For starters, I still remain HD's biggest fan. And my Dealer, Sales and Service, always great. This bike is the best, but there remains room for improvement . . .
In the garage, climbing off, and the bike almost buries me . . . get 'er up on the Center Stand and find 2 of 3 bolts missing to the Jiffy Stand, and the 3rd barely fixed in place. And oil seeping from a mounting hole. Agony. Get 'er to the Dealer and it's 2-4 weeks (dream on) for a new Crankcase Half and 40+ shop hours for repair. All because the Jiffy Stand was not anchored correctly? And sure enough, no thread locker of any type on the remaining bolt (nicely bent).
Check it out: remove Fairing, Seats, Fuel Tank, Steering Head Covers, Main Fuse, the TAIL SECTION, Brake Line Clamps, Air Box, Plugs, Ignition Coil and Coil Mount, EVAP (?) Line, Sensor Harness, Induction Module, ECM, Cylinder Head Caddy Cover, Skids Plate, Engine Guards, Voltage Regulator and Mount, Coolant Overflow Tank, Radiator, Jiffy Stand (that should be easy), Center Stand, Left Foot Control Bracket, Chain Guard, Exhaust System, Rear Wheels, Drive Chain, Disconnect Rear Shock, remove Mid Frame from Engine, detach Front Frame, and then transfer Sensor Harness, Drive Sprocket, and Rear Port Extension Header, and starter (for safe keeping). Also get your hands on HD's Engine Support Plate, Powertrain R&R Fixture, Crankshaft Protector, and a short 2X4 for use with a Flat Jack Stand.
. . . and that's just to get at the Crankcase (!). Am betting I made my point. Here's my ask-- can it be known if I should be okay with this outcome given the bike has less than 5k miles? Do I have any other options, recourse for satisfaction. What assurances do I have that my trusted Dealer Techs are equal to some brand new tasking here (factory trained, qualified, experienced)? What about ALL those electronics, seals and sensors, fittings, connections, plugs-- everything all previously factory sealed, moisture safe and fastened to spec? Should I worry for bugs and gremlins further down the road?
Should I just ask for a new bike, prepare to get laughed at, or would someone somewhere take me serious? Hope is not a strategy, but it feels like my only recourse. Any thoughts? Can anyone share any contact info for Customer Service Harley Davidson USA (beyond the "Contact Us" at HD.com)-- any secret inroads?
Btw, book says 15-18 ft-lbs on those mounting bolts-- nuh uh, 24-36 pounds depending on your fear and RED thread locker given this outcome. Just sayin' 👊
Bike a nice day, knee caps in the wind. It snows tomorrow. Tx eh, JM.
In the garage, climbing off, and the bike almost buries me . . . get 'er up on the Center Stand and find 2 of 3 bolts missing to the Jiffy Stand, and the 3rd barely fixed in place. And oil seeping from a mounting hole. Agony. Get 'er to the Dealer and it's 2-4 weeks (dream on) for a new Crankcase Half and 40+ shop hours for repair. All because the Jiffy Stand was not anchored correctly? And sure enough, no thread locker of any type on the remaining bolt (nicely bent).
Check it out: remove Fairing, Seats, Fuel Tank, Steering Head Covers, Main Fuse, the TAIL SECTION, Brake Line Clamps, Air Box, Plugs, Ignition Coil and Coil Mount, EVAP (?) Line, Sensor Harness, Induction Module, ECM, Cylinder Head Caddy Cover, Skids Plate, Engine Guards, Voltage Regulator and Mount, Coolant Overflow Tank, Radiator, Jiffy Stand (that should be easy), Center Stand, Left Foot Control Bracket, Chain Guard, Exhaust System, Rear Wheels, Drive Chain, Disconnect Rear Shock, remove Mid Frame from Engine, detach Front Frame, and then transfer Sensor Harness, Drive Sprocket, and Rear Port Extension Header, and starter (for safe keeping). Also get your hands on HD's Engine Support Plate, Powertrain R&R Fixture, Crankshaft Protector, and a short 2X4 for use with a Flat Jack Stand.
. . . and that's just to get at the Crankcase (!). Am betting I made my point. Here's my ask-- can it be known if I should be okay with this outcome given the bike has less than 5k miles? Do I have any other options, recourse for satisfaction. What assurances do I have that my trusted Dealer Techs are equal to some brand new tasking here (factory trained, qualified, experienced)? What about ALL those electronics, seals and sensors, fittings, connections, plugs-- everything all previously factory sealed, moisture safe and fastened to spec? Should I worry for bugs and gremlins further down the road?
Should I just ask for a new bike, prepare to get laughed at, or would someone somewhere take me serious? Hope is not a strategy, but it feels like my only recourse. Any thoughts? Can anyone share any contact info for Customer Service Harley Davidson USA (beyond the "Contact Us" at HD.com)-- any secret inroads?
Btw, book says 15-18 ft-lbs on those mounting bolts-- nuh uh, 24-36 pounds depending on your fear and RED thread locker given this outcome. Just sayin' 👊
Bike a nice day, knee caps in the wind. It snows tomorrow. Tx eh, JM.