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[opee6969]

1.Heated grips not working.

2.Front rotors badly warped after only 2000 miles

3.Headlights aimed only about 10 feet in front of the bike.

4.Wiring shroud entering the throttle body is frayed and looks bad.

5.Front end shaking due to a wheel weight that has come off.

Not major catastrophes, but where's the quality control at this price point??

[yellowhog]

If I'm not mistaken, aren't these CVO's now made on the assembly line?  I think they are no longer made as they were..by the same 25 or so people by hand.  Maybe Harley's employees are trying to tell them something.  Do they think that quality is going to go up if they force the employees to take a pay cut, or worse?  It's been my experience that a happy employee is a good employee.  Something to think about...

[Wild Card]

If I'm not mistaken, aren't these CVO's now made on the assembly line?  I think they are no longer made as they were..by the same 25 or so people by hand.  Maybe Harley's employees are trying to tell them something.  Do they think that quality is going to go up if they force the employees to take a pay cut, or worse?  It's been my experience that a happy employee is a good employee.  Something to think about...

Oh, I think the remaining employees are more than happy now.  That is to say, those that survived the substantial layoffs are happier than ever.  No paycuts according to the Q2 Financials. 

[Heatwave]

1.Heated grips not working.

2.Front rotors badly warped after only 2000 miles

3.Headlights aimed only about 10 feet in front of the bike.

4.Wiring shroud entering the throttle body is frayed and looks bad.

5.Front end shaking due to a wheel weight that has come off.

Not major catastrophes, but where's the quality control at this price point??

Disappointing to say the least but all correctable.

The heated grips are definitely covered under warranty and the rotor should be as well particularly if you've felt pulsing brakes from the beginning.

The headlight is probably a DOT issue as all of the bikes come with the headlights set low. They are easily adjusted upwards to meet your preferences.

The wiring shroud looks bad on all the SE Ultra and the new SE RG Ultra. Sad but that's the reality. Here's a great solution I used on my 2010 SE Ultra. It looks like it should have been that way from the factory. I also did the support bracket cover as well. They look great and clean up that very unfinished look of loose wires near the servo. http://www.kuryakyn.com/index.cfm/go/Home.ProductDetail/catID/12/scID/95/IMID/1473

Not much you can do about a wheel weight flying off. Sh*t happens.

[Fatboy]

Opee you haven't been Dirt Biking or Hill Climbing with your new ride, have you? 

Back Roads...Hocking Hill's...Devil's Staircase......

[worshipduder]

1.Heated grips not working.

2.Front rotors badly warped after only 2000 miles

3.Headlights aimed only about 10 feet in front of the bike.

4.Wiring shroud entering the throttle body is frayed and looks bad.

5.Front end shaking due to a wheel weight that has come off.

Not major catastrophes, but where's the quality control at this price point??

did it shake at all rpms or?

[opee6969]

did it shake at all rpms or?

It doesn't appear to be related to the RPM's. It happens between 35-40mph holding a steady speed and occassionally on decelleration. I had the front wheel rebalanced and that's not the problem. Gonna be taking it in to have the laundry list fixed next week.

[1sharprdkg]

Looks like dealer would have caught the grips not heating during prep before delivery to you.

[dartman]

Looks like dealer would have caught the grips not heating during prep before delivery to you.

Prep,? thats only an added cost not an actual dealer function

[gijerome]

My hydraulic clutch started leaking fluid.  The bad thing is that before I realized what it was, it had already blistered the paint a little bit.  Dealer said it will all be fixed under warranty though so I guess it isn't that big of a deal other than the bother of taking it in to get fixed.

[DesertHOG]

I'm currently on a road trip. My only problem so far was that my shifter assembly came disconnected from the shifter linkage arm at about 2800 miles. I put it back together as best possible on the road and took it to Perry HD in Kalamazoo, MI today for a proper repair and some locktite. Good thing I did cause the screw that holds it all together was working it's way loose again.

Simon

[DesertHOG]

Prep,? thats only an added cost not an actual dealer function

Funny cause I was asking the service guys at Perry HD today about what's the extent of "setup" that has to be performed on a crated MC. They told me that it generally consists of uncrating, installing a windshield and general overview. They are supposed to check the timing but said that with today's bikes it's not really required. They said the balance of "setup" consists of fitting the bike to the individual customer (pegs, handlebars, shifter, mirrors.. and such).

So, that's what is included in your $300+ setup fee. 

Simon

[icufltrn]

mine also had the front headlights aimed right at the ground, the left side wires for the saddlebag lock were rubbing the tire (there is a little clip that holds it but doesn't work well)

[Chrome O]

Mine had the leaking front brake but I caught it in time to save the paint.

Head lights on hi are 20 ft out.

Front tire still did not balance out with 6.7 oz of weight, new wheel is on its way after 10 days in shop, and me demanding I would not take a bike with more than 3 oz on the front wheel.

Other than that all is good.  Much better than my 09 FLTHUSE in two years it never had a ticket closed on it.  Thats way I traded for the 11 FLTUSE.

You don't want to know what all went wrong on my SEEG 05.

THIS MAY BE MY LAST HARLEY

[JP]

It doesn't appear to be related to the RPM's. It happens between 35-40mph holding a steady speed and occassionally on decelleration. I had the front wheel rebalanced and that's not the problem. Gonna be taking it in to have the laundry list fixed next week.

Head bearing ?

[ottosails]

700 miles on mine. No issues...

[opee6969]

It turns out the front end wobble is due to the neck bearing being out of adjustment. Not a big deal until the stealer told me it's a maintenance item and would not be covered under warranty. They want 2 hours labor to adjust it on a bike that is not even a month old. lmao!! I think I'll just run this one up the ladder to Keith Wandell's office and see if he thinks I should have to pay for it. What a shame!

Opee

[Cvostu]

Are they kidding?  Brand new bike and they want to charge you for that? You better start thinking about another "stealer".  That sux.

[CJ]

It turns out the front end wobble is due to the neck bearing being out of adjustment. Not a big deal until the stealer told me it's a maintenance item and would not be covered under warranty. They want 2 hours labor to adjust it on a bike that is not even a month old. lmao!! I think I'll just run this one up the ladder to Keith Wandell's office and see if he thinks I should have to pay for it. What a shame!

Opee

Thats crazy, They want to charge you for that. Its a new bike.

[DesertHOG]

Thats crazy, They want to charge you for that. Its a new bike.

Interesting, I had the same complaint on my FLTRUSE. Only noticed it after 6+k, got a wobble around 40mph with the cruise on. My dealer was doing other work on the bike and just tighten the neck bearing for no charge.. at least none that I saw on the detailed bill.

Simon

[cappoman]

Over 5K miles since Aug on 2011 SERGU.  Here are my issues (so far).  Nothing huge.

1. Slight electrical shock to thumb from right switch box.  Only noticed when not wearing gloves (duh).  Feels like a 9V battery.  Dealer made one attempt but couldn't figure out where to start.  It's still there.

2. If I switch the ignition off with the IPOD selected, it usually will not play when I start up again.  I have to switch to another mode (AM/FM) to avoid the problem.

3. Rear brake vibration when braking hard with passenger. 

4. Left saddlebag wiring connector clip does not stay on the frame making reconnecting VERY difficult.  May try some adhesive.

5. Headlights (like others here) are aimed way low.  I have been riding with hi-beams with no complaints from oncoming traffic.  Will adjust soon.

6. Engine will occasionally sputter when rolling off idle.  Dealer noticed it right away on 1K service and reloaded the firmware.  No real change but it is less frequent now. 

7. Unlocking with the FOB doesn't always unlock the ignition switch from the fork lock position.  I have to use the key about 1 out of every 25 times.

8. Wind - Highly recommend using the plastic deflectors.  Huge difference AFTER I spent $$ on new 10" WindVest aircurve shield.  It worked out since the stock shield cut right through the middle of my view.

Still, I am extremely happy with the bike.  The positives are too numerous to list but it handles like a bike half its size and weight.  Power is rich and smooth. 
Very comfortable.  Rode from Northern VA to Charleston, SC and only made fuel stops.  I could do 8-10 hours/day easy!

[ultrafxr]

Just turned over 1k today.  So far no problems.     Let's hope it stays that way.  Got to do the 1k service next week.

[HawgDoc]

A steering head bearing adjustment needed prior to the first regularly scheduled service of that part would be covered during the OE warranty period. However a decel wobble with relaxed or no-hands riding is not uncommon around 40 mph and may not go away with the bearing adjustment.
The vibration felt when applying the rear brake is engine energy being transmitted to the frame as the rubber mounts compress during braking. You can feel this on all '09-later dressers. Turn off the engine and it will go away.

[DesertHOG]

Over 5K miles since Aug on 2011 SERGU.  Here are my issues (so far).  Nothing huge.

1. Slight electrical shock to thumb from right switch box.  Only noticed when not wearing gloves (duh).  Feels like a 9V battery.  Dealer made one attempt but couldn't figure out where to start.  It's still there.

2. If I switch the ignition off with the IPOD selected, it usually will not play when I start up again.  I have to switch to another mode (AM/FM) to avoid the problem.

3. Rear brake vibration when braking hard with passenger. 

4. Left saddlebag wiring connector clip does not stay on the frame making reconnecting VERY difficult.  May try some adhesive.

5. Headlights (like others here) are aimed way low.  I have been riding with hi-beams with no complaints from oncoming traffic.  Will adjust soon.

6. Engine will occasionally sputter when rolling off idle.  Dealer noticed it right away on 1K service and reloaded the firmware.  No real change but it is less frequent now. 

7. Unlocking with the FOB doesn't always unlock the ignition switch from the fork lock position.  I have to use the key about 1 out of every 25 times. I had this issue twice as the result of the HD Tech not putting the assembly back in place correctly after handlebar adjustment and another teardown. There are some wires than can get in the way apparently. You might have them look at clearance in that switch/column area.

8. Wind - Highly recommend using the plastic deflectors.  Huge difference AFTER I spent $$ on new 10" WindVest aircurve shield.  It worked out since the stock shield cut right through the middle of my view.

Still, I am extremely happy with the bike.  The positives are too numerous to list but it handles like a bike half its size and weight.  Power is rich and smooth. 
Very comfortable.  Rode from Northern VA to Charleston, SC and only made fuel stops.  I could do 8-10 hours/day easy!

[bobsplus]

Wheel weight??? 300 miles on the bike and I have a ding on the front fender, top side over on the curved portion, not directly over the tread,  appears to me a wheel weight came off and dinged it, had dealer call Harley and they turned down the issue stating road hazard, Bull Sh..   the weight came off and dinged it, its a very sharp ding like the corner of the wheel weight.... WHAT CAN I DO?

[ZOOMballs]

I realize this is a 2011 thread, but my 09 had to have the complete engine replaced @ 2373 miles. Also replaced under 5k, both tires, gas tank, wheel bearings, and seat. I don't think much of these bikes.

[DesertHOG]

I realize this is a 2011 thread, but my 09 had to have the complete engine replaced @ 2373 miles. Also replaced under 5k, both tires, gas tank, wheel bearings, and seat. I don't think much of these bikes.

Wow! I am surprised your SERG is orange.. it should be yellow cause it sounds like a real lemon to me.

I had a 2007 FLTR and put 34k miles on it without much, if any, problems.
My '11 FLTRUSE has 8k+ and my biggest problem has been getting a decent Dyno out of my dealer.

Sorry to hear about your misfortune with the Road Glide.

[cwright2]

Issues I had with my 2011 road glide.

Inner fairing was scratched really bad daring assembly from the factory.
saddlebag locks did not work with key.
CVO emblem on gas tank was dented.
gas tank lid would not stay shut.
wheel weights came off the front tire.
a real bad wobble at 35-40, which was the neck bearing.  Which is under warranty for the first thousand miles. after that it is a Maintenance issue. which is part of the first 1000 miles service. at least that's what I was told.
sometimes the iPod does not work it turned off with the iPod on and playing, have to change to a.m. FM turn bike off and back on again then switch to iPod.
on the survey I told them their assembly people need to take a little more pride in their assembly.

  No issues at all with the Dealer they took care of everything.

[fast96]

Wow! I am surprised your SERG is orange.. it should be yellow cause it sounds like a real lemon to me.

I had a 2007 FLTR and put 34k miles on it without much, if any, problems.
My '11 FLTRUSE has 8k+ and my biggest problem has been getting a decent Dyno out of my dealer.

Sorry to hear about your misfortune with the Road Glide.

Come over to Mesa Az Chesters employee Dan tuned my new SERG he did an awesome job! I am a tuner so I was scared to death and short of time so I let them do it and was very impressed with the job he Did!! Chris Hines

[HEADPAN62]

ive bought 2 brand new bikes in 14 months.. an 09 road glide,,, loose neck bearing....(covered)

2011 road glide ultra,,, loose neck bearing(covered)... what stealership is this? I would call factory on them.... in the last year. 3 stealerships have closed their doors in new jersey..

Barbs , camden county harley is still alive... THE BEST service department... they are for the rider ,, not the dollar!!

Ride on,,Headpan

[hogdooz]

I picked up my 2011 FLTRUSE Aug 25. The next day I found the GPS wouldn't speak through the radio. On inspection, I and the dealer found the audio cable from the cradle had physically been ripped out from the factory, missing, not even there! While the cradle with wiring harness was on order, I found the CB PTT switch would hang up, not release after pushing it to talk. Now with 5300 miles on the bike, in the shop 41 out of the 83 days I've owned it, there is so much static through the headset when the GPS transmits I can't use it and same with the CB, on receive or transmit there is so much static I have to unplug my headsets. The dealer didn't do their checks to make sure everything worked before they gave the bike to me, I had to find the problems myself. The bike does seem to run OK though, in the time I've had it since purchase. It's a lot of money to spend on a bike to have it sit in a shop so long with no resolution of the issues.

[cvosjoe]

I picked up my 2011 FLTRUSE Aug 25. The next day I found the GPS wouldn't speak through the radio. On inspection, I and the dealer found the audio cable from the cradle had physically been ripped out from the factory, missing, not even there! While the cradle with wiring harness was on order, I found the CB PTT switch would hang up, not release after pushing it to talk. Now with 5300 miles on the bike, in the shop 41 out of the 83 days I've owned it, there is so much static through the headset when the GPS transmits I can't use it and same with the CB, on receive or transmit there is so much static I have to unplug my headsets. The dealer didn't do their checks to make sure everything worked before they gave the bike to me, I had to find the problems myself. The bike does seem to run OK though, in the time I've had it since purchase. It's a lot of money to spend on a bike to have it sit in a shop so long with no resolution of the issues.

I am having a similar problem with my CB PTT on my 2011 FLTRUSE. On mine it would work a time or two and then it would seem like the PTT would hang open. While it was hung open no one could hear me and I could not hear them. After about a minute it would clear up and then I could hear if someone was talking. If I used the PTT again it might work or it might hang open again. I am also getting feedback through the headset while the PTT is hung open and static/feedback with the GPS instructions through the headset.  Does this sound similar to what yours is doing?   

[hogdooz]

Exactly what mine is doing. And the static/feedback changes as the engine is revved up. Has anything been done to try to correct yours yet? I would like to stay in contact with you as I'm dealing with Harley corporate about this problem.

[RedDevil]

Exactly what mine is doing. And the static/feedback changes as the engine is revved up. Has anything been done to try to correct yours yet? I would like to stay in contact with you as I'm dealing with Harley corporate about this problem.

Sounds like a bad ground to me.   

[LUV2RYD]

Exactly what mine is doing. And the static/feedback changes as the engine is revved up. Has anything been done to try to correct yours yet? I would like to stay in contact with you as I'm dealing with Harley corporate about this problem.

Mine is doing the exact same thing as you describe.  Obviously it is not an isolated incident.  Am taking it in to my dealer next week.  Also, my key fob locking system just began to work intermittently, probably not related...unless it is a grounding issue.  Will let you know what I find out.

[hogdooz]

Mine was in the shop 3 1/2 weeks this last time and they said they checked all connections and ALL the grounds.

[cvosjoe]

Exactly what mine is doing. And the static/feedback changes as the engine is revved up. Has anything been done to try to correct yours yet? I would like to stay in contact with you as I'm dealing with Harley corporate about this problem.

I took the bike to the dealer and explained that the CB PTT appears to hang open and that when the problem occurs it is consistant on how long it lasts for. All they did was run diagnostics on the radio and said it was fine. I left the dealer an purely by accident I hit the volume while the PTT was hung open. I noticed that the radio display showed that I was adjusting the volume for the Nav/Phone.  The only time this mode should be active is when the NIM (Navigation Interface Module) is active. When I got home I pulled the fairing off and disconnected the connector to the NIM. It has been disconnected for about 3 weeks now and the CB works 100%. I told the dealer what I did and when I brought the bike in for it's service they ordered a new NIM. Now that I know that others are experiencing the exact same issue we either all have defective NIMs or the NIM is not compatable with the CB some how. 

[Rio]

I would say so considering the $$$ you spent.  I would call HD charmer relations and. Complaint.  They should do something for you.  That's BS!  I am fortunate so car I guess. But withtodays shrinking market no one can afford stupid quality issues like this

[III]

A couple of problems with mine so far:
The Gps mount not hooked up from the factory.
I also have a left side cover that belongs on a different bike. 

On a side note, tonight at the dealer in College Station, TX there was 3 red/black RGUSE's. According to the dealer 9 total have been sold in TX. What are the odds. 

[hogdooz]

III, Did the dealer get your GPS connected or was it missing wires like mine was? And if it's connected, can you hear it in your headset clearly with no background static?  Thanks.

Does anyone know how many FLTRUSE's they made this year?

[B.A.]

Mine has a pretty severe wobble at 40.  Tried tightening neck bearing.  No joy.  Found wheels bearings NOT INSTALLED (pressed in) PROPERLY.  Dealer fixed that (hopefully) and replaced the front tire.  Nothing said about the wheel.

Have one other related tour pack beef but for another thread.

[III]

HOGD, The harness from the mount had never been connected from the factory. I haven't tried the head set yet or CB/Bluetooth thingy. Last I heard there is suppose to be around 3000 FLTRUSE's made.

BA, The dealer I was at has seen 4 FLTRUSE's and all 4 have the wobble issue. They are fairly sure there is something going on with the front 18" wheel that is out of specs. I believe the FLTRUSE's are the only bikes from the factory with this particular wheel. Hopefully it is just a bearing replacement and not a wait for a new wheel. 

[cwright2]

I had a severe wobble at 35mph. wobble what a way after the dealer adjusted the neck bearing properly. dealers said it is very difficult to adjust the neck bearing properly on the new road glide.

[B.A.]

I don't know, III.  First time I looked at that wheel I thought it was the most complex wheel I've ever seen.  Maybe it's not but I've not changed my mind.  There is a whole lot going one with it.  Not surprised there are issues.

[cwright2]

I went to the San Mateo, CA. l international motorcycle show this weekend talked to Harleys CVO guy asked him what was going on with all the wrong parts being put on and damaged parts, he said he'd never heard about this I told him he needs to read the CVO owners group website.

[hogdooz]

CW, I went to the International Motorcycle show in San Mateo Saturday and talked to him too, so now he definitely knows there are problems with these bikes. I sure hope he does something about it when he gets back, but I'm not expecting much.

[Winhawk]

I had the wobble as well. Notified the dealer and they buttoned things down. Not noticing it now.  My right floorboard bottoms out on the pan sending a shock up my leg.  Dealer replaced it and the replacement piece does the same thing. The same thing happens to the bike on the dealer floor. Doesn't happen with the left floorboard.

[cvosjoe]

I took the bike to the dealer and explained that the CB PTT appears to hang open and that when the problem occurs it is consistant on how long it lasts for. All they did was run diagnostics on the radio and said it was fine. I left the dealer an purely by accident I hit the volume while the PTT was hung open. I noticed that the radio display showed that I was adjusting the volume for the Nav/Phone.  The only time this mode should be active is when the NIM (Navigation Interface Module) is active. When I got home I pulled the fairing off and disconnected the connector to the NIM. It has been disconnected for about 3 weeks now and the CB works 100%. I told the dealer what I did and when I brought the bike in for it's service they ordered a new NIM. Now that I know that others are experiencing the exact same issue we either all have defective NIMs or the NIM is not compatable with the CB some how. 

hogdooz,
The dealer replaced the NIM and the CB works fine now. Hope this helps to get your CB issue resolved.
cvosjoe

[hogdooz]

After the dealer replaced the NIM, Radio, various other things and the problem was still there, and even got worse, the dealer replaced my bike! I picked the new bike up yesterday and everything works great. Weather here is 50 degrees, I'm going out for a break in ride. I'm finally excited about my new bike!

[Thundering6]

Correct me if I am wrong here.....
Aren't the current CVO's being assembled in the York,PA plant?.
If they are,and it seems to me they are,I could believe any issues you guys are having with them.
They utilize so many workers from the local temp agencies(day workers only now since the layoffs)now to assemble the bikes I am not sure I would be comfortable riding one let alone buying one.
Its a shame what they MoCo has done to the locals who work there at the plant and with their quality control falling to pieces all they are going to do is further damage their reputation.

[RedDevil]

Correct me if I am wrong here.....
Aren't the current CVO's being assembled in the York,PA plant?.
If they are,and it seems to me they are,I could believe any issues you guys are having with them.
They utilize so many workers from the local temp agencies(day workers only now since the layoffs)now to assemble the bikes I am not sure I would be comfortable riding one let alone buying one.
Its a shame what they MoCo has done to the locals who work there at the plant and with their quality control falling to pieces all they are going to do is further damage their reputation.

That may be, but every line, except the V-Rod, Sportster, and Dyna are made in the York plant.  I personally don't want any of those three bikes, so if I want an HD, I have to take my chances with the York plant.  I will admit, however, that since they moved the CVOs out to the main production line, I've seen more issues with assembly now (wrong parts installed, loose bolts and nuts).  I never had any assembly issues with the CVOs I got that were made in the "CVO barn", but have had a few assembly, QC, issues (that have since been rectified) with my SEURG.

[RedDevil]

I also have had the NIM, radio, plus the  CBM, and the wiring harness replaced. Still hangs up 45-90 sec. at a time. When the dear rep. got involved, at first he said my radio was fine, nothing wrong. When that didn't fly,later he said they didn't have a solution at this time, but the engineers will keep working on it. I see from this form that other people are having the same problem for 5 plus mo. now.   How long is to long? How long is enough?   ANYBODY                              thanks   tish

No help for you Tish.  It took the MoCo 18 months to admit fix the problem they had on the 110 rear head gasket leak.  So don't expect them to have a fix anytime soon for this.

[cvosjoe]

I also have had the NIM, radio, plus the  CBM, and the wiring harness replaced. Still hangs up 45-90 sec. at a time. When the dear rep. got involved, at first he said my radio was fine, nothing wrong. When that didn't fly,later he said they didn't have a solution at this time, but the engineers will keep working on it. I see from this form that other people are having the same problem for 5 plus mo. now.   How long is to long? How long is enough?   ANYBODY                              thanks   tish

tish,
The issue you are having appears to be identical to the one I was experiencing. This is what I would suggest you do. Disconnect the NIM and ride the bike for several weeks and see if the CB issue is still happening. I think that you will find that with the NIM disconnected the CB will work fine. For the 30 minutes it would take to disconnect the NIM you have nothing to lose at this point.
Joe