I hit the Trifecta with Bad HD Quality
#31
06-07-2014 | 06:36 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 188
Likes: 4
From: Arizona
I bought a 2011 FLHP brand new because I figured my 1988 FLHS is getting a bit long in the tooth with 200k on it. As it turns out, my old bike is still the most reliable bike I've ever owned.
Last fall I had the compensator changed to the new 2014 style. Pissed me off because there is no reason for them to go bad. My 1988 still has the original on not a problem.
Then just before last week's trip around Lake Michigan I changed the lifters because they were noisy. At 24k there is no reason for lifters to go bad unless the quality sucks. The old bike has 60k on a factory rebuild and the lifters are still quiet.
Then on vacation my front wheel bearings went bad. Pulled into a dealer and had them changed. Again, sealed bearings should not go bad in 24k. I'm betting the double row bearings HD used to use in early Twin Cams are much less prone to failure. I will admit I've had failures with front wheel bearings on the old bike until I figured out just how important endplay is.
Seems to me HD is making things cheaper. They are no longer trying to build the best bikes possible. Shame on them. My old 1988 is a more reliable bike than my new one.
Last fall I had the compensator changed to the new 2014 style. Pissed me off because there is no reason for them to go bad. My 1988 still has the original on not a problem.
Then just before last week's trip around Lake Michigan I changed the lifters because they were noisy. At 24k there is no reason for lifters to go bad unless the quality sucks. The old bike has 60k on a factory rebuild and the lifters are still quiet.
Then on vacation my front wheel bearings went bad. Pulled into a dealer and had them changed. Again, sealed bearings should not go bad in 24k. I'm betting the double row bearings HD used to use in early Twin Cams are much less prone to failure. I will admit I've had failures with front wheel bearings on the old bike until I figured out just how important endplay is.
Seems to me HD is making things cheaper. They are no longer trying to build the best bikes possible. Shame on them. My old 1988 is a more reliable bike than my new one.
#32
06-07-2014 | 07:22 PM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
I have my bike to where I wouldn't have any fear of riding across the US, there is no way I would do that on a new one, inferior designs on comps, eating primary bearings, and wheel bearings, AND the difference that I would have to spend in a trade would be a big no. I will probably keep this one, and rebuild it until I can no longer rebuild it.
I heard an owner of a HD store say that HD doesn't build bikes to last anymore, because people keep buying them with the bad quality that they are putting out now, so why would they when they can make a good profit as it is.
I heard an owner of a HD store say that HD doesn't build bikes to last anymore, because people keep buying them with the bad quality that they are putting out now, so why would they when they can make a good profit as it is.
#33
06-07-2014 | 08:03 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 150
Likes: 13
From: Fl
Holy **** what a depressing thread...Is there no such thing as a dependable, medium to high milage 09-up 103 out there that has been relatively trouble free? Do the vast majority of people not ride their bikes more than a couple of thousand miles a year? Is HD just one huge scam? Or is this another case of the Forum pissed off vocal minority. WTF.... I would sure love to know the truth. Sometimes I hate even reading this forum...But for some reason, it's addicting to read all the doomsday posts. I'm in no way delegitimizing anyones personal experience, but, if all the crap on here is the norm and not the exception, I guess only an idiot or someone with unlimited funds would keep the bike.
#34
06-07-2014 | 08:11 PM
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 992
Likes: 2
From: TN
A degrading comment serves no purpose on this or any other forum...the comment is of no value, speaks little for the individual that renders it.
#35
06-07-2014 | 08:17 PM
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 910
Likes: 7
From: Shaconage
Holy **** what a depressing thread...Is there no such thing as a dependable, medium to high milage 09-up 103 out there that has been relatively trouble free? Do the vast majority of people not ride their bikes more than a couple of thousand miles a year? Is HD just one huge scam? Or is this another case of the Forum pissed off vocal minority. WTF.... I would sure love to know the truth. Sometimes I hate even reading this forum...But for some reason, it's addicting to read all the doomsday posts. I'm in no way delegitimizing anyones personal experience, but, if all the crap on here is the norm and not the exception, I guess only an idiot or someone with unlimited funds would keep the bike.
Last edited by ZenGlide; 06-07-2014 at 09:33 PM.
#36
06-07-2014 | 08:17 PM
Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 654
Likes: 233
From: Alberta
Oh no - my last Harley was a 77 super glide. It took me 35 yrs to try Harley again! So far I am enjoying my new to me 2010 ultra classic with a 103 stage II in it.
#37
06-07-2014 | 08:54 PM
Road Master
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 992
Likes: 2
From: TN
#38
06-07-2014 | 08:55 PM
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 590
Likes: 3
From: NH
#39
06-07-2014 | 09:20 PM
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 190
Likes: 11
From: Kendulltucky In.
Four of my friends have bought new Harleys in the last two years. All of them have had major component failures with less than 10,000 miles on them. Three of them have traded to other brands and swear they will never return to H.D. I was just thinking it reminds me a lot of the dark years.
#40
06-07-2014 | 11:36 PM
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Townsville Australia
06 FLH 140000+ only replaced Clutch and Stator
09 FLHRC 80000+only Front Wheel Bearings and Compensator
2013 FLHTC 20000 in 22 weeks one clutch bearing at first service
This all equals 8 years of HD pleasure and over 240000 miles Touring all over the world with very little trouble and lots of reliable miles and fun times on the road.
Just My Thoughts LOL
09 FLHRC 80000+only Front Wheel Bearings and Compensator
2013 FLHTC 20000 in 22 weeks one clutch bearing at first service
This all equals 8 years of HD pleasure and over 240000 miles Touring all over the world with very little trouble and lots of reliable miles and fun times on the road.
Just My Thoughts LOL