How Good Are Harley Davidson Bikes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

So in the end, it appears that Harley-Davidson’s really are

reliable overall

. While it’s understandable how Harley-Davidson might have earned a reputation for unreliability in the past, the truth is today you see many bikes on the road that were produced in the last 25 years.

What’s so good about Harley-Davidson?

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are

made to last

. With their durable assembly matched with their revolutionary engines, these bikes are incredibly durable. Plus, most of their parts are easily replaceable; meaning that you can purchase new parts when they become damaged or well-worn instead of buying an entirely new bike.

Why are Harley Davidsons so unreliable?

Another reason for Harley’s reputation for unreliability is the

rigorous riding habits of owners

. In riding motorcycles, no one comes close to Harley owners. Harley owners ride their bikes a lot. In fact, it is not strange to see a Harley with over 50,000 miles in a year after multiple cross-country runs.

Is Harley-Davidson still good?


Harley-Davidson motorcycles continue to be some of the most well-engineered, well-crafted and high-quality machines in the world

, and a used Harley is no exception. Besides, it’s always fun to shop for a used bike. So get out there, and find your dream ride!

How many miles do Harley last?

Harley-Davidson motorcycles can last for

well over 75,000 miles

if well-maintained and ridden responsibly and there are many Harleys on the road with over 100,000 miles on them. Based on an annual mileage of 4,000 miles, one can infer that a Harley Davidson can last for more than 25 years.

Are Harleys hard to maintain?


Harleys require the same level of maintenance as many other motorcycle brands

. Unfortunately, many people ignorantly claim that Harleys spend more time at the repair shop than on the road. This is a myth spread by the brand’s critics who rarely own Harley motorcycles. Harleys are reliable bikes.

Is it worth buying a used Harley-Davidson?

Buying a second-hand Harley

can save you from overhead costs, like registration and road tax

, as the previous owner would have already paid these. Hence, even the additional charges are eliminated in buying a used Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Resale value- Harley-Davidson motorcycles do provide a good resale value.

Are Harley Davidsons easy to work on?


Harleys are easy to work on

That means you might not need help from those dealers and indie mechanics.

Do Harley-Davidson motorcycles hold their value?

Bikes made by Harley-Davidson, BMW, and Ducati, in fact, seem to hold their MSRP value better than any others. By brand, according to data compiled by the Kelley Blue Book Official Motorcycle Guide,

Harley-Davidson motorcycles retained an average of 84% of their value over a five-year period

.

How often does a Harley need an oil change?

Harley-Davidson has a very specific maintenance schedule for their bikes, starting with the first oil change at the 1,000-mile mark on the odometer. You should bring it in again at the 2,500 mile mark and

once every 2,500 miles

after that. But, the oil will not be changed at every inspection.

Why is Harley-Davidson failing?

The reason for such drastic revenue decline is

due to the market for Harley-Davidson branded motorcycles

. The core customer base is aging, and younger motorcyclists are more apt to purchase cheaper options. The consequences can be seen in the rapid decline of US shipments over the past five years.

What is the most reliable motorcycle brand?

The most reliable motorcycle brands — the results

In a nutshell,

Honda and Yamaha

were the most-named most-reliable motorcycle brands. “Any Japanese” motorcycle was mentioned after that. That would include Honda and Yamaha, but also includes Suzuki and Kawasaki.

How long does a Harley clutch last?

Tour riding a stock bike your clutch should last

over 100,000 miles

. Doing burn-outs with a 110′′ engine will shorten that life quite a bit. Keep it adjusted and keep good, clean fluid in your primary.

What’s high mileage for a Harley-Davidson?

For larger bikes,

50,000 miles and up

is considered high motorcycle mileage. But before you write off any models, consider that a properly maintained bike can last well past 100,000 miles! That’s why it’s important to think about the whole package, rather than motorcycle mileage alone.

How is Harley doing in 2021?

Following the huge fall reported in the previous year, when sales touched the lower out of last 20 years, in 2021 Harley-Davidson report a

shy growth in the global registrations

. Global registrations were 194.252, up 7.8%, the second worse results in the last 15 years.

Is 35 000 miles a lot for a Harley?

Generally,

high mileage on a motorcycle is anywhere from 20,000 to 50,000 miles

. For sport bikes, the high mileage number will be on the low end (usually around 25,000), while cruisers and touring bikes typically become high mileage in the 40,000- to the 50,000-mile range.

Does changing your own oil void Harley warranty?


No, changing the oil and servicing your own Harley DOES NOT VOID YOUR WARRANTY

and it can’t. You are protected by the Federal Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act and your dealership personnel will tell you so. You just need to save your product purchase receipts and sign the back of your owner’s manual for the services you do!

Are Harley Davidsons fast?

Today,

most production Harley-Davidson motorcycles reach a top speed of around 115 miles per hour

(save for the FXDR 114 at 160 miles per hour) and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Ultimately, any Harley-Davidson motorcycle you choose will likely have more than enough power to get your juices flowing.

How long will a Harley m8 last?

the single cam is tensioned by a hydraulic chain tensioner that will easily go

100,000 miles

. you are good to go scott.

How many miles will a motorcycle engine last?

Typically, a motorcycle engine should last somewhere between

50,000 miles to 250,000 miles

depending on the make and type of the engine, and the maintenance and usage by the rider.

What month do 2022 Harleys come out?

The 2022 Low Rider ST will roll into dealers in

March

. Two new baggers, two new Low Riders, and four updated CVO models add up to eight additions to the 2022 Harley-Davidson lineup.

Is Harley-Davidson a luxury brand?

The truth is,

Harley-Davidson is a luxury brand

cleverly disguised as a blue-collar, workin’ man’s brand. It’s a name synonymous with regular, working-class folk, but have you seen the prices of these things?

How long is a 2000 Road King?

Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King Dimensions, Aerodynamics and weight Seat details –
Wheelbase


1,612 mm (63.5 inches)
Length – Width –

How do you ride a Harley-Davidson for the first time?

  1. Step One: Choosing the Right Bike. …
  2. Step Two: Get Some Gear. …
  3. Step Three: Get Familiar with the Bike. …
  4. Step Four: Learn How to Control the Bike. …
  5. Step Five: Find a Good Road. …
  6. Step Six: Try It Out. …
  7. Step Seven: Practice, Practice, Practice. …
  8. There’s Never a Wrong Time to Buy a Harley.

Are Harleys made in America?


Harleys sold in the U.S. are indeed assembled in one of four plants located in Wisconsin, Missouri and Pennsylvania

. But the brakes and clutch are imported from Italy, the engine pistons are made in Austria, the bike suspension comes from Japan, and other electronic components originate in Mexico and China.

Is riding a Harley different?

Another thing that is totally different about riding a Harley:

you’ll use the back brake, often

. In fact, in stop & go traffic and at low speeds on rough roads, I use the back brake more than the front. The Harley back brake is not as powerful as that on a typical sportsbike; plus, a Harley tourer weighs a lot more.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.