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[twinotter]

 If Harley is feeling the pinch because of lost sales, I for one, don't feel the least bit sorry for them.
They have consistently downgraded the quality of the Twin Cam engine almost since its inception.
Still, by 01 they had what could have been the toughest HD engine ever built. Why they used a spring loaded tensioner on the cams in the first place is beyond, the hydraulic would have completely solved any minor wear issues. 1920 thinking in the year 2000.
Since 03, they have habitually downgraded almost every part in the engine in the name of profit.
They claimed customer asked for a 6 speed, but why would they completely change the compensator from the old. Its simple really, the costs (profit) to them went way up with many fewer machining steps on the new 07 up bikes. Constantly changing suppliers, always looking at the max profit, building just barely good enough for most bikes to get thru the warranty period.
Could they build a better bike, of course they could. Will they!! Not bloody likely as long as they have the loyalist buying enough bikes to keep them in business. They will not survive with this mentality forever.
 Maybe Indian, Victory, BMW will be the leader some day.  Buffalo

[skycat]

I just had a very nice letter from Harley apologizing for all the recalls. In the letter they are offering a goodwill warranty extension for the clutch hydraulic system out from two years to four years. I think i have purchased my last Harley..
I am thinking that a Indian Chieftain would look good beside my Street Glide. I could ride the hell out of the Indian and just look at the Harley and smile, if i don't use it at least the boxes wont fall off and the clutch wont fail etc, etc, etc ..

[twinotter]

 My buddies 2011 has probably seen its last year under his ownership. He says he's just tired of always fixing something. Wheel bearings twice now, first at 17K (klms), 2 compensators and the 2nd is gone again with 53K. We just finished a 6 speed rebuild, main bearings and Jims door, another $grand+. Lifter replaced very early with Fuelings to get rid of the "hammer" as he called it.
S&S 106 kit, Mr103 cams, 98 hp/110t.
He's drooling over an Indian now. We'll see what happens.  twinotter
 

[Cat Eye]

My riding buddy who has had 4 Harley in the last 12 years just called me and told me he test rode an Indian and is about 90% sold on it......then I reminded him of the tattoo on his arm...."Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield"

All he said is "CHIT I forgot about that freakin thing" 

[Rooster]

Maybe he needs to tattoo a little Indian head smiling under the HD tattoo.

[Cat Eye]

Maybe he needs to tattoo a little Indian head smiling under the HD tattoo.

LOL.....anyway...any news on the vibrating Harley in the shop???

[VANAMAL]

If you were near me id pull the plate and check the runout for nothing. The worst part is pulling the pipes

[ACfixer]

Bike problems suck, but as long as my Harley looks as good as it does compared to those fugly Polaris Indians I'm just going to work through it.

[skycat]

Is there any news regarding the vibration.

[grc]

Bike problems suck, but as long as my Harley looks as good as it does compared to those fugly Polaris Indians I'm just going to work through it.

That's the attitude Harley has banked on for decades, but I'm not so sure it will still work with some of the younger generations of potential customers.  Or with people like me who are finally sick and tired of being used and abused.

Jerry

[Tn.Heritage]

My riding buddy who has had 4 Harley in the last 12 years just called me and told me he test rode an Indian and is about 90% sold on it......then I reminded him of the tattoo on his arm...."Harley-Davidson Bar and Shield"

All he said is "CHIT I forgot about that freakin thing"

I know a guy who went and bought an Indian, the loaded touring bike they have, anyways it started leaking oil and he took it back to the shop in N.C. where he bought it, it was there over 2 months. It was shipped from the factory with no head gaskets, they had to replace the engine. So don't think HD is the only one with issues, if it's mechanical it will and can break, it's just there's about 10 times more HD's on the rd. than anything else.

[Cat Eye]

I know a guy who went and bought an Indian, the loaded touring bike they have, anyways it started leaking oil and he took it back to the shop in N.C. where he bought it, it was there over 2 months. It was shipped from the factory with no head gaskets, they had to replace the engine. So don't think HD is the only one with issues, if it's mechanical it will and can break, it's just there's about 10 times more HD's on the rd. than anything else.

I am surprise he didn't notice something wrong driving out of the dealer's lot?  That sucks!!

[RayG]

I have to agree with GRC's last post,  long past the feeling of how it looks.  When I take my bike out for the day or a week I don't want to have to worry about a failure brought about because it had every possible corner cut to maximize profits, but doesn't it look good even on the trailer.  Everyone is right on with the looks, they are second to none.  I like to put 15,000 miles per summer, in three summers you have a bike that has depreciated tremendously and may or may not have had spent time in the shop.  The good thing is we all have choices. 

A friend ignored my recommendations and purchased a 2011 Street Glide,  I asked him how it handled and he told me it was the worst bike he ever rode going over the bumps even after bringing it back numerous times for adjustments.  We were talking looking at his bike and he just kept going on about how great it looked and that he finally had a real bike.  I asked how his girlfriend like the bike and he told me she hates the rough ride and refuses to go on the bike.  I can just see him shopping for wife #3.  His last question was what the hell is that loud noise coming from the left side when I'm starting it, I told him don't worry they all do that!   He's about 6' 3" and asked about lowering it to look even cooler!  I rolled my eyes and said how do you know it's not been lowered already since you said it handle so bad,  but it looks good. 

   

[ACfixer]

I know a guy who went and bought an Indian, the loaded touring bike they have, anyways it started leaking oil and he took it back to the shop in N.C. where he bought it, it was there over 2 months. It was shipped from the factory with no head gaskets, they had to replace the engine. So don't think HD is the only one with issues, if it's mechanical it will and can break, it's just there's about 10 times more HD's on the rd. than anything else.

We were at Newcomb's Ranch on Hwy 2 a few weeks ago and there was a guy with a new Indian like that... there was some gawdawful noise in the top end and according to him it was getting worse. His dealer in Santa Carita told him it was "normal". Sound familiar?

[Cat Eye]

We were at Newcomb's Ranch on Hwy 2 a few weeks ago and there was a guy with a new Indian like that... there was some gawdawful noise in the top end and according to him it was getting worse. His dealer in Santa Carita told him it was "normal". Sound familiar?

I guess Indian is hiring some Harley trained mechanics.