Changes for 2013 and beyond

[angelflights]

What changes would you like to see done to the HD bikes that may improve their overall quality, performance and reliabilty.

A large percentage of us spend $$ big dollars to do just that.

What could they do better?

Ill start with the number one suggestion we all know off the top of our heads, that is, quality control.

I might add a second and that is heads that don't have different combustion chamber sizes.

Thanks.

[WEINERDOGBONE]

I'm happy with mine. It would be nice if they included an oil cooler on the touring bikes but I'm good otherwise.

[smitty901]

My RGU came with oil cooler standard .
I like mine however if all they do is change colors I will not be trading . only 32K RGU now we will see in a couple days.

[Bigfoot Ultra]

My overall quality is just fine. 2012 with 6k miles and no problems whatsoever.
Quality and reliability are non-factors for upgrades to me.
Performance and customization upgrades are a huge market for HD, but they're not necessary to have a nice bike.
If you want to upgrade that's fine with the MoCo.

[HDSB07]

I would like to see a possible new model bike. I think something with a springer front again would be cool. other than that I think they have the currently available models pretty squared away. Other than engine size they don't seem to change a lot.

[BackOn2wheels]

I would like to see the Softail base be used for the stipped down bobber style with a spinger. A longer, narrow tank and a wider tire. Sounds a bit like the Rocker in a way but I'm sure the design staff could get it right.

[Greg MacD]

Either water/oil cooled heads on the big V-twins like on the XR1200, second I would like to see the XR1200 get a HP boost, if they are to compete with the other naked bikes they need around 120 to 140hp as a baseline.

[reg26]

+ 1 on the Oil/Water cooled heads!!

[95 FXST]

Quality and reliability are just fine. It's when people start messing with performance the other two suffer. Of the three constraints listed, Quality, performance, and reliability, you can have two but not all three. Doesn't work. Now throw cost into the mix because when it comes down to it, that is what it's all about. HD needs to make money, we the consumer need to save money.

[angelflights]

I am good with the motor increased sizes 96" to 110" as well, on the (120" on the side")something to cover all the needs I would have. My last bike I built up from 88 to 95 cub. in to meet my needs. Without the aftermarket we wouldnt have any extra lego parts to have fun with.

Keep up the good work HD. Thanks for investing in our ideas.

[SteveB]

Oil/air cooled heads, higher compression, direct injection, 4 cam variable valve timing/lift. aero dynamic improvements in the front top area

[LDB415]

Quality and reliability. You can't really ask for specifics since people have so many different ideas of what the bikes should be and therefore all the variations one sees and all the options and accessories available from HD and many others. Things that would be great for one would be awful for another.

[Jeffytune]

I will most likely be shot for even suggesting this be how about a "New FXR" powered by the V-Rod revolution engine with a six speed transmission.

You could have two models, a sport cruiser and one with the Switchback bags and front end.

[angelflights]

I can see this thread is going the way of the dodo. Thats ok. The 2013s just got online and wow, They seem to on top of the improvements reliablity and inovations.

Although, if HD made watercraft or atvs I might invest.

[btsom]

The biggie for me is ease of regular and even not so regular maintenance. Not having an easy off access piece for belt changes seems incredibly stupid. The newer machines FINALLY have a slot cast into the primary to allow changing the transmission shifter arm, a part which should last for the life of the machine, but changing a belt requires dis-assembling half the drive line and rear suspension. Shaft drive is an alternative but might run afoul of my next comment.

Much of what I have read above (liquid cooling, high horsepower for engine size and a few other things, all say just buy a metric bike and get what you really want. If I wanted liquid cooling, 4 valves per cylinder and and engine designed and built by a watch maker, I know where to go to get that stuff, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Honda all make that gear.

Harley has its spot in the competitive scheme and part of that is that if the moco doesn't offer exactly what you want, you can "build your own" with after market stuff. If Harley follows behind the metrics and offers the same thing just with a different label, why pay the premium for a not so unique any more product?