I'm considering switching bikes for a number of reasons. The motor on the Harley runs HOT! I've richened the mixture a little using the XIED's in the O2 sensors and that's helped but on the hottest days of the summer it gets really uncomfortable. I know there's a lot of things I can do to cool this down but I'm kinda agitated about having to spend a couple of thousand to correct a problem on a 23K bike. Also, this bike breaks fairing brackets a little too often. This is a subject that is constantly being discussed on the Harley forums, most people feel the MOCO's response to this issue sucks! Starting to hear a lot from owners about concerns of crank runout and cam tensioner failure. Although mine is a 2007 with the hydraulic tensioners it's starting to be a concern for me now that the bike has over 30K miles on it. Another reason is that I rode a Goldwing for the better part of a day on a scorching summer day and not only did the bike perform great, it didn't roast my legs off the way the HD did on the way to the dealer that day. It's not quite as comfortable as my Harley but I'm thinking it will only take a little time and a little money to correct that. The Victorys I've ridden on numerous occasions have also performed very well, been very comfortable and as near as I have seen have been very reliable over the years. Was also considering the new BMW but after sitting on it at the IMS show in New York I just don't think I could ever enjoy riding that bike 2 up which is how I ride a lot.
Thanks for the reply. I agree in part with most of your reply. The GL1200, 1500 and 1800's are an excellent machine.
As far as the H-D heat issue, one needs to remember that it is an air cooled engine. You will find the temp gauge on the wing will climb during the times you mention.
Broke one left fairing bracket, made the repair with an "L" bracket, no probems in that area after that.
Haven't really heard of any problems with the hydraulic tensions on the 07-up engines. From what I have read ever now and then some engine cranks have been found with runout above the .0015. My 06 was .0005, ran the OEM setup and traded the bike off at 61,000 with the oem cam chain shoes still in place.
Reference the purchase of a wing. I would suggest that you pay close attention to any of the 1800's from 01-03 and maybe some 04's. Just make sure all of the factory recalls have been completed.
Not much to advise you to be aware of on the 1500's. I have owned six, currently riding one with 93,500 miles. Runs almost identical to the day the speedometer showed 1.6 miles.
Replaced the alternator at 62,450. Also, replaced the timing belts at 74,500. This was a total waste of good money and time. Both belts appeared as new. Other services has been general maintanance only.
Again, welcome to the forum and ride safe.
