Thanks for the input Nakkers,
I looked into the cam tensioners more closely seems like its something I can handle if needed, as it's pretty accessible, and straight forward.
The only thing about the Bones that is making me double doubt is the extra costs of maintenance or break downs, and not wanting to have a garage queen, I want to ride my bike hard and be reliable with just your yearly maintenance and upkeep.
Is this something Hogs are good with? Are they meant to be ridden hard and barely washed just with your minimum yearly maintenance? The reason I ask is most Hogs I see are shiny looking like they never see rain or salt, pampered at the HD Spa, I really don't want a bike like that. I believe bikes should not out last you, they should be ridden hard, after a commute in the rain you just park her and let her dry on her own and ride out the next day.
On my VTX I did all the work myself from installing a Cobra exhaust, dual LED headlight, to the back rest that was not made for it but bolted it on none the less and made it work, recently took the colour off and have a clear top coat so riding her bare metal. I rode her to NYC 2 years ago and had a blast and no worry about her giving up on me. That is one thing I want is the confidence in the bike that any given day I can jump on her and ride her out of the country with-out a second thought. Too bad I can't post any pics here cause it keeps giving my size limit errors, but think of a Rat Rod...that's my VTX.
Veej,
I bought my first Harley in a quest for a Triumph Bonneville and found the Harley was cheaper.
Here is the last I’ll say. Yes, HDs will run trouble free for miles with regular maintenance. I personally know many owners and riders of soft tails and one good friend has well over 100k miles with himself and wife on the back and has no plans to sell it. Rides from south USA all over the country and Canada. He also owns an Indian with a side car and a host of other machines.
Fluids, tires, and any regular wear items are about it.
It is air cooled and I’d recommend an oil cooler.
You can ride in confidence that there is a huge riders group of various makes include the soft tail line that run around the country with smiles on their faces.
I’ve got a 99 Buell and my 08 Sportster that has never left me stranded. I ride the Sportster more often simply because my spouse likes to join me and doesn’t like the Buell.
In the circle of riders, all makes have some issue. Honda included.
If you are still concerned, get the Fury. It’s a nice bike.
Other than a damp micro fibre cloth, my bikes are rarely washed. I ride them.
Stop by a HD dealership during the weekend and I’m willing to bet there will be some bikes with serious miles on them and the owners will be happy to tell you about how good they are or if there was any problems etc.
Another friend of mine with a touring machine from 07 and still rides daily, had the exhaust flange rust out. I’m not sure how many miles he’s got but, it’s a lot. But, nothing motor wise.
I asked him about the cam tensioner issue. He inspects his and says no issue.
I think it’s all about perspective. HD is the largest number of cruisers in the market and will naturally reflect with the number of issues reported.
I did have to replace the rocker head gaskets on my Sportster. Factory they are paper and weep oil after a few years.
I did the job myself in the laneway will a cold one, and after a couple of seasons, no issue since.
So, it hasn’t been 100% just oil and gas and rubber. I did have a repair. I wasn’t mission critical. It was cosmetic.
They are easy to work on and have no problem with doing basic things if needed.
That’s all I can say.
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