Harley Repairs : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

Rolex Rider · 05-11-2008, 03:04 PM

Hello i'm new with a question. I'm looking at possibly purchasing the 2003 Anniversary Edition HD V Rod with less than 1000 km on it. I really like the bike but keep hearing how HD often are in need of repairs. Can anyone shed some light on the situation? Is this bike comfortable compared to the Honda VTX 1300. I'm a beginner rider. Any suggestions. Thanks.

jerry34208 · 05-11-2008, 04:26 PM

Rumors, nasty rumors. Ha ha. The V-Rod is arguably the most reliable HD ever produced but it will break somewhere sometime. So will any other make of bike. They really are not at all like they were 25 years ago and thank goodness for that! When it comes to reliability, nostalgia has no value.

Regarding comfort. Nobody can tell you what you are comfortable riding. Only what they like or what someone else told them they liked. Good luck with that question. I've owned a V-Rod and I thought it was comfortable. I used a windshield on mine.

As for being a beginning rider.... Most I speak with say to buy a small used bike to learn on and to see if you even will like motorcycling enough to spend ten grand or more on a big one. Both of those choices seem like a pretty big bite for a first ride but then again, many have done it before you. I did the small to large method over many years. I'll admit that the primary reason is that was all I could afford. Were I getting in to bikes at this age (50), I'd probably get the one I want first try and just take it easy getting used to it.

It's your money. Good luck and ride safe!

berserker · 05-11-2008, 06:18 PM

I think Harley riders just do the maintenace that J bikes are supposed to do. when I had J bikes, I never lubed cables or torqued bolts. There are two more oils, primary chain adjustment and clutch adjustment. Not real big deals.

I sure don't miss having to screw with a chain every 2-3 weeks.

Gunny4Sawx · 05-11-2008, 07:57 PM

J bikes

you kill me

hdmarsh77 · 05-11-2008, 08:32 PM

I thought that was funny too!

jerry34208 · 05-11-2008, 08:45 PM

la9 · 05-11-2008, 10:00 PM

Harley's are overbuilt and undertuned........

That makes it one of the most dependable options you can find for any vehicle.

Then again Talk to a Chevy guy and he'll tell you how much you have to work on Fords, Then talk to a Ford guy and he'll tell you how much you have to work on Chevy's.

Nuff said.

MadCity · 05-11-2008, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rolex Rider
I'm a beginner rider. Any suggestions.

Rethink buying a V-Rod. For the reasons stated here:

Quote:

Originally posted by jerry34208
As for being a beginning rider.... Most I speak with say to buy a small used bike to learn on and to see if you even will like motorcycling enough to spend ten grand or more on a big one. Both of those choices seem like a pretty big bite for a first ride but then again, many have done it before you. ... Were I getting in to bikes at this age (50), I'd probably get the one I want first try and just take it easy getting used to it.

Bikertrash99 · 05-11-2008, 10:37 PM

Harleys are pretty much reliable bikes, unless you start going to big bore stroker engines, imo.

There's less scheduled maintenance with Harleys than with most J bikes, due to less complexity on the HD's.

(the only reason I replied to this post is so I could work in the 'J bike' thing)

jober · 05-11-2008, 11:02 PM

That's alot of power for a "beginner" rider IMO, but then again others have probably done it and are fine. Either way, the V-rod is a nice scoot. Not the most comfortable riding position for this old guy tho.

I love the comfort on my bagger.

jonny oz · 05-11-2008, 11:03 PM

i was also worried about the rumour that harleys break down alot before i owned one. as mentioned, i came to learn that it is only a rumour.
i do agree with the idea of buying a small used bike to learn on. that's what I did, and i dumped it a few times moving around in parking lots etc - no big deal on an old previously scratched honda 750 - whole 'nother story on a new hd.

miles to go · 05-12-2008, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berserker

I think Harley riders just do the maintenace that J bikes are supposed to do. when I had J bikes, I never lubed cables or torqued bolts. There are two more oils, primary chain adjustment and clutch adjustment. Not real big deals.

I sure don't miss having to screw with a chain every 2-3 weeks.

What is a "J" bike?

MountainMan · 05-12-2008, 03:42 AM

If you are worried about Harley and reliability you may want to take a look at this

http://www.v-twinforum.com/forums/to...le-report.html

After 100K miles the Harley will still be worth something, a Honda with the same amount of miles on it you probably can't even give away

MM

dog155 · 05-12-2008, 04:42 AM

You have to take the things you hear about Harleys,think about who said them.A lot of people will make excuses about a Harley to justify their reason for not buying one.As far as starting out,you follow your hearts desire.Just take your time and be careful at first.Good Luck

berserker · 05-12-2008, 06:47 AM

Some rumors have basises in fact. They do leak oil. As far as holding value, J bikes do a lot better then they used to, and HD worse then used to.

I would think about getting a cheap J bike to drop. Once they depriate, they level a bit. Could probably sell it next year for the same. But I do realize people want a HD. I got lucky and didn't have to make the choice. When I started I could afford anything else.