Softail Nightmare
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta Georgia
Scudda, yes, parts do break and yes I know I will be paying for repairs... I don't even have a problem with that, but was just trying to find out if anyone else had run into the shim going up into the gears... yes at the start I was venting too because 3k is extreme in my book, especially for only 21000 miles... I am realistic, and yes I was mistaken for taking it to non dealership mechanics... but have gotten some constructive comments and ideas on here... and was all I was after... and other comments well, I'll take those for exactly what I paid for the comments... not a thing... which was the true value of those comments...
Novice
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 18
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
Personally, I would not pay 3k for a replacement transmission for your bike. You are better served looking for a used tranny from a reliable seller perhaps on eBay, who sometimes sell them with a limited warranty for a hell of a lot less than 3k. A replacement transmission for my Softail Deluxe can be had on eBay for $520 with 60 day warranty. More than enough time to check it out and make sure it's good.$2,500 is a lot of money to save on a repair. Just a suggestion.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 30
Likes: 4
From: Salt Lake City
OP:
I'm a newbie on this Forum and am really coming in late on this issue. That said, it appears that you are still enduring this problem.
I've read through your post with interest. I'm scratching my head why you would need a new transmission if 1) the transmission isn't making any strange noises, clunks, or whines and your transmission is shifting normally. A new transmission for a leak seams extreme. There are independent and even honest guys at dealerships that can tear down and put a transmission back together in less than a day (that's probably about $800 plus another $50 for gaskets, seals, fluids). Chasing an oil leak can be a pain in the butt and very difficult to do and what you think is causing the leak may be something completely different than what you think it is. You have to be careful because there are people who will just throw darts at what they think may be the problem and not know for sure. You're left holding the bill for something that didn't need fixed in the first place.
I think you're going to fight an uphill battle that you'll lose trying to get HD to do anything about it. It's hard to get them to do anything when you're in warranty let along out of warranty. If you don't have any transmission issues described above, I honestly wouldn't pay $3000 for a new one. Go to all the independent shops in your area with your bike, show them where you think it's leaking, get there opinion along with a cost estimate. If it were me and the leak wasn't major, I'd go to Home Depot, buy a couple of paint tray liners, and still one under your bike when you park it in your garage. That's what I do with my 87. Good luck and if you've already gotten it fixed, please update your post what was ultimately found, done, and cost.
I'm a newbie on this Forum and am really coming in late on this issue. That said, it appears that you are still enduring this problem.
I've read through your post with interest. I'm scratching my head why you would need a new transmission if 1) the transmission isn't making any strange noises, clunks, or whines and your transmission is shifting normally. A new transmission for a leak seams extreme. There are independent and even honest guys at dealerships that can tear down and put a transmission back together in less than a day (that's probably about $800 plus another $50 for gaskets, seals, fluids). Chasing an oil leak can be a pain in the butt and very difficult to do and what you think is causing the leak may be something completely different than what you think it is. You have to be careful because there are people who will just throw darts at what they think may be the problem and not know for sure. You're left holding the bill for something that didn't need fixed in the first place.
I think you're going to fight an uphill battle that you'll lose trying to get HD to do anything about it. It's hard to get them to do anything when you're in warranty let along out of warranty. If you don't have any transmission issues described above, I honestly wouldn't pay $3000 for a new one. Go to all the independent shops in your area with your bike, show them where you think it's leaking, get there opinion along with a cost estimate. If it were me and the leak wasn't major, I'd go to Home Depot, buy a couple of paint tray liners, and still one under your bike when you park it in your garage. That's what I do with my 87. Good luck and if you've already gotten it fixed, please update your post what was ultimately found, done, and cost.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Northwest FloridaM
Hi, where is the online service manual for a 2004 Softail, night train ,what is the web address, https://www._____________. please someone tell me the web address, I am a new member, help !!!!!! Skulltail , Thanks
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Northwest FloridaM
Hello again, my 2004 night train has the left turn signal on, front and back also front riding light is on,this side is working fine. The right side has running light on, no blinkers front or back, the turn signals on back are only blinkers. Someone help me, I tried all I could no success, please someone ,there has to be somebody that can help me out. Thank you, Skulltail
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 224
Likes: 42
From: Madrid
Got to say this happend also in my country any of my friends take their bikes to any harley dealer dont know whats going on with these guys
Do what they say take your bike to an independent shop
Primary oil pump.....cant believe it
Good Lucky man
Do what they say take your bike to an independent shop
Primary oil pump.....cant believe it
Good Lucky man
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Northwest FloridaM
Please help !!! 2004 night train all left side is working fine ,blinkers on back are only turn signals,no running lights, Now the right side has no turn signals front and back . Only front riding light is on. Tried everything, no good. Can someone tell me what is causing this problem, someone has to know. PLEASE ! ! ! Someone HELP me out ,please. I ride to work on the Harley, only the car is for the wife. I am in a big jam. Thank you,. Skulltail
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 149
Likes: 24
From: Knoxville tn
People like Greezy make me not like this forum, spoil the moral
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 820
From: Nevada
I second the comment to have an independent shop look at the bike.
Harley's support for veterans is nothing more than lip service, a marketing play, if you will. I had trouble with a new (2 month old) Ultra I bought in 2000. The dealer worked diligently on my behalf to get a factory rep on-site to inspect the bike. My status as a Marine vet meant nothing to the MoCo. If it weren't for the dealer, my warranty claim (oil leak due to porosity in engine cases) would have been declined.
Harley's support for veterans is nothing more than lip service, a marketing play, if you will. I had trouble with a new (2 month old) Ultra I bought in 2000. The dealer worked diligently on my behalf to get a factory rep on-site to inspect the bike. My status as a Marine vet meant nothing to the MoCo. If it weren't for the dealer, my warranty claim (oil leak due to porosity in engine cases) would have been declined.