Dependability/Reliability

[bob109]

I'm glad that the worst thing about my F6B was "soft paint" and the "brake recall" especially when I come across info like this:shock:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/clutch-issue-forces-recall-27-150007117.html

[VStarRider]

I'm glad that the worst thing about my F6B was "soft paint" and the "brake recall" especially when I come across info like this:shock:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/clutch-issue-forces-recall-27-150007117.html

Yeah, not much to go wrong with the 15 year old design of the GW. Well-proven by now, and relatively simple technology.

I am surprised that H-Ds use hydraulic clutches...I figured they would use cables, like Victory, for that retro feel.

Lots of H-D models. I have no idea which is which when I see one. :shrug:

[taxfree4]

Another case of HD using their customers as R&D.

[smiley]

Nothing against them, just way over rated. That's why I love Jap bikes.

[BIGLRY]

https://www.lawabidingbiker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Law-Abiding-Biker-Motorcycle-Podcast-2014-Harley-Davidson-Hydraulic-Clutch.jpeg

[RickJ]

well, just to be fair...we had BRAKE issues...don't know if I'd rather not be able to go or stop!!...Nevertheless, your point is taken!

[broncsrule21]

Yeah, not much to go wrong with the 15 year old design of the GW. Well-proven by now, and relatively simple technology.

I am surprised that H-Ds use hydraulic clutches...I figured they would use cables, like Victory, for that retro feel.

Lots of H-D models. I have no idea which is which when I see one. :shrug:

i get confused with all those initials.....flxstrpjd?

[BIGLRY]

i get confused with all those initials.....flxstrpjd?That's okay once they pay to have a stage 13.4 Screaming Chicken flashed on the computer, $5K of engine work done their still all the same.........slow.:icon_lol:

[Steve 0080]

And the new ones have a shake installed just so you can remember the way your old H.D. felt...True!

[bob109]

Rumor has it Harley's Design Department employs a 5 year old for the purpose of using a Alphabet Kit to designate Harley models. Apparently they feed the child several large candy bars and them cut the kid loose with the kit, which the child uses to randomly choose each models letter identifier:shock: Attached is a pic of the "High Tech Kit" which, of course, is "Air Cooled" in keeping with Harley Tradition:icon_doh:

22438

[Old Ryder]

Cam chain tensioners---EVO cam bearings---$300 service charge every 5K miles.


Just part of the cost of riding a Harley.

The upside is $80 seats on eBay and if your speedometer cable breaks on your 1990 Heritage, the local dealer has 5 in stock(plastic, steel braided, black vinyl, etc) and all are less than $30. (true story) They are simple to work on.

Good and bad on every bike.

[GaTeach]

That's okay once they pay to have a stage 13.4 Screaming Chicken flashed on the computer, $5K of engine work done their still all the same.........slow.:icon_lol:

Screaming Chicken???? You're my new favorite person.

[Wing'n it]

There for awhile they was blaming the clutch issues on "big flags" some riders had on their bikes.

[Jimmytee]

My regular riding buddy rides an Ultra. He had just traded in his 08 on a new 16. Not 4500 miles and something went wrong with his clutch. Engine wouldn't engage transmission. He called me from the side of the road. He took it in and while it was under warranty, the mechanic tried saying it was how he was using the clutch. Releasing the clutch too slow or something. His 08 Ultra had a cable operated clutch and his new 16 a hydraulic. Mechanic tried feeding this crap to him. He's been all but ready to buy a Honda...

[opas ride]

That's okay once they pay to have a stage 13.4 Screaming Chicken flashed on the computer, $5K of engine work done their still all the same.........slow.:icon_lol:

Hey, question for those that know...Yesterday I got the new issue of Motorcycle Consumer News. Had a rode test of the new HD Low Rider S. Article claims that this model will beat most stock Harleys in a drag race..It shows 1/4 mile time @13.45 sec. @101.1mph..That sure ain't very fast...What is the same stats for a good running, stock F6B??...I know it has to be faster than this "pig" as I have had no real trouble beating 110 HD's in a short drag when the occasion arises..Not looking to race anyone much at my age, but I thought I saw somewhere the F6B does the 1/4 mile in about 12+ seconds at about 110 or mph...Regards, just curious...

[BIGLRY]

Hey, question for those that know...Yesterday I got the new issue of Motorcycle Consumer News. Had a rode test of the new HD Low Rider S. Article claims that this model will beat most stock Harleys in a drag race..It shows 1/4 mile time @13.45 sec. @101.1mph..That sure ain't very fast...What is the same stats for a good running, stock F6B??...I know it has to be faster than this "pig" as I have had no real trouble beating 110 HD's in a short drag when the occasion arises..Not looking to race anyone much at my age, but I thought I saw somewhere the F6B does the 1/4 mile in about 12+ seconds at about 110 or mph...Regards, just curious...
Acording to ..... Cycle World's evaluation between the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and the Honda F6B.
The H-D hp 91.27 @ 4970 rpm, F6B 103.66 @ 5580 rpm
H-D Torque 109.9 ft.-lb. @ 3750 rpm, F6B 109.9 ft.-lb. @ 4160 rpm
H- 1/4-mile 12.49 sec. @ 104.83 mph, F6B 11.84 sec. @ 110.97 mph
H-D 60 mph 3.7 sec. F6B 60 mph 3.3 sec
Dry weight, H-D 824 lb. F6B 813 lb
"The Honda’s roll-on acceleration in top gear also was a little better, edging the Harley by about three-quarters of a second from 40 to 60 mph and 60 to 80. But amazingly enough, both bikes posted identical top speeds: 124 mph.

But the Honda excels in too many important ways to play second fiddle. It’s faster, smoother and, when both rider and passenger comforts are taken into account, more luxurious. And unless you’ve either won the lottery or are prospering in these early recovery times, you can’t dismiss the $13,000 MSRP discrepancy between the Honda and the Harley. For that amount, you could buy any one of numerous full-size, top-quality motorcycles—or even a compact car!"
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/04/22/harley-davidson-cvo-road-glide-vs-honda-gold-wing-f6b-deluxe-comparison-test

On a side note the H-D tested had the screaming chicken flash in it so not completely stock imo even though it is a factory option.

[BIGLRY]

Screaming Chicken???? You're my new favorite person.

:lolup: 'Screaming Chicken 13.4' slang for H-D factory or mechanics upgrade flash done to H-D's 'Screaming Eagle Performance Tuner' also know as the 'Screaming Chicken Tuner' since they need all the help they can get in the power department imo.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/se-street-performance-tuner-kit

[53driver]

...On a side note the H-D tested had the screaming chicken flash in it so not completely stock imo even though it is a factory option.

If Guhl had re-flashed the F6B, that top speed would have been significantly higher.....plus lord only knows what other numbers may have changed.....

[BIGLRY]

If Guhl had re-flashed the F6B, that top speed would have been significantly higher.....plus lord only knows what other numbers may have changed.....Ya know I keep kicking this mod over an over in my brain as I have plans to put a set of the torquer(is that a word) Rune cams in my F6B...........hummmmm just can't pull the trigger yet.

[taxfree4]

Instead of spending untold millions on 3D cutouts and postage how about a little R&D so this doesn't happen over and over. Got this today in the mail, are they kidding? I put it together because one of my grandsons is coming over tomorrow and I'm sure he'll run it over with his Tonka dump truck.

[VStarRider]

Acording to ..... Cycle World's evaluation between the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and the Honda F6B.
The H-D hp 91.27 @ 4970 rpm, F6B 103.66 @ 5580 rpm
H-D Torque 109.9 ft.-lb. @ 3750 rpm, F6B 109.9 ft.-lb. @ 4160 rpm
H- 1/4-mile 12.49 sec. @ 104.83 mph, F6B 11.84 sec. @ 110.97 mph
H-D 60 mph 3.7 sec. F6B 60 mph 3.3 sec
Dry weight, H-D 824 lb. F6B 813 lb
"The Honda’s roll-on acceleration in top gear also was a little better, edging the Harley by about three-quarters of a second from 40 to 60 mph and 60 to 80. But amazingly enough, both bikes posted identical top speeds: 124 mph.

But the Honda excels in too many important ways to play second fiddle. It’s faster, smoother and, when both rider and passenger comforts are taken into account, more luxurious. And unless you’ve either won the lottery or are prospering in these early recovery times, you can’t dismiss the $13,000 MSRP discrepancy between the Honda and the Harley. For that amount, you could buy any one of numerous full-size, top-quality motorcycles—or even a compact car!"
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/04/22/harley-davidson-cvo-road-glide-vs-honda-gold-wing-f6b-deluxe-comparison-test

On a side note the H-D tested had the screaming chicken flash in it so not completely stock imo even though it is a factory option.

Did it surprise you as much it surprised me that the acceleration numbers were this close? I didn't think there was a Harley this fast. I just can't picture one doing what I do with my F6B from time to time...rolling on the throttle in 1st with a quick shift to second, then looking down and seeing I am going 50 mph already after just a couple of seconds.

I read this whole article when I was doing my research on buying a new bike last summer. I can't believe what folks pay for an air-cooled twin (fairly cheap engine to manufacture) that powers a rattling bike with 2-3" of suspension travel and radio. $33k? Sheesh. What is the profit margin on those things ?!?!

[opas ride]

Did it surprise you as much it surprised me that the acceleration numbers were this close? I didn't think there was a Harley this fast. I just can't picture one doing what I do with my F6B from time to time...rolling on the throttle in 1st with a quick shift to second, then looking down and seeing I am going 50 mph already after just a couple of seconds.

I read this whole article when I was doing my research on buying a new bike last summer. I can't believe what folks pay for an air-cooled twin (fairly cheap engine to manufacture) that powers a rattling bike with 2-3" of suspension travel and radio. $33k? Sheesh. What is the profit margin on those things ?!?!

A reminder that the CVO Harley used in this comparo was not stock!! The F6b was bone stock...The CVO had the 110 motor with a couple factory upgrades etc...BTW the HD listed for over $30,000......a far cry from the $19,000 price tag of the F6B....Ride safe

[BIGLRY]

A reminder that the CVO Harley used in this comparo was not stock!! The F6b was bone stock...The CVO had the 110 motor with a couple factory upgrades etc...BTW the HD listed for over $30,000......a far cry from the $19,000 price tag of the F6B....Ride safeCorrect my friend, as I stated in my post "the H-D tested had the screaming chicken flash in it so not completely stock imo even though it is a factory option"

[taxfree4]

Acording to ..... Cycle World's evaluation between the Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and the Honda F6B.
The H-D hp 91.27 @ 4970 rpm, F6B 103.66 @ 5580 rpm
H-D Torque 109.9 ft.-lb. @ 3750 rpm, F6B 109.9 ft.-lb. @ 4160 rpm
H- 1/4-mile 12.49 sec. @ 104.83 mph, F6B 11.84 sec. @ 110.97 mph
H-D 60 mph 3.7 sec. F6B 60 mph 3.3 sec
Dry weight, H-D 824 lb. F6B 813 lb
"The Honda’s roll-on acceleration in top gear also was a little better, edging the Harley by about three-quarters of a second from 40 to 60 mph and 60 to 80. But amazingly enough, both bikes posted identical top speeds: 124 mph.

But the Honda excels in too many important ways to play second fiddle. It’s faster, smoother and, when both rider and passenger comforts are taken into account, more luxurious. And unless you’ve either won the lottery or are prospering in these early recovery times, you can’t dismiss the $13,000 MSRP discrepancy between the Honda and the Harley. For that amount, you could buy any one of numerous full-size, top-quality motorcycles—or even a compact car!"
http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/04/22/harley-davidson-cvo-road-glide-vs-honda-gold-wing-f6b-deluxe-comparison-test

On a side note the H-D tested had the screaming chicken flash in it so not completely stock imo even though it is a factory option.

Here's an idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YWN94xzKVA

[broncsrule21]

"identical top speeds"? Don't know about the Harley but the F6B is limited by the ECU. Obviously has more in her than that.

[53driver]

Instead of spending untold millions on 3D cutouts and postage how about a little R&D so this doesn't happen over and over. Got this today in the mail, are they kidding? I put it together because one of my grandsons is coming over tomorrow and I'm sure he'll run it over with his Tonka dump truck.

I got one too...still debating a good use for it.

[BIGLRY]

Here's an idea:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YWN94xzKVA
https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/719925820609925120/JbJW0lp5.jpg

[Jimmytee]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/719925820609925120/JbJW0lp5.jpg

Uh yeah, I want one too. :icon_lol:

Did you understand those numbers though? Those first numbers didn't seem like a very appreciable rise from stock.

[F6Dave]

I test rode both the F6B and the BMW K1600. A significant reason for choosing the Honda was simpler maintenance and better reliability. I talked to some K1600 owners and their experiences influenced me.

Years ago I owned a Honda V65 Sabre. The engine was awesomely powerful and smooth. But just to adjust the valves, you had to drain the coolant and remove the radiator. The upper valve cover was in such a tight location that it was made up of multiple parts so you could remove it. The job took a good 5 hours, making the GL1800 air filter change look easy!

After that I decided I enjoyed riding more than working on my bikes. I now own 3 Honda flat-6 bikes (2 old Valkyries and the F6B) with a combined 300,000 miles on them. For me it's the best motorcycle drive train ever designed.

[stevenolts]

The new 110 HD CVO does run pretty strong. But they cost double the F6B.
Steve

[opas ride]

The new 110 HD CVO does run pretty strong. But they cost double the F6B.
Steve

I agree they do run pretty strong, but a Victory Crossroads/Magnum with a few mods i.e., cams/air box mod, timing change and fuel controller (about $1500 total costs) will absolutely "blow the HD into the weeds"...I know as I had one for a while....Cost for the bike and mods is a whole lot less than the CVO Harley... But, the F6B will "do-in" both of them at half the cost almost....Ride safe

[taxfree4]

I got one too...still debating a good use for it.

My grandson rolled over it with his dump truck. I'd like to send it back to Harley in pieces and tell them the clutch went on this one too.

[taxfree4]

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/719925820609925120/JbJW0lp5.jpg

Hey, shake enough sand and both of us will be able to, LOL. (Inside joke) ; )

[BIGLRY]

Hey, shake enough sand and both of us will be able to, LOL. (Inside joke) ; )
http://clipartix.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Smiley-face-thumbs-up-thank-you-free-clipart-images.jpg

[shooter]

Did it surprise you as much it surprised me that the acceleration numbers were this close? I didn't think there was a Harley this fast. I just can't picture one doing what I do with my F6B from time to time...rolling on the throttle in 1st with a quick shift to second, then looking down and seeing I am going 50 mph already after just a couple of seconds.

I read this whole article when I was doing my research on buying a new bike last summer. I can't believe what folks pay for an air-cooled twin (fairly cheap engine to manufacture) that powers a rattling bike with 2-3" of suspension travel and radio. $33k? Sheesh. What is the profit margin on those things ?!?!

Its not that fast. I rode with one of those a few months ago. Guy was pretty froggy. Buddy of mine told me , he'll try you before the day is out. He knows he can beat us so you will be the target. Sure enough coming out of a small town a long straight stretch opened up and when I hit 60 mph I looked back and he had a hard run on me.I dropped back to third and cobbed on it. The B jumped up quick and he quit closing almost immediately. I ran it to redline in third and fourth before I looked back again. It was all over. Done took the wind out of his sail.