel gage or the air temp gage....
No vehicle manufacturer that I am aware of directly builds their own radios. (Some of the Asian conglomerates are huge and have diverse subs, so who knows about them....)
My radio keeps perfect time, actually now that you mention it I have never heard one of my friends bitch about their radios, so I assume they keep perfect time too! I really don't think it is a major issue.
I have bought 2 Harleys new for a total of about 30,000 miles so far. I have never had a single break down, never been left stranded. My 2009 Heritage came with a scratch on the gas tank, it was replaced under warranty, hassle free.
The term that you appear to be looking for is "warranty cost per vehicle"(WCV). Of the big 3 Chryslers's is by far the worst (sorry Chrysler / Dodge fans, but it is the truth. Look it up.) Based on my experiences HD's WCV as percentage of vehicle sales would be relatively low.
Now if you wanted to complain about the fuel gage or the air temp gage....
#17
09-05-2013 | 11:04 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 2
From: California
Since this has turned into an 'engineering' thread, I'd like to ask a question that has nothing to do with Harley's: anyone here direct me on how to build a high-school level self-powered toy car with brakes? Can be battery, propeller, spring or rubber-band powered but must have some sort of mechanical system for brakes. That is, the car can not have any electrical cut-off or timer switches to shut off a motor.
Must sort-of look like a car body but can not use a model car body; I'm thinking of using a balsa wood block to shape into a Jeep or equivalent.
Any ideas / please PM me.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming: An engineer's opinion of Harley quality
Must sort-of look like a car body but can not use a model car body; I'm thinking of using a balsa wood block to shape into a Jeep or equivalent.
Any ideas / please PM me.
And now, back to our regularly scheduled programming: An engineer's opinion of Harley quality
#18
09-05-2013 | 11:11 PM
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,384
Likes: 2
From: California
Oh, and even if I turn off the stereo before shutting down the bike, the stereo turns itself back on when I start up the bike. Would be a handy feature if I actually liked listening to the stereo...
#19
09-05-2013 | 11:41 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 10,785
Likes: 2,657
From: St.Louis Mo.
what about the junk cracking tires,junk wheel bearings,ineer primary bearing,compensators,sissored flywheels and yes my radio does lose time. no excuse for this crap. i don't care if h.d. doesn't build their own radios or wheel bearing, no quality control what so ever.there is going to be burps in a ever once in a while,but this crap has been going on for years. look how long the junk evo inner cam bearing was out and the shitty lifters,and they are still putting shitty lifters in. takes H.D. way to long to fix their problems and it's at the cost of the consumer. there i feel better now!
