Harley Davidson Owners w/100,000 Miles on Bike
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Post from another forum.
I was at the bike shop not long ago when a Sportster pulled in with 150K. It's ridden by a teacher from Pasadena to Moorpark Ca every day. It looked stock (or was not obnoxiously loud at least). The mechanic introduced us because of our respective mileages. He said that the motor had never been apart.
And
My FXDX has over 160K and full compression. The only major work I've done is added gear-driven cams because of the tensioner issue. I'm riding it from NJ to NM and back this year, no worries.
Also
My 2004 883 custom was bone stock except for slip on turn out mufflers. When she was killed by a 1989 chevy truck, she had 92,340 miles on her. That bike ran as good that day as the day she was built. I have never had a more reliable fun machine in my stable. Maintenance consisted of changing oil every 3-5k, and I had the dealership giver her each and every one of her 10k mile tune ups.. Thats it. The bike never failed me. I built a trailer hitch, and small trailer, and towed it for thousands of miles behind that bike. I rode it in every weather, even snow. Coldest I ever rode it was -6 degrees and rode 25 miles to work. I rodeo'd with it, I even once made the trailer Omaha's smallest Parade float. Sportsters can do anything!
I was at the bike shop not long ago when a Sportster pulled in with 150K. It's ridden by a teacher from Pasadena to Moorpark Ca every day. It looked stock (or was not obnoxiously loud at least). The mechanic introduced us because of our respective mileages. He said that the motor had never been apart.
And
My FXDX has over 160K and full compression. The only major work I've done is added gear-driven cams because of the tensioner issue. I'm riding it from NJ to NM and back this year, no worries.
Also
My 2004 883 custom was bone stock except for slip on turn out mufflers. When she was killed by a 1989 chevy truck, she had 92,340 miles on her. That bike ran as good that day as the day she was built. I have never had a more reliable fun machine in my stable. Maintenance consisted of changing oil every 3-5k, and I had the dealership giver her each and every one of her 10k mile tune ups.. Thats it. The bike never failed me. I built a trailer hitch, and small trailer, and towed it for thousands of miles behind that bike. I rode it in every weather, even snow. Coldest I ever rode it was -6 degrees and rode 25 miles to work. I rodeo'd with it, I even once made the trailer Omaha's smallest Parade float. Sportsters can do anything!
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O.K. ...AT some point before acquiring OVER 160,000 miles on his Harley Davidson FXDX, he chose to change the factory chain driven camshafts to gear driven camshafts as SOME of the camshaft tensioners had failed on SOME Harley Davidson engines. He's also riding it from NJ to NM and back this year, no worries. Oh, It has full compression also.
I have an Indian made scooter with a Japanese carb, Italian brakes, American shocks and springs, many of the electrical bits are made in various East and SE Asian countries, and if I cared to look, probably a few more parts made somewhere other than India. The body is stamped on Italian machinery. And it came from the dealership like that.
It's a clone of a Vespa PX, made by a company, LML, that used contract with Piaggio to produce Vespas for various markets. Makes sense that they would simply source parts from various companies already making replacement parts for Vespas. Oh, and their largest market is Europe, they're too expensive to compete with other domestically and Chinese produced scooters/bikes.
It's a clone of a Vespa PX, made by a company, LML, that used contract with Piaggio to produce Vespas for various markets. Makes sense that they would simply source parts from various companies already making replacement parts for Vespas. Oh, and their largest market is Europe, they're too expensive to compete with other domestically and Chinese produced scooters/bikes.
I also say ride what you like, who gives a flying [censored] what some one else rides? Maybe your bike is faster or more reliable, but attacking someone else for their choice in motorcycles tells me you have some serious personality issues. Personally, Harleys and other cruisers are not my style, neither are sport bikes, dual sports, choppers, or naked bikes. The only bikes that appeal to me are "standard" motorcycles and vintage scooters. If I ever do get a motorcycle, it'll probably be a Suzuki TU250 or, more likely, a Yamaha SR400, maybe a Triumph Bonneville or Scrambler.
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Originally Posted By: gman2304
And how old is this bike? And shouldn't you have worded it 'formerly made in the USA'? It seems to me a little misleading and perhaps dishonest....kinda like Harley's marketing dept that you so detest. Hmmmmm
The "made in the USA" Honda Leadwing is a 97... and I think HD marketing types are so brilliant they got to wear shades...
And how old is this bike? And shouldn't you have worded it 'formerly made in the USA'? It seems to me a little misleading and perhaps dishonest....kinda like Harley's marketing dept that you so detest. Hmmmmm
The "made in the USA" Honda Leadwing is a 97... and I think HD marketing types are so brilliant they got to wear shades...
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Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Cars and bikes....apples and oragnes. Invalid argument. No one uses Metric to describe any car. But for bikes...sorry sir, you are wrong. European bikes are metrics. I mean they INVENTED the metric system and use it. When the bike is made it is more than just fasteners...the bike is built and calibrated all on metric measurements. But you are entitled to your opinion, even if it is wrong. Perhaps you are one that thinks Metric is a dirty word reserved for Asian made bikes and don't want to sully names like BMW, Ducati, Triumph, etc with that label when even the industry uses it.
And yes, Triumph makes bikes for the Asian and Australian market in Thailand. But mine was made in Hinckley so I got a brit bike. But from my friends down under, that is not something that is kept a secret. You know where it is made and Triumph even mentioned it on their website when the factory started up. No hiding it or going around it on the label on the bike.
And being from an immigrant background...I dont care where it is made as long as it is a good bike...unless the company lies about it. Like I have said every time...it is the marketing versus the reality that bothers me.
You kidding right? Or you just need to brush up on your map reading. A bike made in japan is a "Japanese" bike or known worldwide as a metric bike.A bike made in England is an "English bike.Always has been and I don't see that changing. A BMW is a "German" or otherwise known as an European bike. The country Where a bike manufacturer is based determines the pedigree of the motorcycle.Not where some of the parts come from. And where I live Japanese cars are referred to as metric cars also. Your statement about who invented the metric system, has nothing to do with what a vehicle is referred to. If that was the case, every vehicle made in the last 30 years would be considered a "metric",but you know that's not how it is. But keep trying to make excuses why there hasn't been another single bike besides Harley, to make it 1,000,000 miles.,,
Cars and bikes....apples and oragnes. Invalid argument. No one uses Metric to describe any car. But for bikes...sorry sir, you are wrong. European bikes are metrics. I mean they INVENTED the metric system and use it. When the bike is made it is more than just fasteners...the bike is built and calibrated all on metric measurements. But you are entitled to your opinion, even if it is wrong. Perhaps you are one that thinks Metric is a dirty word reserved for Asian made bikes and don't want to sully names like BMW, Ducati, Triumph, etc with that label when even the industry uses it.
And yes, Triumph makes bikes for the Asian and Australian market in Thailand. But mine was made in Hinckley so I got a brit bike. But from my friends down under, that is not something that is kept a secret. You know where it is made and Triumph even mentioned it on their website when the factory started up. No hiding it or going around it on the label on the bike.
And being from an immigrant background...I dont care where it is made as long as it is a good bike...unless the company lies about it. Like I have said every time...it is the marketing versus the reality that bothers me.
You kidding right? Or you just need to brush up on your map reading. A bike made in japan is a "Japanese" bike or known worldwide as a metric bike.A bike made in England is an "English bike.Always has been and I don't see that changing. A BMW is a "German" or otherwise known as an European bike. The country Where a bike manufacturer is based determines the pedigree of the motorcycle.Not where some of the parts come from. And where I live Japanese cars are referred to as metric cars also. Your statement about who invented the metric system, has nothing to do with what a vehicle is referred to. If that was the case, every vehicle made in the last 30 years would be considered a "metric",but you know that's not how it is. But keep trying to make excuses why there hasn't been another single bike besides Harley, to make it 1,000,000 miles.,,
Pretty sure I understand Geography sir, I have taught the subject on the college level...when you are certified to do that you can lecture me on map reading as one of my peers.
There is a book called the dictionary...which defines Metric as a unit of measurement. Bikes designed, built, and calibrated on those measurements are indeed metric bikes. Harley is built on SAE/English measurements. Apparently that very simple logic eludes you.
And one other poster already did show evidence of BMW bikes going the distance if I recall correctly, perhaps you missed that. And guess what? That is a nation that builds their machines based on the metric system, because they are a metric nation! GASP! I think I would know that growing up in a German family that had difficulty adjusting to a different unit of measurement and often talked about it. But if you feel like lecturing me on my own culture as an expert, feel free.
There is a book called the dictionary...which defines Metric as a unit of measurement. Bikes designed, built, and calibrated on those measurements are indeed metric bikes. Harley is built on SAE/English measurements. Apparently that very simple logic eludes you.
And one other poster already did show evidence of BMW bikes going the distance if I recall correctly, perhaps you missed that. And guess what? That is a nation that builds their machines based on the metric system, because they are a metric nation! GASP! I think I would know that growing up in a German family that had difficulty adjusting to a different unit of measurement and often talked about it. But if you feel like lecturing me on my own culture as an expert, feel free.
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Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Harley is built on SAE/English measurements.
Not all Harleys are SAE.
Any variant of the V-Rod is metric, and they're built in Kansas city, USA.
That being said, it doesn't matter whether a machine is made with fasteners that are metric or imperial. It doesn't define it's potential longevity in terms of engineering robustness. AT ALL.
And absolutely never will.
Harley is built on SAE/English measurements.
Not all Harleys are SAE.
Any variant of the V-Rod is metric, and they're built in Kansas city, USA.
That being said, it doesn't matter whether a machine is made with fasteners that are metric or imperial. It doesn't define it's potential longevity in terms of engineering robustness. AT ALL.
And absolutely never will.
Originally Posted By: Robenstein
Pretty sure I understand Geography sir, I have taught the subject on the college level...when you are certified to do that you can lecture me on map reading as one of my peers.
There is a book called the dictionary...which defines Metric as a unit of measurement. Bikes designed, built, and calibrated on those measurements are indeed metric bikes. Harley is built on SAE/English measurements. Apparently that very simple logic eludes you.
And one other poster already did show evidence of BMW bikes going the distance if I recall correctly, perhaps you missed that. And guess what? That is a nation that builds their machines based on the metric system, because they are a metric nation! GASP! I think I would know that growing up in a German family that had difficulty adjusting to a different unit of measurement and often talked about it. But if you feel like lecturing me on my own culture as an expert, feel free.
The only thing that mfgrs can claim is what thread and size they used on their product. That in itself DOESN'T make it a METRIC bike. By your geographical expertise any vehicle made with metric nuts and bolts is a metric vehicle. So tell me in great detail how my ford Explorer is a metric car.When it's made in the USA. I gotta hear this. Here's more news for you, Harley's do use metric nuts and bolts, so does that make it a metric bike? AGAIN a BMW getting close to 1,000,000 mile mark, isn't the same as actually doing 1,000,000 miles.
Pretty sure I understand Geography sir, I have taught the subject on the college level...when you are certified to do that you can lecture me on map reading as one of my peers.
There is a book called the dictionary...which defines Metric as a unit of measurement. Bikes designed, built, and calibrated on those measurements are indeed metric bikes. Harley is built on SAE/English measurements. Apparently that very simple logic eludes you.
And one other poster already did show evidence of BMW bikes going the distance if I recall correctly, perhaps you missed that. And guess what? That is a nation that builds their machines based on the metric system, because they are a metric nation! GASP! I think I would know that growing up in a German family that had difficulty adjusting to a different unit of measurement and often talked about it. But if you feel like lecturing me on my own culture as an expert, feel free.
The only thing that mfgrs can claim is what thread and size they used on their product. That in itself DOESN'T make it a METRIC bike. By your geographical expertise any vehicle made with metric nuts and bolts is a metric vehicle. So tell me in great detail how my ford Explorer is a metric car.When it's made in the USA. I gotta hear this. Here's more news for you, Harley's do use metric nuts and bolts, so does that make it a metric bike? AGAIN a BMW getting close to 1,000,000 mile mark, isn't the same as actually doing 1,000,000 miles.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
I thought harley riders just rode to the bar and back lol
that's where I always see Harleys as I pass by on my Wing or Nighthawk.
I thought harley riders just rode to the bar and back lol
that's where I always see Harleys as I pass by on my Wing or Nighthawk.
see old hondas riding here every day and my 1984 is one of the newest ones I see most are from the 70's.
Quote:
see old hondas riding here every day and my 1984 is one of the newest ones I see most are from the 70's
That's because no one can afford a new one in that part of the country with the [censored] economy!
see old hondas riding here every day and my 1984 is one of the newest ones I see most are from the 70's
That's because no one can afford a new one in that part of the country with the [censored] economy!
Originally Posted By: gman2304
Man..you got a Jones for marketing! I think your disdain for the way Harleys are marketed is clouding your thinking process. Do you think that consumers are so easily swayed by a slick marketing campaign, they can be convinced to drop 20 to 30 K on a non essential vehicle and make their kids go without shoes and food and shelter? People who have enough disposable incomes are buying Harleys as fast as they can assemble them. Look at the stock prices, company growth, growth forecasts, etc. I know you'll come back with some lame OPINION, like a couple others here..! Of course the V twin is an old design, tell us something we don't know for a change. No other vehicle mfg that I know of has kept an old engine design as has Harley and been as successful and still retain as loyal a following for as long as HD has on they're V Twin. It's not all about marketing!
You're right, it's not ALL about marketing...there are those who think buying a Harley will make them a real biker, or they buy them because they want to be part of the cult, or they buy them as if to say "oooh, look at me, I make so much money I can afford to waste $30K on a motorcycle, yep, there are lots of reasons people buy them, but it isn't because they're a better product...
Man..you got a Jones for marketing! I think your disdain for the way Harleys are marketed is clouding your thinking process. Do you think that consumers are so easily swayed by a slick marketing campaign, they can be convinced to drop 20 to 30 K on a non essential vehicle and make their kids go without shoes and food and shelter? People who have enough disposable incomes are buying Harleys as fast as they can assemble them. Look at the stock prices, company growth, growth forecasts, etc. I know you'll come back with some lame OPINION, like a couple others here..! Of course the V twin is an old design, tell us something we don't know for a change. No other vehicle mfg that I know of has kept an old engine design as has Harley and been as successful and still retain as loyal a following for as long as HD has on they're V Twin. It's not all about marketing!
You're right, it's not ALL about marketing...there are those who think buying a Harley will make them a real biker, or they buy them because they want to be part of the cult, or they buy them as if to say "oooh, look at me, I make so much money I can afford to waste $30K on a motorcycle, yep, there are lots of reasons people buy them, but it isn't because they're a better product...
Originally Posted By: Ducman
That being said, it doesn't matter whether a machine is made with fasteners that are metric or imperial. It doesn't define it's potential longevity in terms of engineering robustness. AT ALL.
And absolutely never will.
This could be the dumbest post in the thread. What determines how well engineered a product is are the engineers who design it...it just so happens the best engineered machines use the metric system...
That being said, it doesn't matter whether a machine is made with fasteners that are metric or imperial. It doesn't define it's potential longevity in terms of engineering robustness. AT ALL.
And absolutely never will.
This could be the dumbest post in the thread. What determines how well engineered a product is are the engineers who design it...it just so happens the best engineered machines use the metric system...
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