BIG Pothole...
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
BIG Pothole...
So, went out for a brief Independence Day ride and hit a pothole on the highway - of all places - while at approx 60 MPH. Not much occurred in the front end, but the back end bottomed out with a "crack" sound - I believe it was the shocks bottoming out....bike ran and handled fine afterward, and I have looked her over for anything onvious.
 \\;
Should I take her in to HD for a once over?
 \\;
Going to Sturgis in a month on her - all 1900 miles out and 1900 miles back. But I HATE taking her to the dealer if I can help it at all. I normally do everything myself except fluid changes, just because of the disposal issue, but I would hate to miss something that only an HD tech could find.
 \\;
Opinions??
 \\;
Should I take her in to HD for a once over?
 \\;
Going to Sturgis in a month on her - all 1900 miles out and 1900 miles back. But I HATE taking her to the dealer if I can help it at all. I normally do everything myself except fluid changes, just because of the disposal issue, but I would hate to miss something that only an HD tech could find.
 \\;
Opinions??
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 0
From: Western MA
RE: BIG Pothole...
Well that sux. All I can say is that I weigh about 280 lbs. and before I put Heavy duty progressives on my 07 SB I bottomed out a couple of times with a sound very similar to what youve described. I never bothered checking again because the bike was fine (or at least rode like it was) that was last season and havent had any probs.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 74
Likes: 0
From: Obion, TN / Springfield, VA
RE: BIG Pothole...
I think you'll be fine. If you gave her a once over yourself and didnt find anything I think you'll be fine. I've done that myself a couple times..even bottomed out the frame!! \\; If you take it to the dealer they're more than likely gonna try and sell you everything down to a new seat!
good luck
good luck
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,877
Likes: 4
From: Houston
RE: BIG Pothole...
Same thing happened to me.. Thought all was OK, then one day a week later I was washing her down and discovered a bent rim..
Still held air and didnt knok it out of alignment or balance, \\; But bent it up bigtime..
Still held air and didnt knok it out of alignment or balance, \\; But bent it up bigtime..
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 2,882
Likes: 1
From: NC
RE: BIG Pothole...
You'll probably be fine. Check the wiring under the back fender. \\;Mine \\;got cut \\;bottoming out not long after I bought it. Right rear turn signal did'nt work. I was near the dealership when I notice no turn signal and they fixed it in ten minutes.
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 431
Likes: 0
From: Queensland Australia
RE: BIG Pothole...
I would pull your rear holow axle and check it, as people over here have broken those holow axles \\;hitting potholes.
Why HD makes a hollow axle for such heavy bikes beats me.
Why HD makes a hollow axle for such heavy bikes beats me.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Santa Rosa, CA
RE: BIG Pothole...
I weigh 250 and with my ole lady on the bike well let's just say we're way over the bikes limit! I've bottomed out a few times and heard the same annoying sound but haven't had any problems. I'd check the bike out and make sure everything looks ok, take it for a test ride and call it good!