Harley Davidson owners...any problems with your bike?

Question

Many people say Harley Davidson motorcycles are the worst bikes in breaking down and require high costs in maintaining. Leaking oil is the most common problem mentioned.
The people who say this are people who don't own a Harley and hear about it from other people or former Harley owners who owned a Harley years ago.

However, I never hear anything bad about Harley's straight from a person who currently owns and rides one. Maybe older Harley models had problems and HD fixed them?

So, for those who actually own a Harley and is a newer model, 4 years or newer, have you had any major problems and does your Harley require much maintainence other than normal that you would expect compared to other motorcycle manufacturers of similar cruiser bikes?

Answer 1

There hasn't been any major, recurring problems with any Harley since they bought back ownership from AMF in 1981. Any engine from the Evolution to todays Blockhead is a great motor. I know, I've owned the oil leaking, break-down, cheaply made AMF Harleys & the much better ones built since 1984. Normal maintenance is all you need, unless your crazy, like me, & chop/custom everything.

Answer 2

My HD is a 2006 softail, I took it to Harley for the second oil change at 5000 miles and it had developed a transmission leak. It was under warranty, so it did not cost anything, the mechanic said....It's a Harley.....All Harley leak or develope leaks over time. I think that's true for any bike though. I love the bike, and knew this when I bought it, that's why I have a 3 year extended warranty with unlimited mileage.



Most of the Police here in my area ride them and say I will use the warranty to it's fullest, but they love the bikes also.



I think it's important to keep the original side plates and stay away from the after market ones that are high polished. They attract more heat and sometimes are not fitted as well as the factory ones. All are aluminum and that also poses a problem, it expands, just a factor with it.

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.



RE:

Harley Davidson owners...any problems with your bike?

Many people say Harley Davidson motorcycles are the worst bikes in breaking down and require high costs in maintaining. Leaking oil is the most common problem mentioned.

The people who say this are people who don't own a Harley and hear about it from other people or former Harley owners who...

Answer 4

Harley Davidson Troubleshooting

Answer 5

My Harley is an 02 FXD. I've only had the normal maintenance items, changing oil, fluids, etc. It doesn't leak a drop of oil. It's never left me by the side of the road. It runs perfect. You couldn't ask for any better. The years Harley was owned by AMF in the 70's was when Harley bikes had a lot of problems, but that was a long time ago. Harley and AMF parted ways and the Harleys today are very dependable.

Answer 6

My first Harley was an '03 Ultra classic and it blew an engine at 1200 miles but Harley "replaced" the engine with no problems and I had no major problems after that. I traded it in for the '07 Ultra when they came out. My wife and I in September did 3155 miles (2 up and fully loaded) through the Mojave desert and Arizona to almost the Mexico border in heat that hit 100-110 most days and the bike never missed a beat. I ride every day and love the bike and would recommend them to anyone. One of the secrets to total bike satisfaction is finding a good dealer and I feel very comfortable with D&S Harley in Phoenix (Medford) Oregon.

Answer 7

2007 FLSTN, had a rattle in the front when I got it. The dealer found a white paper on a known issue with that model. He replaced the left fork leg and no problems since. This is my first Harley but my 26th motorcycle. I personally don't see where it is any less reliable than anything else I've ever owned. A lot of predjudice on this site regarding Harley's though for sure and you are right, it is always from someone that knows nothing about them. You are a smart guy to disregard their crap.

Answer 8

Got an 04 Superglide. No problems what so ever. Before that, I had a '90 Sportster, no problems there either. Do the usual maintenance (oil changes, tire pressures, etc.etc.etc.) they'll run as long as anything on the road.

The history HD has with reliability issues stems from the 70's when AMF bought out HD and put out s**t bikes for about 10 years. Anything made after 1986 will run just as long as you want it to, just so long as you do the maintenance it needs...But how is that different than anything?

Answer 9

I have a 91 FXR, ( my 2nd 91 FXR) also a 90 FXR ( the old ladies bike) and a 1991 , 1200 Sportster I made into a sidecar for my dog.



I spend far more time cleaning and polishing than wrenching, though the Sporty needs new intake manifold seals at least once a year, but I think that's because It works hard pulling the sidecar( an extra 300 lbs. 365 w/dog).

Like any bike, they require routine maintenance, oil , brakes, tires, and misc. adjustments , but we've had no catastrophic or costly break downs.

Answer 10

As someone who owns and has owned older Harleys and new Harleys, they have improved as far as oil leakage, etc. Really, if you think about it, this goes for cars as well. I have an old Corvette and as beautiful as they are, the older ones have problems that the newer ones do not. I still love my old Harley, though, it really has given us few problems, except for the little bit of oil leakage, as they say, A Harley Marks Its Spot! Good luck to you, my friend, and no matter which bike you choose, ride safe! Ghost Rider Leather .com

Answer 11

1st hd was an 88 1200 sporty with 45,000 miles, had a few minor problems, put 20,000 miles on it and sold it, next was a 98 fxd, put 30,000 miles on it, no problems, then a 2000 nightrain, put 6000 miles on it in 6 months and traded it for a 97 flhtc with 4500 miles on it, no problems, then an 84 flhx shovel, with 15,000 miles on it, did a top end gakets and seal change and a drive belt, then an 86 fxr, no problems, then bought my current bike a 2001 fxdp, dyna police model bought new, have 32000 miles on it, just did a chain drive cam set, head work, lifters, roller rockers, big bore 10.5 to 1, compression releases, running great. the only leaker was the shovel and that was fixed with gaskets, it was 17 yrs old. the evo's had some minor seepage at the cyl base gaskets, no leaks. all were strong running bikes.

Answer 12

I got a 04 Sport and an 07 Ultra, Every day riders and some Long distance. No leaks. No significant problems other than a drive belt for the Sportster, my fault. Normal maintenance and with synthetic oil I generally stretch it some.

Answer 13

My 1991 FXSTC has a problem with the indicators. They will work for the first 20 mile or so, but then fail. If I turn the bike off for 10 minutes they resume working, but only for 5 mile. When the bike is cold they continue to work for the 20 mile. ?

Answer 14

No dude. And I have lots of friends with Harleys who haven't had the problems non owners complain about. The people who never even rode one always site stereo-types from days gone bye. Mine had a few problems around 14,000 miles from wear and tear. But that's expected, basically the same problems my Jap bike owner friends have.

Answer 15

2006 FXD35. Nothing major. Does not leak a drop.

Blew my rear shocks on a massive pothole at 65mph going through Mass. Replaced under warranty. My only complaint is the belt drive. I know people love them, but not me. I have a dirt driveway. The belt picks up sand, which then chews the rear pulley. Never had that with a chain. New pulleys are $155.00 each.

Answer 16

my harley was a 2001 sportster xl1200c i bought it new and kept to the service intervals, in the five years i rode it she never let me down, the only problems were a broken ht lead (2000 miles) and a voltage regulator (8500 miles). the most reliable bike i've ever had. the biggest issue was keeping all the chrome extras polished.

Answer 17

Had an '89 FLST for 11 years. Rode it coast to coast and back 2 times and put close to 100,000 miles on it. Only problems wewe the stator around 30,000 and solenoid contacts around 50,000. My stepson is still riding it hard. I got a Road Glide in '02 and have done nothing but change oil, filter, tires and brake pads. I also own a 55Fl and 42U.

Answer 18

I own a 2004 FLSTFI and it has never skipped a beat. Once the fuel gauge stopped working but the harley dealer fised it under warranty. Never ever leaks.

Answer 19

2001 Nightrain with a little over 20k miles with no major problems. I recently had my low beam burn out (it is an aftermarket brighter bulb) and my front brake light switch went out (probably from holding the front brake tightly from all the recent burn outs) and that is it. I do the regular maintenance: fluids, air cleaner cleaning, adjustments, brakes.



If Harley's were as bad as those individuals say, then why do they hold their value better than the others?

Answer 20

I have a 2006 FLSTC. I love it. Bought it in 09 with 20k and now have 40k. The only issue has been the stator. Stopped charging at 35k and replaced it myself.

I just inspected my cam chain tensioners and was pleasantly surprised to find them in good shape. They seem to fail at 25-40 k and can be expensive to replace. Other than that, it has only been brakes,batteries, tires and fluids.



Ride safe- DF

Answer 21

No Problems, if you want a cheap bike go with the Japenese, Chinese Junk ones, but if you like reliability and classy bikes a Harley is all ou need.

Answer 22

never had a problem.23 years riding nothing but harleys and only did the basic maintenance.I average roughly 35,000-45,000 miles a year.now own an 07 electra-glide and love it.

Answer 23

i have a 2005 883 L only problem is with the exhaust that is not a harley part. it does not leak oil.

Answer 24

I own several Harleys,the newest one is an '87. It doesn't leak oil and never leaves me stranded.In my opinion they have never built a better machine than a Harley.The negative comments you hear are from people that have never sat on one.

Answer 25

2005 xl1200r sportster. 10153 current miles on the clock and bought brand new. other than normal shop service and oil changes, no problems at all other than a couple of voltage regulators goin south. has never leaked oil.....cept when the oil was gettin changed.

Answer 26

I have a 2002. The fuel guage light burned out last week. What an unreliable hunk of crap. Just kidding, it's been fine. Except for the fuel guage light. Dammit.

Answer 27

The reason you hear negative from folks who don't own Harleys is that some of them did and they never will again. And the reason you hear good things from Harley owners is thats their tastes in bikes they like Harleys.



Its a personal taste in bikes. I myself don't like Harleys as I like the Sport bikes and also Harleys tend to me more expensive to maintain than other bikes.



Another reason I like sport bikes is gas savings and you could say "tongue in cheek" that the harleys are Gas HOGS lol.



I just never liked that old fashioned look it reminds me too much of Fonzy from happy days.



I like the sleaker fairing look and besides we all know sport bikes rule the street. They outrun harleys in the straight aways and the twisties and look better while doing it.

Answer 28

No problems here or from my friends. We all have newer bikes. Just keep up on the maintance, and you will not develop any problems.

Answer 29

nope just keep on tightening the bolts cause they tend to loosen off while riding but thats the same with every bike



my foot rest fell off on the highway because of this lol!

Answer 30

2000 heritage oil draining out of tank into crankcase sump

Answer 31

I've had no problems with mine just do the routing maintenance and change the oils

Answer 32

i have a 06 softail night train no problems

Answer 33

2012 triglide revise not working solenoid just clicking when engaged