Consumer Reports magazine has conducted their first ever motorcycle reliability survey and they say that a quarter of all Harley-Davidson owners reported experiencing a major problem with their motorcycle in the previous four years. BMW owners reported their motorcycles are even less reliable, with 33% of owners reporting problems in the previous four years. Japanese import owners reported fewer problems,.(10% or less)
The full report will be released tomorrow, March 28th. In the advance release of the report, no mention was made of responses from Triumph, Ducati, Victory or Indian owners.
Interestingly despite the higher percentage of owners reporting problems with their motorcycles, BMW and HD owners reported being the most satisfied with their motorcycles. An overwhelming number of Harley-Davidson owners, 75% told interviewers they would buy their bike again. BMW and Honda owners also reaffirmed their purchase at 74 and 72 percent respectively.
“Reliability is one of many factors consumers might consider when purchasing a motorcycle. However, other factors like sculpted lines and rumbling engines also strike the right note among motorcyclists,” said Rik Paul, Auto Editor, Consumer Reports.
Among the bikes that needed repairs, survey respondents reporting having the most trouble with accessories, such as lights, instruments, switches, and radios (21%), brakes (20%), the electrical system (16%), and the fuel system (15%). Fortunately, most repairs were fairly inexpensive. Three quarters cost less than $200 out-of-pocket.
What about you? Are you happy with your bike? Take our poll below and tell us!
The post Harley and BMW Owners Say Their Brands Are Less Reliable, but More Satisfying appeared first on USRiderNews.