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I was wondering how long HD stocks parts for discontinued bikes? Should I get parts I may need in the future now before they’re gone? Thinking about rear brake line assembly, and rear breather hose. 06 VRSCD.
When to start hoarding parts before it’s too late?
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1,063 Posts
Should have started a long time ago...lol.
I worry about this too. Accessories are one thing, but critical parts are going to be a challenge as time goes on. Guess that’s a business opportunity for someone...
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17 Posts
Buy radiators. Those are fragile and expensive. Like an investment.
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2,908 Posts
Personally I don't believe H-D has any intention of doing anything beyond living out of the parts count currently in inventory. Support for 5 Years ? 7 Years ? I've even heard 10 Years ( for Cars, Pickups ) I doubt it with H-D. Ordering parts and having them sit on the shelf is anti- profit and most of it is taxable yearly. Enter Vintage Parts and the like who often shelf all the parts for H-D then resell them back to them and to us. What can we really do - Sue 'em? I order parts every couple weeks in advance of building my next engine and what I get many times is that " that P/N is OBSOLETE ", so it takes extra work finding parts out of dealers stock. The good news is the V Rod & Revo is so reliable those parts should last a long time - but absolutely if you want to keep your bike long term buy select anticipated parts and known breakage/leakage items or like mikew a parts bike for the corner of your garage. I just sold an '03 Anniversary Edition because it was just too damn nice to part out, so I'm going to look for another R model, with prices 4-5K a pretty good investment.
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932 Posts
I find parts all over the place. I love insurance auctions. Insurance companies will total a bike for some of the littlest things. Drop your bike in your garage after a ride and you forgot to put down the kickstand?...somebody back into it in a parking lot?...maybe it didn't swim in a flood?.
My '03 parts bike was at a dealer sitting in the back missing too many parts. The '05 was on Craigslist. The owner missed a turn and ran it 60 yards down the side of a hill. Most of the time, These bikes find me instead of my finding them.
Now there's 2 spare motors, spare frame (that I use as a jig), 5+ spare sets of tins, about a dozen crates of small parts and too many damn rims.
My '03 parts bike was at a dealer sitting in the back missing too many parts. The '05 was on Craigslist. The owner missed a turn and ran it 60 yards down the side of a hill. Most of the time, These bikes find me instead of my finding them.
Now there's 2 spare motors, spare frame (that I use as a jig), 5+ spare sets of tins, about a dozen crates of small parts and too many damn rims.
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2,234 Posts
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932 Posts
No Muscle rims."too many damn rims" One doesn't happen to be a Muscle rear does it!!
some of those "pain in the butt" early solid ones, '07-'11 rears, '07-'11 laced fronts, '12 front, and another set of Buell XBs.
Would appreciate any links to or real information about any real statute or law that requires this. Thanks!
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2,234 Posts
Wouldn't waste your time. HD is a law unto itself when it comes to this sort of thing. They do what they want, and get away with it. ABS system for one springs to mind!
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590 Posts
I agree. HD is not to be trusted to carry parts for 7 years as the law requires. I believe they are already in violation on certain items. For example, I tried to order a 150T narrow belt (i.e. for European 30T front sprockets, used in SC & TC) and their computer said "discontinued" or words to that effect.
So I said: "You mean to tell me that a V-rod sold just last year in Europe, if it breaks a belt, the bike is a write-off? How exactly does that endear anyone to ever buy another Harley? Not that I'd ever waste my money on a push-rod air-cooled PoS. If I were in that camp, I'd go to Indian first. ".
In other words, I think it a good idea to catch and record these violations for the possibility of having to launch a class action law suit. We have the numbers.
So I said: "You mean to tell me that a V-rod sold just last year in Europe, if it breaks a belt, the bike is a write-off? How exactly does that endear anyone to ever buy another Harley? Not that I'd ever waste my money on a push-rod air-cooled PoS. If I were in that camp, I'd go to Indian first. ".
In other words, I think it a good idea to catch and record these violations for the possibility of having to launch a class action law suit. We have the numbers.
This is kind of disappointing to hear because I recently bought a used 2006 VRSCA which seemed like a great deal for $5.4k and only 7.5K miles on it, but if parts will become scarce or impossible to find, then it's not a great deal.
When I bought it, the front brake lever had a pulse in it, so I had the dealer check it out and they recommended new rotors, but they had to order them, at least they are still available. I did ask if the bike being discontinued would become a problem for getting parts in the future, and the parts counter guy assured me that it would not be, but your story above suggests otherwise?
I'm now thinking that maybe I should buy a few consumables now in hopes of keeping up with expected maintenance for at least the next several years, maybe some brake pads and hoses and a drive belt, does anyone else have any suggestions on other parts before they're gone?
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Rear brake hoses/lines are no longer made and not available from HD for any mid-control Rods. I checked. Going to have to be aftermarket like Goodridge and get a custom length.
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2,234 Posts
Lesson no 1 "dealers tell lies"
As Russ said there are already a few numbers disappeared from the parts list and searches show them up as discontinued. I don't think things like brake pads will be a problem as after market suppliers will always produce stuff like that. Breather hoses would be a good one to keep.
On a good note, for a Harley they are pretty reliable so I don't think you need to worry too much at the moment
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3,398 Posts
Looks like China went into that market. Yours for 200$: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Coo...609648?hash=item2f0c0c83b0:g:5OoAAOSwJmVZybxl.
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2,234 Posts
Yea I bought one to try out. Appearance wise impressive, reasonably well finished off. When I eventually get it fitted and the bike back on the road again I will post the results!!
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