Are Harley motorcycles better than BMW's? This is very general, but I figured there were some opinions.?

Question

In particular I'm curious about the maintenance required on both. Seems like maybe BMWs are sturdier in this regard.

Answer 1

Greatest frequency of repair ratings of ALL motorcycles:



#1 - Harley Davidson

#2 - BMW

#3 - Ducati



So, Harley requires the most repairs, followed by BMW.



However, BMW has a higher customer satisfaction, possibly due to better dealer service.



Triumph and the Japanese brands have more relaibility and fewer repairs required.



BUT if it is the brand you really want, you'll learn to tolerate it's issues.... and dealer service may be a real key issue for you.

Answer 2

I call it a draw. HD is making reliable bikes from the factory now, in response to poor reliability in the past. BMW was at one time THE bike to have if you rode a lot, and developed a prestige as the most reliable bike out there, but quality materials and engineering come at a price, both monetarily and in looks (1998 R1100R), Now, BMW Motorcycles have gotten so caught up in advanced technology, some of their reliability has suffered, it's tragic, really.



My 2002 BMW maintenance schedule requires valve adjustments every 6000mi. Since the jugs are flung out on the sides, this can be done with three tools carried under the seat on any level surface on Earth. Takes less than twenty minutes, especially since I haven't had to adjust them in 24.000mi (30K total). Oil changes and other fluid changes can be done by owner with moderate mechanical skill.



If you take a BMW to a dealer, though, they will charge you just as much as any HD shop. The HD shop will return your hog to you in showroom clean condition, though. Amazing chrome scrubbers, those Harley dealers.



Some things can or should only be done by the BMW dealer, like the Mototronic engine computer diagnosis, and ABS brake systems.



The "classic BMW twins" engines are overbuilt to withstand 250Kmi. Mine didn't stop burning oil until 24K. The twins also are air- and oil-cooled, as opposed to just air-cooled of HD.

Answer 3

Man you are just begging the Harley haters, of which there are way too many, to jump on their soap box. I would have to say in all honesty though that BMW quality would be hard to beat. All bikes have their place. To me you really can't compare those two brands. Harley makes a beautiful cruiser that has an attention to detail that in my opinion you don't on other production bikes. BMW doesn't really go the "pretty" route. Their bikes are very high quality touring/sport touring bikes that are not in my opinion all that nice to look at. It really just depends on what is important to you. I will say that I know several people with over 100,000 miles on their Harley with no real issues. Even with that being said I would still say BMW's quality is unmatched.

Answer 4

You know if everyone has such a low opinion of Harley's, why is every maker trying to copy the v-twin and have a Harley look. Everyone is entitled to their opinion just like whats his name saying that all Harley's shake. He hasn't ridden a Harley with a balanced engine. Smooth but with a classic sound. Anyway, they are both good bikes and it's all about what you personally want to ride. Personally I don't like the looks of a Beamer with the cylinder heads pointing out to the side. But to each his own.

Answer 5

Ok, Its time to hear from the other side of this issue. Let me start off by saying that I do not have an axe to grind on ANY motorcycle brand. most of the horror stories concerning H.D. date from the 70's, when amf was running the company. Since the company was taken over by the Davidson family in the early 80's, the bikes have had excellent track records. Sure, you will have some bad product slip thru. That happens regardless of manufacture. The evolution motor that was first brought out in '84 has been a wonderful powerplant, commonly logging over 100,000miles without a breakdown. The current twin cam engines, both 88 and 96 c.i. are doing an amazing job. BMW's are fine bikes, as are most motorcycles produced these days, whether jap, euro, or american. Service entervals for the twin cam is 5000miles, and as far as styling goes, it should be considered that the most popular style of motorcycle being ridden on the streets of america are cruiser style bikes, of which almost every one of them copies the harley davidson to a more or less degree.

Now that I have had my rant, let it be known that I own 2 jap bikes, on running and one not. I have an '05 harley heritage softail with 20000 plus miles on it and the only problems i have had since it was bought new in '05 was a circuit breaker that went bad, (part made in mexico, by the way) and replacing the tires as they wear out, currently on third rear tire, and second front tire. (i replace mine BEFORE they get slick) The bike has made 1 ironbutt run (1000mi in 24 hr) and just got back from rally in corpus christi last month. 1025 mile round trip. the bikes starts every time and is totally reliable. it is my 3rd H. D.

Answer 6

BMW has a horizontally opposed engine, that is pistons on the left side and pistons on the right side opposite. Vibrations cancel each other out when a cylinder fires it goes sideways.

A Harley type V engine, both pistons go up and down so the vibration is downward and the suspension springs it back thru the whole bike. Most noticeable in viewing the mirror(it shakes). They have improved on the rubber engine mounts for the Harley but it still vibrates.

Vibration is what makes anything fall apart(just like an earthquake).

It is really a matter of driving requirements. A beemer is great if you plan on doing lots of highway hauling accross country and you want to feel your hands at the end of a day. A Harley is better for shorter in town, show off type stuff, where your buttt does not have to be glued for hours on the seat.

Get them both.

Answer 7

nobody seams to be answering the service aspect of your question so here goes.



Harley (depending on model but generally)

oil change and service every 5000 miles.

major service every 20000 miles (front forks)

major service every 50000 miles (rear forks, steering head bearing inspection, cleaning, repacking)



I'm not going to go into everything we check because this answer would be very long. Harley techs are certified to do anything from a frame swaps to splitting cases.



BMW (info from a BMW tech)

BMW techs change oil and tires only

anything else they pack the bike up and ship it back to the factory.



I don't know how truthful the Tech was on this fact but I did not see any BMW's disassembled in their shop.

Answer 8

I have seen BMW's go 250,000 miles without major repairs, I cant say the same for HD's but the HD has a cool factor of 10 to BMW's 6 or 7.



My friend on his RS1200 gets a pass from the CHP who also drive these bikes and I get pass from Anaheim PD they ride HD's now.



The real question is what are you looking for. A light durable fun to ride euro bike or a ground pounding heavy American bike.



It's that Corvette vs Porche question, which is better, each has it's own qualities and deficiensies. Both are fun to drive.

Answer 9

ok, everybody failed to point out one thing, what harley are you talking about? if you are talking about the vrod, then the vrod is better than any bmw on the road hands down.I have an 2003 vrod with 53,000 miles on it and i have not had a single mechanical issue with the bike, i guess that might have something to due with the fact that the engine is designed by porsche.

Answer 10

In the end it is a question of taste and preference but there is no doubt about the quality and 'German engineering' behind the beamers. But where is the soul?

I have a H-D Electra Glide '02 with 55,000 problem free miles on it.

I have done following Ironbutt trips on it:

Saddlesore 1000: 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours.

Bunnburner 1500: 1500 miles in less then 36 hours

50CC: Coast to coast (San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL) in less than 50 hours.

I am sure I could have done the same on a beamer - but i am not sure I would have felt as comfortable and adventurous crossing USA on a cycle from 'Bayerischer Motor Werke'

Apart from that I rode my 'glide one time from NC to CA and back again. Zero (0) problems.

Chose with your heart - a motorcycle is a passion and the selection of one should be what you like and not what others tells you is good.

Answer 11

All I can go by, is when a good friend of mine (who is a certified mechanic) was working on a Harley. He had to replace a spring in the transmission. It took an immense amount of effort, and many hours of labor.



And I rode with a guy to Chicago from Atlanta, that rode a BMW, a R1200 series. I was drooling. Smooth power, and lots of pizzazz.



So, my money would be on the BMW...

I love Harleys, but I am a realist....

Answer 12

A BMW will offer your better reliability, comfort, and twice the performance(check that ratings). The only thing that Harley has to offer is the name. They are still being made with 50 technology. Sure they have a new engine and 6 speed transmission this year but that only brought them up to 1960's tech.

Answer 13

The design of the BMW boxer engine produces less stress on the engine's parts than a V Twin. Also, the engine cools better with the jugs out in the wind. HD used to be nortorious for overheating rear cyl.

Answer 14

BMW's (and any other motorcycle manufacturer for that matter) is better than a Harley.



Harley's are 50's technology. Even their 'new' engine is a rehash of one of their old motors.



Even in the image department, BMW still holds its own. And in all other departments (technology, innovation, reliability, longevity, toughness, performance, power...the list is endless) the BMW wins hands down.



If you like working (mechanically) on bikes, then get a Harley. If you want something reliable that you'll ride more than you'll fix, then get the BMW, or any of the major Japanese motorcycles.



Ride Safe!

Answer 15

too many oppinions there for me even to touch! might just get reported for abuse again!!!