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Harley Announces Recall of 13,400 Bikes
AP (Absolute Prevarication) ^ | 11/23/2005 | Staff

Posted on 11/23/2005 12:31:34 PM PST by Red Badger

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Harley-Davidson Inc. issued a voluntary safety recall on 2006 model Dyna series motorcycles built between June 9 and Oct. 19 due to a transmission defect.

The company said late Tuesday the recall affects some 13,400 motorcycles and is expected to cost less than $5 million, which it will make reservations for in the fourth quarter.

Harley-Davidson also said it expects to meet its previously announced wholesale shipment target of 329,000 motorcycles for 2005.

The Milwaukee-based company said it will provide owners with free pickup and delivery and will make recall kits, which include three redesigned transmission components, available at dealerships starting the week of Dec. 12.

The defect may allow the motorcycles to go into a false neutral position even though the neutral indicator light is illuminated, it said.

"If that happens, the transmission could engage into first or second gear unexpectedly," Harley-Davidson spokesman Bob Klein said Wednesday.

Two accidents related to the problem were reported, but none resulted in injury, Klein said.

The defect resulted from a design flaw in the six-speed transmission, which replaced the five-speed on the Dyna to make for a smoother ride at highway speeds and increase fuel efficiency, Klein said.

The redesign also resulted in a change to the front forks, chassis and a wider rear tire.

Shipments of the 2006 Dyna had been delayed but resumed after a change to production, he said.

Harley-Davidson shares rose $1.20, or 2.2 percent, to $55.67 in Wednesday afternoon trading on the New York Stock Exchange, amid a general gain in market prices on optimism over consumer spending this holiday season.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Unclassified
KEYWORDS: gearhead; harley; motorcycle; motorcycles; recall
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To: Poser

Neat stuff. I recall when big Ed was workin for Knotts in Ca, doing paint brushing stuff.


121 posted on 11/23/2005 7:43:11 PM PST by Jigsaw John
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To: Old Professer

No, that was the best thing. Not because it replaced the kickstarter, but because it made for more room in the engine case. It was the foundation for more improvements than any non-mechanic will ever realize.


122 posted on 11/23/2005 8:22:00 PM PST by Melas (What!? Read or learn something? Why would anyone do that, when they can just go on being stupid)
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To: blarney

I've had 3 Sporties now and 2 big twins. I don't see myself ever owning a 3rd big twin, but if I live long enough, I'll own more Sportsters.


123 posted on 11/23/2005 8:24:00 PM PST by Melas (What!? Read or learn something? Why would anyone do that, when they can just go on being stupid)
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To: Melas
I know where all the parts come from, from the Showa forks, to the Kehien carb. It's not a problem for me, so why is it a problem for you. Your whole bike came from Japan and that's not a problem, so I don't get it.

I guess I don't get it either... If there's a company here in the US that makes forks, then I might be interested... Same with carbs. Sometimes you have to get parts or components whereever they're manufactured.

Mark

124 posted on 11/23/2005 9:43:43 PM PST by MarkL (I didn't get to where I am today by worrying about what I'd feel like tomorrow!)
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To: MarkL

Forks, carbs, frames, motors, wheels, doesn't matter you can get them all made right here in the U.S. it's just a matter of price.

Hey how do you post a picture?


125 posted on 11/24/2005 6:25:54 AM PST by blarney
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To: blarney

V-Max has not changed since 1984. Granted in 1984 the V-Max was the king. But today a V-Max is slow compared to the rest of the liter plus sport bikes and most of the 600cc middle weights.
It is simple math that will tell you there is no contest.
The v-max has 116hp and weighs 631lbs
Yamaha GSXR750 has 127hp and weighs 430lbs
That is simple math and that is just an example. Dozens and dozens of japaneze and italian bikes have better numbers than that.
A Harley V-Rod has 109hp and weighs 620lbs. Thats no contest......and it costs $20,000.
V-Max days are over. Unless they totally redesign that bike, they are stuck in 1984 times. The V-Rod is a start in the right direction for Harley. But for the money......


126 posted on 11/25/2005 5:10:56 AM PST by HOTTIEBOY (Maybe in your house. Not in mine.)
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To: Melas
I certainly didn't intend to insult you. I am trying to insult Harley-Davidson. I cannot blame them for being a success. But all that success should allow them to build a better bike. The people that own harleys yell "buy American instead of JapCrap."
When America builds a fast, nimble, affordable bike based on 21st century technology, I will buy it. Until then, i will not pay $17,000 for old tech wrapped in an image just to be like everyone else. Not when i know I can buy something better.
Sorry if any of my postings seem offensive. Allot of my riding buds ride harleys. They respect my bike and I respect theirs. But as soon as they give me this "real bike" crap, I show them what 13,000rpm, DOHC, 4cyl, fuel injected 396lbs looks like from the rear.
127 posted on 11/25/2005 5:23:25 AM PST by HOTTIEBOY (Maybe in your house. Not in mine.)
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To: Salamander
"Push rod envy?" No. Not at all. Pushrods were available in 1945. Do you have 146 hp, Double Overhead Cam, 16 valve, fuel injected envy?
128 posted on 11/25/2005 5:29:45 AM PST by HOTTIEBOY (Maybe in your house. Not in mine.)
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To: HOTTIEBOY

HaHa, if you think so more power to ya. You spend your time telling everyone why they are better than an American Vtwin, the American Vtwin owners don't have to do that and theres a reason they don't have to.


129 posted on 11/25/2005 6:56:40 AM PST by blarney
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To: HOTTIEBOY

Thanks guys! I'll remember to add HD to the list of American companies to hate!


130 posted on 11/25/2005 7:02:19 AM PST by Doohickey (If you choose not to decide, you still have made a choice...I will choose freewill.)
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To: blarney

You don't know squat and need to stop getting all your talking points out of back issues of Easy Riders magazine.

Harleys are only worth more money because someone is willing to pay for it. The parts and materials that go into them are no better than on Japanese bikes and lesser quality than those used on the premium European brands. Their powerbands are abbreviated and laughably limited, especially considering the weight they're hauling around.

Most Harley riders these days are a bunch of bad-boy wannabe poseurs who wouldn't know a sparkplug from an espresso machine.


131 posted on 11/25/2005 7:29:23 AM PST by -YYZ-
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To: blarney

"The Vrods are about the highest performance bikes out there now."

Give me a break. A stock V-Rod can't even get into the 10s at the drag strip, which every current litre-class superbike can. Its engine makes decent (only decent, a little over 100 HP at the rear wheel, compared to 150+ for the sport bikes I mentioned) power but the bike weighs over 600 lbs.


132 posted on 11/25/2005 7:32:46 AM PST by -YYZ-
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To: blarney

Sounds like you're the one with self-delusions, you Harley fan-boy!


133 posted on 11/25/2005 7:35:44 AM PST by -YYZ-
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To: blarney
American V-Twin is a disgrace. It is a 60 horsepower boat anchor.

And, ahem, a V-Max is a 4 cylinder....still slow and outdated.

Ok. I will support my argument this way:
My bike is a Yamaha FJR1300. SPORT TOURER
146 horsepower @ 8000rpm, redlines at 13,000rpm
99ft. lbs torque @ 7000rpm
16 valves, DOHC, electronic fuel injection
48mm Soqi telescopic fork w/adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES
Standard hard bags(not a $600 ad-on)
list goes on and on

Now what does a $12,000 Harley have? (and don't say, "nostalgia" or I will throw up)
134 posted on 11/25/2005 7:39:50 AM PST by HOTTIEBOY (Maybe in your house. Not in mine.)
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To: HOTTIEBOY

Yeah, but will it make a sound like the end of the world and cause small children and animals to cower when you ride past? Well, what's the point then? /sarc


135 posted on 11/25/2005 7:42:42 AM PST by -YYZ-
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To: TXBSAFH

"You are so right, and the honda is a better bike, that is easier on you to ride and easier on you pocket book."

I don't know about that. The honda may be a "better" bike, but the two Harley's that I owned went up in value from purchase to sale - cost is more than purchase price. The Honda I owned dropped quite a bit when I sold it. And as far as cruising, the Harleys were so much more fun.


136 posted on 11/25/2005 7:42:45 AM PST by SoCal_Republican (Bubbleheads for Bush)
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To: VRing

On my 2000 CBR 600 F4, I can only stand being on it for a couple of hours before my knees cramp up and I MUST stretch my legs. Of course by then it’s ready for a fill up


137 posted on 11/25/2005 7:48:48 AM PST by ElTianti
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To: Poser
"Poser".....What a strangely cute name for someone defending Harleys.

Come to think of it, most Harley riders around here are "posers"

*grin

BMW and Vespa rider here. HD's are okay, just a little bulky in the hills.

138 posted on 11/25/2005 7:52:07 AM PST by glasseye
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To: -YYZ-
Have you read the "Harley Burger"?
Great read that is too long to post here. Written by Black Echo and I give him full credit.

To sum it up, he wrote that Harley Burger franchise opened up where they sell one type of burger. The burger cost $70 and does not come with any condiments, no tomato, no lettuce. All condiments are and extra $10 each. Fries and a drink are an additional $50.
The Harley burger must be consumed in the Harley establishment amongst other Harley Burger patrons. There is a strict dress code and you are not allowed to eat in the establishment unless you are wearing officially licensed and endorsed Harley Burger gear.
You are not allowed to talk about nor associate the Honda Burger next door where you can get a full half pound burger combo with fries and a drink and any condiments you like for $4.99.

The actual read is about three pages and make you LYAO.
139 posted on 11/25/2005 7:55:50 AM PST by HOTTIEBOY (Maybe in your house. Not in mine.)
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To: HOTTIEBOY

You keep thinking that, it's good for ya I'm sure. It's still a fact that you have to spend a lot of time telling everyone why your bike is so much better, American Vtwin riders don't because people know.

Oh by they way hp is bragging rights only, toque gets the job done and 99ft lbs is kiddie stuff. So you can put it any way you want and explain it anyway you want but fact of the matter is if it was so great you wouldn't have to tell everyone.


140 posted on 11/25/2005 8:01:48 AM PST by blarney
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