Dealership Assembly Issues
Dealership Assembly Issues
When I first picked up my 48 a year and a half ago, not soon after I was having issues starting the bike. Looked at the battery and whoever put it together didn't even thread the positive cable end through the bolt, just used the bolt to "clamp" the side of the end to the battery terminal. I did it right and obviously it starts fine now. Then this weekend, I put passenger pegs on which requires removal of the master cylinder and entire exhaust system. When taking them off, the cylinder head flange nuts were only hand tight, so during reassembly I put the back on using the tightr end of the torque range. Bike seems to idle and ride smoother. My question to you guys, is there anything else I should keep an eye out for? Any other issues you've come across.
Same thing here. Picked up my iron last year and on the way home lost a exhaust support bolt and a screw from the left hand controls. I went over the whole bike and found many bolts and screws where not tight enough to. I'm a small engine mechanic so I didn't make a big deal out out of and just got replacement bolt for the exhaust and controls. Gave me a chance to know the bike a little bit better.
Either that or he dipped into the shine while he was still putting it together.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,258
Likes: 522
From: USA
I do not know what parts the dealer assembles upon receipt from the factory.
Maybe someone else has a specific list.
Best option...service manual and do the critical fasteners check.
Blue Loctite and a torque wrench are "your friends" in this preventative maintenance.
Have fun.
Maybe someone else has a specific list.
Best option...service manual and do the critical fasteners check.
Blue Loctite and a torque wrench are "your friends" in this preventative maintenance.
Have fun.
I loctite everything, even stuff the service manual doesnt say to.
When I first picked up my 48 a year and a half ago, not soon after I was having issues starting the bike. Looked at the battery and whoever put it together didn't even thread the positive cable end through the bolt, just used the bolt to "clamp" the side of the end to the battery terminal. I did it right and obviously it starts fine now. Then this weekend, I put passenger pegs on which requires removal of the master cylinder and entire exhaust system. When taking them off, the cylinder head flange nuts were only hand tight, so during reassembly I put the back on using the tightr end of the torque range. Bike seems to idle and ride smoother. My question to you guys, is there anything else I should keep an eye out for? Any other issues you've come across.
Tighten the bolts to spec every now and then. Blue loctite does not work here. The studs get too hot. The blue loctite will liquify and aid in the bolts coming of faster. You could try red loctite.... but...
Last edited by cvaria; Mar 27, 2016 at 10:16 AM.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: On the Chester River
When I was a dealer delivering a boat, I used to tell my customers that we had done our best, but the boat was still a collection of 30,000 parts flying in close formation. If there was a problem, we'd stand behind it.
This week I will be picking up my '16 XL1200C and taking it straight from the dealer to my lift, where I will go over it with a fine tooth comb, including testing every wheel spoke with a torque wrench This is not to imply that the MoCo or the dealer is not doing a good job. It's just an acknowledgement that $hit happens and I'd rather catch it before it causes a problem if I can.
If everything from the manufacturer and the dealer were perfect, we wouldn't need warranties.
This week I will be picking up my '16 XL1200C and taking it straight from the dealer to my lift, where I will go over it with a fine tooth comb, including testing every wheel spoke with a torque wrench This is not to imply that the MoCo or the dealer is not doing a good job. It's just an acknowledgement that $hit happens and I'd rather catch it before it causes a problem if I can.
If everything from the manufacturer and the dealer were perfect, we wouldn't need warranties.
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
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 67
From: Saint Amant, Acadiana
Cant blame the dealer there. The flange nuts work their way loose due vibrations. Its some to check during pre ride inspections every now and then. I've lost a few. I've had to ride a few miles with bubble sound effects because one came ofand i didn't notice, so the engine shook the other bolt loose and the exhaust popped off. I noticed that when this is happening is, your bike suddenly sounds meaner than normal and you idle gets a little silly. Few miles later... bubbles. Booop booop booop.
Tighten the bolts to spec every now and then. Blue loctite does not work here. The studs get too hot. The blue loctite will liquify and aid in the bolts coming of faster. You could try red loctite.... but...
Tighten the bolts to spec every now and then. Blue loctite does not work here. The studs get too hot. The blue loctite will liquify and aid in the bolts coming of faster. You could try red loctite.... but...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 67
From: Phoenix
Cant blame the dealer there. The flange nuts work their way loose due vibrations. Its some to check during pre ride inspections every now and then. I've lost a few. I've had to ride a few miles with bubble sound effects because one came ofand i didn't notice, so the engine shook the other bolt loose and the exhaust popped off. I noticed that when this is happening is, your bike suddenly sounds meaner than normal and you idle gets a little silly. Few miles later... bubbles. Booop booop booop.
Tighten the bolts to spec every now and then. Blue loctite does not work here. The studs get too hot. The blue loctite will liquify and aid in the bolts coming of faster. You could try red loctite.... but...
Tighten the bolts to spec every now and then. Blue loctite does not work here. The studs get too hot. The blue loctite will liquify and aid in the bolts coming of faster. You could try red loctite.... but...