Do you have a specific timeframe/era in mind? The Motor Company has been around a long time after all, and there have been ups and downs throughout it's history.
There are some periods in H-D history that are infamous for their poor quality. Mid-30's, where the first E-model (Knuckleheads) coated the rider's legs in oil. This was a known issue before release, but Bill Davidson pressed forward for economic reasons.
Obviously, the latter AMF years were bad. Allegations of deliberate tampering, due to unionization issues, were common. Allegedly, some units made it to the showroom floor with such poor build quality that they actually would not run, requiring rebuilding & machine work before they could be sold new. Shovelheads have always been sort of red-headed stepchildren to many because of the bad workmanship issues.
Other than that, it seems like there are several periods where specific parts or assemblies were prone to problems. My 1988 FXR has the tapered-shaft transmission, which is a glaring weak point. Early Twin Cams had their growing pains, as well. Cam bearings, trannies, drive systems, jug liners, electrics... different problems at different times.
These days, there's far more automation, but metallurgy and tolerances are much improved. The new bugaboo has been heat management, with the increasing displacement on the TC's. With the newer "semi-liquid-cooled" motors, they're still essentially using bandaids on issues that will likely cause premature failure of various parts.
.......The new bugaboo has been heat management, with the increasing displacement on the TC's. With the newer "semi-liquid-cooled" motors, they're still essentially using bandaids on issues that will likely cause premature failure of various parts.
Not related to Quality Control; but, engineering like Fartknokker said. That said, here's the time to mention gummint involvement and the EPA-driven leaned out air/fuel ratio and the addition of cats causing excessive temps within and radiating from the (especially, but not solely) TC 96" engines.
Resultant problems are not only premature failure of internal components, but also causative re-detonation, poor fuel management, lower mpg, bluing of chrome on the exhaust, etc., etc., etc.
There are remedies without using bandaids; however, the owner has to be willing to spend more to defeat the heat.
Hey Danny! :wavey: Check your User CP for a message, buddy!
I'm planning to buy my first Harley and for me, half the fun is learning and looking. Something to do.
I've been toying with the idea of an older bike and learning how to take care of it. Turn a wrench now and then. The other part of me, doesn't want to be bothered and just wants a 'toy/tool' that works.
I had a 1971 Black FX, put many miles on it, sweet bike, just as always it had to be maintained. they didn't make many black ones, sure wish I still had it. it was a AMF, later I bought a used 73 FLH, another AMF, after I gave it a little TLC it served me well also.
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