Gotta say, I am pretty happy with mine...

[Tsani]

So, reading alot of posts about about Harley takin a dump and going out of business or how the bikes have this problem or that problem, etc. To be expected, most folk would rather complain than praise IMHO and that seems to be the nature of these sites since most of us came here either looking for info on fixing something or just info in general. So I thought I would just say something positive for a change. I have an 05 FLSTNI. First brand spankin new Harley I have bought in twenty years and I gotta say I am happy with it. At first, I thought I had the infamous oil consumption issue, but once I was done breaking the bike in, no problem. What cause me think it? Syn 3 oil the dealer put in didn't seem to agree with my bike and I think running the the oil on the low side of the dip stick mark helps. Seems as though if you put the full amount in after a oil change it likes to spit a bit out now and again. Cam chain tensioners - yeah, I worried about it. So I looked at them at 24kmi and they looked ok so I ran em some more. At about 40 kmi, I changed the setup to the hydraulic setup so I could quit worrying about it, but gotta say, the shoes didn't look too bad and probably would have went another 40. But I didn't want to tempt fate being that I ain't Irish. The dealer has been pretty good too. Near the end of the warranty, I took the bike in for a little oil weep at the rear left corner of the rear rocker box. I figured hey, git er done while I could. The dealer also found and fixed the shifter shaft oil leak with the new and improved version. 25 kmi later, no leak. Yeah, I changed the shocks at 20 kmi, but then the roads around here will kill a Mack truck too. I haven't changed the bars or seat, they fit fit me well even after doing several 600 kmi plus rides. Upgraded my brake pads, but even the stock ones worked better than my older bikes! So overall, gotta say, I am pretty happy with it. Probably just jinxed myself sayin that tho...

[Grumpy : (]

I got my 08 RG new.  1st and only new one and probably the last bike I'll own.  I've had a couple of small issues, but am happy with it. 
No pronlems with the dealer either.  Even if it's Daytona HD.  LOL

G  : (

[Low Glide]

Nick,  I gotta agree.  No where near the experience or years you got, but my first  '04 fxdli was good until I started makin changes.  Had the indy install new bars and ended up with a short that cooked the starter.  After that was sorted out, smooth ridin.  The '06 fltri came to me used with true duals, an open breather, and no fueler.  I installed a PC111 and dialed it in.  Probably should take it in for a real tune, but she runs real nice.  Not a problem.  40-45 mpg on the interstate. Went out to the bike shed the other day,  its been sitting for over a month in below avg. temps. with a 3 yr. old battery and started with no problem.     

[deathwish]

good for you. I have a lot of friends that are pretty happy. When they grumble I tell them ot go buy the alternitive. They don't. Oh yes on oil used when full I agree. I like to check my bikes straight up, not on the stand and run them well under the full mark as oil expands so much as you continue to get air mixed in as it runs. Also consider the baggers hold way more than a Softail so whats the big deal about it not being at the full mark. Lots of pukers when full.

[runamuck]

my two bikes have been plenty fine..I have a '01 wideglide and an '03 electraglide..the only really big faupas has been that the ECM went south in my e-glide..but I replaced with T-Max and never looked back..have rode the e-glide from ft. worth to Durango, co. and back the last 3 labor day weekends and use the wideglide to run down to Austin and hill country every now and then..just dont care much for the local stealerships around here...get better service from indies and smaller town hd dealerships...the bikes "is what they is"...and they will get you down the road.

[01fxdwg2]

I feel the same way, bought my 05 FLHR new in May 2005. No oil consumption, no issues at all, other than regular maintenance. I am very satisfied, and will run this one for many years to come.

[codyshop]

Tsani:  I don't think the bike is the question in the other posts.  Too many assume that saying that HD needs to do something is the same thing as complaining about the bike and that's simply not the case.  Ray

[Mark222]

Wow, posts like this get me thinking about maybe getting something new (or at least newer) might not be too bad an idea.  I swore long ago I would never own a bike with a digital odometer.  I thought for sure that was just a sure sign that air, fuel and spark would not be the only things I needed to worry about, and I like it simple.  Well, to date I keep an 85 FXEF, an 87 Sporty +10" Chopper, a 90 FXRS and a 91 FLHTCU. 

So like I said, posts like this get me thinking for a minute, but then I come to my senses and say:  Nah!

Mark

[seattledyna]

I'm very happy with my bikes also, the 09 RG is my first new bike, all the others have been low mile used we bought either because we liked the model or it was just a good deal at the time.
I have no beef what so ever with HD at all, from the dealer level on up to financing and extended warranty we have had good experiences.

[Tsani]

I know Ray. Just changing it up some. Been a long winter for me.

[Justpassingas]

no complaints here either with HD...my first new Harley was a 98RKC that sold last summer with 73K on it and it still ran strong....I like my new 09SG even better...my 69FL still sits in my basement

[preacher son]

09 Heritage, 1st new Harley ever owned. Always been on shovels. I still love the older bikes but, getting older i decided if I'm going to ride a new one better get ur done. Very happy with my Heritage. Best decision ive made in a long time.  Sure is a lot on these new ones i dont understand with all this tech stuff, but what the hey! I do believe you can teach an old dog new tricks.    Preacher Son

[76shuvlinoff]

 ok I'll bite.

Almost 50 now, riding 2 wheels almost 40 years and I've been puttin down the road on my FLH shovel since spring of 94.
   I bought my first new bike (of any kind) last Feb, an 09 Fat Bob.  It's smoother faster and more nimble. It starts when I tell it to, goes where I tell it to and stops right where I want it. The lights are good, the fit and finish is great. It's stock except for a stage 1. No leaks, no farts, no drama ...so in short no damn fun at all.

[ridgerider]

1999 flht only new bike i"ve had .. over 160,000 miles no problems..still running Original belt drive, motor mounts, stator, swing arm ect..ran 203's from 10,000 till 40,000 than 204's from 40,000 to around 80,000 than went to gear drive. still runs strong for a 88" uses a little oil maybe 1/2 qt in 5500 miles. I also still have my 47 knuck, 68 shovel and 86 fxr but the flht is my favorite to ride. in my mid fifties now and have only ridden harleys for the past 35 years..

[BikerJim44]

Over the years I've had several new bikes. The only real problems I've had were self inflicted and easily repaired. I love my 08 Ultra. One of the nicest bikes I've ever owned. The only things I did to it is the usual, pipes, breather and PC5 with Autotune. I was hoping I would be able to use the T-Max on it but not with TBW. I guess they have the one out for that now but a little to late so they can keep it. I'm very happy with the way the bike runs, sounds, handles and feels. I am going to set it up with a detachable kit for the tour pack and then I think I will leave well enough alone. I was going to do cams and a 103 maybe 107 kit but I don't need it. It will go plenty fast enough now to get me a ticket and until something happens I think the engine will remain as it is. I don't treat this one like I did my 00 FLHTC but I built that one to be a hot rod and it did everything I wanted it to do. This one does too so it is fine like it is. As for dealers, there's good and bad everywhere just like the people who ride them so some of the dealer problems can be attributed to some customers attitudes and may not be dealer issues at all. The one thing is that if you aren't happy with the dealer you are working with then go to another until you are happy but don't forget your local indy as well. We have to eat too. Spidey.

[deathwish]

I gotta mention that one of the reasons I like Harley inspired bikes is that while some people complain becuase they are slow, I like mine because they are easy to do all my own work and make huge amounts of power. Thats what I am, a gearhead. I don't like to own any motorcycle I can't change. And change them I do. If Harleys are slow then you ain't rode one of mine!

[the Grump]

Me too! I bought my first new bike in 2006. A RoadKing custom. It vibrates at idle a little more than I think it should, but it's been GREAT!. Just about to turn 40,000 on it and the only thing I've done is change the oil and replace brakes and tires. It goes down the road like a cadillac. Now I'll always miss my shovel, but there issomething to be said for hopping on and pushing the button.

[Ghost Rider]

82 Sportster, 88 FXR SuperGlide, 97 Ultra, 00 Classic, 02 SE Roadking, 2010 Roadglide...... Can't really think of one bad thing about any of them and the 2010 is the best one yet!

[cheetah]

 
C

[tdrglide]

Gotta say, My 09 streetglide is the best one yet. Smoothest, quietest one yet. Handles great. Looks great. Got a great deal on the price. Recently took it back in for chrome fork sliders and cans, gave me a discount on that too. While they were working on it I get a call from service asking me if I want a new front tire free. I knew about the front tire issue on 09 touring bikes but had had no problems so far at 4500mi. But I'll take a free new front tire. They asked me.

[90flstc]

traded my 90 for a 09 RK. didn't have a real issues with it the 90 but wanted a newer bike and it just made sense to not get a couple year old bike with all the improvements that came out with the 09.. I am very happy with mine and the dealer treats me very well too...All good for me 

[jaw65]

I have an 99 road king  its the first Harley i have had, I must say if i can teach it to cook the old girl's gone