Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

103 maintenance concerns

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 25, 2015 | 08:38 AM
  #11  
gipper's Avatar
gipper
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 86
From: Centeral Coast, California
Default

One more to agree with those that have already said to tend to the basic and obvious maintenance stuff, and ride on.

The only thing that I would add is that it wouldn't hurt to bone up on what you might feel/hear when the compensator starts to go. I would not tear into the primary out of fear, just learn what you feel and hear when it's worn out. Some will last for tens of thousands of miles, and some won't. Don't ask me why, most of the answers are conjecture, I believe.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2015 | 10:49 AM
  #12  
qtrracer's Avatar
qtrracer
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Default

Originally Posted by Litewings
Well stated. Engine is running great at this time with the usual top end rattles and ticks, but it keeps ticking just fine every day. I was interested in hearing about anything in particular that has been a problem for more than a few people. I still have the stock compensator and its working fine.
Anything else to keep an eye on that's not listed as a troublesome part in the service manual?
I still have the stock compensator too, 2008 FLHX
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2015 | 01:23 PM
  #13  
wscott's Avatar
wscott
Road Warrior
10 Year Member
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,962
Likes: 140
From: NY
Default

Originally Posted by 12, Bob Street
Replacing rods and tappets at 22k miles? What kind of factory defect are you riding?
=======================

LOL!!

I thought the same thing when i read that.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2015 | 01:33 PM
  #14  
Dan.1977P's Avatar
Dan.1977P
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 192
Likes: 3
From: FBI Surveillance Van, UT
Default

But if the compensator nut is a recall on that year (I have no idea if it is) then it's a legitimate concern and not just internet conjecture. It won't be in the manual and should be replaced.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2015 | 01:38 PM
  #15  
Recycled's Avatar
Recycled
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 575
Likes: 4
From: SouthWestern Ontario
Default

I should follow my own advice.
If its not broke, don't fix it.
'07 stock compensator here, as well as the original tensioner shoe. Had it out this week when I had the primary open. Hardly any wear yet. Did need a starter clutch though.
 
Reply
Old Aug 25, 2015 | 01:49 PM
  #16  
aces25's Avatar
aces25
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
From: SE TN
Default

Changing the fluids yourself will also allow you to inspect the fluids. You'll be able to notice anything out of the ordinary, like gas in the motor oil or large particles in the primary or transmission.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
offbeatmammal
Dyna Glide Models
3
Dec 28, 2015 10:26 PM
FXD2003Rider
Engine Mechanical Topics
1
Dec 19, 2014 06:45 AM
roblack
Dyna Glide Models
5
Jan 2, 2012 10:29 PM
Grayhawk
Touring Models
14
Jun 23, 2008 05:58 PM
wkdavistx
Dyna Glide Models
3
Jan 3, 2008 07:41 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:58 AM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE