2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 11
From: Punta Gorda,FL
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
I see no reason to label a newposter, as a troll, just because he lists some problems, heis havingwith his ride. There is only a very small percentage of Harley owners that use this forum. It makes sense to me that the reasonthat some owner's would usethis forum for the first time would be to ask questions, about problems they are having.
Tom
Tom
Novice
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
biz44, I hear the brake clunk that you are talking about, usually when rolling it backwards. Prior to the '08 I had a Fatboy with true floating rotors. There was almost always a fairly loud clunk when I rolled it back and applied the front brake. It seems like it was always when the bike (and brakes) were cold. The '08 hassemi-floating rotors up front, this could be a similar issue. As the rotors cool, the little floater button gets in a bind ( I think) and when the brake is applied the rotor and/or button can jump back into alignment. That's my theory anyway. Overall, I love my '08- big improvement in many ways over my previous Harleys. The only issue I have with it is that sometimes when it comes time to leave a traffic light after a minute or so of idling, the throttle seems totally non-responsive and it sounds and feels like I am trying to take off in third gear or something. I talked to my dealer about it (not the service guys) and he has an '08 and is experiencing the same thing. He says he is talking with the Moco about the issue. Anybody heard of this sluggish response and know the cure or cause?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: West End,NC
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
The only issue I have with it is that sometimes when it comes time to leave a traffic light after a minute or so of idling, the throttle seems totally non-responsive and it sounds and feels like I am trying to take off in third gear or something. I talked to my dealer about it (not the service guys) and he has an '08 and is experiencing the same thing. He says he is talking with the Moco about the issue. Anybody heard of this sluggish response and know the cure or cause?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,907
Likes: 69
From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
I recently bought an 08 Street Glide ,no problems,nothing. I find it hard to believe you paid that kind of money for a bike and didn't ride it first!Did you sit on it before? Can't comment on the ABS because I don't have it.The thottle is great ,no problems with that either. My .02 cents worth Jrsess
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 427
Likes: 0
From: Baltimore, MD
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
I haven't read many responses, just thought I would directly answer your question. I have 1,600 miles on my 2008 CVO Screaming Eagle Ultra Classic. Electronic throttle, Hydraulic clutch, ABS brakes,etc.
Sounds to me that your dealer hasn't ridden many 08's. Your problems with braking and throttle are not my experience with my bike. I think you might see another dealer and get their opinion.
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Sounds to me that your dealer hasn't ridden many 08's. Your problems with braking and throttle are not my experience with my bike. I think you might see another dealer and get their opinion.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,356
Likes: 1
From: Lansdale, Pa
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
ORIGINAL: knobinter
I just bought a brand new 2008 Street Glide with ABS. The front brake when applied moderatly on the first pull goes 3/4 way down to the handlebar feeling mushy, the next pull it has pressure already at a 1/4 way. It feels like there is air in the system and it won't do it all the time. When I try to apply the brakes I never know at what point they will actually apply and it is either scary late or sooner then I would think. The calipers or pads clunk like an old Chevy truck when the brakes are initiated. The rear and front both squeal obnoxious.
The electronic throttle has a delay built in that drives me crazy, more on deceleration than on acceleration, because it won't engine brake like one would expect it to. The bike doesn't track straight. When the hands are taken off the bars ( i know, i know) the bike veers left. No matter what the road surface condition. None of that wasapparentwith any of my previous rides, the last one being a 2007 Street Glide. Also the newly re-shaped seat now has a step in it that moves the rider forward and at 6'2 I am in a very uncomfortable position, the use of a driver backrest is virtualy impossible. Does anyone experience similar issues? The dealer says all is normal and " within manufacturers specs". After 30 years on 2 wheels with many different bikes I am litte perplexed about this situation.
I just bought a brand new 2008 Street Glide with ABS. The front brake when applied moderatly on the first pull goes 3/4 way down to the handlebar feeling mushy, the next pull it has pressure already at a 1/4 way. It feels like there is air in the system and it won't do it all the time. When I try to apply the brakes I never know at what point they will actually apply and it is either scary late or sooner then I would think. The calipers or pads clunk like an old Chevy truck when the brakes are initiated. The rear and front both squeal obnoxious.
The electronic throttle has a delay built in that drives me crazy, more on deceleration than on acceleration, because it won't engine brake like one would expect it to. The bike doesn't track straight. When the hands are taken off the bars ( i know, i know) the bike veers left. No matter what the road surface condition. None of that wasapparentwith any of my previous rides, the last one being a 2007 Street Glide. Also the newly re-shaped seat now has a step in it that moves the rider forward and at 6'2 I am in a very uncomfortable position, the use of a driver backrest is virtualy impossible. Does anyone experience similar issues? The dealer says all is normal and " within manufacturers specs". After 30 years on 2 wheels with many different bikes I am litte perplexed about this situation.
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Joe Kucinski
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 4
From:
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Troll maybe,but could also be an owner that has a problem with his bike.And guess what his dealer will tell him?The 08s orders seem to keep getting pushed back,esp those with ABS.Maybe just maybe this guy has one that got by the MoCobefore they realized it?Do you think HD wants another IDS issue killing sales again?Rushing a model yr into production before the bugs have been worked out?ABS would be be a safety issue that they couldnt get the owners to pick up the bill or offer some elbow grease discount fix.The ABS sounds like a nice setup,does an experienced rider need it?Could save your butt,maybe never need it.This system is new for HD,the police units were alittle different,and things dont always show up right away.Contact HDs C/S,lean on your dealer or go elsewhere,get a rep involved if dealersare no help.Maybe all your bike needs is bled correctly.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Thank you everyone for the responses. Just as an FYI: I am 46 and started riding at 15. I have owned a variety of bikes Honda, Kawasaki, Laverda, BMW, Norton, HarleyFlat Knuckle Shovel, etc.and did allwork on all of them myself. Now I work a 60+ hour week, have kids house etc.and really don't have time or energy to work on my bike. I really don't see the need for it when I purchase a new product under warranty. I was cut off by a truck and my 07 Street Glide, which was perfect from Day 1, was totaled. I did 3 weeks in the hospital and ordered a new bike. I don't know where you all live - but here in Arizona there is not a single Harley dealer that will let you testride a bike - Period. There also weren't any that had 08 Street Glides with ABS in stock. I went by the changes that were disclosed to me and other than that I only wanted to replace what I had. I sat on the anniversary model bike, the only one in the showroom and it has a different seat, it is also not the same is riding a bike. The problems I encountered were immediately apparent and right after I rode the bike out from the dealership I took it back the same day. I believe I do have that right. Thanks for everyones input.