primary chain bolt back out!

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Aug 10, 2014 | 08:16 PM

media1988

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From: media

primary chain bolt back out!

Primary chain bolt backed out. Noticed a noise like 10 miles ago thought nothing of it honestly. The bike only has 900 miles on it. My wrenching instincts kicked in and instantly thought of the chain so I checked the bolt had backed halfway out and had been leaking oil. I'm sure it's fine I'll just tighten it back up. Any one else have this. 1000 mile service soon so they can put oil in I guess.

Aug 10, 2014 | 08:36 PM

gargoyle13

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Joined: Nov 2012

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From: Texas

This seems to be quite common. My 2012 1200 Custom did the same thing at about 800 miles from new. It appears that someone at the factory needs some extra training when it comes to the proper torque on the primary chain adjuster.

Aug 10, 2014 | 08:42 PM

media1988

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From: media

Quote:

Originally Posted by gargoyle13

Anything bad come of it?

Aug 10, 2014 | 09:08 PM

Greatscott

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Joined: Mar 2011

Posts: 990

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From: CALIFORNIA

I wouldn't just blindly tighten it back down. You should do a proper primary chain adjustment. It is very easy.

Aug 10, 2014 | 09:20 PM

hitman1267

Cruiser

Joined: Oct 2013

Posts: 237

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From: Kissimmee, FL

Well thats scary. I am really starting to doubt harleys more and more as I read these posts. Beautiful bikes, horrible quality.

Aug 10, 2014 | 09:23 PM

media1988

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From: media

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greatscott

I wouldn't just blindly tighten it back down. You should do a proper primary chain adjustment. It is very easy.

Delboy's Garage, How-to, Harley Sportster Primary Chain Adjustment. - YouTube

Oh I know they are going to do it when I bring it in

Aug 10, 2014 | 10:30 PM

Johhny51273

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 321

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From: Oklahoma

Had it happen with my '13 Custom during the first year as well. Rode to work one morning, left for lunch and noticed a new noise. Went to leave for the day and noticed the fresh small puddle of oil directly under the kickstand. The bolt had almost backed completely out. Took it to a dealer and had a tech look at it. Haven't had any problems since. That was 7 or 8k miles ago. I think it's more the quality control of production more than the quality of the bike themselves. At least that's what I want to believe. That was also the same morning I just happened to hit 100 mph on the way to work.

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Aug 12, 2014 | 01:34 AM

media1988

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From: media

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johhny51273

Had it happen with my '13 Custom during the first year as well. Rode to work one morning, left for lunch and noticed a new noise. Went to leave for the day and noticed the fresh small puddle of oil directly under the kickstand. The bolt had almost backed completely out. Took it to a dealer and had a tech look at it.
Haven't had any problems since. That was 7 or 8k miles ago. I think it's more the quality control of production more than the quality of the bike themselves. At least that's what I want to believe. That was also the same morning I just happened to hit 100 mph on the way to work.

Same I was beating it down a little. It's Ok at the dealer now. They picked out up earlier.