I noticed this leak today. The bike is a 2011 48 with about 6500 miles. I'm the 2nd owner. It looks like a gasket leak. Is this gasket a normal wear item or do I need to check deeper to see if it's a symptom of a bigger problem?







Thanks for all the help.

 

The rocker gasket leak unfortunately is "normal". Not all, but a lot of Sportsters leak there where yours is and sometimes in the front. But the rear rocker box cover is where most of them happen. Not a symptom of a bigger problem. Google or search this forum (and XLFORUM) and you will see that this happens a lot. Not hard to fix and replace with a better gasket.

 

I had the same leak in the same place when I bought my Superlow. It was a quick easy fix with a new gasket.

 

I had the same problem with my 07 1200 custom. In fact I replaced it twice with Harley gaskets and they didn't last long at all. My buddy had the same problem with his 08 1200
custom. I finally replaced the gaskets with Cometic gaskets and haven't had a problem since. These gaskets come as a set so I would recommend changing both front and rear while you have the tank off. It's actually a pretty simple job. Make sure you have the service manual and torque to the proper specs. Good luck.

 

its not just sportys....i have an 04 cvo electraglide. i bought it used about 6 months ago. it only had 3000 miles on it. i now have about 10k on her and the rockerbox in the rear cylinder is leaking. it happened to another 04 cvo that i bought new in 04....pretty common among harleys and a pretty easy repair.

 

Cool. Thanks for the info. I should have some time to fix it since the forecast is rain for the next 10 days.

 

Just did a video on how to do it, not the best quality but I documented the whole process.

 

That's awesome. Thanks!

 

Greetings from India. Great job with the Video buddy . I had a similar problem with my iron 883 after putting the aftermarket chrome rocker cover trim on my heads. I was told by my Harley service guy that its the size of the rocker cover screw that causes the oil leakage and then i had to remove the covers so that the leakage does not happen again. And guess what ?? just few days after that i could see the leakage yet again so i presume i have the same gasket issue.

 

I ordered a Cometic gasket kit and finally had some time to install it. While I had everything apart, I relocated the coil and ignition and did a wire tuck.