Million Mile Harley man is back in the news again! No warranty for flying flags

[Pappy!]

One of the best spokesmen for Harley Davidson motorcycles was recently denied warranty on his drivetrain faiure due to the undue stress on the drivetrain created by excessive wind resistance while flying flags!! 

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/05/22/biker-claims-old-glory-wind-resistance/

[paul246]

"Ain't nobody gonna stop our flags, not even Harley-Davidson corporate," Zien told the paper

Dumb... so when did H-D say to stop flying his flags??

[Psychotic Bovine]

translation:  we will use ANY excuse to deny a claim.
translation:  our drivetrains are so weak, that a billowing flag will ruin it.

I think it's time for Mythbusters to check this out.  Find out the wind resistance of multiple flags versus a passenger or a very large rider.

[Moonshot_1]

It would be my guess, that after further review, Harley will change their tune and honor the warranty.

Just the public relations value of sucking it up would be worth it.

An American bike unable to fly an American Flag? That would not look good.

Now, this guy was flying a lot of flags at once but it shouldn't be an issue with a quality tranny and clutch. It's not like he was flying a parachute.

I do fly big flags on the back of my bike. I can't say that there is much wind resistance. There is but it is not as much as a windshield. The issue I got is buffering from side to side from cross winds. It'll buck ya around some.

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I bet they eat crow on this one and fix his bike.... They are stupid if they don't in fact they should give him a brand new FLXGJYESVJUYSAMBKLOIAQWEJFGVCXPOS just for him being him.

[Jess from VA]

Some of the really huge flags that people have mounted to bikes make it unable to go very fast at all.  I could see damage from that (have no dog in this hunt, show me the ins. appraisal and reasoning).

Imagine this on a freeway (or 50 knot winds).


Rolling Thunder in town this weekend.

[gregc]

   They also said the flag mounts he used were not Harley. So that would imply that flying a flag the same size in a Harley mount would be allowed.   How does that make sense?

[Moonshot_1]

   They also said the flag mounts he used were not Harley. So that would imply that flying a flag the same size in a Harley mount would be allowed.   How does that make sense?

Next it will be "You were not wearing Harley clothes when the tranny blew up. That voided the warranty."

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

 

Next it will be "You were not wearing Harley clothes when the tranny blew up. That voided the warranty."

I'm pretty sure that's already a rule.

[old2soon]

Sooooooooooooooo I gots this really TALL really HUGE gal what wants a ride on my hog and the tranny pukes itself!!  Am I covered cause I hauled around a weight watchers drop out???  SOMEBODY- had to ask!!  When I return from I-14 my ridin bud and I are gonna fabricate a 5 flag stand for my Valkyrie-5 LARGE flags. I really DO NOT for see any problems with doing this to a 15 year old bike coming up on 90 G miles and no warranty.  RIDE SAFE.

[Momz]

Biker claims Old Glory 'wind resistance' prompts Harley-Davidson to void warranty
Published May 22, 2014
·FoxNews.com



David Zien, seen here on one of his previous motorcycles, was told by Harley-Davidson that the warranty on his new bike was void because of the flags he let fly from the rear. (Courtesy: BikerNet.com)BikerNet.com

A hog-riding former lawmaker from Wisconsin claims that Harley-Davidson voided his motorcycle's repair warranty because of the patriotic flags he let fly from the back of his chopper.

However, Harley-Davidson says the warranty is still in effect and just his warranty claim has been denied.
David Zien, who served in the State Senate from 1993 to 2006, said he was told by the motorcycle behemoth it would not honor the warranty after the clutch and transmission failed on a recent ride to Dallas, claiming that that the American flag-- as well as other banners-- caused unneeded wind resistance, according to the Journal Sentinel of Milwaukee.

"All they said was, because I fly flags on the bike, there's no warranty on the powertrain," Zien told the newspaper.

Harley-Davidson told the paper Zien's warranty is still valid, but the claim he filed had to be denied because the bike was not made to handle wind resistance from multiple flags at highway speeds.

"The issue isn't that the flags are heavy," Harley spokeswoman Maripat Blankenheim told the Journal-Sentinel, "but they provide terrific drag on the engine and the transmission, especially when the bike is at highway speeds."

She added that the flag mounts that Zien used were not Harley products.

"When you alter a motorcycle with non-compliant products, that does impact your ability to make a warranty claim," she said.

Zien is an avid biker who has been riding since the 1970s and has always done so with multiple flags on his bike. His 1991 Harley is on display at the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in South Dakota.

He currently has seven flags flying from his bike including the Stars and Stripes as well as an NRA flag.

"Ain't nobody gonna stop our flags, not even Harley-Davidson corporate," Zien told the paper.

[ricoman]

I see the objection to the HD position as being unpatriotic as kinda stupid.
HD is not saying flying the American flag is wrong.
Wonder what the reaction would be if the guy had been pulling a trailer and wound up with clutch/transmission issues. Or would that be unpatriotic too?
and, yes, I fly a flag on my bike-just not that big, and all the time, not just Patriot Guard rides

[solo1]

Does that mean the HD also denies claims when the Harley is a sidecar rig or a trike?

BS.

[musclehead]

from my admittedly limited experience (word of mouth only) it just sounds like Harley being Harley. trying to wiggle out of warranty work.

where I work now we do an ABUNDENCE of warranty work (if they didn't screw up so much at the factory we'd be out of a job) and warranty will pay to have things fixed. you better ask for 3 times as much time needed to do the job because that's what they'll give you

[Jack B]

Does that mean the HD also denies claims when the Harley is a sidecar rig or a trike?

BS.

He rides a H.D. Trike now. He lost his leg in a accident a few years back.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Whoever the BONE HEAD is that did this will probably be sorry soon, if he or she still has a Job.

This guy made famous a Harley with 1 million miles on it.

I'll see if I can find Harley Head Quarters Number and call it and paste it all over the place.

I think I'll call a few people around here and get him some help.



Talked to John at the Harley Headquarters,

Dave Zien has their undying admiration.

However a warranty does state that alterations to a Harley Motorcycle such as the ones Dave had

are not conducive to the health of the motorcycle's mechanical side.

He would not discuss what they were.

But he did say they are not in the business to void warranties and all of those issues are on a case

by case basis. Even though it is Mr. Zien, you cannot say I will do it for him and not you.

That would be wrong and word gets around.

He did say that the repair was within Dave's Means, he will not miss a meal.

At least he was an American who spoke ENGLISH, John who answered the Phone, and took

at least 5 minutes out of his day to talk to me a owner.

Thanks Harley for your time and support.

Big Al from Tennessee.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Does that mean the HD also denies claims when the Harley is a sidecar rig or a trike?

BS.

He rides a trike, if it is Harley compliant, and all you have to do is ask your dealer.

Maybe it would as simple as adding a oil cooler. Or heavier clutch spring. That is well within any

motorcyclist budget.

300 for a cooler, a lot less for a hopped up clutch spring.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Smoky Mountain Harley has been very good at fixing issues I have had.

Big Dan from Country Roads fame is a repeat customer.

He rides about 30,000 miles a year on his Ultra Limited. He goes about 300 pounds and is 6 foot

5 inches tall, thus Big Dan.

His wife is on the bike too.

So his HOG gets a workout, to say the least.

Smoky Mountain HD, in Maryville Tennessee,

1 Holds the Worlds Record for most doing a burn out at one time in 2007. France once owned the

record.

Best in Music and BBQ and Service and Sales. They are winners.

2. 7 Satellite Stores, Including Pigeon Forge Tennessee, and Wildcat Harley Davidson in Kentucky.

[gregk]

Ok Here you go.   FACT-          Dave is a wi. Senator had been for 18 years. I personally know Dave & have known him for years. Dave was rasied a couple of towns east and is a Viet Nam Vet resides about 7-8 miles from me. After he lost his seat as Senator he let his hair & beard grow to where he looks lik he crawled out of a ditch. Kind of pathedic looking, but He has also done a lot for the people of this state.    I raced Dave once just us, He passed me up and their was no way he was going to beat me. the bike you see in the picture was the one and yes he beat my valk and he stood up in a victory pose. i had to laugh because the only way he beat me was because Roberta was hollering at me to slow down. I told him about it later.    The bike you see in the photo dave gave to the Harley Museum in Milw. and they pissed him of when they shipped it to the museum in Sturgiss S.D.. That bike had been repaired so many times. Still he rode it and rode it in weather when 99% of us get to cold to ride & no heated clothing.Dave is a Member of Abate of wi. , and The v.F.W. at our Post, and the N.R.A.,  plus a member of other org's.  Dave Had a Bike accident a few years ago in Florida and 6 Vietnam vet Dr.s put him back togather. a miricale that he lived minus a leg but that didn't slow him down, now he just has to ride a trike. I think he made some money from using his bike for work instead of using a car. and as much as he loves motorcycling I think a lot of it was used for political gain. I heard something about Dave using the lemon law because he had so many problems with his trike and already has a new one. I spotted his pict. in the Eau Claire paper today so I picked it up but I wait till after dark to read it.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Ok Here you go.   FACT-          Dave is a wi. Senator had been for 18 years. I personally know Dave & have known him for years. Dave was rasied a couple of towns east and is a Viet Nam Vet resides about 7-8 miles from me. After he lost his seat as Senator he let his hair & beard grow to where he looks lik he crawled out of a ditch. Kind of pathedic looking, but He has also done a lot for the people of this state.    I raced Dave once just us, He passed me up and their was no way he was going to beat me. the bike you see in the picture was the one and yes he beat my valk and he stood up in a victory pose. i had to laugh because the only way he beat me was because Roberta was hollering at me to slow down. I told him about it later.    The bike you see in the photo dave gave to the Harley Museum in Milw. and they pissed him of when they shipped it to the museum in Sturgiss S.D.. That bike had been repaired so many times. Still he rode it and rode it in weather when 99% of us get to cold to ride & no heated clothing.Dave is a Member of Abate of wi. , and The v.F.W. at our Post, and the N.R.A.,  plus a member of other org's.  Dave Had a Bike accident a few years ago in Florida and 6 Vietnam vet Dr.s put him back togather. a miricale that he lived minus a leg but that didn't slow him down, now he just has to ride a trike. I think he made some money from using his bike for work instead of using a car. and as much as he loves motorcycling I think a lot of it was used for political gain. I heard something about Dave using the lemon law because he had so many problems with his trike and already has a new one. I spotted his pict. in the Eau Claire paper today so I picked it up but I wait till after dark to read it.

Insightful to say the least. Did you ever get the chance to race him again?

You would beat him on a good stretch, but off the bottom end not much difference.

Thanks

Al

[gregk]

Welp I read the Eau Claire Paper and it dont say anything I allready know except the noncomformant flag holders, thats  H.D. for ya.   the race we had? He came up from the rear on the freeway.I don't know how fast we were going but it scared the hell outa Roberta so I backed off.

[Pappy!]

Well he is back on Fox News with a videocast to them about the issue. He mentioned that the clutch is  apparently a new design from what I can gather and it had to be replaced twice already now? Was a little vague on that. Said the plates were dry both times. BTW it is a wet clutch.
Anyway....thought I would have a little fun at Harleys expense and email them and tell them what I though about the poop storm they have now started.
But....they are unable to accept any emails at this time.....imagine that!!! lol

[DirtyDan]

that all I have to say

[Jess Tolbirt]

that all I have to say

i wouldnt call your bike trash..

[DirtyDan]

you find a Honda factory logo on a dumpster then POST IT

I did not call them trash they called themselves trash

dan

[98pacecar]

Pretty weak,,,, reasoning   

This guy has millions of miles,,, on their bikes.



https://autos.yahoo.com/blogs/motoramic/biker-claims-harley-davidson-voided-warranty-for-riding-with-flags-204723398.html

[Jess Tolbirt]

old news,,, harley dropped the ball on this one,, Big Al actually contacted Harley,, he posted his emails on one of the threads below..

[98pacecar]

Ok Looks like yahoo is a bit behind times then.     

The story,,, was on their opening page,, this morning...     

[3fan4life]

A Goldwing Trike would have plenty of power to handle the "Drag" from the flags.

[Grumpy]

Harleys SUCK !  My brother in law bought a new Harley trike, they told him as soon as he picked it up, that if he added a trailer hitch the warranty would be void. Must have a weak drive train.

[old2soon]

My senior ride captain rides an alphabet soup H/D. He has one large flag that he keeps cased until we get to the funeral or escort or what we do. I have ridden with him with his flag unfurled at 65 M P H and he seems to not be having issues. Most of our long escorts are in the 50 M P H range. When his flag is cased he runs 75-85 M P H. And the flag pole stays whatever length it is. Maybe I should call him and have him read this. He IS die hard H/D. And Bill-H/D voiding a warranty on their trike with addition of a trailer hitch is disturbing at best.  Course if I was the warranty adjuster I'd be looking for ways to save my company a buck or three. And yet people are amazed at what mechanics find out the owner DIDN'T do.  RIDE SAFE.

[Jess Tolbirt]

Harleys SUCK !  My brother in law bought a new Harley trike, they told him as soon as he picked it up, that if he added a trailer hitch the warranty would be void. Must have a weak drive train.

honda said the same thing,,read your manual...so i guess hondas suck too?

[Jess from VA]

Just wait, soon enough having any sort of ordinary fun will void your health insurance. 

[Serk]

A Goldwing Trike would have plenty of power to handle the "Drag" from the flags.

If Honda has 2 brain cells of marketing to rub together, this guy would have had a Goldwing Trike delivered to him, with flag poles already installed, by now...

[Jess Tolbirt]

A Goldwing Trike would have plenty of power to handle the "Drag" from the flags.

If Honda has 2 brain cells of marketing to rub together, this guy would have had a Goldwing Trike delivered to him, with flag poles already installed, by now...

yep +1

[Big Al of Tennessee]

that all I have to say

That right there is funny.

I am still going to ride a Hog. I am the one that will not conform. 1%er.

My first real Motorcycle was a CL100 Scrambler, Blew it up. Next a XL125 Honda, in the shop

at least 12 times. 2 Clutches and charging system failure. A Lemon. Crashed into a station Wagon

doing 50mph. Body Cast.

At 18 could ride again, as Dad banned me to a bicycle until I was 16. Then when I turned 18 I

bought 2 bikes. A GT550 Suzi "Q". and a CR250 Elsinore M/X Bike. Fun then went off the charts.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Harleys SUCK !  My brother in law bought a new Harley trike, they told him as soon as he picked it up, that if he added a trailer hitch the warranty would be void. Must have a weak drive train.

I have had Hondas that suck, that does not mean every Honda is bad.



Yes some things about Harley are good.

Just because Harley says don't do it. They won't know it unless you tell them.

Take the extra crap off when it craps out, they will never know.

[Big Al of Tennessee]

Whoever the BONE HEAD is that did this will probably be sorry soon, if he or she still has a Job.

This guy made famous a Harley with 1 million miles on it.

I'll see if I can find Harley Head Quarters Number and call it and paste it all over the place.

I think I'll call a few people around here and get him some help.



Talked to John at the Harley Headquarters,

Dave Zien has their undying admiration.

However a warranty does state that alterations to a Harley Motorcycle such as the ones Dave had

are not conducive to the health of the motorcycle's mechanical side.

He would not discuss what they were.

But he did say they are not in the business to void warranties and all of those issues are on a case

by case basis. Even though it is Mr. Zien, you cannot say I will do it for him and not you.

That would be wrong and word gets around.

He did say that the repair was within Dave's Means, he will not miss a meal.

At least he was an American who spoke ENGLISH, John who answered the Phone, and took

at least 5 minutes out of his day to talk to me a owner.

Thanks Harley for your time and support.

Big Al from Tennessee.

If Dave Zien had not been in their face non-compliant, then he would have gotten the nod.

But the Dealer and He, did not keep it low profile, as Dave is high profile.

So you get what we have here.