how reliable or newer HD's

[sanford]

The newer Sportsters in particuller..I sure would not like to compromise reliabilty for looks.. not to be contraversial but if going to put more money in a bike has
to be reliable is my top concearn... I would assume every model has had it's lemons.. but doing a terse google search on HD was a bit negative??

I noticed a few posters with HD..hope can get a few views on the reliability of HD's thanks, not knocking any bike just trying to get a handle on what bike is reliable.. I'm sure the BMW must rank high up but preffer the HD looks and sound..

[Biker Dash]

I know quite a few owners of newer Sporters in my area, and all seem to be very reliable.

[goalie]

I am not a mechaninc. I can only relate generalizations that I have heard form others. I have only owned one HD. Every source of information that I have, both personal and from various sources of media, is that neither HD nor any of the other major brands lack for overall quality. There are many little things people can niggle over (metal fenders or "fit and finish"), but much of the niggling really comes down to personal taste.

When you think about it, though, I am uncertain there is any other model from HD or any other brand that has stood the test of time like the Sportster (old fashioned technology jokes inserted here). There are millions of ways to tinkier with, modify or personalize a Sportster. Something is obviously being done right.

All that being said, it was the look of my bike that sold me. I was equally happy to get a Yamaha (which I very nearly did).

[chefonahonda]

My work friend rides a Sportster and has no complaints at all. His miles are pretty low though, he keeps it nice and shiny.

[Dodsfall]

I haven't had issues with mine and have put quite a few miles on it.

There are a few things I wish they would change on the later models:

They use a plastic oil pressure sender. (What happened to the metal ones of old?)

The battery cover clips don't hold the cover too well. I use a zip tie to make sure it stays in place (now), but hitting a lot of bumps can potentially have it swing open.

The suspension is good for a single rider, but riding two-up it lacks comfort. The rear seat (if equipped) is painful for a passenger after several miles. An upgraded seat and shocks are recommended if riding with a pillion often.

Beyond those things, the motorcycle has done everything I've asked of it, it has a healthy amount of torque, runs like a top, and is easy to maintain.

[Woohoo]

From what I understand, it's actually pretty hard to find an unreliable motorcycle from the big name companies these days.

[Biker Dash]

Yeah... there are plenty of changes I would make to a Sportster, but these are to suit my taste, and not to correct any faults. (though a couple of the items Dods mentioned might need fixing, but what company out there makes a bike that does not have flaws? Thats just the nature of things which man makes)

[sanford]

Thanks for the input has helped me decide , so likely on my short list... in near futhure if things work out..

[V8Thrasher]

My experience with Harley haters is this: The ones who hate on Harleys are the people who have never ridden one. If you maintain your bike, regardless of make, itll last you.

So I see youre thinking of getting a Harley

[Lurch77]

Yep, the problem with HD, is a lot of people are prejudice against them. They run their mouths about oil leaks and general unreliability. The fact is any HD from the modern era is very reliable, and holds over none of the mechanical faults they had back in the day. The AMC owned years of the 70s was when HD had some of the worst quality control, and many people use those examples as fodder for their anti-HD arguments. The truth is, my 2006 Sportster has been the most trouble free bike I have owned. I've done nothing to it other than routine maintenance. I cannot say that about my current Suzuki and Yamaha bikes, though they are a bit older.

[Midnightrider]

98% of all harelys are still on the road... the other 2% made it home lol sorry I just couldn't help myself

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Lurch77

The AMC owned years of the 70s was when HD had some of the worst quality control, and many people use those examples as fodder for their anti-HD arguments.

And even those bikes, if you had any mechanical skill, and was willing to maintain the bike, could be good bikes. I bet a lot of the anti-HD arguments stemming from those bikes came from those ones who never really bothered to take care of their bikes.

[sanford]

Originally Posted by Midnightrider

98% of all harelys are still on the road... the other 2% made it home lol sorry I just couldn't help myself

[aaronrkelly]

Originally Posted by Lurch77

Yep, the problem with HD, is a lot of people are prejudice against them. They run their mouths about oil leaks and general unreliability. The fact is any HD from the modern era is very reliable, and holds over none of the mechanical faults they had back in the day. The AMC owned years of the 70s was when HD had some of the worst quality control, and many people use those examples as fodder for their anti-HD arguments.

Exactly....times have changed. In my experience the HDs of today are just as reliable as any other bike. The last "issue" anyone I ride with had was the tensioner issue on the early 2000 era twin cam motors. Even at that, it wasnt any more serious of an issue then other manufacturers have had with various parts. Take the final drive on BMWs......frames on the early GL1800s.....etc. A motorcycle is a very large collection of parts that must work perfectly.....doesnt matter what it says on the tank - NOBODY has a 100% rating.

Id buy a Harley Street Glide if I was in the market (and liked going slow )

[Eye_m_no_angel]

As a Harley technician I can tell you that Sportsters, and Harleys in general, are as reliable as any bike made today. As several people pointed out, it would be hard to find a bike from a major manufacturer that isn't mostly reliable. Sure, every now and then you find issues with certain models, (such as Victory seats falling off,) but these things are almost always handled quickly and completely by the manufacturer.

In addition, Harleys actualy require somewhat less routine maintenance then many other bikes. True, if you get all that servce done at a dealership it will likely cost you more money, but if you can do some basic things yourself that will cut the costs quite a bit.

[Eye_m_no_angel]

"The last "issue" anyone I ride with had was the tensioner issue on the early 2000 era twin cam motors."

And as it turned out the problem wasn't with the tensioner at all. It was with the plates on a few of the cam chains. A lot of cam tensioners got "upgraded" that really didn't need to be, when it should have been the chains that were replaced.

[LWRider]

You know, back in the era when Harleys were known for leaking oil, guess what? Many bikes from other manufacturers also leaked oil; ask anyone who used to own a Bonnie back in the sixties. Fifty years ago was fifty years ago for all these companies. My '68 Honda leaks oil, in spite of my best efforts to stop it.

With few exceptions, nowdays buy the bike that fits your frame and your personality and which fills your type of riding needs and you will be good to go.

Cheers,

Mike

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by Eye_m_no_angel

(such as Victory seats falling off,)

YEAH.... O_O
That would NOT be good while riding! LMAO!

[primalmu]

I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a Sportster. Personally, I'd love to get myself a Sportster for commuting after a graduate vet school.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by primalmu

I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a Sportster. Personally, I'd love to get myself a Sportster for commuting after a graduate vet school.

I'm personally split between a Sportster and a Buell with a Sportster based engine lol

That new XR-1200X looks bitchin as hell, but the Lightning cg is REALLY sweet!

[CharlesW]

One of my best friends and regular riding buddy put over 23,000 miles on a 2008 1200 Sportster with very few if any problems. Early rocker box oil leak and a noisy wheel bearing. Both were taken care of in warranty.

He now has a 2009 XR1200 Sportster with something over 3500 miles on it and it has only been at the dealers for service.

They seem to be as reliable as most.

[vistavette]

37k in less than three years on my '09 Ultra Classic (I know, not a Sportster but it is a Harley) and no issues. Very reliable and I ride is some extremely desolate areas

[ReconLdr]

My 2000 Buell Cyclone hasn't given me anything but smiles in the years I've owned it. Sure, it's hopped up Sportster engine has it's "character" noises but I wouldn't hesitate to take it cross country tomorrow. (If I could bring myself to put the saddle bags on it)

[R1200R]

the Sportster was on my short list of bikes... very good motorcycle and handles very well... Took a 1 hour test ride and was almost ready to sign the papers.... had I not forced my self to leave my checkbook at home.

[Biker Dash]

Originally Posted by ReconLdr

My 2000 Buell Cyclone hasn't given me anything but smiles in the years I've owned it. Sure, it's hopped up Sportster engine has it's "character" noises but I wouldn't hesitate to take it cross country tomorrow. (If I could bring myself to put the saddle bags on it)

It would make for an awesome sport-tourer!

[Dodsfall]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

It would make for an awesome sport-tourer!

Or adventure bike.

[cmonSTART]

Look at the size of that front brake...

[R1200R]

Originally Posted by cmonSTART

Look at the size of that front brake...

Holy...

[ReconLdr]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

It would make for an awesome sport-tourer!

Originally Posted by Dodsfall

Or adventure bike.

Love the Ulysses. The aftermarket bags that came with my bike when I bought it are hideous..... I just can't bring myself to put them on.

Originally Posted by cmonSTART

Look at the size of that front brake...

It's call Zero Torsional Load Braking. It saves @ 30% in weight with the same amount of braking power as dual disks.

Buell XB models also incorporated the industry's first Zero Torsional Load (ZTL) perimeter floating front disc brake system, a patented "inside-out" wheel/brake design that puts the brake disc on the outer edge of the wheel,[10] rather than at the hub. This lets the suspension function better, improving control and traction, through reducing unsprung weight on the front wheel, because only a single disc and caliper—with a corresponding reduction in bolts and brake fluid—is needed compared with the conventional dual-disc brake setup on most modern sport bikes. In an exchange in the pages of Motorcyclist magazine between Suzuki engineer James Parker, creator of the GSX-RADD hub-center steering system,[11] and Buell's Director of Analysis, Test & Engineering Process, Abraham Askenazi, Parker conceded the ZTL system's advantage in unsprung weight. But he pointed out the remaining weight is located further out on the rim where it is most detrimental to acceleration and braking, and that there were potential heat transfer issues, and the need for one fork leg to be stronger than the other. Responding, Askenazi disputed all of Parker's criticisms, saying the ZTL system was 30% lighter than the brakes on the Suzuki GSX-R1000, and that the inertia of having the weight further out on the rim, and the heat generation near the tire, were not negative factors, based on testing. Askenazi concluded that testing and race track experience had proven the ZTL to be "state of the art."[12][13]

Other industry innovations introduced by Buell in the XB lineup were the "fuel in frame" technology, and the dual use of the swingarm as an oil tank.[14] Also, all Buell models feature a muffler mounted below the engine which helps keep mass centralized with some models featuring a computer-controlled valve to switch between two exhaust paths as necessary to maximize torque.

Buell designs focus on providing good handling, comfortable riding, easy maintenance, and street-friendly real-world performance. Buell motorcycles were engineered with an emphasis on what they called the "Trilogy of Tech": mass centralization, low unsprung weight, and frame rigidity.[15]

Buell engines were designed to be street-friendly both in fuel efficiency (up to 70 mpg-US or 3.4 L/100 km; 84 mpg-imp with the Blast), and in torque (the 1,203 cc version produces 110 N·m or 81 lbf·ft). They are also simple and easy to maintain. Most Buell two-cylinder engines utilize computer controlled ducted forced air cooling (variable speed fan that only activates as required), two valves per cylinder, a single throttle body, zero maintenance hydraulic valve actuation, and zero maintenance gear-driven cams.

There are a ****-ton of arguments on the interwebz about Buell and Technology, some say Erik Buell was "held back" by HD, some say he couldn't design an engine so he got in bed with HD, some of it has proven true, some speculation, some fabrication but it makes for some interesting reading....

Personally I love my Cyclone, and have always loved Harleys but, I'm glad Erik Buell and Harley parted ways. Now we will see what he can do. If the EBR 1190rs is an indication, I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

[Biker Dash]

I have to ask this; if the ZTL braking system is so ***** hot, as Buell's engineers say it is, then why hasn't Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, Ducati, BMW... or any others for that matter, adopted it?

[ReconLdr]

Originally Posted by Animedevildog

I have to ask this; if the ZTL braking system is so ***** hot, as Buell's engineers say it is, then why hasn't Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, Ducati, BMW... or any others for that matter, adopted it?

Pretty sure they have a patent. I'm guessing the 30% savings in weight isn't worth it to them. I'm pretty sure if you talk to the engineers for the other bikes they will say their design is better.

I posted about the ZTL brakes because a few posters commented about them. I added the details because they are "innovative and different" which has always been Buells approach to things.

Are they better??? I don't have scientific data to prove one way or the other, I will say my brakes don't seem to fade no matter how hard I push the bike.

[Eye_m_no_angel]

A lot of manufacturers shy away from new and innovative if there's a risk of alienating their existing customer base with something that appears different.

If it's hidden technology people will rave about it, but if it looks different they often don't like it.

[Dodsfall]

Quite a few manufacturers have adopted the under-slung exhaust model.

[R1200R]

Originally Posted by Eye_m_no_angel

A lot of manufacturers shy away from new and innovative if there's a risk of alienating their existing customer base with something that appears different.

If it's hidden technology people will rave about it, but if it looks different they often don't like it.

technology is a good thing, I look for it.. I got ABS, ESA (adjustable suspension firmness), ASC (traction control), and all that stuff works great to keep me upright and alive.... I think even Harley now is doing ABS.

[vistavette]

Originally Posted by R1200R

technology is a good thing, I look for it.. I got ABS, ESA (adjustable suspension firmness), ASC (traction control), and all that stuff works great to keep me upright and alive.... I think even Harley now is doing ABS.

Yeah, I think they started in 2008 for consumers and possibly earlier for the police bikes. I can tell you this about their system: It saved my ass a couple months back. Guy ran a red light and turned left right in front of me. all that was going through my mind was. "OMG - I'm gonna hit this guy - this is it!!" That bike (over a 1,000 lbs of me and the bike) came to a perfectly straight no issue stop from about 45mph. When I was buying the bike I had a lot of dealers try to sell me on the stuff they had in stock that did't have ABS but I held firm and glad I did

[Eye_m_no_angel]

"technology is a good thing"

Oh I agree. I'm just saying that a lot of people shy away from anything that looks "different" and many manufacturers are very conservative in what they offer for that reason.

[R1200R]

Originally Posted by vistavette

Yeah, I think they started in 2008 for consumers and possibly earlier for the police bikes. I can tell you this about their system: It saved my ass a couple months back. Guy ran a red light and turned left right in front of me. all that was going through my mind was. "OMG - I'm gonna hit this guy - this is it!!" That bike (over a 1,000 lbs of me and the bike) came to a perfectly straight no issue stop from about 45mph. When I was buying the bike I had a lot of dealers try to sell me on the stuff they had in stock that did't have ABS but I held firm and glad I did

I took a safety course with my new bike just so I can get comfortable with it, and during the emergency stop there were two almost identical looking Harleys there, one with and one without... the braiding distance from 30 (emergency stop) was eye opening. In my case, I was stopping on a dime, and mine even does the rear brakes (harder, modulating down to lighter automatically).. it was a non-event to press the handle in all the way..

[R1200R]

Originally Posted by Eye_m_no_angel

"technology is a good thing"

Oh I agree. I'm just saying that a lot of people shy away from anything that looks "different" and many manufacturers are very conservative in what they offer for that reason.

kinda like the V-rod... a great Harley, a superior motor in almost every respect, but dang if it didn't sell as well as it should have.

[vistavette]

Originally Posted by R1200R

I took a safety course with my new bike just so I can get comfortable with it, and during the emergency stop there were two almost identical looking Harleys there, one with and one without... the braiding distance from 30 (emergency stop) was eye opening. In my case, I was stopping on a dime, and mine even does the rear brakes (harder, modulating down to lighter automatically).. it was a non-event to press the handle in all the way..

What kind of bike did you get? Notice any difference between the two Harley's?

[R1200R]

Originally Posted by vistavette

What kind of bike did you get? Notice any difference between the two Harley's?

i got a BMW R1200R "Classic", I have pics in my profile .. as to the Harleys, that were there, the main difference I noticed was the newer one which had the ABS was "less chromed out" but I think that's just an option thing, they were both 1600+ cc..