Unhappy Harley owner

[Hoghead]

Why can't you keep up with them??

I was wondering the same thing.....Takes a real good rider on a bagger to leave a trike in the twisties.....

 

[Hoghead]

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!!!!!

I don't know why they tried to screw you so bad. That is way past MSRP. I gave 34K for my Tri-Glide out the door.....They probably thought they had found a sucker. I have had that happen to me before.. but the 34K didn't include the $2500.00 of extras that is worthless on trade......

 

[hbrogan57]

I don't know why they tried to screw you so bad. That is way past MSRP. I gave 34K for my Tri-Glide out the door.....They probably thought they had found a sucker. I have had that happen to me before.. but the 34K didn't include the $2500.00 of extras that is worthless on trade......

I was told that was the shipping, dealer prep, and a few "additions" that they weren't clear on.

 

[Trent]

I was wondering the same thing.....Takes a real good rider on a bagger to leave a trike in the twisties.....

Me too...There is not a bagger I ride with that can keep up with me in the twisties..except one guy on his VTX 1800...I catch up to other 2 wheelers all the time and push 'em thru the curves till we get to a passing lane.
Had my wife on back the other day, caught up to 2 BMW's on a very long 7% sweeping curvy grade. They both were also 2 up. Passed 'em in the left lane, wife said she could see surprise on their faces. Didnt even wave back at her. Front guy pulled out and tried to keep up with me, finally gave up and dropped back with his buddy. He could not stay with me on the curves. I have a witness!! I love the way my Trike is set up. Makes me smile.

 

[Ol' Grey]

Huh ? This is directed at no one in particular, just having trouble getting around the trike vs. bike in the twisties subject. :Shrug:

In easier, gentler curves and doing the speed limit, I'm sure there's no problem with either a trike or a bike keeping up with one another.

But in a series of genuine, tighter twisties and twisting the wick ? An experienced rider on 2 wheels would clearly have the edge...........Not trying to incite a riot, LOL! just looking at it from a perspective of different designs and riding techniques.

Ride Safe............ThumbUp

 

[hbrogan57]

Huh ? This is directed at no one in particular, just having trouble getting around the trike vs. bike in the twisties subject. :Shrug:

In easier, gentler curves and doing the speed limit, I'm sure there's no problem with either a trike or a bike keeping up with one another.

But in a series of genuine, tighter twisties and twisting the wick ? An experienced rider on 2 wheels would clearly have the edge...........Not trying to incite a riot, LOL! just looking at it from a perspective of different designs and riding techniques.

Ride Safe............ThumbUp

Perhaps on a crotch rocket. But a bagger is going to scrape a LOT more than a foot-peg when leaning tightly. Most people don't want to do that much damage to their machines......

 

[Trent]

Exactly right H.....My Buds with baggers scrape the floor big time if they try to stay up with me. I can hear the metal hittin' asphalt back there, then they all say " It wasn't me!" Ha ha!! The beemer I outran the other day prob could have stayed up with me if they didnt have BOBS { Babes on Back }, but he could not take the turns at my speed with his BOB on there. He would start to catch up on the straighter sections. But,,, I had my BOB too, and I was holding back because of that. I Ride a little different when by myself.

 

[Ol' Grey]

If you're talking about an ultimate bagger with hard bags nearly sitting on the ground to begin with, then O.K., I'm in agreement with you. But not all baggers are created equal.........

Beemers ? No offense, but I don't know any Beemer riders who don't ride the snot out of those bikes. My guess is that the rider's BOB was threatening him with divorce or something worse (like withholding his favorite "dessert" ) if he didn't slow down :laugh::laugh::laugh:

Enjoy the day and Ride Safe.........ThumbUp

 

[hbrogan57]

If you're talking about an ultimate bagger with hard bags nearly sitting on the ground to begin with, then O.K., I'm in agreement with you. But not all baggers are created equal.........

Beemers ? No offense, but I don't know any Beemer riders who don't ride the snot out of those bikes. My guess is that the rider's BOB was threatening him with divorce or something worse (like withholding his favorite "dessert" ) if he didn't slow down :laugh::laugh::laugh:

Enjoy the day and Ride Safe.........ThumbUp

I agree. Not all baggers are created equal. The Valkyrie I had was fully dressed. But I am not an aggressive rider anyway. If you want to pass me then please feel free to do so. I won't be racing anyone anytime soon. I prefer to enjoy the ride.

As for the Beemers......well.....we all know what THAT'S about. And we thought some Harley riders had a bad attitude......

 

[Trent]

I agree also about equalness. I never race anyone, just go at a speed I am comfortable with and also enjoy the ride. As for beemers, dunno much about 'em except that their matching uniforms, gloves, and helmets also matched the color of the bikes. They were very pretty as they faded out in my rear view mirror.

 

[saab9k]

I agree. Not all baggers are created equal. The Valkyrie I had was fully dressed. But I am not an aggressive rider anyway. If you want to pass me then please feel free to do so. I won't be racing anyone anytime soon. I prefer to enjoy the ride.

As for the Beemers......well.....we all know what THAT'S about. And we thought some Harley riders had a bad attitude......

Tell us about Yamaha, thats what I have

 

[hbrogan57]

Tell us about Yamaha, thats what I have

Personally, I have never received any "attitude" from a Yamaha rider, or Suzuki, or Kawasaki, and VERY few Harley riders......

 

[Trent]

Same here..And most beemer guys wave at me first too. Coupla of my best ridin' buds ride Hondas and one has a Suzuki. It's all good. I like 'em all and we have a blast together.

 

[Ol' Grey]

hbrogan57: "As for the Beemers......well.....we all know what THAT'S about. And we thought some Harley riders had a bad attitude......"

Agreed. Have actually seen 2 different classes of BMW riders. There's the group that are all prim, proper and snobbish :AGGHH: which may be the kind that Trent was referring to. Then there's the guys who ride whatever they like, are down-to-earth and simply appreciate the quality of German engineering.

But both groups like to twist the wick on those Beemers, even if each group chooses not to associate with the other :laugh:

As Y'all have said, we're on the same page when it comes to riding.....whether 3 wheels or 2........Enjoy the Ride! ThumbUp

 

[Trent]

I have total respect for BMW engineering fer sure. Even though they sound like a sewing machine. How do ya tell if your Beemer is even running? Ha Ha! And I have had Beemer riders ask me a lotta questions about my TG too. Most seem to be nice guys.

One of my heros,, Neil Peart.. The most excellent lyric writer and drummer for Rush, is a Beemer guy. If you have not read any of his books about ridin' his BMW aound this world and while on tour, you need to check 'em out. Great stories.

 

[Ol' Grey]

I have total respect for BMW engineering fer sure. Even though they sound like a sewing machine. How do ya tell if your Beemer is even running? Ha Ha! And I have had Beemer riders ask me a lotta questions about my TG too. Most seem to be nice guys.

One of my heros,, Neil Peart.. The most excellent lyric writer and drummer for Rush, is a Beemer guy. If you have not read any of his books about ridin' his BMW aound this world and while on tour, you need to check 'em out. Great stories.

LOL! You're right, they're one of the quietest bikes I've ever heard, barely a whisper. Never owned one myself, but know several folks who do. They're more casual and they've all gotten flak from the BMW "purist" crowd at some point or another.

Have ridden with 2 of them and they both love running the twisties........I gotta tell ya, once they get in their groove, they're GONE! :laugh::laugh::laugh:

 

[Short Bus Bob]

I agree 100% with Jerry. I have a Goldwing, a HD Road Glide & I Bought a Triked Goldwing. The Harley is somewhat weak compared to the GW. Even more so with Trike Kit. The Victory is beautiful, but when t test rode the 2012 Cross Country, 106, it was really weak. It would not pull two people in 5th gear, let alone 6th gear.

I bought a trike without the Rake Kit. Wish I hadn't done that. I'm working with Zook to get that done ASAP. It is just a fact that Trikes don't lean like a two wheeler and need a different Rake & Trail to handle well. Sure, I can muscle it through the twisties, but why do I want to do that?

IMHO. My opinion plus about $2.50 will get you a cup of coffee at Denny's

Bob

 

[abnranger1964]

My 2 cents worth... I have a 2012 Tri Glide and love it. I live in Arizona and yes, there is a heat issue on any new Harley. This is due primarily to the catalytic converter installed on all Harley bikes. I installed Vance & Hines headers and CFR slip on mufflers. Heat issue has gone away and I LOVE the sound of the CFR's.

 

[hbrogan57]

So, would you agree that you go out and spend 30 grand on a new car.....and THEN have to drop another few thousand into it because it gets hot?

True enough there is nothing like a Harley. But when you have inherent issues that you KNOW the company is well aware of, don't you think that it should be taken care of before the consumer makes the purchase?

My 2 cents worth... I have a 2012 Tri Glide and love it. I live in Arizona and yes, there is a heat issue on any new Harley. This is due primarily to the catalytic converter installed on all Harley bikes. I installed Vance & Hines headers and CFR slip on mufflers. Heat issue has gone away and I LOVE the sound of the CFR's.

 

[Hoghead]

So, would you agree that you go out and spend 30 grand on a new car.....and THEN have to drop another few thousand into it because it gets hot?

True enough there is nothing like a Harley. But when you have inherent issues that you KNOW the company is well aware of, don't you think that it should be taken care of before the consumer makes the purchase?

I agree with this statement. I ask my Harley Dealer about changing headpipes,air cleaner, mufflers,race tuner, in order to cool it down while at the same time richen it up some and the cost was north of $2000.00......I chose to take the $2000.00 and put it toward a new 2012 GL1800 Roadsmith trike that needs nothing to make it run cool. My Tri Glide has only 2500 miles on it and I'm very happy to take the loss and go on........My trike from Tony's Trikes in Ala. will be ready Friday.......

 

[hbrogan57]

In my area, Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Hampton/Newport News, Virginia. Getting stuck in traffic is a way of life. Traffic backups can sometimes be, quite literally, ten miles long or better. ANY motorcycle will get hot in conditions like this. However, I can't recall when I have seen a GoldWing pulled over to cool down. I have seen a Harley or two sitting on the shoulder waiting for traffic to clear.

I did spend a lot of time looking at a Tri-Glide and almost bought one. But, since the two dealers I went to didn't want to even CONSIDER trying to work with a cash deal, I looked at other options.

Looking back this turned out to be a good thing. I ended up with an extremely low-mileage 2001 Wing with a brand new Hannigan kit. Couldn't be happier now.

And, especially after seeing all of the issues that have been cropping up with the Tri-Glide I am damn happy that I didn't go that route. There are lots of Tri owners that are selling out and making the switch.

But, on the same note, there are a lot of them that are happy with theirs. Although, that's usually after they have spent a buttload of money to try and fix issues that SHOULD have already been cleared up.

Harley has kept the same basic engine design for many, MANY years. Making a few changes here and there. On the other hand, Honda also has kept the same basic design of the GoldWing. Making needed changes and even going fro the original 1000cc to the 1800cc engine we enjoy now. Honda actually listens to the customer base and makes some adjustments according to what THEY want. Not simply putting out the same thing year after year and not attempting to fix the issues. I had a 1983 GoldWing that I bought in 1997 and it had some carb issues. Amazingly enough, Honda covered them under warranty even though it was a LONG way out of it.

I think I'll be sticking with the 1800 now.........

I agree with this statement. I ask my Harley Dealer about changing headpipes,air cleaner, mufflers,race tuner, in order to cool it down while at the same time richen it up some and the cost was north of $2000.00......I chose to take the $2000.00 and put it toward a new 2012 GL1800 Roadsmith trike that needs nothing to make it run cool. My Tri Glide has only 2500 miles on it and I'm very happy to take the loss and go on........My trike from Tony's Trikes in Ala. will be ready Friday.......

 

[rap47]

I'm with abnranger1964 on this one. My 2011 TriGlide runs great and puts a smile on my face. Yep, the cat is gone(never did like cats) with a set up from Fuel Moto. Money I spent on this trike is no more than I would of spent on any other trike including a Goldwing. Just got back from riding through the rocky mountains, 1600 miles and she ran like a top. From 90 plus temps to sleet and back to 90 plus temps. I never leave anything stock, and this bike runs no hotter than any other air cooled bike I have owned in the last 30 some years of riding. Ya, you are going to hear engine and tranny noise. For petes sake, you are setting on top of an air cooled motor with engine and tranny noise bouncing of the fairing, lowers ,trike body, and the pavment. But with me that is not a problem at all. I use these Howard Leight | Quiet Earplugs. No engine, tranny, or wind sound, but can still hear that great harley exhaust and the radio. Sorry for the long reply, but just because one person is not happy with a product, that does't mean we all are. Enjoy your new Trike, what ever you end up with.

 

[hbrogan57]

True. We all have our favorites. And I know that there are a lot of people that are extremely happy with the Tri. I think the issue lies with Harley itself. They certainly know of the issues with it but they don't seem to do much about it. I think that's they way a lot of folks feel.

As I mentioned earlier, you certsinly would expect to purchase a car for that price and then spend a ton of cash to take care of issues just to make it drivable.......you would expect that to have already been taken care of.

I'm with abnranger1964 on this one. My 2011 TriGlide runs great and puts a smile on my face. Yep, the cat is gone(never did like cats) with a set up from Fuel Moto. Money I spent on this trike is no more than I would of spent on any other trike including a Goldwing. Just got back from riding through the rocky mountains, 1600 miles and she ran like a top. From 90 plus temps to sleet and back to 90 plus temps. I never leave anything stock, and this bike runs no hotter than any other air cooled bike I have owned in the last 30 some years of riding. Ya, you are going to hear engine and tranny noise. For petes sake, you are setting on top of an air cooled motor with engine and tranny noise bouncing of the fairing, lowers ,trike body, and the pavment. But with me that is not a problem at all. I use these Howard Leight | Quiet Earplugs. No engine, tranny, or wind sound, but can still hear that great harley exhaust and the radio. Sorry for the long reply, but just because one person is not happy with a product, that does't mean we all are. Enjoy your new Trike, what ever you end up with.

 

[saab9k]

True. We all have our favorites. And I know that there are a lot of people that are extremely happy with the Tri. I think the issue lies with Harley itself. They certainly know of the issues with it but they don't seem to do much about it. I think that's they way a lot of folks feel.

As I mentioned earlier, you certsinly would expect to purchase a car for that price and then spend a ton of cash to take care of issues just to make it drivable.......you would expect that to have already been taken care of.

It is a Harley, people are still buying them, paying the price they wan't for them.
Why should they do anything different ??

They actualy giving people an option, they can buy a better bike from another company at a lower price.

Don't blame Harley, blame the people there ride them. lol

 

[BladeRunner]

Very interesting thread!ThumbUp I'm no expert..and this is just my H.O....I'm not a Harley guy, I did have a 1943 "45" when I was 16, all original..(wish I had it now!..lol) but I tried to chop it..never did get it on the road....that been said meaning no disrespect to Harley guys/gals.
I have 3 GoldWings.(older) and prefer the liquid cooling.
As far as I'm concerned...whatever you ride it's all good! My thoughts on air cooling vers liquid cooling....it's no contest. ThumbUp
As emission standards get tighter....and they will, air cooled engines will need to run hotter & hotter to meet those coming standards.

To me this means they are already close to hitting that wall!! Traffic patterns are increasingly heavier..causing lots of standing in line waiting to move...air cooled engines can't tolerate this type of traffic congestion very long. And each year more vehicles are on the roads.

This thread has shown that clearly. All I.C. have been tuned to run hotter to meet these standards...but it's no problem for the L.C.
If these new Harleys already need mods to run cooler...where will Harley or ANY of the air cooled engines ( not many left) go from here?:Shrug:

I understand the reason why Harley has stayed with their designs so far..that's what their customers want, but times are changing..if Harley doesn't step into line at some point....how much longer will they survive? :AGGHH:

 

[John Luciano]

If in order to pass emission standards they have to run cats and HOT that is what you are going to get....They ( Harley ) can not do the MODS on the motor before delivery. That is against the law. I remember BITD GM was putting smog pumps on the motor. Everyone ( hot rodders anyways) removed them almost imidiately . If you asked a dealer to do it they refused

 

[hbrogan57]

Strange then that Honda can produce something that won't burn your legs without mods right off the factory line.....

If in order to pass emission standards they have to run cats and HOT that is what you are going to get....They ( Harley ) can not do the MODS on the motor before delivery. That is against the law. I remember BITD GM was putting smog pumps on the motor. Everyone ( hot rodders anyways) removed them almost imidiately . If you asked a dealer to do it they refused

 

[John Luciano]

Can you say WATER COOLED the VRod I bet don't .. Air cooled require air. Water cooled you can just make the water jackets bigger. Easier to control clearances and tolerance. How many air cooled cars are left? 2stroke went the way of the Unicorn because they could not control tolerance and Clearances and pass emmision. They even tried with the Water Buffalo. Soon HD will be in the same boat.

 

[msocko3]

Can you say WATER COOLED the VRod I bet don't .. Air cooled require air. Water cooled you can just make the water jackets bigger. Easier to control clearances and tolerance. How many air cooled cars are left? 2stroke went the way of the Unicorn because they could not control tolerance and Clearances and pass emmision. They even tried with the Water Buffalo. Soon HD will be in the same boat.

The VRod's I've ridden were just as cool as my GL1800, water cooling makes a difference.

Harley is selling an image, there are a sh!t pot full of folks who are willing to step up to the plate and lay down their hard earned cash to buy that image. The look and sound of a Harley is 2nd to none, but unfortunately look and sound doesn't get it done when your stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and the oil temp is going to the moon and you can fry an egg on the heads. I will say they've done a decent job at holding the price on their products, unfortunately I think it will come at a cost to the owner over the long haul because they've done it by making engine parts more disposable.

Harley is a huge marketing machine, they do make a good deal of their bottom line from Tee shirts and bolt on bling.

 

[hbrogan57]

Recently, they had a huge open house and sale at one of the local Harley dealers. So, since we needed a few items, we headed out to the store.

What I saw truly amazed me. While Harley is "All-American" I saw multiple items with either "Made in China" or "Made in Taiwan" emblazoned on them. And that wasn't JUST on the clothing items either.......

You are right about the "image" comment. I also rode the V-Rod as well. What an amazing difference. If THAT motor would have been available as an option I just MIGHT have gone with the tri-glide. But, alas, that bike is being marketed towards a different group of riders.....

The VRod's I've ridden were just as cool as my GL1800, water cooling makes a difference.

Harley is selling an image, there are a sh!t pot full of folks who are willing to step up to the plate and lay down their hard earned cash to buy that image. The look and sound of a Harley is 2nd to none, but unfortunately look and sound doesn't get it done when your stuck in bumper to bumper traffic and the oil temp is going to the moon and you can fry an egg on the heads. I will say they've done a decent job at holding the price on their products, unfortunately I think it will come at a cost to the owner over the long haul because they've done it by making engine parts more disposable.

Harley is a huge marketing machine, they do make a good deal of their bottom line from Tee shirts and bolt on bling.