Possible lemon...
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Stage II
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: California
Possible lemon...
Hey everyone,
first time posting on here, so if this has come up, please let me know!
Let's get to it, I need advice. I'm a pretty non confrontational person so it's difficult to do what I think is done.
I bought a used 2001 FLHP back in May of this year. The bike came with 40k miles on it. It has had the following issues since I bought it:
1) My exhaust literally blew apart on the freeway at the Y joint on the header.
2) Bike neck locked up (easily fixed)
3) Experienced the Harley death wobble (attributed to rear tire)
4) Rear tire blew on the freeway less than 1,200 miles riding it.
5) Leaking oil from primary case, I tightened bolts, but it's still leaking.
6) Throttle is sticking (just lubed the wires throttle and idle)
7) Had to jump start it two days ago (lights on, clicks at ignition)
8) Now it won't start....
I know this bike it 15 years old, I know it has 40,000 miles... but is this normal for a Harley. I took it to get the tire changed and asked the dude to check a few things out and he scoffed and said well it is a Harley...
Do I go back to the dealer and raise hell, and have them run a whole gamut of tests on it and take some precautions? Or should I quit my bitching because it's just part of owning a harley? I would also like to mention this is my main mode of transportation with my daily commute being 120 miles a day. Hence the reason I bought a Tourer. Have at it! Any input will be appreciated.
first time posting on here, so if this has come up, please let me know!
Let's get to it, I need advice. I'm a pretty non confrontational person so it's difficult to do what I think is done.
I bought a used 2001 FLHP back in May of this year. The bike came with 40k miles on it. It has had the following issues since I bought it:
1) My exhaust literally blew apart on the freeway at the Y joint on the header.
2) Bike neck locked up (easily fixed)
3) Experienced the Harley death wobble (attributed to rear tire)
4) Rear tire blew on the freeway less than 1,200 miles riding it.
5) Leaking oil from primary case, I tightened bolts, but it's still leaking.
6) Throttle is sticking (just lubed the wires throttle and idle)
7) Had to jump start it two days ago (lights on, clicks at ignition)
8) Now it won't start....
I know this bike it 15 years old, I know it has 40,000 miles... but is this normal for a Harley. I took it to get the tire changed and asked the dude to check a few things out and he scoffed and said well it is a Harley...
Do I go back to the dealer and raise hell, and have them run a whole gamut of tests on it and take some precautions? Or should I quit my bitching because it's just part of owning a harley? I would also like to mention this is my main mode of transportation with my daily commute being 120 miles a day. Hence the reason I bought a Tourer. Have at it! Any input will be appreciated.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
Buy a factory service manual. A 15 year old bike is going to have its issues. At 40k I would check your cam chain tensioners just to be safe. I mean some stuff like the exhaust cracking happens, Its 15 years old. If you aren't very mechanically inclined you might want to rethink your choice of transportation. These bikes need maintenance, especially if you are using it everyday. And welcome to the forum.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 720
Likes: 373
From: Daytona
It's not a lemon, it's an old motorcycle that needs maintenance. Do, or have done a ten thousand mile service and you will think it's a new motorcycle.
It won't be cheap and you may find issues that need attention but, there's a lot of meat left on that old bone if you care for it properly.
The bike pictured below has 130,000 miles and runs like it did when new.
It won't be cheap and you may find issues that need attention but, there's a lot of meat left on that old bone if you care for it properly.
The bike pictured below has 130,000 miles and runs like it did when new.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
Glad to hear it! First thing, is this your first harley? The throttle issue may be the lock wheel between the cables. For the primary a new gasket may be in order. Definatly get a factory service manual, I sleep with mine under my pillow so I absorb its knowledge.. Really.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,398
Likes: 74
From: Lafayette, IN.
It's not a lemon, it's an old motorcycle that needs maintenance. Do, or have done a ten thousand mile service and you will think it's a new motorcycle.
It won't be cheap and you may find issues that need attention but, there's a lot of meat left on that old bone if you care for it properly.
The bike pictured below has 130,000 miles and runs like it did when new.
It won't be cheap and you may find issues that need attention but, there's a lot of meat left on that old bone if you care for it properly.
The bike pictured below has 130,000 miles and runs like it did when new.
Replace your primary gasket, get a new battery, and torque all your bolts to spec and you'll go a long way towards reliability.
