New bike problems???
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
New bike problems???
Just bought a brand new 12 Streetglide and noticed some wierd things..This is my fourth bike and have never bought brand new so dont know if its normal break in stuff..First thing Ive noticed is a good amount of water coming out of my pipes...it will leave the ground pretty wet..Never seen this on any other bike Ive had...Second is in first gear cruising slow id I give the throttle a quick jab or goose it I hear a loud clunk coming from the primary...Also in first with the clutch out cruising to a stop hearing a noise like an old police siren or manual car in reverse like a winding noise noticeable by my buddies standing there as I rode by..I know I can take it back to the dealer but have a feeling there gonna bs me..My old streetglide was an 88 with a five speed so this one is a 103 with a six speed...dont know whats going on....Thoughts?
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 637
Likes: 3
From: Laurel, Maryland
Jmho
You made this public so I'm assuming you're looking for some input on this so here's mine.
You shouldn't be crushing in first gear.
1st gear is only for getting your motorcycle in motion never for slowing down to a complete stop.
2nd gear is the lowest gear you should use to slow down.
My opinion, take it for what you think it's worth, or not.
GSF
You shouldn't be crushing in first gear.
1st gear is only for getting your motorcycle in motion never for slowing down to a complete stop.
2nd gear is the lowest gear you should use to slow down.
My opinion, take it for what you think it's worth, or not.
GSF
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 23,881
Likes: 34
From: USA
Water is condensation...the by product of the catalyst=normal. The primary clunk is most likely one of 2 things:
1. loose primary chain (new chain stretches)
2. lash in the driveline (there is always some)
To snug up the primary chain with the auto adjuster run the bike up to 5000 rpm in first gear then back off the throttle and jam on the rear brake all the way down to a stop without touching the front brake and not hard enough to lock the rear wheel. Do this 2-3 times and that will tighten the auto adjuster.
For the gear whine...if you don't have gear oil in your transmission get some. I recommend BelRay 85w140 or Redline Shockproof Heavy.
1. loose primary chain (new chain stretches)
2. lash in the driveline (there is always some)
To snug up the primary chain with the auto adjuster run the bike up to 5000 rpm in first gear then back off the throttle and jam on the rear brake all the way down to a stop without touching the front brake and not hard enough to lock the rear wheel. Do this 2-3 times and that will tighten the auto adjuster.
For the gear whine...if you don't have gear oil in your transmission get some. I recommend BelRay 85w140 or Redline Shockproof Heavy.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,427
Likes: 2
From: Smack Dab in the Middle of Louisiana
If your that concerned with the bike and it's that new, ride it until your first warranty service, make a list of all abnormalities and give it to the service-writer,or service manager and ask them to check it out.
The condensation in the pipes just might be because of the catalytic converters in the exhaust system.
Just a thought.........
The condensation in the pipes just might be because of the catalytic converters in the exhaust system.
Just a thought.........
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
Thanks for the info.
Just dont want to do any perm damage to a brand new bike.Warranty or not dont like the idea of having HD tearing into my brand new bike..I used to run redline in all my old bikes and never had any problems..Was gonna change all oils at 500 miles anyways was gonna go all synthetic but if im getting whine Ill probably just go redline in the tranny..
Just dont want to do any perm damage to a brand new bike.Warranty or not dont like the idea of having HD tearing into my brand new bike..I used to run redline in all my old bikes and never had any problems..Was gonna change all oils at 500 miles anyways was gonna go all synthetic but if im getting whine Ill probably just go redline in the tranny..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
The water is condensation. Pretty normal. Ask your dealer to check out the power train issues.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 14
From: Western MD
everything you are describing seems normal to me. condensation is from the cats, they build a lot of heat. the clunk is most likely the compensator pulsing. you may hear the same clunk or similar noise when dropping into first gear when stopped. the whine in first gear is normal. well at least my 07 fatty will whine if i drop into first above say 5 mph. you most likely just didn't hear the noises before with louder exhaust.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I have a 11 RK and I put over 7700 miles on her so far and all the things you mention sounds normal.
I don't think the condensation from the pipes is from the cat. I don't have a cat on my 11 and I still get a little water from the pipes when stating up a cold bike and let it set and warm up.
I don't think the condensation from the pipes is from the cat. I don't have a cat on my 11 and I still get a little water from the pipes when stating up a cold bike and let it set and warm up.