Japan taking over the motorcycle industry

[alarmguy]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Great and well balanced post alarmguy

As for those mindlessly defending their favorite brand and attacking the others, you must be either trolls or not firing on all cylinders.
If a grown person takes a personal offence when a total stranger, on an anonymous internet forum says something against the inanimate object that sits in their driveway, or the faceless corporation that made it, then there must be something wrong with their head or they enjoy internet fights and just add fuel to the fire on purpose.


Thanks, unlike some others in here I have no agenda, I honestly like to try to help people. But I find it hard to shut up when I see mis information and general garbage.
I truly just LOVE motorcycles, started late in life and maybe that was a good thing. )
Im sure anyone reading these posts can see I do try to be balanced, I am not perfect by any means. I just dont get brand bashing when it comes to bikes and then the misinformation that follows.
BTW, a couple years ago we bought a 2012 Mazda 3 with 26,000 miles on it, still factory warranty. Came with the new Skyactive engine, was a bit leary being a new engine, later learned it is the highest mass produced compression engine in the world and runs on regular gas!
Anyway, I saw you have a Mazda. We love the car, fun to drive for sure. Heck, MPG is is amazing..

I most likely said this pages ago but spent WAY to much time posting in this thread and think this time I am really done.
Once again, thanks.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Here is something the Harley haters hate to hear:

1. Harley outsells the company that makes their bike by 90% percent or so and the model that they bought, Harley outsells it by even more.
A. For every 10 motorcycles Yamaha sells, Harley sells 50
B. For every 10 motorcycles Kawaski sells Harley sells 50
c. For every 10 motorcycles Honda sells, Harley sells 50
D. For every 4 motorcycles Indian/Victory/Polaris COMBINED sell, Harley sells 50
E. For every 4 motorcycles BMW sells Harley sells 50
F. Now combine all other makers not mentioned here and for every 10 motorcycles ALL other brands sold together, Harley sells 50.

Bottom line, Harley sells approx 50% (or slightly more) of all motorcycles sold in the USA over 600cc then all others combined. Here is just one of many source


It drives the Harley haters and bashers crazy. But lets face it, people hate what they dont own, way more so then if the product cost more then they want to spend.
So there will always be people like grampi and jaraxel or whatever bashing something they dont own OR people in these forums.
You will ALWAYS see metric owners like that in forums. Rarely do you see Harley owners behave this way.
PLEASE! Metric owners do not take offense, I am talking a small minority, heck I owed two metrics.
ANYONE who believe their bike does not have some kind of design compromise, no matter the brand is a crack head.
EVERY product we buy has a compromise, its up to the consumer to decide which is more important.

Example, my 07 Suzuki c50 bought brand new, great bike, my first bike, loved it, took it solo from SC into the Smoky Mountains of NC and Tail of the Dragon, best trip of my life. Nothing but compliments from everyone, including Harley people, some of the nicest I met on the trip.
But I outgrew it, the 5 speed, high RPMS on the interstates and the FACT of the cheaper engine design that I knew once I got up to the 20,000 mile plus area I would start using oil. Not burning in the sense of seeing smoke, but would need to start, surely but slowly adding oil do to design compromises in the engine design and rings.

Example traded the 07 c50 for a Yamaha 08 Vstar 1300 with 4000 miles on it two years later.
GREAT BIKE, more power, more comfort, got blown around less, just more beefy all around. Loved the bike, would highly recommended to ANYONE who does not want to spend the money on a Harley touring bike.
We took this bike two up many times to the Smoky Mountains of NC (tail of the dragon etc) then expanded into the TN area of the Smokys. Vstar 1300 was an awesome bike.

But, like any bike, design compromises to get to the price point it is at. Let me stress I highly recommend this bike to anyone who wants a cruiser but not the expense of a Harley.
However still missing from the vstar was the
1. Still only 5 speeds, dont let anyone kid you, if you enjoying like we do cruising on the interstate at GPS speeds of 75 to 80 MPH you want a 6 speed.
I did greatly enhance the only 5 speed issue by putting on a different front belt pulley, this lowered RPMs close to 10% at interstate speed.
2. In general, cheaper hardware (but still acceptable at the price), even things like brakes lines, plastics etc.
3. If you like a rock solid, super great ride like your on rails handling your not going to have it, more so as the suspension starts to deteriorate around 12,000 miles already. (again, it can always be updated)

So back in 2014 while on Vacation, in the Smoky Mountains of TN, 2 states away from my home state. After a FANTASTIC 5 days cruising the Smokys of NC and TN on our vstar 1300, on the last day, in the pouring rain no less we rode our vstar 1300 to Pigeon Forge Harley in TN, traded the vstar 1300 in for our 2014 Rushmore Road King, never even rode a Harley before (never rode any bike I bought before a bought it)

Bought a rain suit while they prepped the Road King, once all ready, in the pouring rain pulled out on the new Road King and rode back to our home state of SC. It was a great experiance, scray as [censored] at first, mountain roads, pouring rain, NEW BIKE! rain stopped and sun was out as we crossed into SC.

To this day I am in awe over the ROAD King, I say it once and I will say it again (and I will ignore any of grampis retarded remarks after this post)

For those who have the means, the Road King is a great option. The bike is silky smooth, 6 speed transmission awesome, bike just hums along at a TRUE 80 MPH.
Handles like its on rails for an 750 LB bike, awesome brakes. FIT FINISH AND MATERIALS ARE FANTASTIC if that is important to you.
Quite honestly, I never thought I would own a Harley and now I understand, they deliver what you pay for. Its that simple. Period.

Does this mean, like any product its perfect? Of course not, what is? Jaraxels Suzuki, Grampis Triumph? Nope.

Bikes, cars and boats (and for some people planes) are a personal decision of what you want from a product, they all work. They all have negatives and positives.

But some people are so used to telling people what to do with their lives and what to buy and why that they start to believe themselves.
So ends this sermon ... no more replies from me ) (yeah, I know I said that before)

HD builds bikes at great price points for the quality you get. Even new comer to the market Polaris Indian touring bikes cost the same and more.
Polaris Victory brand which was supposed to take on HD at a better price with more compromises has been a total failure for Polaris, in over a decade, the Victory brand only made money one year for Polaris.
Again, not that Victory is a bad bike, but its not easy building bikes with HD type features for much less money. No one else has been able to, Triumph looks like a great bike, Im a fan for the Thunderbird LT, even those being discounted, not selling, anyway, I have ZERO dealers here in SC>


Again with the sales numbers? Really, you need to seek some help...

 

[RoadRaceJosh]

Sales numbers are funny. If we're just talking about #1 then Bud Light is the HD of American beers. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/04/popular-beers-in-america-_n_6787494.html

In the thread on the new HD Sportster Roadster I chimed in to ask how HD might have improved the Sporty to better accommodate how I ride. I'm unconvinced that the improved 3.2" of rear suspension travel is enough. At the Roadster price point the new Triumph Bonneville T120 gives more power and at the Sporty with ABS price point the Thruxton gives a lot more. Except sales numbers.

 

[gman2304]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubTahUIEeKE

joshua-skinner, Triumph might have had you in mind with their new ThruxtonR.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: SlipperyPete
If every bike is a compromise, how about listing the negatives of your HD like you did the Suzuki and Yamaha?


Hey Pete,
I only put 8,500 miles on my Road King. It has exceeded my expectations in every way possible.
I honestly can not ask more from a bike performance wise for me and our style of riding.

I cant list any compromises yet, simply because for me and my wife, its the ultimate ride.

Bike has been flawless. When I speak of "compromises" I can only go on the assumption that some things will go wrong sooner or later if you believe the bashers in here and lets face it, no bike is perfect.
So far, the bike has needed ZERO warranty work. My 2 year warranty does expire in August, at that time I will bring it in to have the front spark plug wire replaced, as it was rubbing against the frame and is a little chaffed.
I will also have them run the vin, which they do anyway and see if it was affected to have the saddlebag latches replaced as there was a recall on it, but I assume I wasnt affected as I didnt get a notice. I do get Harley stuff in the mail so I know they have my address correct.

Negatives?
Well, this was for all bikes I owned.
1. Stock seat sucked, replaced seat. (last tow metrics I put on Mustang 2 pc vintage, didnt work for me on the Harley, put of Saddleman 2 piece ultimate)
2. Helmet buffeting at high speeds, added Harley lowers. (last two metrics I added Memphis Shades lowers, GREAT product as well as the Harley)
3. Before changing the seat out (again which I did on all my bikes) I liked the riding position of the vstar more, felt I had more room. With the Saddleman seat Im good. I did these changes, like all my bikes, in the first few weeks.

One other negative (since you got me responding) that drove me NUTS about my past two metrics are the speedometers LIE. Speedo on the vstar 1300 exaggerated the speed of the bike by almost 10%.


Just about all bikes-except police Harleys with certified speedometers-have optimistic speedometers. My Burg is about 10% fast, my wife's Hyosung Comet about the same. Her Pacific Coast is just a hair fast. (75MPH actual is ~77-78 indicated.) The PC is revving much higher than your RK (or your Vstar, most likely), but you'd never know it without looking at the tach! (IIRC, 75 is ~4100RPM.) Her PC passes a test no Harley can: yes, you really CAN balance a quarter on the engine while it is running!

She calls her PC "the perfect motorcycle" and "my last motorcycle." She has only two real complaints: mechanical rear drum and no EFI.

Quote:
I cant help but wonder if the metrics I own do this because of the lack of 6th gear. THe ROad King speedo is as dead on as a good car.


Nothing to do with it...even a Goldwing speedo reads fast.

Quote:
When on the interstate with the vstar and speedo saying 75MPH, cars would be flying by me, I found out why when putting a GPS on, as I was only doing 68mph! When changing out the front belt pulley to one with an extra tooth, besides lowering the RPM by around 300 at interstate speeds, it also brought into line the speedo a little better. THIS IS WHY I REFER TO GPS speeds in my posts, as many metrics lie about speed. Maybe some American bikes too but I havent owned any until this Road King and the speedo is as dead on right as it can be.

I am at the point of deciding of buying an extended warranty. I can get 4 additional years with no deductible for $996. from a private vendor through a Harley dealer. Cornerstone which I believe does Suzuki extended warranties. There is no question some Harleys as well as all bikes have their unique flaws, but because there are so many Harleys out their compared to other brands, you will see more of those flaws because we do not know the percentages, only people in forums, which there will be a heck of a lot more Harley complaints because their are a heck of a lot more on the road.
I NEVER bought an extended warranty on ANYTHING in my life but being active in the forums does have me wondering if for peace of mind I should get one. With no deductible over a few years of a 4 year extended warranty I should expect that maybe I will need a repair or two, this would cut the cost of the warranty in half and god forbid a costly failure I am covered.

I think a warranty would be prudent, but have not made up my mind and honestly, I would be thinking the same thing if I owned an expensive BMW, Indian or Triumph.


Be VERY careful and read ALL the fine print before buying. Some of the failures that are more common are either flat-out not covered, or only covered if you do all sorts of extra inspections.

Personally...if I need to consider an extended warranty, I consider that a sign that I want nothing to do with that bike!

 

[JetStar]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
Great and well balanced post alarmguy

As for those mindlessly defending their favorite brand and attacking the others, you must be either trolls or not firing on all cylinders.
If a grown person takes a personal offence when a total stranger, on an anonymous internet forum says something against the inanimate object that sits in their driveway, or the faceless corporation that made it, then there must be something wrong with their head or they enjoy internet fights and just add fuel to the fire on purpose.


Thanks for posting Kris. I will not let the corporation that built my bike define me. I do not worship them at the temple. None are perfect, they all have their issues, at least the ones I have owned. I like to experience all types of motorcycles, dirt, sport, touring, and I'd like to experience adventure next.
Ride safe guys.

 

[dr2152]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: SlipperyPete
If every bike is a compromise, how about listing the negatives of your HD like you did the Suzuki and Yamaha?


Hey Pete,
I only put 8,500 miles on my Road King. It has exceeded my expectations in every way possible.
I honestly can not ask more from a bike performance wise for me and our style of riding.

I cant list any compromises yet, simply because for me and my wife, its the ultimate ride.

Bike has been flawless. When I speak of "compromises" I can only go on the assumption that some things will go wrong sooner or later if you believe the bashers in here and lets face it, no bike is perfect.
So far, the bike has needed ZERO warranty work. My 2 year warranty does expire in August, at that time I will bring it in to have the front spark plug wire replaced, as it was rubbing against the frame and is a little chaffed.
I will also have them run the vin, which they do anyway and see if it was affected to have the saddlebag latches replaced as there was a recall on it, but I assume I wasnt affected as I didnt get a notice. I do get Harley stuff in the mail so I know they have my address correct.

Negatives?
Well, this was for all bikes I owned.
1. Stock seat sucked, replaced seat. (last tow metrics I put on Mustang 2 pc vintage, didnt work for me on the Harley, put of Saddleman 2 piece ultimate)
2. Helmet buffeting at high speeds, added Harley lowers. (last two metrics I added Memphis Shades lowers, GREAT product as well as the Harley)
3. Before changing the seat out (again which I did on all my bikes) I liked the riding position of the vstar more, felt I had more room. With the Saddleman seat Im good. I did these changes, like all my bikes, in the first few weeks.

One other negative (since you got me responding) that drove me NUTS about my past two metrics are the speedometers LIE. Speedo on the vstar 1300 exaggerated the speed of the bike by almost 10%.


Just about all bikes-except police Harleys with certified speedometers-have optimistic speedometers. My Burg is about 10% fast, my wife's Hyosung Comet about the same. Her Pacific Coast is just a hair fast. (75MPH actual is ~77-78 indicated.) The PC is revving much higher than your RK (or your Vstar, most likely), but you'd never know it without looking at the tach! (IIRC, 75 is ~4100RPM.) Her PC passes a test no Harley can: yes, you really CAN balance a quarter on the engine while it is running!

She calls her PC "the perfect motorcycle" and "my last motorcycle." She has only two real complaints: mechanical rear drum and no EFI.

Quote:
I cant help but wonder if the metrics I own do this because of the lack of 6th gear. THe ROad King speedo is as dead on as a good car.


Nothing to do with it...even a Goldwing speedo reads fast.

Quote:
When on the interstate with the vstar and speedo saying 75MPH, cars would be flying by me, I found out why when putting a GPS on, as I was only doing 68mph! When changing out the front belt pulley to one with an extra tooth, besides lowering the RPM by around 300 at interstate speeds, it also brought into line the speedo a little better. THIS IS WHY I REFER TO GPS speeds in my posts, as many metrics lie about speed. Maybe some American bikes too but I havent owned any until this Road King and the speedo is as dead on right as it can be.

I am at the point of deciding of buying an extended warranty. I can get 4 additional years with no deductible for $996. from a private vendor through a Harley dealer. Cornerstone which I believe does Suzuki extended warranties. There is no question some Harleys as well as all bikes have their unique flaws, but because there are so many Harleys out their compared to other brands, you will see more of those flaws because we do not know the percentages, only people in forums, which there will be a heck of a lot more Harley complaints because their are a heck of a lot more on the road.
I NEVER bought an extended warranty on ANYTHING in my life but being active in the forums does have me wondering if for peace of mind I should get one. With no deductible over a few years of a 4 year extended warranty I should expect that maybe I will need a repair or two, this would cut the cost of the warranty in half and god forbid a costly failure I am covered.

I think a warranty would be prudent, but have not made up my mind and honestly, I would be thinking the same thing if I owned an expensive BMW, Indian or Triumph.


Be VERY careful and read ALL the fine print before buying. Some of the failures that are more common are either flat-out not covered, or only covered if you do all sorts of extra inspections.

Personally...if I need to consider an extended warranty, I consider that a sign that I want nothing to do with that bike!


I told my neighbor about your opinion on extend warranties. He just bought one for the new 911. My friend wishes he had on his 11 Corvette. He'll buy one on the 17 when he gets it. Oh and the one on his Goldwing has paid off.

 

[whip]

Originally Posted By: grampi
I posted all of those videos earlier, but those are facts, and the Harley guys don't want anything to do with facts because they put their beloved brand in a bad light...they are content living in the world of make believe...

Meanwhile you make up stories about how Harleys are over priced. It's funny how you demand others believe facts, yet deny them yourself.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: dr2152
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: SlipperyPete
If every bike is a compromise, how about listing the negatives of your HD like you did the Suzuki and Yamaha?


Hey Pete,
I only put 8,500 miles on my Road King. It has exceeded my expectations in every way possible.
I honestly can not ask more from a bike performance wise for me and our style of riding.

I cant list any compromises yet, simply because for me and my wife, its the ultimate ride.

Bike has been flawless. When I speak of "compromises" I can only go on the assumption that some things will go wrong sooner or later if you believe the bashers in here and lets face it, no bike is perfect.
So far, the bike has needed ZERO warranty work. My 2 year warranty does expire in August, at that time I will bring it in to have the front spark plug wire replaced, as it was rubbing against the frame and is a little chaffed.
I will also have them run the vin, which they do anyway and see if it was affected to have the saddlebag latches replaced as there was a recall on it, but I assume I wasnt affected as I didnt get a notice. I do get Harley stuff in the mail so I know they have my address correct.

Negatives?
Well, this was for all bikes I owned.
1. Stock seat sucked, replaced seat. (last tow metrics I put on Mustang 2 pc vintage, didnt work for me on the Harley, put of Saddleman 2 piece ultimate)
2. Helmet buffeting at high speeds, added Harley lowers. (last two metrics I added Memphis Shades lowers, GREAT product as well as the Harley)
3. Before changing the seat out (again which I did on all my bikes) I liked the riding position of the vstar more, felt I had more room. With the Saddleman seat Im good. I did these changes, like all my bikes, in the first few weeks.

One other negative (since you got me responding) that drove me NUTS about my past two metrics are the speedometers LIE. Speedo on the vstar 1300 exaggerated the speed of the bike by almost 10%.


Just about all bikes-except police Harleys with certified speedometers-have optimistic speedometers. My Burg is about 10% fast, my wife's Hyosung Comet about the same. Her Pacific Coast is just a hair fast. (75MPH actual is ~77-78 indicated.) The PC is revving much higher than your RK (or your Vstar, most likely), but you'd never know it without looking at the tach! (IIRC, 75 is ~4100RPM.) Her PC passes a test no Harley can: yes, you really CAN balance a quarter on the engine while it is running!

She calls her PC "the perfect motorcycle" and "my last motorcycle." She has only two real complaints: mechanical rear drum and no EFI.

Quote:
I cant help but wonder if the metrics I own do this because of the lack of 6th gear. THe ROad King speedo is as dead on as a good car.


Nothing to do with it...even a Goldwing speedo reads fast.

Quote:
When on the interstate with the vstar and speedo saying 75MPH, cars would be flying by me, I found out why when putting a GPS on, as I was only doing 68mph! When changing out the front belt pulley to one with an extra tooth, besides lowering the RPM by around 300 at interstate speeds, it also brought into line the speedo a little better. THIS IS WHY I REFER TO GPS speeds in my posts, as many metrics lie about speed. Maybe some American bikes too but I havent owned any until this Road King and the speedo is as dead on right as it can be.

I am at the point of deciding of buying an extended warranty. I can get 4 additional years with no deductible for $996. from a private vendor through a Harley dealer. Cornerstone which I believe does Suzuki extended warranties. There is no question some Harleys as well as all bikes have their unique flaws, but because there are so many Harleys out their compared to other brands, you will see more of those flaws because we do not know the percentages, only people in forums, which there will be a heck of a lot more Harley complaints because their are a heck of a lot more on the road.
I NEVER bought an extended warranty on ANYTHING in my life but being active in the forums does have me wondering if for peace of mind I should get one. With no deductible over a few years of a 4 year extended warranty I should expect that maybe I will need a repair or two, this would cut the cost of the warranty in half and god forbid a costly failure I am covered.

I think a warranty would be prudent, but have not made up my mind and honestly, I would be thinking the same thing if I owned an expensive BMW, Indian or Triumph.


Be VERY careful and read ALL the fine print before buying. Some of the failures that are more common are either flat-out not covered, or only covered if you do all sorts of extra inspections.

Personally...if I need to consider an extended warranty, I consider that a sign that I want nothing to do with that bike!


I told my neighbor about your opinion on extend warranties. He just bought one for the new 911. My friend wishes he had on his 11 Corvette. He'll buy one on the 17 when he gets it. Oh and the one on his Goldwing has paid off.


So...did you not actually READ the post, or did you choose to ignore it when replying?

 

[alarmguy]

Originally Posted By: grampi
Originally Posted By: alarmguy



Again with the sales numbers? Really, you need to seek some help...


As you can see moron, you need help, the ONLY one in here who slings insults at people when they do not like a post.

 

[alarmguy]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: SlipperyPete
If every bike is a compromise, how about listing the negatives of your HD like you did the Suzuki and Yamaha?


Hey Pete,
I only put 8,500 miles on my Road King. It has exceeded my expectations in every way possible.
I honestly can not ask more from a bike performance wise for me and our style of riding.

I cant list any compromises yet, simply because for me and my wife, its the ultimate ride.

Bike has been flawless. When I speak of "compromises" I can only go on the assumption that some things will go wrong sooner or later if you believe the bashers in here and lets face it, no bike is perfect.
So far, the bike has needed ZERO warranty work. My 2 year warranty does expire in August, at that time I will bring it in to have the front spark plug wire replaced, as it was rubbing against the frame and is a little chaffed.
I will also have them run the vin, which they do anyway and see if it was affected to have the saddlebag latches replaced as there was a recall on it, but I assume I wasnt affected as I didnt get a notice. I do get Harley stuff in the mail so I know they have my address correct.

Negatives?
Well, this was for all bikes I owned.
1. Stock seat sucked, replaced seat. (last tow metrics I put on Mustang 2 pc vintage, didnt work for me on the Harley, put of Saddleman 2 piece ultimate)
2. Helmet buffeting at high speeds, added Harley lowers. (last two metrics I added Memphis Shades lowers, GREAT product as well as the Harley)
3. Before changing the seat out (again which I did on all my bikes) I liked the riding position of the vstar more, felt I had more room. With the Saddleman seat Im good. I did these changes, like all my bikes, in the first few weeks.

One other negative (since you got me responding) that drove me NUTS about my past two metrics are the speedometers LIE. Speedo on the vstar 1300 exaggerated the speed of the bike by almost 10%.


Just about all bikes-except police Harleys with certified speedometers-have optimistic speedometers. My Burg is about 10% fast, my wife's Hyosung Comet about the same. Her Pacific Coast is just a hair fast. (75MPH actual is ~77-78 indicated.) The PC is revving much higher than your RK (or your Vstar, most likely), but you'd never know it without looking at the tach! (IIRC, 75 is ~4100RPM.) Her PC passes a test no Harley can: yes, you really CAN balance a quarter on the engine while it is running!

She calls her PC "the perfect motorcycle" and "my last motorcycle." She has only two real complaints: mechanical rear drum and no EFI.

Quote:
I cant help but wonder if the metrics I own do this because of the lack of 6th gear. THe ROad King speedo is as dead on as a good car.


Nothing to do with it...even a Goldwing speedo reads fast.

Quote:
When on the interstate with the vstar and speedo saying 75MPH, cars would be flying by me, I found out why when putting a GPS on, as I was only doing 68mph! When changing out the front belt pulley to one with an extra tooth, besides lowering the RPM by around 300 at interstate speeds, it also brought into line the speedo a little better. THIS IS WHY I REFER TO GPS speeds in my posts, as many metrics lie about speed. Maybe some American bikes too but I havent owned any until this Road King and the speedo is as dead on right as it can be.

I am at the point of deciding of buying an extended warranty. I can get 4 additional years with no deductible for $996. from a private vendor through a Harley dealer. Cornerstone which I believe does Suzuki extended warranties. There is no question some Harleys as well as all bikes have their unique flaws, but because there are so many Harleys out their compared to other brands, you will see more of those flaws because we do not know the percentages, only people in forums, which there will be a heck of a lot more Harley complaints because their are a heck of a lot more on the road.
I NEVER bought an extended warranty on ANYTHING in my life but being active in the forums does have me wondering if for peace of mind I should get one. With no deductible over a few years of a 4 year extended warranty I should expect that maybe I will need a repair or two, this would cut the cost of the warranty in half and god forbid a costly failure I am covered.

I think a warranty would be prudent, but have not made up my mind and honestly, I would be thinking the same thing if I owned an expensive BMW, Indian or Triumph.


Be VERY careful and read ALL the fine print before buying. Some of the failures that are more common are either flat-out not covered, or only covered if you do all sorts of extra inspections.

Personally...if I need to consider an extended warranty, I consider that a sign that I want nothing to do with that bike!


Hey Jarlaxle,
As I posted, since I know, my Road King speedo is within 3% of actual speed, much like a good automobile. Yes, Harley (just like automobiles) does also have certified, again, they do make police bikes and I am sure the police cars also have certified.

But as I posted, to me, its almost criminal and I repeat. I think its intentional on 5 speed metric bikes that the speed of the bike is exaggerated by almost 10%. I honestly believe they do this because of a lack of a 6th gear.

I mean, lets face it, do you REALLY believe the Japanese cant build a 5 speed motorcycle with a speedo that shows the correct speed within 3%, Harley does. Im sure its intentional, lying to their customers and possibly putting them in danger..

Traveling on a vstar 1300 (and many other 5 speed metrics) at an indicated 75 MPH your actual speed is 68 MPH. To me that is criminal. Anyone can verify. Just put a GPS on the bike.

By the way, the Goldwing also has a 5 speed transmission unless they recently came out with a 6 speed, there are MANY Goldwing owners who wish they had a 6 speed. I have no reason to believe that the same condition does not exist with the speedo error. Also complaints in the Goldwing forums how their MPG goes into the sewer over 75MPH.

BTW at GPS 80 MPH I am only turning 3000 RPM 3100 Max on my Road King.

 

[Jarlaxle]

No, one more time: ALL, repeat ALL, repeat ALL non-certified speedometers read fast, at least a little. That's because, in Europe and Australia, if they read slow, the bikes can be seized. If it bothers you that much, it's a relatively easy fix and about $100. (And note: they DO offer one for Harleys!)

All bike MPGs go down the drain at high speeds...no bike-especiallt no big touring bike-is especially streamlined!

Why are people so terrified of an engine running at the RPM it is designed to run at?

Yes, police cars have certified speedometers--my Vic has "CERTIFIED CALIBRATION" printed on the cluster.

 

[dr2152]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: dr2152
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
Originally Posted By: alarmguy

If every bike is a compromise, how about listing the negatives of your HD like you did the Suzuki and Yamaha?


Hey Pete,
I only put 8,500 miles on my Road King. It has exceeded my expectations in every way possible.
I honestly can not ask more from a bike performance wise for me and our style of riding.

I cant list any compromises yet, simply because for me and my wife, its the ultimate ride.

Bike has been flawless. When I speak of "compromises" I can only go on the assumption that some things will go wrong sooner or later if you believe the bashers in here and lets face it, no bike is perfect.
So far, the bike has needed ZERO warranty work. My 2 year warranty does expire in August, at that time I will bring it in to have the front spark plug wire replaced, as it was rubbing against the frame and is a little chaffed.
I will also have them run the vin, which they do anyway and see if it was affected to have the saddlebag latches replaced as there was a recall on it, but I assume I wasnt affected as I didnt get a notice. I do get Harley stuff in the mail so I know they have my address correct.

Negatives?
Well, this was for all bikes I owned.
1. Stock seat sucked, replaced seat. (last tow metrics I put on Mustang 2 pc vintage, didnt work for me on the Harley, put of Saddleman 2 piece ultimate)
2. Helmet buffeting at high speeds, added Harley lowers. (last two metrics I added Memphis Shades lowers, GREAT product as well as the Harley)
3. Before changing the seat out (again which I did on all my bikes) I liked the riding position of the vstar more, felt I had more room. With the Saddleman seat Im good. I did these changes, like all my bikes, in the first few weeks.

One other negative (since you got me responding) that drove me NUTS about my past two metrics are the speedometers LIE. Speedo on the vstar 1300 exaggerated the speed of the bike by almost 10%.


Just about all bikes-except police Harleys with certified speedometers-have optimistic speedometers. My Burg is about 10% fast, my wife's Hyosung Comet about the same. Her Pacific Coast is just a hair fast. (75MPH actual is ~77-78 indicated.) The PC is revving much higher than your RK (or your Vstar, most likely), but you'd never know it without looking at the tach! (IIRC, 75 is ~4100RPM.) Her PC passes a test no Harley can: yes, you really CAN balance a quarter on the engine while it is running!

She calls her PC "the perfect motorcycle" and "my last motorcycle." She has only two real complaints: mechanical rear drum and no EFI.

Quote:
I cant help but wonder if the metrics I own do this because of the lack of 6th gear. THe ROad King speedo is as dead on as a good car.


Nothing to do with it...even a Goldwing speedo reads fast.

Quote:
When on the interstate with the vstar and speedo saying 75MPH, cars would be flying by me, I found out why when putting a GPS on, as I was only doing 68mph! When changing out the front belt pulley to one with an extra tooth, besides lowering the RPM by around 300 at interstate speeds, it also brought into line the speedo a little better. THIS IS WHY I REFER TO GPS speeds in my posts, as many metrics lie about speed. Maybe some American bikes too but I havent owned any until this Road King and the speedo is as dead on right as it can be.

I am at the point of deciding of buying an extended warranty. I can get 4 additional years with no deductible for $996. from a private vendor through a Harley dealer. Cornerstone which I believe does Suzuki extended warranties. There is no question some Harleys as well as all bikes have their unique flaws, but because there are so many Harleys out their compared to other brands, you will see more of those flaws because we do not know the percentages, only people in forums, which there will be a heck of a lot more Harley complaints because their are a heck of a lot more on the road.
I NEVER bought an extended warranty on ANYTHING in my life but being active in the forums does have me wondering if for peace of mind I should get one. With no deductible over a few years of a 4 year extended warranty I should expect that maybe I will need a repair or two, this would cut the cost of the warranty in half and god forbid a costly failure I am covered.

I think a warranty would be prudent, but have not made up my mind and honestly, I would be thinking the same thing if I owned an expensive BMW, Indian or Triumph.


Be VERY careful and read ALL the fine print before buying. Some of the failures that are more common are either flat-out not covered, or only covered if you do all sorts of extra inspections.

Personally...if I need to consider an extended warranty, I consider that a sign that I want nothing to do with that bike!


I told my neighbor about your opinion on extend warranties. He just bought one for the new 911. My friend wishes he had on his 11 Corvette. He'll buy one on the 17 when he gets it. Oh and the one on his Goldwing has paid off.


So...did you not actually READ the post, or did you choose to ignore it when replying?

I was responding to the last sentence.

Personally...if I need to consider an extended warranty, I consider that a sign that I want nothing to do with that bike!

 

[Jarlaxle]

So...did you not actually READ the post, or did you choose to ignore it when replying?

 

[alarmguy]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
No, one more time: ALL, repeat ALL, repeat ALL non-certified speedometers read fast, at least a little. That's because, in Europe and Australia, if they read slow, the bikes can be seized. If it bothers you that much, it's a relatively easy fix and about $100. (And note: they DO offer one for Harleys!)

All bike MPGs go down the drain at high speeds...no bike-especiallt no big touring bike-is especially streamlined!

Why are people so terrified of an engine running at the RPM it is designed to run at?

Yes, police cars have certified speedometers--my Vic has "CERTIFIED CALIBRATION" printed on the cluster.


Oh, come on now, your being silly.
I guess you are admitting the fact that many metric bikes intentionally overstate their speed because of a lack of a 6th gear?

Lets use the Vstar 1300 as an example. Do you honestly believe there is no motive for overstating the speed of the bike on the speedometer by EXACTLY 9% in the USA for the NINE years the bike has been in production other then the lack of a 6th gear?

And ... are you suggesting that everyone pay the dealer $100 to make it correct?

Do you not think the the metric maker could make that error 3% at no cost more so when the error is exactly 9% for NINE years?

Are the new Rushmore Harleys so advanced that their error is about the same as an automobile at 3% ?
You yourself state your American make Victory is correct, why not the metrics?

and .,.. last but not least, why are people terrified of running an engine at the RPMs it is designed for?
Who said that? Not me.
I simply suggest the speedo error is intentional for lack of 6th speed.

What happens on a Vstar 1300 when your doing a GPS speed of 85MPH and the speedo is telling you that you are doing 77/78 MPH?
Answer, the engine is running WELL within is RPM range BUT you CAN feel the VIBRATIONS through the handle bars. By intentionally lying to you about the speed, your vibrations do not exist because your speedo is saying 78 but you are only doing 72/73!

My Road King feels silky smooth at any speed, doesnt matter if I am doing 25 or 80. I do not ride at speeds over 85 or 90 MPH.

I am NOT knocking the vstar 1300, just pointing out the obvious reason, so many people, including me love a 6th gear and why SO MANY others wish they had one INCLUDING Goldwing owners who travel at those speeds.
I was able to correct the GROSS speedo error and vibrations on my vtstar 1300 at GPS speeds of 75 to 80 mph by installing a front belt pulley from a Yamaha Stryker.
You can correct a speedo but you cant take away vibrations unless you do what I did. DId the vibrations really bother me? Not really, but you hear the engine and feel the engine running outside a normal feeling, MAKING ONE WISH FOR A 6TH GEAR>
This lack of 6th is CLEARLY a cost cutting measure in the USA market as our highway system supports these speeds in much of the country.

 

[dr2152]

Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
So...did you not actually READ the post, or did you choose to ignore it when replying?


Yes I read the whole thing! I responded to one sentence that was a poor opinion on your part. Understand? Maybe have someone read it to you and they can explain it to you.

 

[Atesz792]

Alarmguy, you seem hopeless...
My GS has a 6th, and still reads about 9% high.
Jarlaxle explained why, yet you chose to ignore it and start 'shouting' your opinion. Nope. It's wrong. The Japanese can produce dead-on speedos, yet for the reasons stated above they don't. They choose not to. It also is a CYA method against lawsuits.

 

[alarmguy]

Ummmm, yeah, ok. CMA boloney, of course the Japanese can produce an accurate speedo, they do it on ALL their cars!
They choose not to on their bikes and the vast majority only have 5 speeds, now tell me that is not to their advantage. Yet, the Rushmore Harleys do and like someone else posted here, the Vic does.
Read the writing on the wall, stop with CMA, one strike against the metrics, its far more advantageous financially to make someone think their bike is going faster then it is more so when it is lacking something like an extra gear the competition gives.
or in your case, maybe they just cheap out, since US speedometers use MPH they dont bother adjusting it other then the face from KPH.

Eitherway its reckless, cheap or lazy but to CMA is just as bad.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: alarmguy
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
No, one more time: ALL, repeat ALL, repeat ALL non-certified speedometers read fast, at least a little. That's because, in Europe and Australia, if they read slow, the bikes can be seized. If it bothers you that much, it's a relatively easy fix and about $100. (And note: they DO offer one for Harleys!)

All bike MPGs go down the drain at high speeds...no bike-especially no big touring bike-is especially streamlined!

Why are people so terrified of an engine running at the RPM it is designed to run at?

Yes, police cars have certified speedometers--my Vic has "CERTIFIED CALIBRATION" printed on the cluster.


Oh, come on now, your being silly.
I guess you are admitting the fact that many metric bikes intentionally overstate their speed because of a lack of a 6th gear?

Lets use the Vstar 1300 as an example. Do you honestly believe there is no motive for overstating the speed of the bike on the speedometer by EXACTLY 9% in the USA for the NINE years the bike has been in production other then the lack of a 6th gear?


One more time, from the top: ALL, repeat ALL, repeat ALL non-certified speedometers read fast, at least a little. That's because, in Europe and Australia, if they read slow, the bikes can be seized.

Quote:
And ... are you suggesting that everyone pay the dealer $100 to make it correct?


If it bothers you that much, either spend $100 on a Speedo-Healer or see a trained professional to deal with your OCD.

Quote:
Do you not think the the metric maker could make that error 3% at no cost more so when the error is exactly 9% for NINE years?

Are the new Rushmore Harleys so advanced that their error is about the same as an automobile at 3% ?
You yourself state your American make Victory is correct, why not the metrics?


I have absolutely no idea what you are talking about.

Quote:
and .,.. last but not least, why are people terrified of running an engine at the RPMs it is designed for?
Who said that? Not me.
I simply suggest the speedo error is intentional for lack of 6th speed.


And constantly repeating something does not make it true.

Quote:
What happens on a Vstar 1300 when your doing a GPS speed of 85MPH and the speedo is telling you that you are doing 77/78 MPH?
Answer, the engine is running WELL within is RPM range BUT you CAN feel the VIBRATIONS through the handle bars. By intentionally lying to you about the speed, your vibrations do not exist because your speedo is saying 78 but you are only doing 72/73!


Then there was something wrong with the bike.

Quote:
My Road King feels silky smooth at any speed, doesnt matter if I am doing 25 or 80. I do not ride at speeds over 85 or 90 MPH.

I am NOT knocking the vstar 1300, just pointing out the obvious reason, so many people, including me love a 6th gear and why SO MANY others wish they had one INCLUDING Goldwing owners who travel at those speeds.
I was able to correct the GROSS speedo error and vibrations on my vtstar 1300 at GPS speeds of 75 to 80 mph by installing a front belt pulley from a Yamaha Stryker.
You can correct a speedo but you cant take away vibrations unless you do what I did. DId the vibrations really bother me? Not really, but you hear the engine and feel the engine running outside a normal feeling, MAKING ONE WISH FOR A 6TH GEAR>
This lack of 6th is CLEARLY a cost cutting measure in the USA market as our highway system supports these speeds in much of the country.


Define "outside a normal feeling", because that makes absolutely no sense as written.

 

[Jarlaxle]

Originally Posted By: dr2152
Originally Posted By: Jarlaxle
So...did you not actually READ the post, or did you choose to ignore it when replying?


Yes I read the whole thing! I responded to one sentence that was a poor opinion on your part. Understand? Maybe have someone read it to you and they can explain it to you.


I understand fine: your neighbor is not all that bright and buys lousy vehicles. Again: if I need an extended warranty, that is not a bike I have any interest in owning!