Some issues
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,809
Likes: 2,549
From: UK
Depends on severity and safety -- I don't expect a recall for every little glitch but if it makes bikes inoperable, such as battery not charging, then it does warrant a notice to customers that they need to get their bikes serviced. It is understandable for these things to happen with new models but that doesn't absolve Harley of responsibility to get the word out.
If your battery loses charge, it's inconvenient, but not safety critical.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 68
Likes: 44
Novice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
From: eastbourne uk
Totally agree with you. I have recently experienced my exhaust heat shield getting extremely hot and am considering taking Snowbirds advice on YouTube on how to rectify it. After going to the dealership yesterday and telling them about the problem they told me to book it in for repair. First new bike I have owned which has only done under 400 miles before it needs repairing . Snowbird also suggested checking the coolant level which I did today and its only showing a third of the level it should be on the dipstick. Which after reading this thread seems a common occurrence.
Its also the first bike I have owned that you can only use a particular coolant as well.
I thought I had got over regretting not buying a 1250 GS but I really am not sure now.
Its also the first bike I have owned that you can only use a particular coolant as well.
I thought I had got over regretting not buying a 1250 GS but I really am not sure now.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 93
Likes: 45
From: Denver CO
Switching to the screaming eagle exhaust cuts the heat down a bit as does filling the cooling system all the way up. Special coolant? I've heard you can use Peak Global 50/50 instead of Harley, (but I'm not positive). You'll be glad you bought the PA in the end. Just let it get through the growing pains.
PS: My coolant was low too, took about 6ozs to fill to max.
PS: My coolant was low too, took about 6ozs to fill to max.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
Totally agree with you. I have recently experienced my exhaust heat shield getting extremely hot and am considering taking Snowbirds advice on YouTube on how to rectify it. After going to the dealership yesterday and telling them about the problem they told me to book it in for repair. First new bike I have owned which has only done under 400 miles before it needs repairing . Snowbird also suggested checking the coolant level which I did today and its only showing a third of the level it should be on the dipstick. Which after reading this thread seems a common occurrence.
Its also the first bike I have owned that you can only use a particular coolant as well.
I thought I had got over regretting not buying a 1250 GS but I really am not sure now.
Its also the first bike I have owned that you can only use a particular coolant as well.
I thought I had got over regretting not buying a 1250 GS but I really am not sure now.
Have you been on the BMW GS forums? I was ready to pull the trigger on one, but glad I waited. Cost of ownership and a lot of other issues.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 92
From:
Totally agree with you. I have recently experienced my exhaust heat shield getting extremely hot and am considering taking Snowbirds advice on YouTube on how to rectify it. After going to the dealership yesterday and telling them about the problem they told me to book it in for repair. First new bike I have owned which has only done under 400 miles before it needs repairing . Snowbird also suggested checking the coolant level which I did today and its only showing a third of the level it should be on the dipstick. Which after reading this thread seems a common occurrence.
Its also the first bike I have owned that you can only use a particular coolant as well.
I thought I had got over regretting not buying a 1250 GS but I really am not sure now.
Its also the first bike I have owned that you can only use a particular coolant as well.
I thought I had got over regretting not buying a 1250 GS but I really am not sure now.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
From: eastbourne uk
Switching to the screaming eagle exhaust cuts the heat down a bit as does filling the cooling system all the way up. Special coolant? I've heard you can use Peak Global 50/50 instead of Harley, (but I'm not positive). You'll be glad you bought the PA in the end. Just let it get through the growing pains.
PS: My coolant was low too, took about 6ozs to fill to max.
PS: My coolant was low too, took about 6ozs to fill to max.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
From: eastbourne uk
That's a fair comment and one of the reasons I brought a PAS. I think Harley have deliberately priced it low to appeal to riders like myself who cannot afford to pay Beemer money. The PA is a pretty good try for Harleys first adventure bike and on the scale of problems I haven't read of any big ones. It's taking me some time but I am gradually getting use to having a high revving engine again and understanding its character. I just loved the low down torque of a GS but that said contrary to what many say our PA are far better looking bikes lighter faster more technology . What's not to like then !
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5,809
Likes: 2,549
From: UK
Thank you that's reassuring. Not sure whether we do a 50/50 Coolant here in UK but having to buy specific is a pain.Love a SE pipe but not at that price. Hopefully we will see an after market one which will be more reasonably priced soon. I am sure I will be glad but it's going to take sone time to get there.
That said, I did buy a gallon jug of the HD stuff online - it was only about Ł20something. I figure that should do for the life of the bike. The HD coolant is water/ethylene glycol/diethylene glycol based - so is nothing special.
Mine did need topping up when I got the bike, but the level hasn't changed at all since then....
Novice
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 3
From: eastbourne uk
I'm pretty sure there is nothing special about the Harley coolant and you could use just about any water cooled motorcycle coolant.
That said, I did buy a gallon jug of the HD stuff online - it was only about Ł20something. I figure that should do for the life of the bike. The HD coolant is water/ethylene glycol/diethylene glycol based - so is nothing special.
Mine did need topping up when I got the bike, but the level hasn't changed at all since then....
That said, I did buy a gallon jug of the HD stuff online - it was only about Ł20something. I figure that should do for the life of the bike. The HD coolant is water/ethylene glycol/diethylene glycol based - so is nothing special.
Mine did need topping up when I got the bike, but the level hasn't changed at all since then....