sumping on 18 Softails ?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: coast to coast
Ive had zero issues with my 114 Stage 2 Heritage in 7,500 miles.
That said, I still love my 09 Dyna 92 FXR and as a dad Id probably suggest my son find a nice used Evo or TC and save a ton of cash. I love my M8, but nothing wrong with older iron.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
I’d say those that have experienced issues are the people who exactly would tell you that warranty was worth a lot to them as it has replaced their motors and kept them on the road.
I’ve had zero issues with my 114 Stage 2 Heritage in 7,500 miles.
That said, I still love my ‘09 Dyna ‘92 FXR and as a dad I’d probably suggest my son find a nice used Evo or TC and save a ton of cash. I love my M8, but nothing wrong with older iron.
I’ve had zero issues with my 114 Stage 2 Heritage in 7,500 miles.
That said, I still love my ‘09 Dyna ‘92 FXR and as a dad I’d probably suggest my son find a nice used Evo or TC and save a ton of cash. I love my M8, but nothing wrong with older iron.
Ironically enough... The only fix that seems to have some legs to it for the primary fluid transfer issue has come from a forum member (Stonecold). AFAIK, if you chose to avail yourself of his fix, you'll void the warranty.
Last edited by T^2; May 3, 2018 at 02:28 PM.
Grand HDF Member
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From: coast to coast
I get what your saying and yeah, the problems need to be addressed on a design/mfg level really, but replacement engines aren’t cheap and at least HD is stepping up to try to help those in need over in the touring section. A few of those guys who needed it have been made whole enough to ride even if it took a couple replacement motors to get there. I’d rather be in this boat with the warranty (which HD is honoring well it seems) than without.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 467
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From: New Mexico
I get what your saying and yeah, the problems need to be addressed on a design/mfg level really, but replacement engines arent cheap and at least HD is stepping up to try to help those in need over in the touring section. A few of those guys who needed it have been made whole enough to ride even if it took a couple replacement motors to get there. Id rather be in this boat with the warranty (which HD is honoring well it seems) than without.
True that, HD is Big Time Stepping up Warranty Wise.
Again, the '18 Softails don't seem to have oil related problems.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,193
From: Maryland
I get what your saying and yeah, the problems need to be addressed on a design/mfg level really, but replacement engines arent cheap and at least HD is stepping up to try to help those in need over in the touring section. A few of those guys who needed it have been made whole enough to ride even if it took a couple replacement motors to get there. Id rather be in this boat with the warranty (which HD is honoring well it seems) than without.
I'm not saying that you might as well through the warranty in the trash... What I am saying is that if you discover that you are one of the lucky ones that has fluid transfer issues or sumping problems that haven't yet taken out your engine, then the warranty - in all probability - isn't going to do you much good in terms of getting your problem solved (allowing you to move on with your life).
Some I've read have had 3+ motors replaced. At that rate, even though the warranty has taken care of the replacement, how much piece of mind does that owner now have? When does it become such a hassle that it's not worth it regardless?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: coast to coast
That's something at least for those that had catastrophic failure requiring a engine replacement. But for those that fall short of that extreme, the warranty hasn't done much for them. They're still hanging in the lurch hoping that HD will some day provide a solution to their problem.
I'm not saying that you might as well through the warranty in the trash... What I am saying is that if you discover that you are one of the lucky ones that has fluid transfer issues or sumping problems that haven't yet taken out your engine, then the warranty - in all probability - isn't going to do you much good in terms of getting your problem solved (allowing you to move on with your life).
Some I've read have had 3+ motors replaced. At that rate, even though the warranty has taken care of the replacement, how much piece of mind does that owner now have? When does it become such a hassle that it's not worth it regardless?
I'm not saying that you might as well through the warranty in the trash... What I am saying is that if you discover that you are one of the lucky ones that has fluid transfer issues or sumping problems that haven't yet taken out your engine, then the warranty - in all probability - isn't going to do you much good in terms of getting your problem solved (allowing you to move on with your life).
Some I've read have had 3+ motors replaced. At that rate, even though the warranty has taken care of the replacement, how much piece of mind does that owner now have? When does it become such a hassle that it's not worth it regardless?
Fingers crossed for us. So far so good. If mine fails, Im going back to my TC/Evo and just ride...but very happy so far.
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Lansing mi
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Upstate New York
First thought that crosses my mind in terms of risk mitigation... See if you can find a used one so you don't have as much in it if it goes south.
Then again... I've already seen a used '18 Heritage 114 at a local dealer... Although I was glad to see some used examples starting to show up, I have to admit the first thing that went through my mind when looking at it was - wonder if this was a problem child (sumping/transfer) that somebody offloaded? Wonder if that's why such a new bike is sitting here in the used lot?
However, I've read a post around here somewhere that somebody mentioned trading in their Fat Bob, not because there was anything wrong with it, they just wanted to get a Heritage or something that was more appropriate for them. Hard to say...
Sure... A recent used M8 Fat Bob would still have it's warranty... for whatever it's worth (I'd say not much at the moment for those that have been experiencing these issues).
Taking it all in... I'm still motivated to sit on the sidelines. Partly because of this soap opera, but also partly due to the fact that I'm a cheap bastard and I want to wait for the used prices to go down. Besides, I'm still enjoying kicking around on my Nightster (which I won't get rid of even if I buy another).
Then again... I've already seen a used '18 Heritage 114 at a local dealer... Although I was glad to see some used examples starting to show up, I have to admit the first thing that went through my mind when looking at it was - wonder if this was a problem child (sumping/transfer) that somebody offloaded? Wonder if that's why such a new bike is sitting here in the used lot?
However, I've read a post around here somewhere that somebody mentioned trading in their Fat Bob, not because there was anything wrong with it, they just wanted to get a Heritage or something that was more appropriate for them. Hard to say...
Sure... A recent used M8 Fat Bob would still have it's warranty... for whatever it's worth (I'd say not much at the moment for those that have been experiencing these issues).
Taking it all in... I'm still motivated to sit on the sidelines. Partly because of this soap opera, but also partly due to the fact that I'm a cheap bastard and I want to wait for the used prices to go down. Besides, I'm still enjoying kicking around on my Nightster (which I won't get rid of even if I buy another).
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 38
Likes: 13
From: Manhattan, Illinois
I'd love to Stage 3 my 18 Low Rider. However after 2 blown motors on a 17 Road King (Stage 3) I had I'm waiting and watching. There is no feeling like having your motor puke at 80 miles an hour 1200 miles from home. I've done Stage 1 for now and am thinking about the Red Shift cam. It Seems as if It's stage 3 and 4 Touring models with the sumping problem. The Softail motor is a somewhat different design, so If your stock 107 or 114 your probably ok. I'd say get a new softail, I did. BTW I traded the RK for a 17 Fat Boy S. also love that bike, but she won't corner without scraping the floor boards.