Ultra Limiteds and Coolant Leaks
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 817
From: Nevada
Ultra Limiteds and Coolant Leaks
I attended a dealer demo event yesterday. One of the Ultra Limiteds in the group I rode in leaked coolant on the ground after the test ride. According to the dealer service manager, the bike was delivered from York, PA a week ago. When I asked him about the problem, all he said was 'This is Harley's problem and they're looking the other way.' Given the uncertainty in his response, I put my buying decision on hold.
There are numerous discussions on the board about coolant leaks. Problem is they're speculation at best. I thought Harley corrected the problem. Does anyone know what's happening?
There are numerous discussions on the board about coolant leaks. Problem is they're speculation at best. I thought Harley corrected the problem. Does anyone know what's happening?
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 528
Likes: 14
From: pittsburgh
I can't make any blanket statements but I have a limited with 900miles on it have not had any issues. I have a few long trips planned for the summer and hope not to have problems start.
IIRC, there have been two issues which (I thought) were addressed. There was a thermostat issue and a replacement filler neck. But bikes built after a certain date were to have both problems corrected in production. But I may be wrong.
IIRC, there have been two issues which (I thought) were addressed. There was a thermostat issue and a replacement filler neck. But bikes built after a certain date were to have both problems corrected in production. But I may be wrong.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,878
Likes: 164
From: Northern California
I had a leak three times; once they replaced the filler neck with the upgraded part my issues went away. No leak in the last 1,800 miles. It could be due to the filler tank being overfilled or air in the system. From what I have seen, heard and experienced, you do not need to worry. They are great bikes!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 900
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
My bike had all the recall work done before I bought it. The other day the check engine light came on (750 miles). Since there's not much else I could do I checked the coolant reservoir just to see. The fluid was significantly below the "cold" line but fluid was visible in the tank. I did check it the next day when the engine was truly cold too but still looked low to me. Anyone else have this experience?
Dealer came and got the bike and later told me they were getting two conflicting error codes but didn't seem very concerned about the coolant. They have to wait until Monday to call HD/HQ and speak to the gurus. Missed out on a great riding day yesterday.
I'm hoping to hear something tomorrow.
Dealer came and got the bike and later told me they were getting two conflicting error codes but didn't seem very concerned about the coolant. They have to wait until Monday to call HD/HQ and speak to the gurus. Missed out on a great riding day yesterday.
I'm hoping to hear something tomorrow.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
A 30% leak rate (per the poll on this site: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/new-r...sues-poll.html ) on a $30,000 motorcycle is a reason to be concerned. Hope there is a definitive fix soon.
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 97
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From: Coker Creek, TN
I have 6600 miles on my limited without one single problem. I live in southwest Florida with 90+ temps and no leaks.
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,018
Likes: 197
From: usa
If a dealer says, "that's Harleys problem", then that's a dealer you don't want to have do any service to your baby. I have that dealer!
I got the 14 ultra limited and 1100 miles with no problems...been in mid 80s heat in city traffic.
That being said I got the bike in Feb. and didn't check the VIN on the HD site until after the 1k service was done, I then found an outstanding program for the filler neck to be replaced.
Seems to me to be a shared problem...HD and the dealer.
Some dealers are too lazy to be bothered with it.
Some don't care...when lazy and don't care combine then look out.
I got the 14 ultra limited and 1100 miles with no problems...been in mid 80s heat in city traffic.
That being said I got the bike in Feb. and didn't check the VIN on the HD site until after the 1k service was done, I then found an outstanding program for the filler neck to be replaced.
Seems to me to be a shared problem...HD and the dealer.
Some dealers are too lazy to be bothered with it.
Some don't care...when lazy and don't care combine then look out.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 509
Likes: 5
Congratulations, you're one of the 70% who have not had problems. Make sure you enter your results in the poll, as everyone should, so we get the best overview of the problem.
Last edited by Dave Thorpe; Apr 27, 2014 at 03:10 PM.