HD Factory Trikes have a few problems

[Mr Bulldog]

Just got a recall on my 2011 to take it in so they can relocate a switch that somehow is a fire hazard and can leave you without brakes. Glad Harley is taking the lead to do it.

However, the trunk is another issue, the trunk lock broke once, the dealer replaced it after I reminded them it should be in stock by that time. In addition anyone having problems with water in the trunk and what have you done to correct it if you have?

 

[Bikerbozo]

Make sure you carefully test the rear brake at the dealer after they replace the switch. Dealers seem to be doing a bad job bleeding the air out properlyv(yes this happened to me also). The good noews is after 25,000 miles there was no sign of any melting on my old switch, even from sitting in NYC traffic all the time.

 

[jcolson]

My bike is in the shop for other reasons,but I asked about the recall. I finaly got the notice in the mail yesterday. The guys at the shop said HD used cheaper metal on the brake switch. So since they put the cats in the head pipes, it gets the metal too hot & breaks down the metal. Then it can start to leak. If you took out the cats, you more than likely won't have any problem.

 

[msocko3]

My bike is in the shop for other reasons,but I asked about the recall. I finaly got the notice in the mail yesterday. The guys at the shop said HD used cheaper metal on the brake switch. So since they put the cats in the head pipes, it gets the metal too hot & breaks down the metal. Then it can start to leak. If you took out the cats, you more than likely won't have any problem.

I got rid of the cat at the 2,500 mile mark and my rear brakes failed.

 

[wonderment]

Have not had trike in the rain yet, or washed it. So no water in the trunk. However, that back lock has been serviced twice. One time I went to open it and the entire lock pulled out when I removed the key. Nothing left but a big hole. That is a weak area, for sure.

 

[Oldmsocko]

If your getting water in your trunk it is either out of adjustment or you need a new gasket. Your dealer should be able to fix you up.I Have an 09 and it leaked for a year until they redesigned the gasket.

 

[mark mccallum]

the lower trunk leaks when the wire hing stops get caught in the door.it then leaks in rain or at the car wash.

 

[adaptolife]

I will keep my 03 Road Glide to the grave, but I would never buy a new HD. Around 07 the quality of design and quality has slipped. It is my belief that many parts are made in China now.

 

[msocko3]

I will keep my 03 Road Glide to the grave, but I would never buy a new HD. Around 07 the quality of design and quality has slipped. It is my belief that many parts are made in China now.

I agree with you 100% on the quality, my 06 Ultra is twice the bike than these newer ones.

 

[Oldmsocko]

I will keep my 03 Road Glide to the grave, but I would never buy a new HD. Around 07 the quality of design and quality has slipped. It is my belief that many parts are made in China now.

I couldn't agree with you more.

 

[eagle1]

the new trunk seal has lines in it where as the old one was one solid piece of rubber. seems to help.

 

[screwball]

Thought my '92 Springer was the last Harley I'd ever buy.... then the 03, 08, 09, and 11. The trunk seal leaked, Harley fixed it. The door seal on my Porsche leaked, Porsche fixed that. The ABS on my new F-150 'felt funny', Ford Fixed it. The garage door opener in my new $400,000.00 vacation home didn't work, the developer fixed it. It is a shame that when we spend a bunch of bucks for a new "toy" it doesn't work perfectly like it should. I mentioned on another thread (or board) that I took out the extended warranty on the '09 trike because it was the first of it's kind. I expected 'bugs'. I'm surprised there were so few, and the local dealer has had no problems fixing anything that went wrong. I'll be 70 when the warranty runs out, but I'll probably have sold it and bought another by then, having too much fun and I'm kind of a Harley Snob.

 

[mark mccallum]

Brakes,excessive heating, reverse system,under powered,microphone covers,radio failures,leaky trunks are all issues with a hd tri .They need to be improved each year which hasn"t happened.HD needs to listen to its customers and make improvements on their trike.