Faults:

I have had no mechanical problems with this bike.

General Comments:

The stock seat is not as comfortable is it could be for what is to be the "ultra" cruising machine for Harley Davidson.

I do not like the fuel injection system. I know it's better for emissions and it starts better than the carburetor, but you cannot get the potato-potato sound from the fuel injected models without spending a lot of money.

I have owned other brands of motorcycles that measured up to the Harley in all ways except for the sound when the Harleys were carbureted. But now that sound is out of the picture for Harley Davidsons with fuel injections, which is your only option by the way, it would pay you to shop other brands before making your purchase.

Faults:

The rear arm of the heel-and-toe shifter worked itself loose at 1200km, and the mechanism that transmits movement from the shifter to the gearbox did the same shortly after the 16000km service. Annoying, but easily fixed.

General Comments:

I absolutely love this bike. I have been riding since the late 70's and have owned both Japanese (Honda, Yamaha & Kawasaki) and European bikes (BMW & Triumph).

I was part of the Harley haters, but was nonetheless willing to road test one when looking for a new touring bike: it was a revelation.

By coincidence I road tested a Gold Wing on the same day as the 'Glide. The Honda is perfect in any engineering analysis, but to me it was about as exciting as driving an Accord. The Harley, on the other hand, has a much more elemental mechanical quality to it. It feels like a motorcycle where the Honda feels like an appliance.

This is the first bike in a long time that always encourages me to seek out the longest route between A and B. My wife enjoys the excellent passenger accommodations. The adjustable passenger floorboards are nice, the sound system with built-in intercom is very good and the luggage is great. This is a top-notch ride!

Faults:

So far nothing.

General Comments:

The bike is a head turner and a crowd magnet; if you want to be noticed then this is the machine.

As for riding, obviously you cannot toss it around like most other bikes, it's purpose built for long distance touring, anything else becomes a challenge. So, if you're looking for a bike that will get you there, in comfort and style, then this is the bike.

Although the K1200LT is quicker, more agile, the problem I had was the mid mount foot controls; when you're riding all day, it's nice to be able to move your feet around...

And it just does not have the status of the Harley, plus the depreciation of the BMW is much greater than the Harley, so the cost of ownership of the Harley is by far the best on the market today.

Also the ability to make your Harley look like no other Harley around is so simple, and so much fun.

Being an active member of HOG is also a great social benefit of Harley ownership; like everything in life, you get out what you put in, and owning the big Harley is the best ticket in town.