How reliable are Yamaha cruisers compared to Harleys?

Question

I'm thinking about buying the VSTAR Midnight 1300.

Answer 1

From reading the responses to this question, it's painfully obvious that there are an awful lot of non-Harley riders out there who know absolutley nothing about what the MoCo has done with their bikes in the past few years.

Once upon a time, ANY Japanse bike was more reliable than ANY Harley. The old saying was, "If you want to learn how to repair a motorcycle, buy a Harley." That period in time was the "AMF Years," or the period when AMF owned Harley-Davidson. AMF knew zip about producing motorcycles, and it showed. They went for quantity over quality, pumping out more motorcycles than they could sell, and the poor quality showed. When Willie G. Davis and some friends bought the company back, the change in Harley was immediate. Those changes are still going on.

I've owned Hondas and Suzukis, and I have absolutely nothing bad to say about them at all. I now own a 2003 H-D Heritage Softail Classic, and have put more than 50,000 miles on the bike in less than 4 years. In all that time and through all those miles, the only problem I've had with it was the one time I picked up a nail in my front tire. Other than that, the bike has performed flawlessly. No fluid leaks, nothing rattling loose or falling off, no problems at all. I would now say with 100% certainty that the reliability of both brands of bikes is equal.

And contrary to what some of the more uninformed people will tell you - many of which have done so here - no bike out there holds its resale value like a Harley. As I said, my ride is almost 4 years old, I have 50K+ miles on it, and right now I could sell it and get within $3,000 of what I paid for it. Show me another bike on the market that gets that much resale value, and I'll kiss your butt on Main Street and give you a week to draw a crowd!

Sure, Harleys are more expensive than some Japanese bikes - but not as much as people think. And you can't say that about the Gold Wing these days, either - a Gold Wing will cost you just as much as a Harley Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Yeah, I know, the Wing has more bells and whistles, but really - who needs full-body fiberglass sidewalls and a dash-mounted GPS? If you want that much comfort, then drive a car!

In the end, it's all up to you. Look at both bikes, and then compare and decide for yourself. Keep in mind one thing, though.....there are two types of bikers in the world; those that ride Harleys, and those that wish they did!

Answer 2

Yamaha cruisers are unmatched in reliability compared to Harley's. That is the up side to buying a Jap cruiser, the down side is that they do not hold there value like the Harley's. You will also have to pay much more to get a comparable Harley. I ride a 2005 Victory Vegas which I purchased new and have put over 20,000 miles on it and have had not one problem with it. Victory is the new American motorcycle. I suggest looking into the Victory line of motorcycles as I have been a long time Yamaha rider(10 years). I will not own another bike other than Victory now that I have made the change. Not to say that I didn't enjoy my Yamaha's.
Harley's are known for rattling apart and are very common for marking there territory (leaking oil). But they are much more widely acceptable in the motorcycle community. I sell motorcycles for a living so I get to see all the ins and outs of all bikes and have riddin my share of all bikes out. Either way you will have a great time riding but don't come crying to me if you buy a sweet Harley and a month later you have $600 worth of repairs to do, as Harley parts are not cheap.
Good luck with your purchase and always remember to ride within your limits. Safety first! I hope I have helped.

Answer 3

I have not owned a metric cruiser, but I have owned a Yamaha. The bike rode great and I rarely had a problem. I now own a 1995 Harley Dyna Wide Glide. I've wanted a Harley since I was young. I have owned this bike for 4 years and have never had a problem with it, either. It DOES NOT leak oil or anything else and it is very easy to work on and maintain. I am not a trained mechanic, but i am mechanically inclined. I can handle most maintenance and repairs on my Harley. I have some friends that have metrics and have been asked to help do maintenance on them. I felt like I was trying to repair a computer with a jackhammer. I like to have the "hands-on" experience with my bike. That's my feelings about that. But, I feel that the choice of a bike is a personal one. Both bikes have good points and bad points to each person. You should take your time and make your own informed decision.

Answer 4

Well, considering that I have both an HD and a Yamaha, I feel qualified to answer. I've not had significant trouble with either machine; the Harley has been easier to get serviced given how many dealers are around me. Harley is more about the whole ownership experience. I liken Yamaha service to any car dealer. Quality seems pretty close on each bike. If I had to choose, I would say HD for the experience, but Yamaha for the wallet.

Answer 5

My advise, check out the Yamaha Road Star 1700, i have the 2006 Midnight model and it's a great bike, handles very well and can't notice it's weight, besides maintenance is almost none. The Harleys have their fame and name, no doubt about it, but i purchased a really "big-bike" for under 10K and I'm not disappointed in any way...For the VStar 1300 i don't know...Maybe the difference in cost is worth thinking!!!!

Answer 6

Harley's strong point is not reliability. They have gotten better over the years. I personally feel you would get more reliability out of the Yamaha than the HD. I'm sure plenty will disagree since Harley fans are very die hard. Harley's real strong points are coolness, and especially resale value. If you plan to ride a lot and know you will keep the bike for years to come buy the Yamaha. Of the big 4, Yamaha cruisers seem to have the best resale and excellent reliability.

Answer 7

Yamaha makes a good motorcycle. Powerful, dependable, and a respectable bike for the money. A friend of mine used to have one and we took 3 long road trips together and he didn't have any problems with it. I ride a Harley Road King so I have done a lot of riding beside the Yamaha. It really just depends on the style of bike you want within your price range. Yes, Harleys are more expensive, but the resale value of them is the best of any motorcycle made. And there is something else about Harleys....the bikes just don't show their age. Mine is 12 yrs. old, 39,000 miles, and I haven't really babied it that much. But when I get it cleaned up, waxed and polished it still looks like new, actually better than new because chrome accessories I have added. Hope this helps and Yamaha makes a good cruiser too!

Answer 8

I think both are equally reliable. I know several guys with Yamaha cruisers who have had no problems. Those with Harleys that I know have had no problems either. I ride a Harley and it's been good to me. If you're only comparing reliability of the two, I think you better consider more factors.

Answer 9

Both a reliable these days. You will pay more money for the Harley than the Yamaha. In the long run when it comes to maintenance, accessories, etc...the VStar should prove to be the most bang for your buck.

Answer 10

Most all bikes are about the same as far as reliability goes. Some people knock Harley's because someone told them they were trouble. Truth is Harley-Davidson did have a bad rep. when AMF owned it, but now they are great bikes. I compare a Harley to a Mercedes, they cost more up front and cost a little more to maintain. The thing that no one can deny is if you buy a harley and take care of it you will get almost as much for it later if you decide to sell it, unlike the other bikes. They lose value quicker than a Chrysler automobile.

If money is a real issue I would really look at the Honda line. They make great cruisers at a reasonable price.