2008 Touring Model - Problems?
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,108
Likes: 1,964
From: New England
Some owners have reported issues with the idle but that seems more due to habits developed by the rider...i.e. they tend to give the throttle a few twists before shutting down and that has cased the throttle-by-wire system to misread the 0-throttle setting causing the high idle.
I've had my '08 for two years now, and like most, have had no problems.
Good luck!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,476
Likes: 3,950
From: Vermont
Here's a list of some things that you might have heard that were associated with the 08's. Nothing on this list can be classified as a problem, per se.
-fuel filter shell recall on early production 08's (problem solved with new shell)
-rear brake squeal (problem solved with anti noise paste kit)
-TBW high idle issue (problem solved with a reset procedure, can be done by rider)
-ABS early activation issue (problem solved with ABS upgrade download)
-IDS bearings going bad (happens to some 07's with IDS add-ons and some 08's)
Other issues that you may have heard about might be gearing issues, but that is a 6 speed thing in 07 and 08's that can be addressed with a couple of different changes like the EVO 30 tooth comp sprocket and chain replacement or the Andrews 30 tooth tranny sprocket and belt replacement or the EVO 49 tooth clutch ring gear replacement to name a few. The 5th gear whine is also a 6 speed thing and is normal and is due to the straight cut 5th gear as opposed to helical cut. I have not heard about clutch failures.
-fuel filter shell recall on early production 08's (problem solved with new shell)
-rear brake squeal (problem solved with anti noise paste kit)
-TBW high idle issue (problem solved with a reset procedure, can be done by rider)
-ABS early activation issue (problem solved with ABS upgrade download)
-IDS bearings going bad (happens to some 07's with IDS add-ons and some 08's)
Other issues that you may have heard about might be gearing issues, but that is a 6 speed thing in 07 and 08's that can be addressed with a couple of different changes like the EVO 30 tooth comp sprocket and chain replacement or the Andrews 30 tooth tranny sprocket and belt replacement or the EVO 49 tooth clutch ring gear replacement to name a few. The 5th gear whine is also a 6 speed thing and is normal and is due to the straight cut 5th gear as opposed to helical cut. I have not heard about clutch failures.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 507
Likes: 3
From: 2 miles from the Sun!
07 ultra
Just got 07 Ultra (I know its not 08) 9k miles completly stock. put 3k miles on bike 2nd week I had it. Thought it was really nice only complaint very hot motor bad predetonation in warm weather 90F ! Dealership flashed the ECM seems different but temps have dropped.
Rides great 750 mile days ok 43-47 mpg.
Russ
Rides great 750 mile days ok 43-47 mpg.
Russ
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 1
From: USA
The only problem I keep having is squealing rear brakes. I took it back for the recall and they fixed them. Got 17,8XXmi on her and just had the rear brakes replaced,and again they squeal like a banshee. Other than that I love my 08' and the only thing I would trade her for would be the 08' CVO Ultra Classic,only cause I love the color.