Greetings once again. I apologize if some of the things I discuss below are repetitive or seem kinda basic or even dumb, but I don't know a lot about Harleys and I'm in learning mode. I'm thinking about getting an H-D, probably a Street Bob or Fat Bob. I tend to do a lot of research before I buy vehicles and have done so with H-Ds....in fact, let me admit I'm probably overthinking this...but when you are going to shell out $15K or more on a motorcycle, you tend to get a little picky. My research has revealed several areas of concern which make me less than willing to shell out the large $$$ for an H-D at this point. These concerns include the following:
1. High speed wobble: I am aware that this problem has been documented for FL baggers and for Sportsters with rubber mounted engines. It is apparently related to the rubber engine mounts, which (as I understand it) allow a significant level of driveline flex in corners, causing the driveline to flex out of line with the bike's chassis, thereby setting up a speed wobble.
I know that some of the H-D models have solid mount engines with countershafts to offset vibration. I'm not sure which models have these...would also be interested to know whether these models have the same speed wobble problems.
2. Engine case porosity: Don't know how widespread this problem is or whether it is limited to a particular model. Any information about this would be appreciated.
3. General reliability: Let me admit upfront that I currently ride a UJM cruiser. It's a very good bike and very reliable...I'm pretty used to providing basic maintenance for the bike...oil changes, etc... and with that level of care, the Kawasaki just keeps chugging along. I'm no mechanic and don't pretend to be...I will not be rebuilding engines or transmissions. I've heard all the horror stories about H-Ds falling apart on a routine basis and requiring large expenditures of $$$ and time to keep them running. Please don't misunderstand...I'm not knocking H-Ds and I'm certainly willing and able to do basic maintenance items, but I don't want to have to be in constant repair mode to keep the bike running. Is there some truth to this, or is the anecdotal information I've received about H-D general reliability a complete pile of horse manure? Or somewhere in between?
Anyway, sorry to be so long-winded and again, I apologize if these questions seem uncommonly stupid or repetitive...I consider this website to be a great source of information regarding H-Ds. I want to love my next bike and can only have one, so it has to be something that will work and be reliable. Any information about these or other recognized issues regarding H-Ds will be greatly appreciated.
J-Bob:s
1. High speed wobble: I am aware that this problem has been documented for FL baggers and for Sportsters with rubber mounted engines. It is apparently related to the rubber engine mounts, which (as I understand it) allow a significant level of driveline flex in corners, causing the driveline to flex out of line with the bike's chassis, thereby setting up a speed wobble.
I know that some of the H-D models have solid mount engines with countershafts to offset vibration. I'm not sure which models have these...would also be interested to know whether these models have the same speed wobble problems.
2. Engine case porosity: Don't know how widespread this problem is or whether it is limited to a particular model. Any information about this would be appreciated.
3. General reliability: Let me admit upfront that I currently ride a UJM cruiser. It's a very good bike and very reliable...I'm pretty used to providing basic maintenance for the bike...oil changes, etc... and with that level of care, the Kawasaki just keeps chugging along. I'm no mechanic and don't pretend to be...I will not be rebuilding engines or transmissions. I've heard all the horror stories about H-Ds falling apart on a routine basis and requiring large expenditures of $$$ and time to keep them running. Please don't misunderstand...I'm not knocking H-Ds and I'm certainly willing and able to do basic maintenance items, but I don't want to have to be in constant repair mode to keep the bike running. Is there some truth to this, or is the anecdotal information I've received about H-D general reliability a complete pile of horse manure? Or somewhere in between?
Anyway, sorry to be so long-winded and again, I apologize if these questions seem uncommonly stupid or repetitive...I consider this website to be a great source of information regarding H-Ds. I want to love my next bike and can only have one, so it has to be something that will work and be reliable. Any information about these or other recognized issues regarding H-Ds will be greatly appreciated.
J-Bob:s