Long term reliability / rideability results?

MisterEd · May 24, 2004

Hey folks. As a new member on this forum, I'm curious as to what some of our longer term, higher mileage owners have to say about their 'Rods after living with them and riding them for a while. I'm thinking that some of this information could be handy for those who have just bought their machines or may only have a few hundred or a few thousand miles on. Plus, I'm curious about other longer term owners' experiences.

Maybe I've been lucky with my bike - it's an '02 manufactured in Feb '02 - but after 30,000 miles, I've had very, very few issues that weren't caused by me or the technicians at the local dealership. For instance:

1. I had to replace the coolant filler neck pipe because I managed to crack the return line nipple when I installed my braided coolant hose kit - I reefed on things a little too hard.

2. The inner ring of my rear pulley popped off at about 11,500 miles - we think because the dealer had whacked it pretty good when changing the rear tire at the 10K service.

3. I'm on my third set of front brake pads, original set of rears. I guess I use the brakes...

Other than that, I have the "flakey" gas gauge problem that's existed since day one and only exhibits itself when I get overzealous about filling the tank and splash gas up and over the top of the tank.

I'm on my third set of tires. That's more my preference than because of unusual tire wear - I like to get rid of the "freeway flat" and have nice rounded tires - they feel better in the corners.

Otherwise, I've not had problem one with this motorcycle. I've heard of other issues from various folks and read about a lot of them on this board.

So, how's your long term experience been?

bassist · May 24, 2004

i have an '02 with 18,700 miles purchased in june of '02. i'm on my third set of tires and second set of brakes (front and rear). i've had a few problems, but nothing really major.

1. belt rubbing chrome belt guard. replaced
2. coolant leak. tightened clamps
3. intermittant stalling. ait relocation (they tried to make me pay; i refused)
4. sticking chrome shifter and brake pedal. replaced
5. recent drop in fuel economy (from 34-36mpg to 30-32mpg) and gas in oil. ???
6. a little oil seepage from the breather.
7. keyless remote acts up every now and then. give it a couple of minutes to reset itself.
8. erratic fuel gauge. mysteriously healed itself.
9. front end "clunk". tightened steering head twice (needs it again).
10. broken super-sport w/s support. replaced.
11. rattling super-sport w/s. little piece of latex over the male end of the support.
12. front tire cupping. replaced.
13. rear pegs won't stay up. thanks for the tip v-fred.

[jeez, louise! i know that this sounds like a lot of stuff but i knew that when one buys any vehicle in it's first year of production it's more likely than not that you're going to have some issues to deal with; so i was emotionally prepared. my dealer, motorcity h-d, has been first-rate (as far as h-d dealers go) and none of these problems have diminished my love of this bike. if someone were to ask me if i have any complaints with the bike, i'd honestly say "nope. this bike has exceeded my expectations"]

it seems to me that the bike smoothed out around 6000 miles and became "itself", for lack of a better term. this was, incidentally, around the same time that the se-1's were fully burned in. i had just completed a 1400 mile trip and the bike just felt stronger at the end. then at around 10,000 miles the bike seemed experience another up-tick in smoothness and become the bike that it is now. this is my third bike and because of it's operational and handling characteristics (short clutch friction zone, long wheel-base, "falling" into turns, front end "vagueness", "skippy" rear tire when leaned over and gettin' on it, etc.) has turned me into a student of "technique" and improved my riding skill and joy of riding. i'm hoping to put 100,000 miles on it.

MisterEd · May 25, 2004

You folks DO ride these bikes, right??

Max · May 25, 2004

LOL MisterEd, while I ride mine most everyday I live about 9 miles from were I work. I have read your post on other forums and I'm glad you decided to jump ship and come spend time with us.

Max

Val · May 25, 2004

LOL, MrEd, indeed I do. I've had my 03 for 13 months and have 17,500 miles on it. I'm aiming for 100k, too.

Problems:

Klunk in the front end solved with 15wt fork oil
Brake pedal stuck, had it bored out, has been fine since
Clutch plates slipping, had it serviced (not under warranty) but I don't know what he did to it, starting to go again
Front tire cupping with the stock Dunlops after about 7,000 miles. Have Metzelers now, about to replace my rear with another.
A leak - can't remember what was leaking, but it's been fine since they fixed it under warranty
One event when my fuel gauge went whacko, but it hasn't repeated itself
I might be due for rear brake pads

My other minor problems have been due to my mods:

Bike ran too rich with the 020 PCIIIr map for v-modded stock pipes, so had a custom map done that leaned it out
My supersport windshield gave me fits until 0992 had new struts made for it that solved the problem
My FPOS HD soft leather saddlebags have fallen apart (don't buy these) - reflectors fell off, snaps won't close, velcro stopped velcroing.

I adore the thing. But what if HD comes out with a revo touring bike??? I just might have to have one -- but I wouldn't sell this one. I'd just turn it into my toy and go for the power mods instead of the touring comfort I've been working on in the past year.

Karlos · May 25, 2004

I have an 03 I took delivery on in July 03. About 6000 miles on it, which isn't a lot I know, but I do ride it most days to work, I just work about 3 k's from home. We just had our third baby, so I will use that as an excuse for reasonably low miles recently anyway, but the wife wants to finish her rider training and get a bike soon, so that will assist in my quest to ride more.

Issues I have had are few and far between. Bloody passenger pegs won't stay up, particularly the left one. Shifting from 1st to second can intermittently and inexplicably be less than smooth, but I am going to check the clutch. Couple tiny issues with chrome in places you can't see, but I am working that out with the dealer amicably.

I love the thing,

V-Fred · May 25, 2004

Karl: Just take two needlenose pliers and bend the clips on your passenger pegs and they will stay up. Put a good bend in them. When you force the peg back over it it will straighten them again, but there will be enough pressure to keep them up when you fold them.

Val: same here, I would probably keep my bike to give my lady when they come out with the V-Tour. I just rode a new 1200 Cusom Sporty to see if I thought that she might like it to learn on. In my opinion the V-Rod is a better beginners bike. Better balance, easier to handle, lower, smoother, and would instill more confidence (of course it costs twice as much).

I know she will love it when she is ready for it. Until I think that she will not drop it I need a good safe cheap bike for her to practice on...probably metric. Any suggestions?

Fred

Christine · May 25, 2004

V-Fred said:
Until I think that she will not drop it I need a good safe cheap bike for her to practice on...probably metric. Any suggestions?

Fred

Yamaha 650 V Star definitely!! I neglect mine terribly - well who wouldn't when you have to choose between that and the V Rod. But whenever I do ride it (mostly in the worst of British weather) I am always surprised at just how much fun it is, how easy it is to handle and it ALWAYS starts first time (well except the time I'd left it switched on) Done 30,000 miles on it with very few problems.

But back to the topic:
I've only covered about 9000 miles on my V Rod so I can't really add much - except that my biggest problem (with the gear selection - required the bike to be taken apart) happened early on.

Christine

vette family · May 25, 2004

I have an 02 with 31k on it problems i've had is:
broken water neck tube
Flaky fuel guage just lately
on my third front tire
on my 7th rear tire
on my second front and rear brake pads
Rebuilt the clutch master cylinder

txharleychic · May 26, 2004

V-Fred said:
Karl: Just take two needlenose pliers and bend the clips on your passenger pegs and they will stay up. Put a good bend in them. When you force the peg back over it it will straighten them again, but there will be enough pressure to keep them up when you fold them.

Val: same here, I would probably keep my bike to give my lady when they come out with the V-Tour. I just rode a new 1200 Cusom Sporty to see if I thought that she might like it to learn on. In my opinion the V-Rod is a better beginners bike. Better balance, easier to handle, lower, smoother, and would instill more confidence (of course it costs twice as much).

I know she will love it when she is ready for it. Until I think that she will not drop it I need a good safe cheap bike for her to practice on...probably metric. Any suggestions?

Fred

My last bike was a '96 Vulcan 500 Ltd. It rode great and it has get up and go - it has the ninja engine in it. It has a very comfortable seat for long rides and it looks kinda "mean" with a husky tank and a fat tire on the back. I am 5'3" and I had no problem with reach. I could even stand up off the saddle.

Oh - by the way - did I mention six-speed tranny? Oh yeah - you should see me now on the V-Rod - always trying to stretch one more gear out of it!

When I brought the Vulcan home, I pulled all of the Kawasaki decals off and removed the sissy bar and luggage rack and it really streamlined it. It got plenty of looks and people often wondered "what it was"! Kind of hilarious really...to watch a couple of people stand around and eyeball that $2200 bike with curiosity all the while it is parked next to about $35k worth of chrome and performance. I always thought it was funny - my husband on the other hand, was never amused! Anyway - it was a great bike to kind of start out on - small enough to handle easily, but powerful enough to keep up with the group and get me out of a jam if need be.

When I was trying to decide what to buy, I read a lot about the Yamaha Virago and that it was supposed to be a good starter bike for women. I sat on one, but did not get to test drive it. I think the Vulcan sat lower.

Anyway - it was a great bike and I was the third owner - all women. I have now sold to my friend who is 5'1". She really should get a custom seat or lower it or something but she just wears thicker soled boots and she can reach the ground just fine. She will never grow up to reach the highway pegs.

Anyway - hope this is helpful. Good luck!

Long term reliability / rideability results?

MisterEd

bassist

MisterEd

Max

Val

Karlos

V-Fred

Christine

vette family

txharleychic

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