What to tell a friend?

[Urlawyer]

A friend bought a new Harley 2013 Ultra Classic trike. His first ride ever. Salesman loaded it up with a lot of extras that put the price well north of 40k.

problem! Every time it gets wet the electronics short out. First the foot peg lights got wet and shorted out, dealer unable to fix took them off. Week later in light rain head light shorted out. Dealer replaced. A month later, after a wash, lighting system shorted out taking headlight and turn signals with it.

After this repair, the dealer told my friend not to wash his trike and not to ride in rain.

The trike has spent more time in the shop than in the owner's possession.

Texas has the Lemon law and he is thinking of filing a claim because his wife is giving him hell for buying it.

I do not know what to tell him. I have owned 6 Harleys since 1986 with a Goldwing SE in there some place and have ridden well over 200k miles on them without any problems other then normal wear and tear. I even rode a 1988 flstc 87k in 17 months (all 49 states) with only normal wear and tear. Could not even tell you how many miles on other brands since I started riding at about 12 on a Lumbreda motor scooter on which I rode just about ever day rain or shine.

I, also, had a motor scooter while in the Air Force cause I had No money for a car. By the way girls had a ball riding passenger with me.

But back to the matter at hand. So what would you advice him?

 

[skuuter]

"Foot Peg Lights" is probably the giveaway.....sounds like a lot of extra electrical goodies have been added. Might find a reputable "Non-Dealer Motorcycle Mechanic" to sort through the wiring on the Light Circuit(s)...it's in there, and probably a simple culprit....

 

[bikerbillone]

Doing that could void the warranty and give the dealer an out any fix. I would pursue the lemon law if the dealer doesn't make it right. How dumb is it not to wash the trike or ride it in the rain. Some people just live on another planet. Or, get with Harley rep and have him get involved. This cannot be good PR for Harley. I suspect the dealer will be more diligent in the fix rather than have Harley on his ass. He has a franchise and brand name to uphold.

 

[FRR]

Some dealer actually told him not to wash the Trike or ride it in the rain???? I would ask the fool who said that to please put it in writing on company stationary and then I would contact Harley. I'd bet I'd have a brand new Trike in my garage soon or Harley would have so much bad PR they would have wished they would have taken care of me.

 

[HDB0B]

Agree with above. I'd tell him to take it to another shop and have them go over the wiring. Have them clean every connector with electrical contact cleaner and refill every connector with dielectric grease. HDs are made to ride .... not be in the garage and looked at. orag:

 

[msocko3]

I'd lemon law it, by the dealer telling him not to wash it or ride in the rain means they don't plan on making things right, just looking for a way out. I'm also the type who believes in KISS, the more you fiddle with the electrical system the more things can and will go wrong.

 

[trikermutha]

go back to the dealer and tell them to bring a Harley rep out to come up with a solution..There is no way to prevent the bike from getting wet.. That is the dumbest answer telling your friend to not get the bike wet.. If all else go for the lemon law..You should be riding the bike not sitting in the shop..

 

[cavie]

North of $40,000.00 and you have to ask what to do?????
Really! The internet is a powerful instrument.

 

[rap47]

"Salesman loaded it up with a lot of extras that put the price well north of 40k." There is the problem. Foot peg lights??? My guess is the trike was probably just fine until a certain mechanic got ahold of it! Get Harley involved.

 

[trikermutha]

"Salesman loaded it up with a lot of extras that put the price well north of 40k." There is the problem. Foot peg lights??? My guess is the trike was probably just fine until a certain mechanic got ahold of it! Get Harley involved.

I am thinking they installed the LED floorboard lights Harley sells..

 

[Gorilla]

Some dealer actually told him not to wash the Trike or ride it in the rain???? I would ask the fool who said that to please put it in writing on company stationary and then I would contact Harley. I'd bet I'd have a brand new Trike in my garage soon or Harley would have so much bad PR they would have wished they would have taken care of me.

I'm not sure how the Lemon Law works in Texas but in Florida you need to file then the dealer gets a chance to fix it. It needs to have to be the same problem at least 3 times. Look at your lemon law and get started. I'm sure it gives the dealer a change to make it right. But without that filing pressure they may just give you those stupid answers. Something was not done right and they need to find it ot replace the trike. I have a 13 and it has been in some real down pours over the last year without any issues. Good luck

 

[GARYD]

NOW I'VE HEARD EVERYTHING = DON'T RIDE IN THE RAIN!!!???? If I was the owner of that dealer, I'd fire that guys ass in a heartbeat. Tell the owner about this fool and save all future customers a headache.