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[CVODON]

I got a paper manual with mine and I have read it through, but I would rather have read it on my Kindle. I read constantly, buy a book at least weekly and it has been years since I bought a paper book. I buy the Kindle version and it is available on everything, my phone, laptop, tablet and Kindle reader. Much rather take a small reader or phone to the bike if I have a problem than a small phone book (240 page book), Don't think it has anything to do with age, I am old, but electronic is, for me, better. Just wish I could get HD, GM etc manuals on Kindle format. Soon Hopefully.
Like others I see no reason for the rant.

[grc]

Sadly, much of the electronics industry stopped providing printed versions of all owner manuals years ago.  However, at least so far I'm not aware of the vehicle industry eliminating the good ol' printed booklet owner manuals.  Perhaps in this one and only instance, Harley is trying to be the first to do something (anything) instead of just copying old stuff from other folks.

Many people in our society assume that whenever new tech gadgets come out, the entire population can be expected to have the latest gadgets and will be more than happy to give up the old methods of doing things.  Unfortunately this country is still full of people who are not computer literate, and do not own a "sometimes smart" phone.  I recently had to purchase a new blood pressure monitor from Omron to replace my old failing unit, and the only way to get the data off the monitor and onto my computer is via a smart phone app and the "cloud".  The old monitor had a USB connection and they provided a small simple program for my computer to store and chart the readings.  When I contacted the manufacturer about this, they couldn't have cared less that I don't own a "smart" phone and need a method to store those records on my local computer.  Without actually saying it, the implication was tough chit old man.

F' em all.

Jerry

[Fired00d]

Hey Greg, I see both your and SIX38's point in this.  I'm a'thinkin that maybe it should be a choice in that the MoCo gives the new owner of a $42K plus motorcycle the option of a print version and/or the online version, free for either/both.  Holding the book in your hand means something to some folks, carbon footprint be darned.  I like reading the electronic versions in looking up stuff with the search function but prefer the print version when I'm actually working on the bike in the garage.  I don't have to "refresh" the page on the print version...

As for Dave getting one free from his dealer, ya gotta know the dealer he's referring too is the #1 dealer in the country...for a reason...with their customer service being top-notch...not the norm for HD dealers...

I agree it should be a choice... The wife and I have purchased new cars in the last couple of years (2018/2019)... hers Acura, mine Honda. The owners manual along with navigation manual and one other wasn't provided from dealer in paper form. You could go online and download them electronically (which I did), but because I read all documentation/manuals provided w/any purchase I found that the original owner could request paper manuals within the first six months of ownership. I took advantage of this I got them for both vehicles. I think the ability to provide the next owners these manuals is a nice gesture (I will also provide them the electronic ones if they want). Also w/paper manuals I can put tabs on places I want to easily get back to, highlight info I want, and write notes where wanted. If you have a basic PDF reader those options might not be available.

IMO it would be a nice gesture if the MoCo would provide the original owner the option of getting the printed edition's free to original owner within in a certain time period like Honda/Acura does. If a person doesn't read the electronic manual from cover to cover such as I did they wouldn't know about the offer.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[14 CVO King]

So I'm getting myself familiar with my new ‘19 Road Glide CVO and started playing with the Boom GTS Infotainment Unit. Hmm there is a lot going on with this thing, let's check the owners manual. Not much info there or the in quick start guide. No specific GTS manual with the bikes literature, maybe it's missing? Checked the MOCO website, “manuals” and there it was, all 240 pages of it.  Yikes!!
Available for download but who the hell wants to print 240 pages. So I called customer service and
discovered that yes, I can obtain a manual, just go to a HD dealer and for only $20.00 dollars you can purchase the manual. You got to be kidding, said I, after spending over $42K for this motorcycle, one has to buy the manual for a feature that is included on this model
Insanity!!!
Tom P.

I got a manual with my bike, but as already stated above my dealer told me that HD is not providing them anymore unless you bought one and then smiled as he gave me one. 

[Fired00d]

I got a manual with my bike, but as already stated above my dealer told me that HD is not providing them anymore unless you bought one and then smiled as he gave me one.

Smart dealer... he realizes that he's invested maybe $11.00 (or less... his cost for the manual)… told you the MoCo doesn't provide them anymore (made you feel good that you were being taken care of), and their (dealership) return will be ten (hundred) fold... a person that feels like they are being treated right/taken care of are repeat shoppers... that dealership hasn't lost one red cent... probably IMO will make a lot more by doing this.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[bbrown]

Most dealers do the right thing.  If they do not their reputation goes to Hell.....and that is important to most of them especially these days.

It not the 90's anymore

[Para Bellum]

Seems to be another HD cost-cutting measure--I know many of us remember when HD had the CVO history available on their web site.  They told me they took it off the site b/c "it took up too much space."  As if.

I bought a 2019 SUV at end of December.  It came with a fairly complete printed owner's manual, but the one for the infotainment/nav system was only available online.  IMO, it's a PITA to have to get to a device every time I want to eyeball it; worse, when the power is out, the internet down or out of range, or that web site is unavail, then it's SOL.

We shouldn't be surprised, though; HD has made it obvious they don't consider CVOs (or their owners) anything special...unless it's in price negotiation.

[SIX38]

Maybe I'm showing my age, but I much prefer reading anything from the printed form. I think one aspect of the Boom GTS Infotainment System  that threw me was the fact that the instruction manual is 240 pages! Seems like there is a lot to learn about it, so it would be nice to have a copy in my saddle bag for a quick reference while learning the system, especially on a road trip to remote areas.
And yes, the manual is now downloaded to my IPad and a hard copy is on order from HD. As my grandkids tell come on Grandpa, get with the times, it's so easy!”
Best wishes all,
Tom P.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Hey Greg, I see both your and SIX38's point in this.  I'm a'thinkin that maybe it should be a choice in that the MoCo gives the new owner of a $42K plus motorcycle the option of a print version and/or the online version, free for either/both.  Holding the book in your hand means something to some folks, carbon footprint be darned.  I like reading the electronic versions in looking up stuff with the search function but prefer the print version when I'm actually working on the bike in the garage.  I don't have to "refresh" the page on the print version...

As for Dave getting one free from his dealer, ya gotta know the dealer he's referring too is the #1 dealer in the country...for a reason...with their customer service being top-notch...not the norm for HD dealers...

For me it's not so much about the manual it's self.  It is one more cost cutting measure, as they increase the cost of the bike.  It's typical, Harley, take away from the product, and raise the cost.

The printed manual is nice when you want to read it.  The PDF is great when you want to search for something specific in the manual.

[flash1034]

So I'm getting myself familiar with my new ‘19 Road Glide CVO and started playing with the Boom GTS Infotainment Unit. Hmm there is a lot going on with this thing, let's check the owners manual. Not much info there or the in quick start guide. No specific GTS manual with the bikes literature, maybe it's missing? Checked the MOCO website, “manuals” and there it was, all 240 pages of it.  Yikes!!
Available for download but who the hell wants to print 240 pages. So I called customer service and
discovered that yes, I can obtain a manual, just go to a HD dealer and for only $20.00 dollars you can purchase the manual. You got to be kidding, said I, after spending over $42K for this motorcycle, one has to buy the manual for a feature that is included on this model
Insanity!!!


Mine didn’t come with one either.  Harley better wake the F up!
Tom P.

[CVOStreetglide]

To add to the cost reduction issues, try and find a printed brochure for a CVO these days and the electronic information is not as professional as it should be for a $45k bike.

 

[Spiked Olive]

Well when I first got a 2016 Limited with boom the stupid book for the boom was thicker than the owners manual. I looked it over and it was just not user friendly in my opinion.

I went online and looked at a lot of the YouTube videos and that helped me a lot. Then I connected the bike to the battery tender, pressed and help the button on top of the left switch pack and sat on the bike playing with the thing for 2 hours. Then in a few days I repeated it again and worked with what I had learned while riding. I found that it is actually pretty easy to use once you know what it does, how it does it and what to expect. Now on the 2017 I never opened the boom instructions from the plastic.

You will get it easy enough. But you may be like me and find the manual is really not worth the paper it is printed on.

Good luck

[skratch]

I got a manual with my bike, but as already stated above my dealer told me that HD is not providing them anymore unless you bought one and then smiled as he gave me one.

it isn't the manual for the bike that is missing, it is for the infotainment system.  you still get a bike owner's manual.

[14 CVO King]

it isn't the manual for the bike that is missing, it is for the infotainment system.  you still get a bike owner's manual.

Yes, I know and was talking about infotainment manual not bike manual.  Thats why I said I got a manual with my bike to go with the topic, not I got a bike manual.

[SIX38]

So I sprung for the $20, and now I have the manual that should have been included with a motorcycle with a MSRP of $42,399. I stand by my original post, they got some set of balls, and most of us just keep coming back for more. 🥜🥜🥜🤪
At least it was printed the USA🇺🇸
Tom P.