2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 0
From: Ada, Michigan
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.
The brakes on my 07 were mushy and no where near as tight feeling as my 06 Heritage Classic. The dealer bled the lines and it feels 100% better. have them check it out
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,238
Likes: 0
From: Desmoines, Iowa
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
when i tell people about this forum site. they look at me like i'm crazy.and as far as i know nobody has got on it.that i have told .i did'nt know about it until a couple of years ago .
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 39
From:
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
My dealer let me ride both my Electra Glide That I traded, and the new Road King I bought last March. I thought that was pretty cool. It's under new ownership now, so I don't know if the new owners do that.
Anyway, I'd be taking the bike back under warranty. I just gotta say, I had three new Harleys the last three years, and haven't had a problem with any of them. None. And a combined total of close to 23,000 miles. Not a lot, but I'm in Harley Heaven just the same.
Anyway, I'd be taking the bike back under warranty. I just gotta say, I had three new Harleys the last three years, and haven't had a problem with any of them. None. And a combined total of close to 23,000 miles. Not a lot, but I'm in Harley Heaven just the same.
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
I took the bike back to the dealer, they say no problems found. Tracking left is normal. Brake issues are no issues - get used to it.
HD Customer Service says the same. This morning I had to make an emergency stopon the freeway and even though the bike stopped, the brake lever almost touched the handlebars. ABS did not engage and it was a nice little scare moment. To make it more interesting i continued my ride through a long sweeper and had to slow down for a landscape truck; at that point the brake engaged abruptly at 1/4 pull, way to much way to soon. Engine braking with electronic throttle does virtually not exist. Dealer says - get used to it. The bike is going up for sale. Anyone want it?
HD Customer Service says the same. This morning I had to make an emergency stopon the freeway and even though the bike stopped, the brake lever almost touched the handlebars. ABS did not engage and it was a nice little scare moment. To make it more interesting i continued my ride through a long sweeper and had to slow down for a landscape truck; at that point the brake engaged abruptly at 1/4 pull, way to much way to soon. Engine braking with electronic throttle does virtually not exist. Dealer says - get used to it. The bike is going up for sale. Anyone want it?
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Harley can't keep up with new technology, they want the consumer to iron out all the **** they put out, and people are stupid enough to buy it.
They should go to Metric school!!!!!!!
They should go to Metric school!!!!!!!
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
ORIGINAL: knobinter
I took the bike back to the dealer, they say no problems found. Tracking left is normal. Brake issues are no issues - get used to it.
HD Customer Service says the same. This morning I had to make an emergency stopon the freeway and even though the bike stopped, the brake lever almost touched the handlebars. ABS did not engage and it was a nice little scare moment. To make it more interesting i continued my ride through a long sweeper and had to slow down for a landscape truck; at that point the brake engaged abruptly at 1/4 pull, way to much way to soon. Engine braking with electronic throttle does virtually not exist. Dealer says - get used to it. The bike is going up for sale. Anyone want it?
I took the bike back to the dealer, they say no problems found. Tracking left is normal. Brake issues are no issues - get used to it.
HD Customer Service says the same. This morning I had to make an emergency stopon the freeway and even though the bike stopped, the brake lever almost touched the handlebars. ABS did not engage and it was a nice little scare moment. To make it more interesting i continued my ride through a long sweeper and had to slow down for a landscape truck; at that point the brake engaged abruptly at 1/4 pull, way to much way to soon. Engine braking with electronic throttle does virtually not exist. Dealer says - get used to it. The bike is going up for sale. Anyone want it?
That abs sh$t is just scary.
"That's normal" and "get used to it". Standard moco bullsh$t.
For only $20k plus you too can be a beta tester.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 886
Likes: 3
From: NC Mountains
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Also some non-owners...like me. I joined this to read all these experiences....I want to learn as much as I can before I get a bike for myself. By the way, he has the one I want....wonder if he would take $15k for it?!
ORIGINAL: tmitchellof PG
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
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
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,823
Likes: 2
From: THE MARITIMES Canada
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Look on the bright side.............another 9 months and everyone can complain about the 09's
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Joe Kucinski
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 218
Likes: 1
From:
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
Engine braking with electronic throttle does virtually not exist. Dealer says - get used to it
First I heard of that. You need to find a real Dealer to talk to. I have 4000 miles on mine and engine braking is same as my carbed and cabled bikes. I would say you need your brakes bled also, I've used a mitevac on abs cars with excellant results, but this should all be a dealer issue. Shame to sell the bike cause of **** dealer service.
First I heard of that. You need to find a real Dealer to talk to. I have 4000 miles on mine and engine braking is same as my carbed and cabled bikes. I would say you need your brakes bled also, I've used a mitevac on abs cars with excellant results, but this should all be a dealer issue. Shame to sell the bike cause of **** dealer service.
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From:
RE: 2008 model problems, brakes & throttle, tracking
I guess I should count my Blessings, I havent seen any of these problems in my new 08.
I too would recommend checking a different dealership before you sell.
Wish you the best of luck getting it solved.
I too would recommend checking a different dealership before you sell.
Wish you the best of luck getting it solved.