Posted by Jim on April 21, 2000 at 20:42:40:
In Reply to: Harleys Breakdown posted by Lynn on April 20, 2000 at 21:46:03:
Couldn't help getting in on this.... I was at my dealer the other day and he showed me something. One of the cycle magazines had just put out a "consumer reports" type chart showing which bikes broke down the most (or it may have said "required dealer repair"; there is a big difference!), and which were most expensive to repair. I can't remember the magazine that published it, but if anyone's interested, I'll try to go back and get a link or something.
Anyway I don't remember where everything fell out, but Buell and Harley were among the bikes that averaged the most and most expensive breakdowns (I think Buell led the pack...). All the way at the other end of the chart was Honda (least breakdowns and least expensive), but right next to Honda was Suzuki!
I really don't put alot of faith in these kind of things (but it's fun to get the HD guys all bent out of shape!); I think you can get a lemon with any name painted on the side. I also think there are alot of idiots who can't ride who get big bikes to look cool, and then end up needing "dealer repair" when they drop 'em.
Bottom line : ride safe (within your limits), have fun, and quit worrying about what everyone is riding. Worry about the idiot next to you who is eating a pizza, talking on his cel-phone, doing a crossword, and trying to merge into your saddlebags.
KTRSD
-Jim