2012 HD Demo rides

[glwilson]

If you take care of it, and don't mind a few "incidents" that are going to happen if you ride the bike... then it will last you for a long, long time.

Only reason to buy a new one is because you want new shiny paint and chrome. While I like my bikes to look nice... it is inevitable they are going to show some wear if you are riding it... and I bought mine to ride.

And besides... if you are riding it... no one sees the details of the paint or custom chrome anyway!

Going to try to ride today... although the temps look like they are going to stay at around 50 degrees... which is cold when riding... I don't care who you are, or how hot your engine is.

PS: Elvis... after the break-in on Dino oil... I switched to their best syn-oil, and fluids for the bike. It helped some in keeping it cooler. (Minor... but still worth it.) Also installed a Stage-1 breather, and re-mapped the motor slightly to accommodate more air. I did not change pipes... still have stock on mine and always will (so I can hear when riding). The breather helped cool it down some also. You have the oil-cooler on yours, so you'll get some relief from it, but the other suggestions can help also.

Last but not least, be watchful of your oil-cooler... it sits out front and low on the bike. There have been some that have had various things puncture it somehow; and dump all their oil on the road. I admit, it would be rare... but I do know it has happened. I saw it in Maggie Valley at the National at the HD dealer in Asheville, NC... a guy traveling from near Maine was broke down with his punctured. (I had mine there for another reason... of my own fault, which we will not mention.)

[Dave]

Originally Posted by glwilson

PS: Elvis... after the break-in on Dino oil... I switched to their best syn-oil, and fluids for the bike. It helped some in keeping it cooler. (Minor... but still worth it.

I use Valvoline V Twin in the engine and Belray in the tranny. Seems like a good combination.

Of course nothing beats Amsoil.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Dave

I use Valvoline V Twin in the engine and Belray in the tranny. Seems like a good combination.

Of course nothing beats Amsoil.

You are up early Dave...

[Dave]

Originally Posted by glwilson

You are up early Dave...

At work.

[glwilson]

Originally Posted by Dave

At work.

Must be a slow morning...

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by glwilson

If you take care of it, and don't mind a few "incidents" that are going to happen if you ride the bike... then it will last you for a long, long time.

Only reason to buy a new one is because you want new shiny paint and chrome. While I like my bikes to look nice... it is inevitable they are going to show some wear if you are riding it... and I bought mine to ride.

And besides... if you are riding it... no one sees the details of the paint or custom chrome anyway!

Going to try to ride today... although the temps look like they are going to stay at around 50 degrees... which is cold when riding... I don't care who you are, or how hot your engine is.

PS: Elvis... after the break-in on Dino oil... I switched to their best syn-oil, and fluids for the bike. It helped some in keeping it cooler. (Minor... but still worth it.) Also installed a Stage-1 breather, and re-mapped the motor slightly to accommodate more air. I did not change pipes... still have stock on mine and always will (so I can hear when riding). The breather helped cool it down some also. You have the oil-cooler on yours, so you'll get some relief from it, but the other suggestions can help also.

Last but not least, be watchful of your oil-cooler... it sits out front and low on the bike. There have been some that have had various things puncture it somehow; and dump all their oil on the road. I admit, it would be rare... but I do know it has happened. I saw it in Maggie Valley at the National at the HD dealer in Asheville, NC... a guy traveling from near Maine was broke down with his punctured. (I had mine there for another reason... of my own fault, which we will not mention.)

I use Mobil V-Twin 20W50 in the crankcase and Redline in the primary and transmission.

[elvis]

Originally Posted by Cajunrider

....My plans were to wait on the 13's. ....

The same here, I was expecting 110 ci motors on the regular line-up because it is the 110th.

Special editions look really nice, the colours, emblem and all but they are essentially the same bike as 2012s.

[elvis]

Originally Posted by glwilson

If you take care of it, and don't mind a few "incidents" that are going to happen if you ride the bike... then it will last you for a long, long time.

Only reason to buy a new one is because you want new shiny paint and chrome. While I like my bikes to look nice... it is inevitable they are going to show some wear if you are riding it... and I bought mine to ride.

And besides... if you are riding it... no one sees the details of the paint or custom chrome anyway!

Going to try to ride today... although the temps look like they are going to stay at around 50 degrees... which is cold when riding... I don't care who you are, or how hot your engine is.

PS: Elvis... after the break-in on Dino oil... I switched to their best syn-oil, and fluids for the bike. It helped some in keeping it cooler. (Minor... but still worth it.) Also installed a Stage-1 breather, and re-mapped the motor slightly to accommodate more air. I did not change pipes... still have stock on mine and always will (so I can hear when riding). The breather helped cool it down some also. You have the oil-cooler on yours, so you'll get some relief from it, but the other suggestions can help also.

Last but not least, be watchful of your oil-cooler... it sits out front and low on the bike. There have been some that have had various things puncture it somehow; and dump all their oil on the road. I admit, it would be rare... but I do know it has happened. I saw it in Maggie Valley at the National at the HD dealer in Asheville, NC... a guy traveling from near Maine was broke down with his punctured. (I had mine there for another reason... of my own fault, which we will not mention.)

Thanks for hints and heads up, Greg.

I'll do my regular maintenance and I have a tendency to do just enough. I usually don't overkill. I have one issue with H-Ds recommendation though. They tell you to put the same oil in to 3 separates systems that are isolated from each other. And there are oils specifically designed for each application. So why would anyone use motor oil in the tranny?

I'm going to put synthetic in all 3 holes when I hit 1000 miles but choose brands and grades suitable for the motor, tranny and primary.

[elvis]

Originally Posted by glwilson

Only reason to buy a new one is because you want new shiny paint and chrome.

Agreed and also I want to know all about my bike's history. Electra had 13 km when I left the dealer (my Nomad had 0 km). It's a good feeling, peace of mind when you ride your bike across the deserts, over the mountains, along the ocean in rain year after year.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by elvis

Thanks for hints and heads up, Greg.

I'll do my regular maintenance and I have a tendency to do just enough. I usually don't overkill. I have one issue with H-Ds recommendation though. They tell you to put the same oil in to 3 separates systems that are isolated from each other. And there are oils specifically designed for each application. So why would anyone use motor oil in the tranny?

I'm going to put synthetic in all 3 holes when I hit 1000 miles but choose brands and grades suitable for the motor, tranny and primary.

Yes, doesn't make sense to me, either. At my 1000 mile service, they put SYN3 in all 3 holes. Since I switched to Redline, my transmission shifts smoother and it's easier to locate neutral.

[Cajunrider]

I know they put 20w-50 syn in the crankcase but I'm not sure what they put in the primary. I do know that it shift's smoother and quieter since the service. Either practice makes perfect or something made neutral much easier to find now. A slight tap on the heel shifter and there it is. The Rinehart 4" slip ons are great and not too loud, even with the true dual headers.

[Top Cat]

I have never even sat on a HD but in the pics of Elvis and the one of Loafer they look to be stretching to reach the bars. Is this common on an HD?
That being said, if I ever do buy a Harley it will probably be a Road King, just like the looks of them.

[Cajunrider]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

I have never even sat on a HD but in the pics of Elvis and the one of Loafer they look to be stretching to reach the bars. Is this common on an HD?
That being said, if I ever do buy a Harley it will probably be a Road King, just like the looks of them.

Tim, I'm not reaching as far as I was on my Nomad with the 2" pullback risers I added. The bars on my new bike appear to be a little longer and I also feel like I'm siting an inch or so farther to the front.

[Monkeyman]

I've missed a thread somewhere.

elvis --- Did you trade off your Nomad for a Harley?

[elvis]

Originally Posted by Top Cat

I have never even sat on a HD but in the pics of Elvis and the one of Loafer they look to be stretching to reach the bars. Is this common on an HD?
That being said, if I ever do buy a Harley it will probably be a Road King, just like the looks of them.

Tim, I don't know which pic of me you're referring to where I have to stretch my arms on a Harley.

In fact, the 'Glides feel like compact bikes as compared to Nomad (for me). Electra fits me like a glove.