I'm sorry, am I missing something? I bought my machine new in August of 2005 and the only two issues I have had were an antenna fell off which they replaced under warrantee with one having a spring built in, and the wrong angle fuel injector jets installed at the factory (caused sputter at 2000 rpms)... also replaced under warrantee. I now have over 18,000 miles on the bike and have just changed out the rear tire. I change the oil, check the tire pressure and ride. It really sounds as though I am in the minority.

WOW ... Sounds like you gotta LEMON! I'm the proud owner of a 1999 HD 883 Custom that now has 17K on it. The only thing I've had to do to this bike is change the oil. It does not burn or leak a drop! I did a tune up on it at 15K by changing plugs and that's it! I don't think it even needed it!

I feel bad for ya! Not all Harleys are bad! I just can't believe that you've had so much trouble with yours! I do have to agree with you though ... My HD does turn heads!

I do wish you the best with yours! After almost 10 years of owning this 883 Custom, she still runs great!

Regards,
Ray

Hi Clayton,
Here is the answer to it all.

1. Harley Dealers are for sales not service.
2. Bikes are assembled at the Dealerships by their service departments.
3. Harley pays their mechanics the lowest wage thus the worst mechanics.

I build and service Harley's as well as work on all other types of Bikes and the Harley Dealerships have by far the worst mechanics. Thus they have problems due to there assembly. Find a Shop and ask what they pay their mechanic, the higher the pay the better the mechanic and the least amount of trouble you will have.

Moreno Valley Choppers

I purchased a 2008 Road King last March and was once struck by the discomfort of the handlebars (too short, too far forward). This is my 4th Harley and the first time I have experienced any riding dismay. When I purchased the bike (this is my 4th Harley, so I am not unfamiliar with their product) I indicated to the salesman that the bars were not as comfortable as on the Ultra (my previous bike) he said "no problem, you can change them later if you care to". After riding a few weeks I decided to change them only to find out that Harley has not yet designed any optional bars for the 2008.

I have a 1975 Harley Davidson XLH (1000cc Sportster) ultimately the weirdest bike to ride because it is so old that the shifter is even on the right side which makes it a trick if you switch between bikes. This is however, not what you were interested in hearing about but simply how reliable they are which I am getting to, I assure you. I had been riding the bike on a regular basis since I was 15 and 1/2 and have enjoyed every minute of it. It has proven to be extremely reliable and as long as you tighten the bolts that come loose due to vibration, don't leave the key on (because it burns up points) and remember not to leave the choke on and foul your plugs it will run forever. I have replaced only a few parts mostly due to the previous owners lack of maintenance (solenoid, brake light switch, and rusty exhaust pipes) I assure you if you ride your Harley often and maintain your bike it will last you as long as you have it. Also, since my bike is a 1975 and is not at all a "looker" not all Harleys are "eye candy" simply a fun bike to ride.

Thanks
-Herb


Editor: Hi Herby, just to give additional context, what year did you buy the bike?

I actually came about getting the bike in 2005, I put a 12" over springer front end on it in 2006 if you were needing anymore additional info -Herby

Editor: That's a reasonable amount of history, one last question: how many miles have you put on it total (some Harley riders only add a few hundred a year, which isn't much of a sample.....)