Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[serghaven]

So I have been doing a lot of reading on this site sense I am next on a list for a 09 SERG. I have been reading about all the problems that people are having with theirs and I'm wondering if I making the right decision. I read about paint chipping off, overheating and oil leaks. I read about people worried about taking their bikes on long trips as they feel the bike might break down on them etc… With all that being said, why do I want to spend 30k on a bike that has all these problems? 
Also, I read that if you remove the cc (what's a cc anyway) it will help with the engine heat issue. I'm new to this site and you guys have a lot more experience at this than I do.  Any input would be appreciated...

[sadunbar]

So I have been doing a lot of reading on this site sense I am next on a list for a 09 SERG. I have been reading about all the problems that people are having with theirs and I'm wondering if I making the right decision. I read about paint chipping off, overheating and oil leaks. I read about people worried about taking their bikes on long trips as they feel the bike might break down on them etc… With all that being said, why do I want to spend 30k on a bike that has all these problems? 
Also, I read that if you remove the cc (what's a cc anyway) it will help with the engine heat issue. I'm new to this site and you guys have a lot more experience at this than I do.  Any input would be appreciated...

You have to remember reading every post on a particular issue is like watching a 24 hour news channel on television for 24 hours.  When you have watched the same "news alerts" for 24 hours, things seem worse then they are.  Some have experienced all of what your wrote.  But the vast majority would tell you they absolutely love their rides!   

[LRebel]

So I have been doing a lot of reading on this site sense I am next on a list for a 09 SERG. I have been reading about all the problems that people are having with theirs and I'm wondering if I making the right decision. I read about paint chipping off, overheating and oil leaks. I read about people worried about taking their bikes on long trips as they feel the bike might break down on them etc… With all that being said, why do I want to spend 30k on a bike that has all these problems? 
Also, I read that if you remove the cc (what's a cc anyway) it will help with the engine heat issue. I'm new to this site and you guys have a lot more experience at this than I do.  Any input would be appreciated...

cc:  catalytic converter

The problems you have read about are just Harley stuff.  It's always been the same... every version of these bikes have had their unique problems.  Some have had less problems than others, but they have all had their problems.  It's just part of owning a Harley (BTW, most other brands of bikes have their unique problems also - maybe not as many as Harley, but they have problems too)

Buy the bike you -- will most likely love it.  Advise:  Spend the $$$ for the extended warranty 

[Keats]

So I have been doing a lot of reading on this site sense I am next on a list for a 09 SERG. I have been reading about all the problems that people are having with theirs and I'm wondering if I making the right decision. I read about paint chipping off, overheating and oil leaks. I read about people worried about taking their bikes on long trips as they feel the bike might break down on them etc… With all that being said, why do I want to spend 30k on a bike that has all these problems? 
Also, I read that if you remove the cc (what's a cc anyway) it will help with the engine heat issue. I'm new to this site and you guys have a lot more experience at this than I do.  Any input would be appreciated...

Nothing like a Harley (the sound,the respect, the feel and the headaches), but if you do not have the stomach to tinker or make improvements to a less than perfect bike, do yourself a favor and buy a Wing.

[serghaven]

A wing, now thats crazy talk...

[dlaws01]

My affair with H-D has been a love - hate relationship.  Just don't try to take it away from me.

[Screamin]

You may or may not have issues. What new vehicle doesn't? It's real easy to get caught up in the negs. Be sure to read the threads where we just dig the hell out of our bikes and ride lots of miles worry free. And if something does come up we generally find a way to deal w/ it. The SERG is new this year so there's no long term report yet but lots of us are betting it will be a heck of a lot more grins than frowns.

[PR3VS56]

serghaven, I wouldn't back away if I were you.  In fact, I'm not.  Should you decide to pass on your bike, I'll take it (providing you're in California).

[Gecko]

I can raise my hand and honestly say this is the only vehicle of all of them I've owned, ten or so cars and six bikes, that has had "issues".  This is also the only one I've had regrets over buying.  I got mine before it was common knowlege that they have an engineering and testing shortfall; that can't be said now.  They've changed some of the minor bits, but the cheap-ass parts basic problems remain.  It's just not cheap to fix them (which is why HD isn't). 

Your money, but caveat emptor fits.

[FLYNDYNA]

serg;

 You may not have any major issues with your bike at all. Definitely get the extended warranty, IF you do not intend to do major modifications. Changing out exhaust, proper A/F ratio, air cleaner do not count as major mods, and most dealers will not frown on honoring the warranty. Once you start replacing cams, pistons, etc. is when it gets "really iffy"...

 the long and short of it is, you may have some problems but you will definitely LOVE the bike.

Here's to many smiling, problem free miles! 

Flyndyna

[iski]

So I have been doing a lot of reading on this site sense I am next on a list for a 09 SERG. I have been reading about all the problems that people are having with theirs and I'm wondering if I making the right decision. I read about paint chipping off, overheating and oil leaks. I read about people worried about taking their bikes on long trips as they feel the bike might break down on them etc… With all that being said, why do I want to spend 30k on a bike that has all these problems? 
Also, I read that if you remove the cc (what's a cc anyway) it will help with the engine heat issue. I'm new to this site and you guys have a lot more experience at this than I do.  Any input would be appreciated...

A bike is an individual as well as a personal decision & there are a huge number of factors involved.  Riding styles, usability, rideability, etc., etc., etc.   All vehicles - especially motorcycles - have unique problem sets. Other bike manufacturers have problems as well.  Harley is the focus here & this is a VERY demanding board as to expectations & in some areas, HD does very well.  In others, not so well.  We love these CVOs but we see their flaws as well as the areas they shine. 

Not sure about your riding history or bike ownership history - appears you are fairly familiar with Harleys.  Best advice I can give is - if you like the bike, buy the bike.  Life is too short to waste too much time when there are roads to ride & stuff to do & see. 

And welcome to the board. 

[9 1/2 Beers]

serghaven

  I have owned a 07 110, and now I have a 09. Having said that, I believe the 09 is a much better bike, HD has made impovments. I like the way the 09 handles and performs. IMHO you will like the serg.

[BLM777]

serghaven ...... I think the majority of the folks on here would tell you to go ahead with your purchase.  After snooping around here a bit, you'll find that there are some who can find fault with anything HD ie motorcycles, dealers, customer service, parts or even corporate attitude.  Pay particular attention to whether it is a stock bike problem or a backyard modification that is the real cause of the complaint.
From time to time there are problems, as there is with any manufactured product, but if you want a motorcycle, enjoy riding and an association with some of the best folks around, an HD bike and this site are hard to beat.  Actually, if any portion of your decision involves maintaining the highest residual value for your dollar invested there is no other real choice in a motorcycle.  It's always a good idea to scan the NADA retained value in direct comparison to the Jap wannabe's and cheap imitations to make yourself feel a whole lot better about the money you are about to spend.  Good luck and looking forward to your impressions.....

[serghaven]

Thanks everyone for your input. I do not plan on making any major upgrades to it. Just the l replacing the seat, passenger foot boards and different windshield. Is it recommended that I replace the air cleaner and exhaust to help keep the heat down? That would be the only mechanical changes I think I would make. Don’t need to go any faster than it already goes. However, I’m willing to make changes to enjoy the bike a little more.  

 You guy’s ROCK…

[Screamin]

You'll do just fine w/ those mods / changes. Only other suggestion is a race tuner and a good dyno tune.

BTW, you'll end up doing more just to "make it yours."