I'm in the market for a big road bike/cruiser/touring. The three brands that have captured my attention are Honda, Yamaha and H-D.  If I'm going to spend $20-22K, I want reasonable assurances that the bike will last a long time.  I can get all the specs I want from websites such as Motorcycle Cruiser, etc, that tells me about performance and features.

On the other hand, reliability and quality are equally important and some may argue, more so.  For example, Consumer Reports has such statistics for cars and for the most part, you can bet your wallet that if CR says something warrants their coveted CR Recommended Check Mark, then its deserved.

Unfortunately, they pay scant attention to bikes.  Which begs the question - is there a similar magazine/consumer organization that ranks bikes, in terms of quality and reliability?  Like I said, I'm spending a good sum.  I don't want to buy an awesome looking machine only to find it sits in the shop more than on the road.  

I've got my eye on the Harley FLTR Road Glide because it fits me and the styling is super, but I've talked to lot's of people and without exception, they state that Harleys are in the shop much more often than the Japanese bikes and some of these comments are from Harley owners! Harley warranty is only 2 years, Honda had 3 year with unlimited milage and Yamaha has a 5 year limited factory warranty

In the Yamaha line, it's the Royal Star that catches my eye and for Honda, it's the Goldwing line.

So which is it? Honda? Yamaha or H-D?

Thanks, Vince.  

The "myth" that the Harley Touring machines are spending so much time in the shop isn't evident to me.  I have two friends who have recently traded Gold Wings in on Ultra Classics.  One of those guys had a Stratoliner? prior to the Gold Wing, so I guess he's tried 'em all and settled on the HD.  Good luck with your decision and don't be influenced by the rumors.  

the closest thing your going to find to consumer reports is jd power survey (2006 will be the only year that will be made public).  Harley was rated one of the worst overall, with reliabilty and cost of ownership being the worst among all major manufactures. The survey is done by polling owners. I personaly dont think there is a manufacture that biulds a typicly bad bike, some are just a little bit more reliable then others. But I did go to a harley service department recently and it was overflowing, I have never seen anything like it.
No matter what bike you end up with its a pretty good bet it will be reliable.  

If it means anything to you number 1 was victory and number 2 is honda, yamaha rated farther down.
good luck on your choice.  

mgw075:
If it means anything to you number 1 was victory and number 2 is honda, yamaha rated farther down.
good luck on your choice.

Thanks for the response! Actually, you alerted me to a brand I had never heard of - Victory.  Wow!  I've done a lot of research and I'm just amazed at the Victory Vision!  I'm going to a local dealer this weekend.

BTW, I found a fascinating review at biketestusa.com, 2008 H-D Ultra Classic vs. Victory Vision.  Excellent article.  Seemed to be well-balance discussion about the pros/cons of both machines.  The link is:  http://www.biketestusa.com/Article_Page.aspx?ArticleID=5767

Regards, Vince.  

They have been around now for 10 years. I had a guy ask me today if it was a yamaha. The first 2 years they were plauged with transmission problems, since then they have a reputation of outstanding reliabilty. There isnt a crusier out there that I would trade mine for. If you have a dealer nearbuy they normally provide test rides, It might be worth a look. Take a look at the victory motorcycle club for more info. Good luck on your hunt for the right one.