Nightster problems...
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: sigonella
Your nightmare is now mine 2012 XL1200C 1250 miles
Just had the 1,000 miles service about 330 mi ago, tanked up, hit the highway; and ba-ba-ba-ba became ba--ba--ba. Rear cylinder is throwing P0264 and P0154. The 154 no longer comes, just 264 after starting the bike now. I've been through all sorts of stuff - testing grounds, the injector is 14.3 ohms like injector 1, no mods of any kind. I've opened/reseated probably ten times now, ever connector in reach; used alcohol & brush to clean contacts, no better. It sounds the same, rear cylinder fuel injector connected, or not. Nothing different was done prior to it happening/no rain, etc. Anyone else have ideas? I am overseas, waiting warranty approval to take it in - euro conversion alone is gonna suck. Any ideas- please post.
I didn't know what that was (n00b) so I looked it up:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_control_unit
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Engine_control_unit
5th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: sigonella
New ECU... waiting for Harley to reimburse the 500 Euros paid for it... stalled twice on me on the way home; once up hill and it almost was totalled from the Fiat that almost hit me, then on the highway doing 60. Made sure it wasn't the security keys at the house by moving them away... but once I shut the bike off, the starter no longer worked! Bad ground? or another bad replacement ECU? Sold the Honda for a reliable Harley... is there such a thing? still under 1300 miles; less than 1.5 driving hours after new ECU. Still waiting the mail for my repair manuals........
Novice
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 20
Likes: 12
From: Toronto
Wish I hadn't bought
Have had the Nightster 5 weeks now. Of that 2 have been back at the dealer.
Rode it home and got.stuck in the rain. Parked it no problem. Went to go to work and it wouldn't start. Called the dealer and was told it took on water. Let it dry out. While I was at work my bike spent the day sun bathing. Got it started and next day got it to work. Couldn't get home. Wouldn't start. Finally got home with the thought I would take it to have it looked at in the morning. On the way to the dealer I was turning through a busy intersection and the bike shut off on its own. Thank God no one hit me. We had to pay $130 to tow it. They called to say it was a lose battery cable, it was fixed and could pick it up Mon. On the way home Mon the bike went from 130 to 110 on the hay on its own. No break lights nothing. Just loss of power. Thank God hubby was riding it for me, he has more experience riding and held it, but he could have been hit by a car behind him with the loss of power. We took it straight back and it has been their since. I am a new rider, and it has kind of freaked me out that this may happen with me on it. I wish I had gone with the Indian Scout.
I also called Harley Headoffice and was told they knew about the loss of power issue before the nightster was released.
Rode it home and got.stuck in the rain. Parked it no problem. Went to go to work and it wouldn't start. Called the dealer and was told it took on water. Let it dry out. While I was at work my bike spent the day sun bathing. Got it started and next day got it to work. Couldn't get home. Wouldn't start. Finally got home with the thought I would take it to have it looked at in the morning. On the way to the dealer I was turning through a busy intersection and the bike shut off on its own. Thank God no one hit me. We had to pay $130 to tow it. They called to say it was a lose battery cable, it was fixed and could pick it up Mon. On the way home Mon the bike went from 130 to 110 on the hay on its own. No break lights nothing. Just loss of power. Thank God hubby was riding it for me, he has more experience riding and held it, but he could have been hit by a car behind him with the loss of power. We took it straight back and it has been their since. I am a new rider, and it has kind of freaked me out that this may happen with me on it. I wish I had gone with the Indian Scout.
I also called Harley Headoffice and was told they knew about the loss of power issue before the nightster was released.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 20
Likes: 12
From: Toronto
Update from last post
Second post. Since last post my bike ended up back in the shop for complete new wiring as well as new sensors. I got it end of July first of August. It spent 5 weeks of my riding season in for repairs. I have tried to trade it in to 3 different non Harley dealers. First 2 wold take it but at "9k loss and only on direct trade in. Last wanted nothing to do with it, due to all the troubles it has had. We are into winter season and bike should be safely tucked away for nice weather. It is actually back in the shop and has been for a month now looks like 2023 is continuing on with the troubles from 2022. Seriously considering going after Harley for my money back.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
Wow, old thread with a recent update.
I will say my 07 N has been dependable.
FWIW
As a summary to N owners,
1) Battery cable connections.
2) Fuses and fuse box waterproofing under the battery side cover area.
3) Care of wiring if handlebars are changed or if handlebar switch housings are removed.
From what I have read these 3 items can cause dependability issues.
Then there is that clutch plate which is another thread in itself.
The rest: regulator, fuel pump, battery life, are more unknown (Murphy Law) and I have no preventative steps to offer.
Yet, critical fixtures checking (see manual) would be an excellent annual step.
And in sorrow, I agree, the current dealer trade-in value for an 07 is not attractive.
Have a great spring 2023
I will say my 07 N has been dependable.
FWIW
As a summary to N owners,
1) Battery cable connections.
2) Fuses and fuse box waterproofing under the battery side cover area.
3) Care of wiring if handlebars are changed or if handlebar switch housings are removed.
From what I have read these 3 items can cause dependability issues.
Then there is that clutch plate which is another thread in itself.
The rest: regulator, fuel pump, battery life, are more unknown (Murphy Law) and I have no preventative steps to offer.
Yet, critical fixtures checking (see manual) would be an excellent annual step.
And in sorrow, I agree, the current dealer trade-in value for an 07 is not attractive.
Have a great spring 2023
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