Re: 2014 Triglide problems
I should probably keep my mouth shut, but call me a glutton for punishment.
I`ve worked in electrical engineering R&D for over 25 years and what I see going on with the 2014 H-D models does not surprise me. Most think this comes from poor design or testing but I can tell you it happens all too often. The transition from a prototype to production always has some bumps. I can't tell you how many times I`ve tested systems and had the craziest un-expected issues pop-up as soon as it was transitioned to production. Now you can call this sloppy design work or whatever term you wish to use, but it happens. I don't know anything about how H-D does product development and maybe they do use their customers as 'beta testers'. I hope not. All I can tell you is despite the best planning, testing and intentions stuff happens when the production switch gets turned-on. Just giving you my own perspective and experience folks.
I will now put-on my flak jacket. :)
Jerry
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
Ever watch the video on the design,build and cost to design the V-Rod,it's an amazing video and was proclaimed the "Best"Harley to ever hit the streets.Yet,not many liked or bought the V-Rod because it just didn't look like a Harley,and there were very few problems reported on the V-Rod.
Maybe Harley should have used the same approach in designing 2014 models,keeping the appearence their customers want,and there might have been less problems from the beginning.
As you know,a lot of Harleys are sold and shipped out of country.I wonder how these owners in other countries are dealig with re-calls when the dealer base isn't as good as it is here.
We have had several Gold Wings and Harleys,I think they are both beautiful machines.
Just sayin.
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
I have owned a few Harleys in the past and have not had the issues that I have had with this bike (2010) Ex: oil leaks,loose oil pans bolts,trans bolts loose,compensator problems etc..I love the dam bike, but the R&D needs improvement before production to the customer.. It does bring the meaning of dont buy" the first year vehicle" to a new perspective..
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
[QUOTE=Jerry/MD;210259]I should probably keep my mouth shut, but call me a glutton for punishment.
I`ve worked in electrical engineering R&D for over 25 years and what I see going on with the 2014 H-D models does not surprise me. Most think this comes from poor design or testing but I can tell you it happens all too often. The transition from a prototype to production always has some bumps. I can't tell you how many times I`ve tested systems and had the craziest un-expected issues pop-up as soon as it was transitioned to production. Now you can call this sloppy design work or whatever term you wish to use, but it happens. I don't know anything about how H-D does product development and maybe they do use their customers as 'beta testers'. I hope not. All I can tell you is despite the best planning, testing and intentions stuff happens when the production switch gets turned-on. Just giving you my own perspective and experience folks.[/quote]
I think you explained it very well. But most people don't understand that.
Dan
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
1st year moans and groans are not limited to Harleys, trust me...2005 C6 Corvette, 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray,,,,and issues will continue even in the future yrs of the genre and then it begins all over again in the next generation of the name tag.
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
[FONT=comic sans ms]To add to the great comments by Jerry/MD, some of the problems found with first production runs are created by the 'bean counters' trying to keep cost down. I have experienced the 'bean counter' problems on cars, trucks & guns, they can make what they [B][I]THINK[/I][/B] are small unimportant changes and the product & customer pays for it. It can be amazing how a small change in a supplier and/or material can create problems with a great design, including well tested designs. Its a shame that some companies allow the wrong people make changes to products and we have to pay for it[/FONT]
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
[QUOTE=trikermutha;210271]I have owned a few Harleys in the past and have not had the issues that I have had with this bike (2010) Ex: oil leaks,loose oil pans bolts,trans bolts loose,compensator problems etc..I love the dam bike, but the R&D needs improvement before production to the customer.. It does bring the meaning of dont buy" the first year vehicle" to a new perspective..[/QUOTE]
:Agree: My dad and I both had good luck with our previous Harley's, he road the snot out of his 06 Ultra and never had one single problem. The guy who bought it off of him grind ear to ear every time he gets it out and rides it, still trouble free for the new owner. My 06 Ultra has never stranded me except for one time and I could have prevented that had I taken the time to replace the ignition lock before I left town. I'd get on that bike right now and take it out west without a 2nd thought.
Now my dads 09 Triglide has stranded him and spent its fair share getting fixed, his extended warranty paid for it self. The 2010 Triglide I had was looking to be more trouble than it was worth so I sent it down the road, I just didn't trust it anymore.
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
Well This thread has answered my questions about the new 2014 Triglide we looked at today. The wife and I are going to be in the market soon for our trike and are looking at the Goldwing and Triglide trikes. We want one that is as trouble free as possible as we ride a lot and take long trips. We like both but don't want to be a test pilot for anyone.
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
I feel the real ignorant part of the problems they are having with the cooling should have been solved long before they hit the market ! They had designed a full water cooled Harley around 1980/81 that never hit the sales floor, & look how long they have been doing the V-Rod......!
But then again when you are afraid of putting out a water cooled Harley in the full size touring motorcycle because people might not like it, you just made your first mistake with it ! I hope they finish the job maybe next year or at least the next. Either sh*t or get off the pot ! Speaking of which I saw a pix of Denver all fogged in this morning. Maybe it was fog & maybe not......
Excuse the rant ! But it is JMO !
pepper
Re: 2014 Triglide problems
[QUOTE=bodymanpainter;210337]Well This thread has answered my questions about the new 2014 Triglide we looked at today. The wife and I are going to be in the market soon for our trike and are looking at the Goldwing and Triglide trikes. We want one that is as trouble free as possible as we ride a lot and take long trips. We like both but don't want to be a test pilot for anyone.[/QUOTE]
Please don't listen to advice from those that have no experience with the product they are bashing. These folks are just bitter because of the experience they had with the earlier model TriGlides, not the 14s. I actually own a 2014 TriGlide and it is an awesome motorcycle. I have owned more Harleys than most on here, easily. Get a 2014 TriGlide and enjoy.