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[motor1]

          Yes, I know its York, but I remember a thread ( somewhere on this site ), saying CVOs would be moved to the Main assembly lines in 2011. So, has this happened or are they  still assembled by teams (by hand) in separate area of factory?

[Dan_Lockwood]

I took my first HD tour a couple months ago and at that time I asked the tour guide about the "CVO Team" and she said that ALL bikes are now done on the same production line.  There are no CVO teams to only build CVO's.

[Tabatha]

Harley techs are still contemplating their new text ! Not exactly sure where or when production begins :     

[1sharprdkg]

I took my first HD tour a couple months ago and at that time I asked the tour guide about the "CVO Team" and she said that ALL bikes are now done on the same production line.  There are no CVO teams to only build CVO's.

That may be a small root of the problem some people on this site have been having with there bikes. Hmmm...

[grc]

That may be a small root of the problem some people on this site have been having with there bikes. Hmmm...

Actually, bikes built in the normal assembly process will tend to be better.  One of the big issues many of us with the so-called "hand assembled" bikes always had was poor fit of parts and loose fasteners.  Those issues should be much better when the bikes are assembled on the line with the proper tooling, and not with hand tools or battery powered screw shooters out in some converted hallway.  As for the big quality issues like the engines, drivetrain, electronics, paint, etc.; none of that will change no matter where they screw the parts on.  Lousy parts don't care who bolts them to the frame, or where it gets done, they still suck either way.

I guess the proof will come over time with the reports of loose parts, poorly fit parts, wrong parts, etc.  Those are the things that the assembly line is responsible for, not the quality of the various component parts.  I'm betting there will be many fewer true assembly problems reported in the future compared to the old method.


Jerry

[Jerry/MD]

Actually, bikes built in the normal assembly process will tend to be better.  One of the big issues many of us with the so-called "hand assembled" bikes always had was poor fit of parts and loose fasteners.  Those issues should be much better when the bikes are assembled on the line with the proper tooling, and not with hand tools or battery powered screw shooters out in some converted hallway.  As for the big quality issues like the engines, drivetrain, electronics, paint, etc.; none of that will change no matter where they screw the parts on.  Lousy parts don't care who bolts them to the frame, or where it gets done, they still suck either way.

I guess the proof will come over time with the reports of loose parts, poorly fit parts, wrong parts, etc.  Those are the things that the assembly line is responsible for, not the quality of the various component parts.  I'm betting there will be many fewer true assembly problems reported in the future compared to the old method.


Jerry

Interesting theory Jerry, considering the whole concept of a 'team' building something from start to finish was to IMPROVE QUALITY. I remember when GM opened their Saturn plant that was the concept...have one group build a car from start to finish. 'Taking ownership' of the entire process as opposed to 'passing things on' via assembly line was the idea. Since Saturn has gone the way of the dodo...I guess it wasn't so successful.

[motor1]

Interesting feedback, I own 08 CVO Ultra, and an 09 SERG. Most of my problems have been assembly related, I hope the quality does improve, especially since I am waiting for an 11 CVO Road Glide, ( due in October).

[muddypaws]

HD will still make junk no mater where they do it and we will still pay too much and buy the dam bikes.

[hooligan]

I was at the York Plant a couple weeks ago.. The CVO's are main stream production. One came off the production line and into the Dyno when I was there. They build them like any other Harley. An order tag hangs above the bike as its assembled an this tells the workers what Power Plant and options are to be installed in the bike..

[grc]

HD will still make junk no matter where they do it and we will still pay too much and buy the dam bikes.

Muddy, I agree completely with the first part of your statement, but the second part doesn't have to be true.  I know it's not terribly bright to publicly make statements you might have to eat later, but for what it's worth I already passed on buying the bike I had been wanting them to build for years (the 2009 SERG) due to all their quality and customer disservice issues, and I have every intention of continuing to take a pass on any new Harley's.  To give you an idea how serious I am, I've recently been researching Honda ST1300's and the BMW K1200.  The Honda has a slick V-4 engine that is a later version of the one I owned back in the 1980's, a V-45 (750cc) Sabre that was an absolutely terrific bike, reliable as a rock, smooth, and powerful.  I don't know if the current version is as good, but I'm planning on a test ride later this month to see for myself.  The Beemer is a great bike, but the nearest dealer is on the opposite side of Chicago from me.  I would have to think about that one awhile, since I'm not keen on riding through Chicago traffic.

When enough people decide that the important thing is the riding, and not the "image" or the "lifestyle" that Harley marketing folks have pumped up everyone's azz, perhaps the MoCo will lose enough sales that the shareholders and board of directors will force meaningful changes.  All I know for sure is that nothing will get better if people keep accepting the status quo.


Jerry

[muddypaws]

Great answer. I to am thinking about Honda.

[rodney65]

You guys kill me. I have owned Harley's since the late 90's and have never had any engine issues on any of them. I will agree that sometimes the shops have some non-helpful people but what do you expect for a job that does not pay very well. If you guys do not like the HD cycles then by all means move on to whatever machine you prefer and join their forums. Most of us on this forum do not really care if you go to another bike maker. In my opinion HD is the only way to go. The other makers have great bikes but nothing is like a Harley.

[muddypaws]

I'm on my 6th Harley and have had problems. My 2009 has had a starting problem from day one and it's still not fixed. HD is now in the process of finding a fix and a cash settlement for all of the down time. They do break.

[Dan_Lockwood]

Muddy, I agree completely with the first part of your statement, but the second part doesn't have to be true.  I know it's not terribly bright to publicly make statements you might have to eat later, but for what it's worth I already passed on buying the bike I had been wanting them to build for years (the 2009 SERG) due to all their quality and customer disservice issues, and I have every intention of continuing to take a pass on any new Harley's.  To give you an idea how serious I am, I've recently been researching Honda ST1300's and the BMW K1200.  The Honda has a slick V-4 engine that is a later version of the one I owned back in the 1980's, a V-45 (750cc) Sabre that was an absolutely terrific bike, reliable as a rock, smooth, and powerful.  I don't know if the current version is as good, but I'm planning on a test ride later this month to see for myself.  The Beemer is a great bike, but the nearest dealer is on the opposite side of Chicago from me.  I would have to think about that one awhile, since I'm not keen on riding through Chicago traffic.

When enough people decide that the important thing is the riding, and not the "image" or the "lifestyle" that Harley marketing folks have pumped up everyone's azz, perhaps the MoCo will lose enough sales that the shareholders and board of directors will force meaningful changes.  All I know for sure is that nothing will get better if people keep accepting the status quo.


Jerry

Jerry,

The Honda ST series of bikes starting with the 1100 has been a big favorite of mine over the years.  I read about all the new changes and the lastest mags have the ST1300 in them over the past couple months.  Before I got too big to ride a smaller bike, the Honda Pacific Coast 800 V-twin was a favorite of mine.  Very nice looks and very dependable from what I read.

I think it's my wife that has the problem with being a Harley snob, not so much me.  I really do prefer the unusual bikes and cars over the run of the mill versions.  I had three Isettas, a Lambretta, a Vespa, a '77 Bonnie 750 and two '65 Cushman Silver Eagles all at the same time.  Not to mention my streetrod projects going on during that period.

Now I'm just down to my '09 SERG, '76 FLH, '04 Honda 250 Rebel with 108 miles on the clock and my Board Track Racer project.

If I were to buy anything other than a HD, I think I would be riding a ST1300 right now.

Let us know how your test ride goes.  I think you'll be hanging on for dear life as those things are stupid fast compared to our bikes.

Good luck. 

[hooligan]

Jerry

One of the guys I ride with had a st1300 he lasted about 4 weeks.. He really liked everything about the bike, Handling,ride etc. he was even happy with the power,Considering his other ride was a Kawasaki ZX14 Ninja. The reason he got rid of it was the passenger riding position. His wife found it very uncomfortable.Needless to say he now has a Triumph Rocket 3 and a Hyabusa. This guy changes motorcycles like underwear  He does want a Harley but has issues with dependability.
To me a bike is a bike as long as we are happy and riding.

Good luck with your test ride  but if you ride two up alot bring your passenger with you