Just recently put my deposit on an 08 SERK, I've been riding an 05 RKCustom for the last 3 years with over 17,000 miles without any problems. I am a little concerned about some of the threads I've read regarding oil weeping/leaks at the base of the cylinder heads, as well as transmission sounds in 5th gear. I was hoping that someone could shed some light on my concerns.... are they valid? or am I worring about nothing.
Thanks in advance.....S
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You are doing your research and that's great. Is there a very good chance you'll have the problems you see here? Some say yes, some say no. Some bikes have thetroubles you listed,most do not. Advice you seek? Careful! Some on here work in the industry, some do not. Read, learn, and identify the issues and their respective fixes. Ultimately you are the only one who can decide if it is right for you. Know this, Harleys have been Harleys forever and you know what that means. Trouble free for 17,000?? Lucky Bastige! You don't need another bike. You WANT one. So, If you admire the looks and featuresof the SERK enough to buy one, do it as if it was your first bike and let yourself enjoy the experience. If, on the otherhand, you are pleased with your current ride and simply like the looks alone and crave to ridesome strange? Paint your tins, change your wheels, and rock the boulevard proudly.
In March 2006 I bought my first new Harley-Davidson, a SE Fat Boy. That bike has been absolutely problem-free and fun to ride. On August 11 of this year, I took delivery of my 2008 SERK. Beautiful bike. Rode it 150 miles the first day. Two days later, with about 200 miles on the odometer, there was a clatter sound from the right side of the motor, near the front. But only between 2000 - 3000 RPM and only after the motor was hot. On the way home I noticed that as I pressed my leg against the air cleaner cover I could feel the clatter.
The next day I called the dealer. They picked up the bike and quickly found that two bolts on the air intake assembly apparently were not torqued properly from the factory. They bolts were tightened and they brought the bike back. I rode it and they were right. I was like a little kid again.
Last weekend I rode 100+ miles with some friends. Rode through some rain, twice, arrived home with that big grin and decided it was time to wash it. As soon as I sprayed the top of the tank the speedometer/tach light came on. I quickly dried off the water and the light went off. I bent down near the console, listening for electrical sizzle, hoping I wouldn't have to tear off the console. No sizzle. I got brave, sprayed some more water up near the ignition switch and again the speedo/tach comes on. Again I carefully listened and still no sizzle. I went ahead and washed it.
I love this bike. I bought it assuming it would be as well-built and as problem-free as my SEFB. While I am disappointed about the two problems I've had so far and I still need to return it for the speedo/tach-lights-up-when-wet problem, I am glad I bought it. At least for now.
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2008 SE Road King
2006 SE Fat Boy
2003 BWM K1200GT
I just purchased an Ultra SE3 two weeks before the Sturgis Rally. I live 100 miles west of Sturgis and rode it back and forth and put about 800 miles on during the week. The following week I rode down to Wichita,KN and back putting an additional 1400 miles on it. I've had absolutely NO PROBLEMS, everything is tight, no rattles, no pings, just real strong American Power. It's being serviced this week at the dealer. Their going to "Flash" it, as I put a set of Vance & Hines slip-ons on during the rally. I still have the stock air-cleaner and want to see the power before putting on new aircleaner.
I haven't quit smiling since I baught it!! JohnWayne
I have about 520 miles on my '08 SERK and I find the transmission smooth as silk, shifting buttery smooth, and rides nice. It has some minor flaws which will be addressed by the dealer at the 1000 mile service, but so far very nice. Harley doesn't talk about it but the stiffeners for the motor that look like tie rods are located differently this year.
I just purchased an Ultra SE3 two weeks before the Sturgis Rally. I live 100 miles west of Sturgis and rode it back and forth and put about 800 miles on during the week. The following week I rode down to Wichita,KN and back putting an additional 1400 miles on it. I've had absolutely NO PROBLEMS, everything is tight, no rattles, no pings, just real strong American Power. It's being serviced this week at the dealer. Their going to "Flash" it, as I put a set of Vance & Hines slip-ons on during the rally. I still have the stock air-cleaner and want to see the power before putting on new aircleaner.
I haven't quit smiling since I baught it!! JohnWayne
How are they going to Flash the ECM when there are NO Flahes available for the 07's and 08's? You have to buy a SERT to change the ECM, other the the heat management enable/disable feature, which can be done with the digital tech. There are NO flashes for the new bikes like there were for the 06 and earlier models. Trust me on this.
I hope they have the problems resolved on the 08's...that would be good news for a lot of people!
Concerns on 08 SERK
