Unhappy Harley owner

[hbrogan57]

One of the things I enjoy so much about this forum is the courtesy of the members in disagreement. Years ago I was in another bike forum where some members took perverse pleasure in strong and very personal disparagement.

I am very happy to say I have seen none of that here and if it were going to happen it would certainly happen in a Honda vs. Harley thread!

I have seen forums like that as well. Take notice that they are probably no longer around. And, if they are, the membership has likely declined tremendously.

I have been around the "internet" since the days of the local BBS systems. And there will ALWAYS be those that take things far too strongly. Fortunately, I THINK we are all adult to at least respect each others choices as to what we ride.

Doesn't really matter what BRAND you ride after all. It's all about getting into the wind anyway.

 

[rap47]

:AllGood:

 

[jcolson]

Well I served my country in Vietnam & was in for 4yrs. Granted it isn't what it used to be. It's a shame. Why don't we all just go to Canada like the draft dodgers. Not me! I wonder how many people would actually stay & fight for this country if it came to that. Yes I agree that Harleys run too hot. But it is the fault of the Government. Maybe it was Nader's fault. He started this crap. There are alot of people making good money off this stuff. I don't no why HD doesn't listen to what the people want. I didn't mean my bike runs bad when I said it runs like hell. I meant it runs like a scared rabbit. Harley buys stuff overseas cause it's cheaper, but that puts us out of work. Thats not good. What do you do?

 

[hbrogan57]

Well I served my country in Vietnam & was in for 4yrs. Granted it isn't what it used to be. It's a shame. Why don't we all just go to Canada like the draft dodgers. Not me! I wonder how many people would actually stay & fight for this country if it came to that. Yes I agree that Harleys run too hot. But it is the fault of the Government. Maybe it was Nader's fault. He started this crap. There are alot of people making good money off this stuff. I don't no why HD doesn't listen to what the people want. I didn't mean my bike runs bad when I said it runs like hell. I meant it runs like a scared rabbit. Harley buys stuff overseas cause it's cheaper, but that puts us out of work. Thats not good. What do you do?

damned if you do.....damned if you don't.

You mentioned about the cause being either the government or Nader. How can that be possible when there are other manufacturers out there that produce a far better product? I submit to you that Harley is relying solely on their name and customer base, ((which is HUGE)), to continue to produce things the way that they do.

Admittedly, they DID produce the V-rod. And that motor has proven to be far superior to their other motors. Why not start offering those as, at the very least, an option for people to have added on the bigger bikes? Is it because they are afraid that they might alienate the customer base? I don't know what the answer is. If you purchase any other vehicle ((Ford, Dodge, Chevy)) you expect it to operate at very good standards and, if if doesn't you head back to the dealer and expect them to fix the issue. Why is it with Harley that an inferior product is acceptable?.......

 

[saab9k]

damned if you do.....damned if you don't.

You mentioned about the cause being either the government or Nader. How can that be possible when there are other manufacturers out there that produce a far better product? I submit to you that Harley is relying solely on their name and customer base, ((which is HUGE)), to continue to produce things the way that they do.

Admittedly, they DID produce the V-rod. And that motor has proven to be far superior to their other motors. Why not start offering those as, at the very least, an option for people to have added on the bigger bikes? Is it because they are afraid that they might alienate the customer base? I don't know what the answer is. If you purchase any other vehicle ((Ford, Dodge, Chevy)) you expect it to operate at very good standards and, if if doesn't you head back to the dealer and expect them to fix the issue. Why is it with Harley that an inferior product is acceptable?.......

That is the American way. sad but true often.

 

[Oldmsocko]

damned if you do.....damned if you don't.

You mentioned about the cause being either the government or Nader. How can that be possible when there are other manufacturers out there that produce a far better product? I submit to you that Harley is relying solely on their name and customer base, ((which is HUGE)), to continue to produce things the way that they do.

Admittedly, they DID produce the V-rod. And that motor has proven to be far superior to their other motors. Why not start offering those as, at the very least, an option for people to have added on the bigger bikes? Is it because they are afraid that they might alienate the customer base? I don't know what the answer is. If you purchase any other vehicle ((Ford, Dodge, Chevy)) you expect it to operate at very good standards and, if if doesn't you head back to the dealer and expect them to fix the issue. Why is it with Harley that an inferior product is acceptable?.......

HD does sell motorcyles but more importantly they sell an image. There is no doubt in my mind they make more money on the accessories, cloths, and jewelery.

 

[jcolson]

I agree Mike HD makes more money on t-shirts & stuff. They have more t-shirt shops than ever. We drove down to French Lick,In. to the Harley shop & it was a very small t-shirt shop. Boy were we pissed. The main shop was in Bloomington,In. I keep waiting for the radiator to come out. If it wernt for the EPA we would be fine like older Harleys.I wonder if they would be able to keep the signiture sound & lope with the radiater?

 

[hbrogan57]

HD does sell motorcyles but more importantly they sell an image. There is no doubt in my mind they make more money on the accessories, cloths, and jewelery.

There's a shop here in Virginia Beach that sells nothing BUT "image" accessories. Clothing, jewelry, that sort of thing. There was one in Williamsburg as well but that one has closed as it wasn't making any money due to it's REALLY crappy location.

I remember the old school Harley dealers that were, frankly, decent places to go and just hang out. Not the "cookie-cutter" stores you see now. Almost reminds me of McDonalds. All the same look, feel, and products. They have become quite impersonal. The only thing that seems to change from store to store is the dealer name on the shirts that they sell.

 

[msocko3]

I wonder if they would be able to keep the signiture sound & lope with the radiater?

I would imagine the sound would be the same if they stuck to the same 45 degree single crank pin design. If they wouldn't be so caught up on look, they could be water cooled now. HD is worse than a woman when it comes to how things look.

 

[hbrogan57]

If the V-rod was mounted into one of the larger frames the "look" would still be there, just a few minor differences.

Personally, the dealers I went to here really soured me on the Harley "image" when they BOTH were unwilling to deal on a trike. Guess that's fortunate for me in the long run.

I would imagine the sound would be the same if they stuck to the same 45 degree single crank pin design. If they wouldn't be so caught up on look, they could be water cooled now. HD is worse than a woman when it comes to how things look.

 

[lzski326]

In my opinion there is no reason they can't water cool the heads and cylinders, just like the other metric bikes. Just put fins on them and you would hardly notice it. Put the radiator in front between the lowers on the full dresser's. Use the same engine configuration and it will still sound the same as the old motor except they could tighten up the motor a bit and get rid of the rattles.
Larry

 

[Hoghead]

stop at a Dairy Queen,,,,.. lmao :laugh: Good One! ThumbUp

Harley Riders say "Ride to Live and Live to Ride"
GW riders say ....."Ride to Eat and Eat to Ride".......ot that's what I've been told....

 

[John Luciano]

Back in the 80s there was a Honda Shadow that had the same split crank motor. The sound was almost the same as HD. Harley tried to sue Honda. The tried to register the sound.
January 7, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Harley did sue Honda I think in the late 80s or early 90s. The lawsuit was for the most part unsuccessful. Honda did have to make a few changes to the shadow, mainly the “shotgun pipes” style that they used. I believe Honda later came out with the Shadow ACE with the single pin crank as an FU to Harley. I think Harley might have tried to sue them again over the sound the ACE made.

 

[msocko3]

In my opinion there is no reason they can't water cool the heads and cylinders, just like the other metric bikes. Just put fins on them and you would hardly notice it. Put the radiator in front between the lowers on the full dresser's. Use the same engine configuration and it will still sound the same as the old motor except they could tighten up the motor a bit and get rid of the rattles.
Larry

Your right, just think if you had been water cooled back in June you wouldn't have had the need to visit the Harley dealer after your extended stay on the freeway they turned into a parking lot. I was glad someone had warned us and gave us a detour before we got caught in that mess.

 

[hbrogan57]

Around my area getting stuck in traffic jams is, almost, a daily event. There's just no way around it unless you manage to leave either before or after the morning rush. I have seen some folks riding Harley's that will pull on to the shoulder and wait for traffic to clear before continuing on.

I only have had my Honda for a little over three months now. And I have been in these jams but I have never felt the need to pull off and wait.

Your right, just think if you had been water cooled back in June you wouldn't have had the need to visit the Harley dealer after your extended stay on the freeway they turned into a parking lot. I was glad someone had warned us and gave us a detour before we got caught in that mess.

 

[old stoner]

If you are going to consider an 1800 goldwing I would say get a champion out of Orange Grove CA. I am very happy with mine! I looked at them all and the champion flows with the goldwing body the best!!! Look at mine on my profile! champion has a toyota rear end and built to last!!! I bought mine through a dealer in Boise Id. and built it myself. Good luck, Jerr!!

 

[hbrogan57]

If you are going to consider an 1800 goldwing I would say get a champion out of Orange Grove CA. I am very happy with mine! I looked at them all and the champion flows with the goldwing body the best!!! Look at mine on my profile! champion has a toyota rear end and built to last!!! I bought mine through a dealer in Boise Id. and built it myself. Good luck, Jerr!!

Champion makes a great kit. That was in my top three choices. But, when it came "deal" time I got a much better deal and a LOT lower mileage on the Hannigan.

Look them all over if you can. Then decide which one is better for YOU. After all, you are the one that has to take it home every night.

 

[John Luciano]

Only time my wing overheated and got scary hot ( indicator was way in the red) I was in the memorial day parade on a 98 deg day pulling a trailer. After 2 miles of stop and go and walking speed I gave upand left the parade. I found out later I was a qt of antifreeze low. Never did do that parade again. BTW 4 Harley's and 2 brand new Indians gave up before I did .

 

[hbrogan57]

Being low on fluid was the root cause of the near-overheating. I have always checked fluid levels before I run in any event in which I know will be stop and go at slow speed.

I have been in many, many parades and slow runs with the Goldwings I have owned. I have never had one overheat. Nor have I had one come close. After a run such as that I usually try and at least hit a few blocks at a decent speed just to cool it down a bit before parking.

On a side note, I have seen much the same as yourself. Various air-cooled bikes pulling out and shutting down. Some to the point of being pushed to the side.

Only time my wing overheated and got scary hot ( indicator was way in the red) I was in the memorial day parade on a 98 deg day pulling a trailer. After 2 miles of stop and go and walking speed I gave upand left the parade. I found out later I was a qt of antifreeze low. Never did do that parade again. BTW 4 Harley's and 2 brand new Indians gave up before I did .

 

[Chazzman]

My bet will be a GL1800 RoadSmith, guess we will wait and see.

 

[hbrogan57]

My bet will be a GL1800 RoadSmith, guess we will wait and see.

I am doubting it will be another tri-glide.....

 

[Hoghead]

I am doubting it will be another tri-glide.....

You can bet your next years paycheck on that!!!!

 

[hbrogan57]

You can bet your next years paycheck on that!!!!

Glad to hear. Unfortunate at the same time. But I completely understand.

I backed out when one dealer hit me with a 42,000 out-the-door price and wasn't willing to negotiate and the other dealer wanted 38,000 and was more worried about getting me into a loan.

So, as always, I had a backup plan available and, frankly, I think I got one of the best deals that I have ever made on a bike. The Trike that I now have was a little over 20,000 with less that 11,000 miles on the bike and zero miles on the kit. As most people well know 11,000 is barely broken in for a Goldwing.

I could not be happier with my choice for a couple of reasons. One, I got a GREAT deal and, two, I have had two Goldwings and a Valkyrie in the past so I know what to expect.

I am sure that you will enjoy your new ride. Remember to post some photos, especially the ones with the ear-to-ear grin!!!!!

 

[Miker1358]

Love my 2012 Tri-Glide. Excessive heat, maybe, if you are standing still! Noise, yes, only Harley would offer that at no charge! I have put a little over 8,000 on this summer, including the "Hills" during Sturgis weekend.

I also ride with two different clubs and both have several trikes to ride with. Most are Harleys, although a few are Goldwings. The only extra's I have are the Zumo XM radio and just added the Zumo 660 GPS (wish I added that for the first 8K)

I will admit, I wish I could keep up with the baggers in the corners.

 

[hbrogan57]

Love my 2012 Tri-Glide. Excessive heat, maybe, if you are standing still! Noise, yes, only Harley would offer that at no charge! I have put a little over 8,000 on this summer, including the "Hills" during Sturgis weekend.

I also ride with two different clubs and both have several trikes to ride with. Most are Harleys, although a few are Goldwings. The only extra's I have are the Zumo XM radio and just added the Zumo 660 GPS (wish I added that for the first 8K)

I will admit, I wish I could keep up with the baggers in the corners.

What clubs would that be? There isn't much around my area for trikes and I would like to see about getting something started.

 

[Miker1358]

H.O.G.S (Beartooth Chapter) and Rainmakers

 

[Hoghead]

My bet will be a GL1800 RoadSmith, guess we will wait and see.

Charles, Just got back from Tony's in Ala. and you were right.....got the Roadsmith and Tony caught me in a weak moment and sold me every option known to man......Will tell you about it in our next conversation.....

 

[hbrogan57]

Charles, Just got back from Tony's in Ala. and you were right.....got the Roadsmith and Tony caught me in a weak moment and sold me every option known to man......Will tell you about it in our next conversation.....

NICE!!!!!.....Now....photos please.....You just HAVE to show it off!!!!!

 

[Oldmsocko]

Love my 2012 Tri-Glide. Excessive heat, maybe, if you are standing still! Noise, yes, only Harley would offer that at no charge! I have put a little over 8,000 on this summer, including the "Hills" during Sturgis weekend.

I also ride with two different clubs and both have several trikes to ride with. Most are Harleys, although a few are Goldwings. The only extra's I have are the Zumo XM radio and just added the Zumo 660 GPS (wish I added that for the first 8K)

I will admit, I wish I could keep up with the baggers in the corners.

Why can't you keep up with them??

 

[Hoghead]

NICE!!!!!.....Now....photos please.....You just HAVE to show it off!!!!!

OK,OK.....Give me time...lol.....Can't pick it up until Friday after next....Gotta build it first. They send pix as assembly progresses so will post those when they start coming in.....So I might get up the nerve to ride this rattlin' Harley one more time.....but on second thought, sure would hate for it to break before I deliver it to Tony.....lol