What kind of motorcycle do I have?

Question

I am, admittedly, a novice motorcyclist. Based on recommendations from friends I went out and bought a new bike recently. To say I have had problems would be an understatement. I have been told, again by friends, that this is normal. Yesterday I took the bike back to the dealer to again try and have a problem repaired and had an interesting conversation with the service department. When I asked about what was causing the problem, he suggested that I needed more accessories for the bike and proceeded to try and sell me some leather bags. When I asked him how that was going to help me with my problem he said this: "Son, don't you know what kind of bike you own, these so called problems you are experiencing are just part of riding, relax, buy your self something new for the bike and don't let anyone convince you there is any thing wrong with the bike. So I ask you all out there in Cyberspace: "What kind of a bike do I own"?

Thanks for the initial responses. I obviously know the manufacturer of the bike, some have guessed it correctly. The question is; "What kind of bike do I own"? The service guy's comments are what prompted the question when he implied (Stated) I was suppose to just accept the situation and buy something "Shiny".

OK OK I give, Its a Harley Sportster, my problem is that parts just fall of of it and vibrates so hard my hands hurt when I park it. I took a riding course prior to buying it and rode an older Honda (Much Older). That bike was so incredibly smooth (At least in comparison) that I was really looking forward to just going out and riding around the country side. But now I just want to park it and proably sell it. What is acceptable here? The dealership and my friends have been no help as they just expect me to accept the situation.

Liked all the answers but I'll tell you; I would rather ride it than have to work on it. I just sold it and bought a Yamaha V-Max. WOW, what a difference. Perfectly smooth and no parts falling off. My friends are unhappy but if I have to locktite parts back on to keep them from falling off? Well, I seriously doubt I'll ever own another Harley! Yamaha Dealership was also much more focused on what I needed to ride safely instead of "Shiny" items. Again thanmks for all the input.

Answer 1

I too would guess it's a Harley. I think the salesman at the dealership is trying to get you to understand that Harley's (especially older ones) are prone to many idiosyncrasies. They like to call it "personality" or something similar, but I too, like you would call them defects. Just another reason why I never bought a Harley. Unfortunately, you may be fighting a losing battle. Most Harley guys have made careers coming up with excuses for their bikes shortcomings. It's just accepted that Harley's have "issues". One of my favorites is "Harley's don't leak, they leave their mark". Still, I'm curious as to what your problem(s) are.

Answer 2

My first thought was a Harley.
If there was any problem with any other manufacturer, they would fix the problem even if they had to get the dealer rep (someone from the manufacturer headquarters) to come to the shop and fix it themselves.
They want to keep their customers coming back to purchase their products.
Customer loyalty is very important.
If the problem is owner ignorance, the dealership would sit you down and explain what you're doing wrong until you get it.
Every time I've had to deal with a Harley dealership (get parts for a friend or side job) I always got an attitude from the personnel working at each shop.

Example - I went to buy a part. Didn't know what it was called, but knew what it did and where it was on the correct model. The parts guys said, if you don't know what the part is, you shouldn't be working on a Harley. Either bring the bike here to be fixed, or just get lost.
Rude to the max!!!

Answer 3

Alright, I have worked on and test rode Harley Sporsters....They vibrate.but, not that much....The bike might not been assembled right(nothing tighten to specs) or there is an internal problem that making vibrate beyond normal vibration.(suggestion): if you know everything that has came loose(get some loc-tite) and put it back on. Harley Davidsons are high maintenance bikes. you need to learn how to work on your bike, if you don't and you have that kind of money to throw away everytime you take it in to a certified Harley mechanic.well, that's cool too. but, one thing i would find another Harley shop(one that's not worried about moving a overstocked product on you that you don't want or need). Good Luck.

Answer 4

I'd go with Harley or *cough* Honda.

"...so called problems you are experiencing are just part of riding..." That statement concerns me a bit.

Since your original question didn't go into specifics on the problem, it could be as simple as an annoyance or a complex as something that could jeopardize your safety.

If your friends are telling you that this is normal, it may be in the realm of annoyances - every bike will have them; the best way to fix them is to learn how to do some of that type of work yourself.

Good luck; ride safe!

Answer 5

I think its the new Victory brand of motorcycle. Its a new manufacturer and is bound to have some bugs in the building process. They also focus on style a lot and that's why the dealer wanted to sell you some bags cuz he wanted you to think your bike is cool even though it was built like crap. So i say it is the Victory brand. Just to let you know Ive had street ridden bikes for 4 years and have had 2 bikes. Over those 4 years i have never had anything wrong with my bike besides routine maintenance ie. tires,battery,oil change, and brakes. And both my bikes were used.

Answer 6

I think that finding a new dealership is a good start. If this is an older bike, I would even try to get a recomendation on a small independent shop, especially if your needing work on a Harley

Answer 7

I have owned Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha; and the only "accessories" the service depts have tried to sell me is a new chain, new front fork seals, and new tires -- all things that the motorcycles actually needed. The service department where you went sucks. Don't go back to that location again.

I was going to guess "Ducati" but I don't think they'd try to get you to buy leather bags. That's probably a cruiser accessory, so, Harley-Davidson.

Answer 8

EDITED:
Yeah "they all do that" is an understatement. If you really hate it, then you'll just have to dump it and take your lumps I guess, what else can you do? Maybe MAYBE you can try the Lemon Law in your state if you have one, I think it depends on how many days are spent with the vehicle in the shop, and how often the problem reoccurs. If you enter "lemon law" and the name of your state in your web browser you'll find some info on that. And also question yourself on if you really want a rip-off Jap cruiserrr. Myself, I'd put up with the falling of parts if I wanted a cruiser bad enough. Cruisers are all about image anyways.

Answer 9

Cyber-Space hopes you well. It must have at least two air filled tires that touch the ground. You did not state what the problem is. But the leather bags and high pressure to accessorize IT MUST BE A HARLEY SPORTSTER. Those large cycle centers see you comming newbie. You must not have enough tatoos of flaming skulls harley wings and motor cycle chain grease on your pants yet.

Answer 10

I'd guess a Harley too. What kind of problems are you having? Severe vibrations?