Great! Now maybe we can get a 68-page thread on "Throttle-by-wire clatter"[&:] Kinda mix the last 2 years up a bit. You know, breed the problems and hope you get a good one. What else is going to keep this forum alive? Who needs a throttle and transmission anyways?

 

I test drove an 08 FLHTC the 08 intending to trade in my 01FLTRSEI2 for a new ultra. I didnt see the heat as an issue no hotter than the 95" I have. (It was 90 the day I testdrove) No more noticable "seat of the pants" torque orhp. The stereo is a 110%better. The exhaust note is better. The brakes are sweet.I didnt have a chance to ride onewith ABS Iwish I did. Fit and finish are about the same as they have been for the last few years. Much better than my 89 ever was. All in all a nice motorcycle. The clincher was I didntseeenough postive to justifytrading in my CVO.6th gear take it or leave it. Kinda like the 5speed better.Used to it I suppose. I was hoping for aWATERCOOLED TC.In my mind they should be able tobuild a watercooled tc that looks like a current tc with a small radiator out front.This wouldeliminate so many of the problems we are seeing now. With more power. Instead of looking toward Germany they should be looking toward Japan.IMHO

 

tisk,,tisk,,tisk!

 

I might be a little jaded I have notbeen withoutan"FL" since 1989. Ive had electra glides, a road glide and some sportsters. But ask some of the old timers if you can take out their old 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's vintage FLH's for a ride. You dont know how good you got it.A friend had a old pan head FLH maybe 57. That wasa full time job riding it up the street and back. Try stopping it.... LOL!!! Another friend has a 78 shovel FLH.. That was in a class by itself.. Everytime we stopped we had to fix something. I owned a 89 FLHS for 11 years. Parts would come loose and rattle off. Loctite is your friend.Cam gear cover bushing wears out. It used to fart and burb until I put an S&S on it. Mainfold gaskets leaked from go. oil filter mount came undone going down the road. Every once it a while it would just die. You would wait on the side of the road for about 10 minutes and it would start up and wouldnt be a problem for like 3 months. Exhaust pipe broke behind the read cylinder while I was in Granada, Spain. Imagine trying to find someone to weld your exhaust when you dont speak spanish. LOL!!! Front end neckbearing alway made a noise over abump.Grease fittings? Whatare those? Wheel bearing every 10k regrease and repack.Or wait unit 20 and just replace. Tranny was noisy and loose. Mobil1 blew out my paper base gaskets first time I used it...with less than 12k... 360 from there on out....Main harness shortsout on frame... the list goes on....


This is just how it was and it just how it is...

 

I don't know about that. It's awfully hard to argue that any Japanese manufacturer has more to offer Harley than Porsche! I used to drive a Porsche andthe Porsche ownershave the same two camps and debates about water cooled vs. air cooled. I justhope if Harley does (and they eventually will) go water cooled, that they keep the same engine look. That is the only reason I traded my Hondas for a Harleys. Harley makes a beautiful engine (period)!... except for the VRod!!!

Back on topic... My wife and I took a 700 mile 2 day ride across the CherohalaScenic Skyway, Deals Gap and the Blue Ridge Parkway from Cherokee toAsheville last weekend. I just can't say enough good things about my new '08 SG.I was very impressed by the handling on Deal Gap. It's still not a crotch rocket, but it's fast enough for most people to get theirjollies. The one thing it could use to keepfrom having to stir the tranny so much is more power and I'll report back on that just as soon as HD releases their 103 kit and updates.

With the cruise control, back rest to match the stock seat and some highway pegs, it was even comfortable pounding out the miles up and down I-40. If a 9 inch windshield will cure the small amount of buffeting I get, I'll be a totally happy camper.

 

Hi Guys
You ask for feedback - Picked up a 08 RKC in the UK (Black, oil cooler, ABS, heat shields to follow) on Sunday lastand rode down to Spain putting over 1200 miles on it by wednesday. I have been reading the variousthreads which have instilled fear in me on every count and made me doubt whether I should have moved from BMW (RT - KRS - GS12). I ordered the RK in July after being offered a run on an 07 ultra which I thought was a hoot - like going from a Porsche 911 to a JEEP Laredo - Fun and full of character. The new bike behaved beautifully all the way and sat at 85 on cruise (which I new I would never use !!) and on the twisties gave confident cornering (ain't no GXSR) instead of being chucked about by trucks on overtake I swear they shuddered as I past - no need for ABS yet but I have had it cut in on numerous 'events' on my beemers over the past 5 years so am a total fan. Heat not an issue 99% of the time but stuck in traffic in Barcelona on a very hot pm and felt a tad warm at right thigh - no big deal! - Not used to the BANG on startup caused by compression I s'pose. Brakesalmost as good as the heavy Beemer and way better than the 07 demo I rode - need a longer leg to get the side stand out to operating angle (am 5'10) and have my feet flailing around looking for somewhere to perch while getting used to the riding position or finding the rear brake, also while the screen is excellent I would like a second small one for local riding (info appreciated). - Re posts comparing HD to other bikes - of course they are different - be a tough world if we all liked the same girl! - And re the cut back on revs Racklefratz experienced this is, as already commented, a safety 'get you home feature' that is standard on marine engines and commercials - better than leaving you abandoned. Anyway sorry to dribble on but basicallyhappy with the HD and surprised at the negative reaction to HD 'improvements' on the range for 08 which appear to be badly investigated at best or just wishful thinking by some. Ride on!

 

I have an 08 RG anniversaty model. Had an 06 EG. I am very happy with my 08. Put a set of Rush 2" on her and she runs perfect. No tranny noises, no hotter than my 06, smooth, sweet, comfortabel, etc.
I think HD finally nailed it. I have only 200 miles on it but cant find anything to complain about, yet.

Good job HD!!!!!
Doug

 

I am also very happy with my 08. BUT, if you look at the exhaust pipe (no, not the heat shield) right next to your brake pad..... it will give you something to b*tch about. It's VERY minor that they didn't cover the pipe right there, but....... at the same time, I have to wonder ....... um, WHY?? WTF?? mine has turned a nice deep yellow color now, and looks really pretty (actually dumber than shat) on the bike when it's all cleaned up. You can ACTUALLY HAVE, at a very low cost of only the 79 bucks, a exhaust system that actually has a heat shield on it!! it's amazing. I think I will take it in today and ask for warranty repair because that piece of exhaust heat shield fell off.

ok, so seriously, I love the 08, and I have had ZERO issues, I stared at my bike for 20 minutes, and rode for about an hour this morning, and this was all I could come up with to b*tch about....... but, it beats every person in here who says the bike rattles to much at idle. If it didn't, I would get off, kick the honda in the saddle bag, and take it back to the shop to remove a motor mount.

 

Test rode an '08 and I am in love.. Mine should be in by December...

 

I can do Knack knacks,,, heel kickers, and supermans, over R.R.track humps on my 08