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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 01:48 PM
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I have an 08, 1200 Custom. No problems so far
 
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 02:07 PM
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I believe there were a few on the forums, at least one I can remember with a failed oil pump< i think it was and 08 so under warrantee, my 06 not one issue so far, knock on wood.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 06:51 PM
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I have an '07 with 19,000 miles. Rocker box gaskets have been the only failure so far, and they were replaced under warranty. It's been a great bike.
 
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 07:21 PM
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Same here, 08 1200, rear rocker gasket leak. Could have it fixed under warrenty but decided to do it my self. 17.00 for parts and about an hour out of my life.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 04:27 AM
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Originally Posted by FastHoss
I would stay away from the 2007 and up untill the 2010,they have a lot of improvements

2007 sporty here also no problems at all great bike.
 
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 06:16 PM
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Bought my 2006 XL883 used last December at 3000 miles. Just had a rocker box oil leak repaired at 5600 miles.It was the rear cylinder leaking. No other problems.

jon
 
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 11:17 PM
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Originally Posted by birdmove
Bought my 2006 XL883 used last December at 3000 miles. Just had a rocker box oil leak repaired at 5600 miles.It was the rear cylinder leaking. No other problems.

jon
I'm a bit ignorant to some of this stuff but where is the rocker box? And could I do a quick visual inspection of that area when shoppin a used bike?? Also what is cost of repair? Do it myself versus have dealer do it?
 
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Old Sep 12, 2009 | 02:46 AM
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Originally Posted by marc the shark
I'm a bit ignorant to some of this stuff but where is the rocker box? And could I do a quick visual inspection of that area when shoppin a used bike?? Also what is cost of repair? Do it myself versus have dealer do it?
It would be called a valve cover on anything else..
The upper-most 'cover' on top of the motor.
Seems that more than anything else, they'll develop oil leaks over time and miles.
As far as looking for it on a bike at a dealer, I'm not thinking you'll see anything. If they're worth a ****, they would fix it before they brought it out. If not, they'll clean it up, so you won't see it anyway. Just negotiate in a 30-day warranty. If it's got any existing problems, you'll see it easily within that time.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2009 | 10:09 AM
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Originally Posted by FastHoss
I would stay away from the 2007 and up untill the 2010,they have a lot of improvements
What, specifically, did they improve on the 2010s? I've read the document that lists all 2010 changes and I can't find any significant improvements.
 
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Old Sep 12, 2009 | 02:36 PM
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Originally Posted by FastHoss
I would stay away from the 2007 and up untill the 2010,they have a lot of improvements
I'm not sure why FastHoss is against the '07-'09 Sportster, but I've had mine for a bit now and have had absolutely no issues with it. Just do the maintanence and you shouldn't have any issues. The Sportster is the workhorse of the Harley stable and it's a great bike. It's my first Harley and I'll never sell/trade her in. She'll go to my kids one day.
 
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