2020 transfer...
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 707
Likes: 332
From: Indiana
Both of my 20's do it regularly. I have 30k on mine with the vent since new and it regularly transfers about 4 ounces in a 1k miles.
My wife's 20 road king had no fluid on the stick after a 300 mile ride home from the dealership I bought it from,it had 100 miles on it when I left the dealership. So 400 miles from prep to nothing on the stick.
The dealers act ignorant to the fact and even lied about the amount of fluid drained from mine. The second time I took it in to be checked after the "ride a thousand miles and bring it back bs" I drained and measured the night before,36 or 37 ounces it was overflowing when I took the derby cover off with the bike upright.I poured it all back in. They call me the next day and tell me the tech only drained 27 ounces and there was no problem.
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of reading these comments that the vent is the fix,it's not . I'm eventually,if I keep these bikes going to do the fix Stonecold came up with relieving the cover. It's a pain to have to correct fluid levels when traveling.
My wife's 20 road king had no fluid on the stick after a 300 mile ride home from the dealership I bought it from,it had 100 miles on it when I left the dealership. So 400 miles from prep to nothing on the stick.
The dealers act ignorant to the fact and even lied about the amount of fluid drained from mine. The second time I took it in to be checked after the "ride a thousand miles and bring it back bs" I drained and measured the night before,36 or 37 ounces it was overflowing when I took the derby cover off with the bike upright.I poured it all back in. They call me the next day and tell me the tech only drained 27 ounces and there was no problem.
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of reading these comments that the vent is the fix,it's not . I'm eventually,if I keep these bikes going to do the fix Stonecold came up with relieving the cover. It's a pain to have to correct fluid levels when traveling.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,470
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
So did this all start in 2007? Then add bigger and hotter engines ? With the change in starters.
I know nothing of the M8s. What's the difference in primary and tranny? Never had a vent before
Interesting thing is change fluid levels over years for 6 speed. Maybe at first thinking let a little transfer. Maybe theory was it doesn't hurt to have few extra ounces in primary, so they added extra to tranny.
How many ounces in M8 primary and tranny, and has it changed?
Some people say it was happening before M8s. Product of heat, whicc may be why you see it more in touring bikes, which usually get more miles and let nger days. Statistically.
I know nothing of the M8s. What's the difference in primary and tranny? Never had a vent before
Interesting thing is change fluid levels over years for 6 speed. Maybe at first thinking let a little transfer. Maybe theory was it doesn't hurt to have few extra ounces in primary, so they added extra to tranny.
How many ounces in M8 primary and tranny, and has it changed?
Some people say it was happening before M8s. Product of heat, whicc may be why you see it more in touring bikes, which usually get more miles and let nger days. Statistically.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 8,423
From: Inland NW
Both of my 20's do it regularly. I have 30k on mine with the vent since new and it regularly transfers about 4 ounces in a 1k miles.
My wife's 20 road king had no fluid on the stick after a 300 mile ride home from the dealership I bought it from,it had 100 miles on it when I left the dealership. So 400 miles from prep to nothing on the stick.
The dealers act ignorant to the fact and even lied about the amount of fluid drained from mine. The second time I took it in to be checked after the "ride a thousand miles and bring it back bs" I drained and measured the night before,36 or 37 ounces it was overflowing when I took the derby cover off with the bike upright.I poured it all back in. They call me the next day and tell me the tech only drained 27 ounces and there was no problem.
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of reading these comments that the vent is the fix,it's not . I'm eventually,if I keep these bikes going to do the fix Stonecold came up with relieving the cover. It's a pain to have to correct fluid levels when traveling.
My wife's 20 road king had no fluid on the stick after a 300 mile ride home from the dealership I bought it from,it had 100 miles on it when I left the dealership. So 400 miles from prep to nothing on the stick.
The dealers act ignorant to the fact and even lied about the amount of fluid drained from mine. The second time I took it in to be checked after the "ride a thousand miles and bring it back bs" I drained and measured the night before,36 or 37 ounces it was overflowing when I took the derby cover off with the bike upright.I poured it all back in. They call me the next day and tell me the tech only drained 27 ounces and there was no problem.
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of reading these comments that the vent is the fix,it's not . I'm eventually,if I keep these bikes going to do the fix Stonecold came up with relieving the cover. It's a pain to have to correct fluid levels when traveling.
My '19 was also factory installed, and I have never seen the transfer. Your situation is definitely isolated, as far as the primary vent goes.
I do hope you get it resolved.
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 1,603
From: High Point, NC.
For the vast majority here, it certainly has not been an issue on the machines that have the factory primary vent. We are talking 5 model years now with this vent, and no other parts changes, and we don't have a long list of complaints.
My '19 was also factory installed, and I have never seen the transfer. Your situation is definitely isolated, as far as the primary vent goes.
I do hope you get it resolved.
My '19 was also factory installed, and I have never seen the transfer. Your situation is definitely isolated, as far as the primary vent goes.
I do hope you get it resolved.
I personally think its more common than being reported though. For those of you that do your own service, its easier to see the extra fluid in the primary. I guarantee if service is done by a dealer, either they dont care to measure or pay attention to it, or if they do and notice transfer, they dont think its an issue and dont report it to the customer.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,470
Likes: 3,723
From: backwoods
How many people look at fluid level before draining primary? Even then how accurate can you be with primary?
I start it draining, then take derby off, while it does. Transmission is where to check. But howany do, if mo wet spots?
I just start draining
I start it draining, then take derby off, while it does. Transmission is where to check. But howany do, if mo wet spots?
I just start draining
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,594
Likes: 8,423
From: Inland NW
Agreed.
I personally think its more common than being reported though. For those of you that do your own service, its easier to see the extra fluid in the primary. I guarantee if service is done by a dealer, either they dont care to measure or pay attention to it, or if they do and notice transfer, they dont think its an issue and dont report it to the customer.
I personally think its more common than being reported though. For those of you that do your own service, its easier to see the extra fluid in the primary. I guarantee if service is done by a dealer, either they dont care to measure or pay attention to it, or if they do and notice transfer, they dont think its an issue and dont report it to the customer.
I guess the more extreme cases get the most reporting. If you recall, there were those few '17 and '18 models that actually ran out of trans fluid, and failed. I have not read any reports of that for over 4 years, now.
One thing is true, however, people do look at fluid levels differently, and/or are not checking it at consistent temperature. I know a few guys that are guilty of this, and were SURE that the trans was low, because they filled it hot, and now checked it cold, and conversely were positive that the primary was overfull, when I went over there and talked them into a few beers before checking it again...
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 456
Likes: 307
From: New Zealand
That is certainly possible.
I guess the more extreme cases get the most reporting. If you recall, there were those few '17 and '18 models that actually ran out of trans fluid, and failed. I have not read any reports of that for over 4 years, now.
One thing is true, however, people do look at fluid levels differently, and/or are not checking it at consistent temperature. I know a few guys that are guilty of this, and were SURE that the trans was low, because they filled it hot, and now checked it cold, and conversely were positive that the primary was overfull, when I went over there and talked them into a few beers before checking it again...
I guess the more extreme cases get the most reporting. If you recall, there were those few '17 and '18 models that actually ran out of trans fluid, and failed. I have not read any reports of that for over 4 years, now.
One thing is true, however, people do look at fluid levels differently, and/or are not checking it at consistent temperature. I know a few guys that are guilty of this, and were SURE that the trans was low, because they filled it hot, and now checked it cold, and conversely were positive that the primary was overfull, when I went over there and talked them into a few beers before checking it again...
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 707
Likes: 332
From: Indiana
I agree most either don't have a problem or aren't aware that they have a problem. Bikes that don't get ridden much or just putting around on Saturday probably aren't aware.
I do my own service on both bikes and knowing there was a problem in early model years I waited until 20 to buy a m8. I thought the vent had the problem cured, but I have 2 that are doing it.
When the service writer at the dealer wrote me up for this issue he was all happy and go getter about it until he realized it already had the vent tube from the factory. Then he went blank with a I don't know what to do look. And nothing was done. That was the last time I wasted my time taking it to the dealership,as I was almost out of warranty and this was my third attempt to get something done about it.
I just correct fluid levels as needed,never needed to do that on my 08,2 13's a 14 or my 16. I wish I had my 16 transmission in this bike that thing was smooth as butter. Anyway first world problems huh!
I do my own service on both bikes and knowing there was a problem in early model years I waited until 20 to buy a m8. I thought the vent had the problem cured, but I have 2 that are doing it.
When the service writer at the dealer wrote me up for this issue he was all happy and go getter about it until he realized it already had the vent tube from the factory. Then he went blank with a I don't know what to do look. And nothing was done. That was the last time I wasted my time taking it to the dealership,as I was almost out of warranty and this was my third attempt to get something done about it.
I just correct fluid levels as needed,never needed to do that on my 08,2 13's a 14 or my 16. I wish I had my 16 transmission in this bike that thing was smooth as butter. Anyway first world problems huh!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Fredericksburg
I have a 2020 Road glide with ss 475 cam also checked my trans fluid nothing on stick no leaks have not draned primary yet but sumping not fixed .Was searching to find info about problem found this posting one thing we have in common is the cam I have rode my bike pretty hard sometimes in the higher rpm range .
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 4,798
Likes: 5,889
From: Knoxville
Both of my 20's do it regularly. I have 30k on mine with the vent since new and it regularly transfers about 4 ounces in a 1k miles.
My wife's 20 road king had no fluid on the stick after a 300 mile ride home from the dealership I bought it from,it had 100 miles on it when I left the dealership. So 400 miles from prep to nothing on the stick.
The dealers act ignorant to the fact and even lied about the amount of fluid drained from mine. The second time I took it in to be checked after the "ride a thousand miles and bring it back bs" I drained and measured the night before,36 or 37 ounces it was overflowing when I took the derby cover off with the bike upright.I poured it all back in. They call me the next day and tell me the tech only drained 27 ounces and there was no problem.
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of reading these comments that the vent is the fix,it's not . I'm eventually,if I keep these bikes going to do the fix Stonecold came up with relieving the cover. It's a pain to have to correct fluid levels when traveling.
My wife's 20 road king had no fluid on the stick after a 300 mile ride home from the dealership I bought it from,it had 100 miles on it when I left the dealership. So 400 miles from prep to nothing on the stick.
The dealers act ignorant to the fact and even lied about the amount of fluid drained from mine. The second time I took it in to be checked after the "ride a thousand miles and bring it back bs" I drained and measured the night before,36 or 37 ounces it was overflowing when I took the derby cover off with the bike upright.I poured it all back in. They call me the next day and tell me the tech only drained 27 ounces and there was no problem.
Sorry for the rant but I get tired of reading these comments that the vent is the fix,it's not . I'm eventually,if I keep these bikes going to do the fix Stonecold came up with relieving the cover. It's a pain to have to correct fluid levels when traveling.
Asking for a friend.