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[limitedlou]

I have a 2010 Limited Ultra, Front wheel chrome peeling and bubbleing. Under original Warranty Harley declines to make good. They say corrosion/care issue, Not covered. I maintained both Front and Rear the same, Rear wheel is Good. Don't understand..Wheel is Defective.. I will spread the word how Harley handled this complaint. Never Buy a New Harley, don't stand up to expectations... Buy older..

[truck]

Did you go beyond the dealer to try get satisfaction?

[Dennis The Menace]

Yeah, I would contact corporate and raise it with them.  There is a problem with the chrome on some wheels, apparently, as there have been a few complaints like yours here.  Maybe a bad production run of wheels, I dont know.  But, I am sure MoCo has already heard about it, so call them and give them a chance to make it right.  Dealers are willing to do only what they want, not always whats right.  Same as any other business.

[Ultrashovel]

Chrome plated alloy wheels can be a disaster from the start. Aluminum in its many forms is a very reactive metal. Aircraft manufacturers have to use all sorts of processes to get finishes to stick to it. Anodizing is probably the best but it's not shiny enough to command high prices.

Even when welding aluminum, oxide will form in minutes after you clean it the first time.

Nonetheless, Harley should stand behind it. I would take it beyond the dealer as well.

[tomcat64]

i just talked to our warentee guy, as long as the wheel isn't  scratched or dented it is covered, either you need to go to a different dealer or there is more to the story.

[IndyHarley]

I had the same issue with both wheels on my 08 Ultra - my salesman at my dealer replaced them both and yes they weren't covered under warranty. Another reason why I buy from wherever my salesman works. 3 bikes in the last ten years form three different dealers but the same salesman.

[JimB]

Chroming Alum isnt that difficult if the shop knows what its doing. Considering that all of the engine & trans covers & the majority of the bikes chrome parts are alum, you'd think the chromer for HD would know how to do it. But its very possible that the wheel chromer isnt the same as the primary cover or other parts chrome shop. A contaminated or unclean surface under the chrome is the major cause of bubbles, peeling & flaking. If any of the various acid cleaning solutions are not totally removed before plating, the plating will not stick. Even an oily finger print can cause chrome to peel.

As we all know, chrome plating last for decades... if done right

If your dealer will not take care of it, I would definately take it to HD Corp Cust Serv or as far as you can go with it.

Good Luck

[Dennis The Menace]

Lou, I understand your frustration.  But, as everyone here has said, it really should be covered, so dont give up hope.  Also, get on it before the warranty expires, and make a record of taking it to the shop.....ask them to write it up in service so there is proff you tried to resolve before the warranty ran out.  If you have proof you tried to resolve before warranty expired, its still a good claim after the warranty expires.

[PoorUB]

I had the engine guard replaced on my '05 because the chrome bubbled, what its the difference. Try a differnat dealer, call higher up the food chain. If the bike was 10 years old we would just write it off, but the Limiteds have only been out two years, it should be covered and I would not take no for an answer.

[Admiral Akbar]

Chrome plated alloy wheels can be a disaster from the start.

Amen, Strip and PC black.. I've seen factory crap corrode peel even after the slightest ding.

Max

[Ultrashovel]

Chrome plated alloy wheels can be a disaster from the start.

Amen, Strip and PC black.. I've seen factory crap corrode peel even after the slightest ding.

Max

It's tough with a metal such as aluminum or magnesium. I'm happy the my black powder-coated steel wheels on my Street Bob.

[Baggerlady]

My 2005 SEEG has the chrome peeling on the mirrors and the floor boards. Its still under extended warranty, and I had the service guy see if they would replace it. They will not. He did say the wheels would not be covered at all. I'll be following this post to see if you get any results.

[Princess Butt]

The chrome rims on the Ultra Limited sure look good, but my concern is the chrome peeling off. So instead of trading my '06 Ultra, I think I'll keep it for now. I know there is a lot of wheels which are chromed aluminum (besides HD), and I've seen the chrome flake off the aluminum with even the slightest damage. I know it's been a problem with Dodge Ram 2500's, and the dealers won't cover it most of the time.

I've got the chrome starting to flake off the cam cover on the '97 Road King, but the bike is 15 years old and has almost 90k miles on it. You gotta expect something to go wrong at some point.

I would pursue it further up the food chain. Remember, the dealer might be charging people for the repair, then recovering the warranty from the manufacturer. Yes, it happens. I saw it when I worked in the car business years ago.

[limitedlou]

Did you go beyond the dealer to try get satisfaction?

truck,  Yes I did go beyond dealer.  Customer service from Harley.. Let me start. First  off I had Front lowers replaced from pitting, I paid differance for Black Powdercoating at Dealer. Warranty... Harley says you get one shot of a chrome, (cosmetic) replacement. Dealer told me this, I wasn't happy with that so called Harley customer service, She agreed with what Dealer said. But she also said if wheel is Defective that is another story.. So I sent pics to Harley and the  Technical Service inspected the photo's I sent and said "Looks Like Corrosion/Care issue"..  Exact word for word answer..  This all happened this past Friday.. Before this happened I contacted Harley and They weren't returning my calls so I got a little ugly and they finnally called back and what I just said happened.. My question to them was how can you tell from a picture if a wheel is not defective, and they rely on Dealers eye's. I said Rear Wheel is fine, Front Wheel Chrome peeling, I've cared for both the same.. Don't Understand..  Then they sent the reply from Technical Service..  My reply in same form, E-Mail,   Don't agree with decision, Biketoberfest around the corner, I live in a Bike Oriented area, and won't speak good of Motor Co..    Any suggestions ??     P.S.   My original Warrany was current at time,  Not at present..  I did report before Warranty expired..

[limitedlou]

i just talked to our warentee guy, as long as the wheel isn't  scratched or dented it is covered, either you need to go to a different dealer or there is more to the story.

tomcat64,  This is the whole story..  The dealer said I had the one time exchange for the front end, I accept this.. But Not when the wheel is Defective. Thats what Harley Customer Service said to me. A Defect is something different....   Thanks..   Haven't been back to Dealer yet, possible today..

[PoorUB]

My 2005 SEEG has the chrome peeling on the mirrors and the floor boards. Its still under extended warranty, and I had the service guy see if they would replace it. They will not. He did say the wheels would not be covered at all. I'll be following this post to see if you get any results.

I doubt you will get chrome replaced on the Extended Service Plan. It is not a warranty.

[dewd]

Hey, "That's normal, put some miles on it"  Where have we heard these words before??

[tomcat64]

i just talked to our warentee guy, as long as the wheel isn't  scratched or dented it is covered, either you need to go to a different dealer or there is more to the story.

tomcat64,  This is the whole story..  The dealer said I had the one time exchange for the front end, I accept this.. But Not when the wheel is Defective. Thats what Harley Customer Service said to me. A Defect is something different....   Thanks..   Haven't been back to Dealer yet, possible today..

we have covered this exact problem on limited wheels before, and a good service writer should be able to get them covered. my coment on the "whole story" pertains to the several pissed off customers we have every year trying to get things they screwed up covered under warentee. most common one is self installed heat demons or hd heated grips, the internet reading self install guys seems to pinch alot of wires!!! just last week had a 2012 ultra back in with under 200 miles, guy is complaining of elect problems,, seems he decided to cut into his wiring harness under the seat and add some wires "just in case he need them in the furure" he didn't even bother to cover the bare ends of the wires...

and they wonder why i drink!!!!

[YFOPOS1]

i just talked to our warentee guy, as long as the wheel isn't  scratched or dented it is covered, either you need to go to a different dealer or there is more to the story.

tomcat64,  This is the whole story..  The dealer said I had the one time exchange for the front end, I accept this.. But Not when the wheel is Defective. Thats what Harley Customer Service said to me. A Defect is something different....   Thanks..   Haven't been back to Dealer yet, possible today..

we have covered this exact problem on limited wheels before, and a good service writer should be able to get them covered. my coment on the "whole story" pertains to the several pissed off customers we have every year trying to get things they screwed up covered under warentee. most common one is self installed heat demons or hd heated grips, the internet reading self install guys seems to pinch alot of wires!!! just last week had a 2012 ultra back in with under 200 miles, guy is complaining of elect problems,, seems he decided to cut into his wiring harness under the seat and add some wires "just in case he need them in the furure" he didn't even bother to cover the bare ends of the wires...

and they wonder why i drink!!!!

I hear ya loud and clear tomcat64 !!

The stories I could tell about being both SW and SM  for 9+ years at two different dealerships.. The stupid, idiotic to plain LMAO  things customers had done and expect warranty to cover their F- ups ....

[limitedlou]

i just talked to our warentee guy, as long as the wheel isn't  scratched or dented it is covered, either you need to go to a different dealer or there is more to the story.

tomcat64,  Been talking to people and probably pissed the service writer off. I have a way with words and don't mean how it comes out.. Same Dealer has done the tire work., nothing that I've done.. except my mouth.. No problems with dealer. But when Harley said if it's a defect thats different, I thought I would be covered...Oh well, I'm going to my dealer and apologise for being an a$$... And just go on.. Thanks for all input eveybody...

[YFOPOS1]

i just talked to our warentee guy, as long as the wheel isn't  scratched or dented it is covered, either you need to go to a different dealer or there is more to the story.

tomcat64,  Been talking to people and probably pissed the service writer off. I have a way with words and don't mean how it comes out.. Same Dealer has done the tire work., nothing that I've done.. except my mouth.. No problems with dealer. But when Harley said if it's a defect thats different, I thought I would be covered...Oh well, I'm going to my dealer and apologise for being an a$$... And just go on.. Thanks for all input eveybody...

Sometimes its hard to eat crow, but when you do go back, ask if they have a district rep that comes by ?
Its been quite a few years since I've worked in a dealership, but we had a dist rep that came by quarterly , but would come through sooner especially if we had a concern , I could call the rep and he/she would stop by . I had gone to bat for many a people on things that were out of warranty , or supposedly not covered items.
There were all kinds of ways to help a ( good ) customer ...

One more thing , if you tore somebody a new a$$ in front of a crowd , be sure and apologize to that person in front of a crowd.
just saying....  

[harleyjt]

Interesting - its the same in the auto industry.  I did have an "out of the box" thinking Service Mgr at one of my stores.  One of his favorite replys to the screaming cursing threatening customer was "You really think acting like that and talking to me like you are is the way to convince me to help YOU?"

Another Service Mgr installed mirrors behind the write up desk so the customer would see himself screaming and acting like an azzhole.  I thought it was a good idea...
jt

[YFOPOS1]

Interesting - its the same in the auto industry.  I did have an "out of the box" thinking Service Mgr at one of my stores.  One of his favorite replys to the screaming cursing threatening customer was "You really think acting like that and talking to me like you are is the way to convince me to help YOU?"

Another Service Mgr installed mirrors behind the write up desk so the customer would see himself screaming and acting like an azzhole.  I thought it was a good idea...
jt

Yep one dealership we had the mirrors , funny as hell the husband is going at it and the wife is looking at him in the mirror shaking her head at him. The mirrors can really defuse an A-hole real quick.. lol

[RedFXR2]

I do agree that HD is putting out poor quality chrome plating these days.  I have a 1999 HD.  With the exception of one chrome handlebar switch housing that I just recently replaced, the chrome that came on it from 1999 is still great, and I live in Florida.  But a few HD-brand chrome items that I've swapped onto the bike since then (around 2006 or so), has suffered from pitting and peeling fairly quickly.  I got about 2 1/2 years out of a new set of HD mirrors, for example.  I would also add that in 2005, I had a HD aluminum billet front hub chrome plated here locally (same guy that does chrome for Eddie Trotta) and it's still perfect.  and I can't get to it behind the spokes for much in the way of wax and polish.

So bottom line to me is that why does HD chrome from 12 years ago still look good but HD chrome from 5 years ago pits and peels?   And if other chromers can plate HD aluminum and make it last, why can't HD?

The answer is, of course, that HD could specify good chrome if they wanted to but as long as they can get it done cheap, and refuse to stand behind it to their customers, and their customers just buy more HD chrome as replacements, then why should HD change anything?

[Ultrashovel]

I do agree that HD is putting out poor quality chrome plating these days.  I have a 1999 HD.  With the exception of one chrome handlebar switch housing that I just recently replaced, the chrome that came on it from 1999 is still great, and I live in Florida.  But a few HD-brand chrome items that I've swapped onto the bike since then (around 2006 or so), has suffered from pitting and peeling fairly quickly.  I got about 2 1/2 years out of a new set of HD mirrors, for example.  I would also add that in 2005, I had a HD aluminum billet front hub chrome plated here locally (same guy that does chrome for Eddie Trotta) and it's still perfect.  and I can't get to it behind the spokes for much in the way of wax and polish.

So bottom line to me is that why does HD chrome from 12 years ago still look good but HD chrome from 5 years ago pits and peels?   And if other chromers can plate HD aluminum and make it last, why can't HD?

The answer is, of course, that HD could specify good chrome if they wanted to but as long as they can get it done cheap, and refuse to stand behind it to their customers, and their customers just buy more HD chrome as replacements, then why should HD change anything?

I don't believe that HD makes a conscious decision to go cheap on the chrome. Perhaps they should spend more time inspecting it, but I'm not one to criticize them for mistakes here and there.

I had a 1993 FLHS that had poor chrome on a package rack that the dealer added for me. It wore off and turned yellow. I later discovered when looking at a new one in a package that it was made in China.

I've also seen poor chrome on chrome axle hubs on spoked wheels, particularly on Dynas and Softails which often come with spokes. Apparently it's chrome that's done without the copper stage (2 part in stead of 3 part) and thus the chrome doesn't stick properly. Also some of the chrome is thin here and there.

Your feeling that chrome is worse starting about five years ago sort of coincides with newer EPA rules on how chrome can be done. I'm too lazy to look it up but I know that the rules on Chromium 6 (think Erin Brokovich) have changed the way chromium is done. That and the fact that many companies have gone out of business due to other tighter restrictions (OSHA, e.g.) have led the remaining ones to go cheap and leave out the copper. This also results in less labor since one step in the ordinary process has been removed.

So, while it may seem obvious to think that Harley has "gone cheap" on their chrome, it's not all their fault.

That said, the chrome on my 2011 Dyna (what chrome there is, LOL) is the best I've ever had, particularly on the fork triple trees which are cast alloy. Go figure.

Given also that the chrome that's available from plating shops is not as good as it once was, I've become a powder coating fan. This led me to build my own powder coating oven about five years ago so that I can do my own work. Try it sometime, it's pretty straightforward and you can save a lot of money as long as you can do without chrome. LOL.