Was looking at a used 2018 Road Glide with 18K miles on it. Asked if Harley has resolved the "sumping issues with the Milwaukee 8". Sales person said they never heard of any issues with the engine and haven't had any come back. We walked back to service department and he asked him if he's heard or seen any issues with the Milwaukee 8 and he says "none". I ask about sumping and explain that there are service bulletins on it. The service guy acts puzzled and says he hasn't seen anything like that - basically acting like I don't know what I'm talking about.
What do you all think - is it slightly possible a dealership hasn't seen or heard of the sumping issue? Or have they gotten really good at trying to cover up the problem?

 

Denial is best guess.

 

It is possible. Not likely, but possible. Some service department don't pull up service bulletins until the problem arrives at their shop. After three years the odds are pretty good that at least one of the bikes they have sold has sumped, especially if they have sold any CVO's. They seem to have the problem more than the standard and special models.

 

You'll get the same type of comment from the sales and support staff in almost every big name brand out there. Large company' will direct their employees to never admit to faults right or wrong.

 

All things are possible. But, I would be going to another dealer.

 

That’s ok, when I bought my 19 and asked a service tech if HD had figured out the trans migration I was told it wasn’t a thing and it’s only because people are lugging their engines.

 

Not a surprise they said they never heard of it. They are trying to sell bikes. I have seen a service manager tell a customer that the 110's do not have lifter failure issues, while they had a bike on the lift with lifter failure.

 

My dealers service manager is aware of sumping but says they have never had one. Fluid transfer on the other hand they have had several. I point that out as it makes me believe him about the sumping. Doubt they would deny one issue and admit to another.

 

Ask your service guy to look up HD Service Bulletin 1450 and see if he still denies that sumping is an "issue".

 

I think there is sumping strange going on.