Harley Parts - **THINGS THAT DONT WORK**

[christine55]

Hi Forum Friends,

 

Thought I start up a thread on Harley Davidson parts and accesorries that were a complete waste of money for me and totally didnt work.

 

This is purely from my own experience that i would like to share and hope forum friends could save some $ by avoiding some products.

 

Please add to this list so that we can keep it going and share the info and hope more people can save $.

 

Basic Rules:

 

1) No brand bashing or profanities.

2) No flaming of other people. They are just sharing their exp and things that dont work for them. If it works for you...fine. Dont bash okie.

 

+++

[christine55]

1) Harley Oil Temperature Dip Stick - OEM.

 

Why it didnt work:

It fogs up very quickly. Cant read it.

Dipstick somehow...is unlike those of cars. The oil doesnt stick to the stick. So cant read it either.

Wasted my money.

 

2) Harley Engine lights - OEM

 

Why it didnt work:

Heat emitted from engine burns the wires. Lights work fine until wires get burnt.

Waste of $ unless you plan to use it for short term or for shows.

 

3) Harley Locking Gas Cap - OEM

 

Why it didnt work:

The key and lock mechanism seems to be coming from a totally different lock and key. They dont turn smoothly and after locking it, unlocking it is a major problem.

Threw it away after 1 use. Totally waste of $. Too risky for it to not able to unlock.

 

4) Tank Bra for V Rod - Harley OEM

 

Why it didnt work:

Not tight enough like the tank bras you see on sports bike.

Water seaps in, dust seaps in and after 1 ride, the tank that is covered by the bra is dirtier than the tank not covered by the bra.

Wasted my $ but since i used it for only 1 time, was able to get an exchange/credit from the dealership.

 

5) Kuryakyn - ISO Grips.

 

Why it didnt work:

1. Ok. Please dont flame me for this. I know they are hugely popular but they just didnt work for me. Too thick and when you put on gloves, makes the grip oversized and affects my handling.

2. The fitting is not as solid as the Harley OEM grips. It rattles a little unlike the OEM ones where the fitting is solid tight.

 

5) RIZOMA - Front handlebar set for V ROD

 

Why it didnt work:

1. They look awesome.

2. But my problem with it is fitting it was quite a pain for me. I had to remove my front cowl on my NRS and then had to place shims to raise the bars to a height that it wouldnt hit my tank.

3. If you are building a power v rod - 130hp and beyond...stick with the originals. They are sturdier and better.

4. Did not totally waste my $ as they looked awesome. But just too much trouble to deal with and not worth that much hassle with the $ i paid.

[christine55]

6) Harley Softtail Wide Tyre Kit - OEM

 

Why it didnt work:

1. Too much money to increase a tyre size from a 130 to a 150.

2. No change and no difference in handling. In fact, slightly more weight.

3. Visually...also no change.

4. Performance wise...also no change if you are crusing.

Quite pointless IMHO.

[christine55]

7) Aftermarket Exhaust for 2010 NRS

 

Why it didnt work:

1. Despite what manufacturers say, most aftermarket exhaust dont fit on the 2010. The reason is because the exhaust ports are of different sizes.

2. Before you buy...please make 100% sure that they fit. Dont just read from the OEM websites and assume its ok. It is all marketing inside, they dont fit. CFR pipes at the moment dont fit on 2010 models unless you buy adapters to make the exhaust ports fit and connect.

[shiraz]

In short, most OEM stuff is crap?

 

I think that for accessories, getting aftermarket is much better and maybe even better value BUT for bearings, bushing, engine internals, electricals bla bla bla, nothing beats OEM. Well, except an Andrews Cam and Mikuni/S&S Carb!

[tingchiyen]

The locking gas cap worked and still works for me. In fact, i think it was the very first accessory i bought for my nightster. Maybe you got a dud?

[Sticky]

Agree with the post by christine55 on the Harley oil dipstick. I bought the blue LED type. It fogged up almost immediately so you can't read it. Then about 2 weeks later the batteries ran out!

 

Personally I love the Kuryakyn ISO grips. Have used them for years and always put them on my bikes.

 

For the softail wide tyre option you can usually go to a 150 tyre using the stock rim. Depends on the model of softail and guard size and belt clearance.

[DrRipper]

Some Screaming Eagle parts:

 

SE mufflers are well known for producing the screaming chicken sound.

 

SE fork brace for Deuce. A lot of complains about the chrome pitting quickly.

 

 

Almost all chrome parts from aftermarket (American as I've not tried European chrome) brands. The chrome sucks and pits very quickly, even very expensive brands. OEM (not SE) usually has the best chrome.

[gohjohan]

I didn't have problem with the temperature dipstick other than getting it stolen before my North Thailand trip!

 

The Kuryakin ISO grips were a bit loose but not so much an issue. Anyway, my beach bars were already aftermarket, so I don't know which doesn't fit correctly.