1st Anniversary Report of My Roadmaster Indian Motorcycle Reviews & Impressions >
Full Member 167 posts 1854cc Full Member 167 posts
1854cc
G'day Folks,
it coming around to my 1st anniversary of owning my Roadmaster (how did that happen, feels like I just got it yesterday) and I though it would be of interest how it all went in the life of a typical RM after one year [smile]

So I've done just shy of 8000km in one year and the service will be done in the first week in Jan.  That's not so bad considering that I have another bike that I also need to ride etc.   Loved every one of those miles and its be best touring bike I've every ridden, certainly the best looking in my eyes.

Now then, what have I done to make it mine in the first year ?
Basically Stage 1 with the Lloydz Arrowhead A/C, the Indian slip on with fishtail and the PVCX with FM tune.  The FM boys were fantastic and made me a custom tune just for my scoot to get the idle / startup right.  Runs just the way I like it now and thankfully its not a clacker [smile]
Cosmetically I added the pannier rails, RAM ball that replaces the stock clutch clamp, Pinnacle extended shifter peg, Indian Highway pegs and custom seat.
Got it exactly the way I want it and this is it !  If the new big bore kit were half of what it will be, say around $2500 installed I get that as a final addition, BUT that's not going to happen.

What sort of issues / problem have I encountered in the first year, I hear you ask ! 
NO ISSUES AT ALL !

Gotcha [wink], of course I had issues.

Well, since you asked here is the list in no particular order:

  • Big scratch on side of Pannier on delivery (cash compensation)
  • Cold start problem, as in would always need at least 2 start when cold (FM tune sorted that)
  • All 4 chrome strip on fenders have big creases and needed replacement, also peeling off at one side (adhesive is failing)
  • Dash door hinge fell out
  • play in left grip caused annoying tick when picking up bike
  • Horn failed
  • Alarm failed
  • Trunk not latching properly.  Was adjusted but still not quite right.

As you can see they are all minor and none of them ever stopped me from riding the bike or caused a break down.  Brisbane dealer fixed/will fix all under warranty.

Hope that this little ride-up was of interest to at least some of you and I am hoping next year will be trouble free and I get to do a few road trips.
Ride Safe
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Dogmanii Junior Member 21 posts
Dogmanii
I just past my 2 year anniversary on my 2016 RM.  I have approximately 18000 miles wait, a little conversion here(18000 x 1.6093), 28967.3 km and I've really only had one problem, front ABS sensor went bad, and two recalls. Tires are original - rear 4 mm, front a little over 3 mm left on the tread. The paint appeared to bruise some (soft clear coat)  just by walking by but I was able to resolve that by applying a product called Liquid Glass, now I just keep a good coat of wax applied. Unfortunately mine is a clacker and I'm sure it's amplified by having a faring. I bought an extended warranty so it does fail I'm covered meanwhile ear plugs or a full face helmet fixes the problem.
"Only bikers know why dogs like to drive fast and hang their head out the car window."
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1854cc Full Member 167 posts
1854cc
Dogmanii wrote:
I just past my 2 year anniversary on my 2016 RM.  I have approximately 18000 miles wait, a little conversion here(18000 x 1.6093), 28967.3 km and I've really only had one problem, front ABS sensor went bad, and two recalls. Tires are original - rear 4 mm, front a little over 3 mm left on the tread. The paint appeared to bruise some (soft clear coat)  just by walking by but I was able to resolve that by applying a product called Liquid Glass, now I just keep a good coat of wax applied. Unfortunately mine is a clacker and I'm sure it's amplified by having a faring. I bought an extended warranty so it does fail I'm covered meanwhile ear plugs or a full face helmet fixes the problem.
looks like you have a reliable bike and tested it sufficiently [smile] The clacker problem can be fixed by trading it for the latest RM.  Maybe wait until they come factory with the 116 kit installed and then do the trade in.  Never know might do the same in 2-3 years.   By the way some folks say there is a chance that the kit eliminates the clacking.  So far that's just a hope and I haven't read anywhere that it did that, but its possible.
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BigTone Administrator 1,638 posts
BigTone
Nice write up 1854cc 
I’ve just racked up 27,000kms on my 2015 RM and can’t complain at all. No clacking, very reliable and a pleasure to ride. Very happy with my choice. 
Cheers,
Tony
St. Kilda  Victoria
IMRG: 20380071
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Robbo Founding Member 1,178 posts
Robbo
Good write up, I hope the enjoyment continues for a long time to come.
2017 Dark Horse  - Stage 2, Rush Pipes

Location - Perth, Western Australia
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V-Twin Founding Member 7,820 posts
V-Twin
Great write up 1854!  Thanks for sharing!!
Melbourne, Victoria
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