I have a 2004 XL883 vanillia style and it's a plesant and comfortable ride. I have however had some significant problems with this bike. The yoke that secures the forks to the body has had to be replaced 3 times after failing with cracks, HD replaced under warrently (as a known manuf fault) and the fourth now seems ok after 12 months riding. It's not a morning bike, coughing and stalling for the first 10 mins of the ride, you have to allow at least an extra 3 mins to allow the bike to warm up. The most recent issue was with with the gear box, which had a significant failure and cost over £2000 to repair. Having done 35K miles in 3 years the mileage is high for a Harley, but not in real terms and as the bike has had all it's services (by Harley Dearlers) and has been been well cared for this seems a tad too much trouble for what is an expensive bike, when compared to it's peers. I agree with the former reviewer in that the bike is underpowered in it's off the shelf incarnation and am dissapointed that having shelled out over £5K you have to spend more to get what should be standard. Some 'customisations' I would have done if I hadn't had to spend £4K on service and repairs are: Forward Controls, Stage 1 tune, Screaming Eagle Pipes (It sounds like a conventional bike otherwise), 6 speed box (5 is standard but it feel like its over reving when close to 70) and a Petrol Gague, how dumb is that a bike without a gauge!
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Not my sort of bike but good to read an honest review of another bike
COOOEEE 05.05.2007 20:07
Ah but despite its faults there is nothing quite like the sound of a Harley and they are blooming good to look at. Fionaxx
COOOEEE 05.05.2007 20:05
Please ignore the comment below about updating your Circle of Trust. The advice is very misleading. There is no promise whatsoever that your reviews will be read by those in your COT and against the rules to use it as a click circle and your membership will be terminated if found doing so. Before adding anyone to yours please read the guidelines here --- http://www.ciao.co.uk/faq.php/Id/4/Idx/4 ---- Fiona (New Members Guide)
May 5th, 2007
(May 4th, 2007)
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