First motorcycle - second problem in less than a month
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,836
Likes: 1
From: 2000 Softail FXST
Judging from the pic I agree with everyone else that it's just a worn gasket. It's an easy fix you can do yourself. Buy the gasket set for a few dollars and a model specific service manual for around $50 new or cheaper on ebay. Follow the manual and make sure you dont over torque the screws and your leaks will be gone. Good luck with it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Windsor, CO
Well, it was already leaking before I tightened them. I then tightened them, and I could barely get any of them to budge very far. After tightening, the oil leak was identical to the state before tightening. As such, it appears that my tightening would not be the problem.
As noted, get the shop manual for your model. The Clymer manual will run you around $35 to $40 and the Haines manual is under $30 at Amazon.com.
The primary cover gasket set will set you back another $25, maybe less if you find them onsale. Lots of spots to get parts online as well as at the local HD dealer.
Also consider getting the Fix my Hog DVD. I have the Touring model for my Ultra and the first service saved me almost $200 over dealer price. The DVD is easy to follow and is a great supplement for the manual. I take the DVD on my laptop to the garage with me when I'm doing the work and just start/pause the DVD at the right spot as I work.
Remember, too, that the torque suggestions on these things are to help keep the bike in better condition. Some are set because you don't want to pinch the gasket off too much (it ruins the seal) and others because of the type of material in the bolt/part.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 821
Likes: 18
From: Hawaii
Like has been said I'd say that it sat for a while and the gaskets dried out but don't tighten as tight as they'll go anything on your bike.Get a manuel and a couple torque wrenches,one for inch pounds and one for foot pounds,then replace the gaskets and put some Blue Loctite on and torque in the proper sequince to the proper torque.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
If you are going to do the work yourself and save enough to buy Cometic gaskets and a service manual you will still be bucks ahead.
Gotta tell ya; Harley's aren't like cars. They need constant maintenance. You need to check the belt, tire pressure, bolts, battery terminals on a regular basis if you want to have any confidence in the bike while you are out riding.
Gotta tell ya; Harley's aren't like cars. They need constant maintenance. You need to check the belt, tire pressure, bolts, battery terminals on a regular basis if you want to have any confidence in the bike while you are out riding.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
+1 with Trex. As far as constant maintenance, I would suggest get an owners manual for your Sportster and in it is a list of periodic maintenance. Also get in the habit of pre-ride inspections, tire pressures, light checks and look under for any new or different leaks. The newer bikes are fairly leak tight. My 02 and 05 don't "mark their territory". The previous owner of your bike could have over tighten the hardware on the case and inspection cover and only encouraged a leak later. Get some tools, check with Autozone or Advanced Auto or whoever and get your hands on the bike.
Last edited by seniorsuperglideE8; Nov 4, 2009 at 09:37 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 969
Likes: 3
From: Maine
I'm surprised the dealership that sold it to you wouldn't fix it for free. How long have you had it? More than 30 days? There must be some kind of a warranty on it.
Me, I would just do it myself "unless there was an active warranty" ..... make them earn their money by honoring the warranty.
Me, I would just do it myself "unless there was an active warranty" ..... make them earn their money by honoring the warranty.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 708
Likes: 3
From: Newark Ohio
Well, do you want to wrench it yourself or pay someone else to do it? If you're wrenching it yourself then you'll spend a little money on the shop manual and some tools (likely a torque wrench from Sears), gasket set, oil and probably oil filter. Everything but the tools you can get at a dealer. I'd suggest getting familiar with folks over in the Sportster forum as they should be able to answer specifics on your model.
Sounds like the bike may have been rode hard and put up wet a few times. As this is your first bike you might want to consider having the 5k mile service done a little early and have them check the bike over. Will cost you a little coin but it might be worth it to diagnose any major issues (if you've not already had someone else check the bike out). Don't mean to scare you, but if there's anything wrong with the skoot I'd rather find out about it while it's stationary and not carting my *** around on the freeway.
The leak doesn't sound like anything a little TLC won't take care of. Enjoy the skoot - looks like a nice one.
Sounds like the bike may have been rode hard and put up wet a few times. As this is your first bike you might want to consider having the 5k mile service done a little early and have them check the bike over. Will cost you a little coin but it might be worth it to diagnose any major issues (if you've not already had someone else check the bike out). Don't mean to scare you, but if there's anything wrong with the skoot I'd rather find out about it while it's stationary and not carting my *** around on the freeway.
The leak doesn't sound like anything a little TLC won't take care of. Enjoy the skoot - looks like a nice one.
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Joe Kucinski
Novice
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
This ain't a big deal. . .
Being your first bike and all I can see how you might get excited about stuff like this, but as stated by others, leaky gaskets can happen (for various reasons) and once installed and torqued properly (torque is VERY important) you won't have any other issues with it. By the way, I subscribe to the "if you want it done right you'll do it yourself" school of thought--don't be afraid to do the work yourself. . .it ain't rocket science.
As far as the corrosion on the electrical component, that ain't a big deal either--you replaced it with new and you won't have further problems with it.
Enjoy the new bike and don't sweat the small stuff!
As far as the corrosion on the electrical component, that ain't a big deal either--you replaced it with new and you won't have further problems with it.
Enjoy the new bike and don't sweat the small stuff!
