Hello all, I recently purchased my first street legal bike which is a 2007 Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide for $5500. I bought it from a guy that did a lot of upgrades to it looks wise but never touched the engine or anything. I don't know what it is, but the last few months have been nothing but problem after problem with the bike.
When I purchased it, I did a 3 hole service on it. Rode it maybe 1000 miles and then I had a leaking fork seal. Purchased fork seal kit and purchased a motorcycle lift and tons of tools to attempt the job. I finally came to the conclusion that I could not do the job myself due to not having the proper tools. Took the forks to a shop and had them do it. Guy told me the forkend may need to be replaced becauss it was sort of egg shaped. He told me it is safe to run it but monitor it.
Get it back and install it. I ride the bike, then I realized the engine was making a odd noise, like a metallic pinging noise. I realize that the exhaust was hanging on by one nut. The other three nuts apparently vibrated off. Went and got the exhaust seals, flange nuts, and did the job. Then the shocks were wore out. I replaced them with Drag Specialties shocks and even did the springs in the forks.
Now my tuner is saying the oxygen sensor bank is open, indidcating the wires are worn or frayed (according to the Vance and Hines tuner). Now I have ordered two fresh oxygen sensors. Go to ride the bike today and the same fork seal that was leaking before is leaking again. Here is the real kicker, its not the fork with the egg shaped forkend/slider. I have spent nearly $3000 in repairs.
I'll be honest, I haven't really had a chance to really enjoy my bike because it is constantly down getting repairs done to it. I am honestly sick of it. I am looking into Indian motorcycles and even Metric bikes now. My dad has a Gold Wing and said he has never had an issue.
By no means am I trying to turn this into a Harley hating post, but if constant down time is just "part of owning a Harley Davidson" then whats the point? Why do people buy them? I feel like I was lied to when people I know claimed that Harley is the best cruiser out there and it is very reliable. I have had the opposite experience.
I want to buy a newer Street Glide or Electra Glide but I hear the M8 engine is garbage because of oil sump problems. Really don't want the rubber mounted Twin Cam because it is vibrating itself to death. I want to like Harley Davidson; but it is so damn expensive to own one.
Was hoping someone that is wiser than I to drop some wisdom on me. Any help or recommendations appreciated.