2008 Touring Model - Problems?
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Mass
10,000 miles runs great, one problem from day one, front end wobble found I had a bad tire from factory, dealer put new one on for free. bike is mostly stock and runs great. a few other very small issues all easy fix for free. my wife and I love this bike seat is great.
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
I have an 08' street glide and it's been nothing but freekin trouble since I bought it. The bike is a piece of **** for the money.First the faring brackets (4 of them 2 large 2 small) had to be replaced. No throttle,have to reset all the time (bullshit). Right front blinker assembly (after only 1 year) total rewire. The rear drive pulley bearing exploded had to replace and have pressed in. The rear chrome bracket that holds the left bucket,exhaust, and rear fender snapped in three places.WTF....Not to mention all the relays are made in mexico and the gauge lamps are all Japanese. You still want one? Good luck!!
Last edited by ThomThom; Aug 26, 2012 at 11:55 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
Contrary to what TomTom posted, bought mine new in 08 and the only problem, if you want to call it a problem, is I've had to reset my throttle probably 6 times.
Yeah the seat could be better, but I bought the HD backrest and now it greatly improved the comfort.
I've added numerous things during my ownership, but I added them because I was making the bike mine, NOT because I was replacing something broken or something that quit working.
I rode the bike bone stock for 2 years......nothing but gas and oil changes
Yeah the seat could be better, but I bought the HD backrest and now it greatly improved the comfort.
I've added numerous things during my ownership, but I added them because I was making the bike mine, NOT because I was replacing something broken or something that quit working.
I rode the bike bone stock for 2 years......nothing but gas and oil changes
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: utah
I bought mine used in April of this year, it had 933 miles on it with know reported problems. I have done about 7000 miles on it and have had no problems most of these miles are riding double with the wife. I cant seem to get away with out her
so far a great bike all stock. cept xeids.
so far a great bike all stock. cept xeids.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
From: Orlando
Was at the dealer this weekend and they asked what I had and would I like to trade.
I said sure go run the numbers
They wanted to give me $11K for my Ultra - no thanks
Looks like I will continue to ride my problem free 08 Ultra
I said sure go run the numbers
They wanted to give me $11K for my Ultra - no thanks
Looks like I will continue to ride my problem free 08 Ultra
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Be careful you do not fall victim of Forum Induced Anxiety (FIA).
If you read enought forums you will find enought people with problems of every year. Each year has their own strengths and weaknesses.
On a positive note, the 08 could have cruise control, had the isolated drive line for less vibration, had the useful 6 gallon tank, and the popular 96 engine with 6 speed.
It rides a bit smoother than the 09, and has been around long enough so there are tons of aftermarket parts, and tuning to make everything run well together.
Since the beginning of time (or so it seems) every Harley made has had their detractors. Some have experiences mechanical issues, and are unhappy with their purchases, however there are also always thousands of really happy owners who get thousands and thousands of happy miles on them out on the highways.
Think the 08 was the finest, and best developed of all that generation. With the new frame came a host of changes that will carry Harley onward for many more years of development.
Don't let these forums get you down. With a few exceptions 08's have been pretty terrific bikes.
If you read enought forums you will find enought people with problems of every year. Each year has their own strengths and weaknesses.
On a positive note, the 08 could have cruise control, had the isolated drive line for less vibration, had the useful 6 gallon tank, and the popular 96 engine with 6 speed.
It rides a bit smoother than the 09, and has been around long enough so there are tons of aftermarket parts, and tuning to make everything run well together.
Since the beginning of time (or so it seems) every Harley made has had their detractors. Some have experiences mechanical issues, and are unhappy with their purchases, however there are also always thousands of really happy owners who get thousands and thousands of happy miles on them out on the highways.
Think the 08 was the finest, and best developed of all that generation. With the new frame came a host of changes that will carry Harley onward for many more years of development.
Don't let these forums get you down. With a few exceptions 08's have been pretty terrific bikes.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: utah
Be careful you do not fall victim of Forum Induced Anxiety (FIA).
If you read enought forums you will find enought people with problems of every year. Each year has their own strengths and weaknesses.
On a positive note, the 08 could have cruise control, had the isolated drive line for less vibration, had the useful 6 gallon tank, and the popular 96 engine with 6 speed.
It rides a bit smoother than the 09, and has been around long enough so there are tons of aftermarket parts, and tuning to make everything run well together.
Since the beginning of time (or so it seems) every Harley made has had their detractors. Some have experiences mechanical issues, and are unhappy with their purchases, however there are also always thousands of really happy owners who get thousands and thousands of happy miles on them out on the highways.
Think the 08 was the finest, and best developed of all that generation. With the new frame came a host of changes that will carry Harley onward for many more years of development.
Don't let these forums get you down. With a few exceptions 08's have been pretty terrific bikes.
If you read enought forums you will find enought people with problems of every year. Each year has their own strengths and weaknesses.
On a positive note, the 08 could have cruise control, had the isolated drive line for less vibration, had the useful 6 gallon tank, and the popular 96 engine with 6 speed.
It rides a bit smoother than the 09, and has been around long enough so there are tons of aftermarket parts, and tuning to make everything run well together.
Since the beginning of time (or so it seems) every Harley made has had their detractors. Some have experiences mechanical issues, and are unhappy with their purchases, however there are also always thousands of really happy owners who get thousands and thousands of happy miles on them out on the highways.
Think the 08 was the finest, and best developed of all that generation. With the new frame came a host of changes that will carry Harley onward for many more years of development.
Don't let these forums get you down. With a few exceptions 08's have been pretty terrific bikes.
+++++++1
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 580
Likes: 2
From: EL Paso,TX
Like any year or model some will have problems and some won't.I believe that if you take care of your ride,regular maintenance and don't abuse it you won't have problems.I have an 08 Ultra and it's been flawless.Now I hope I didn't jinx it.Find 1 thats been maintained.
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: ontario canada
I forgot the problem about the idle..... don't touch the throttle when you turn the bike on or off and there will be no problems. It happened to me the second week I had my bike and I was able to fix it using the code thingy after calling the dealer while stopped at a gas station. Over a year later it hasn't happened again but I do watch the throttle every time I shut it down and I never use the kill switch because I feel I wanna have my hand on the throttle when I hit the button.
yesterday I had to be towed in because was no responase in the throttle.
when the dealer tried it at the shop, it was responding correctly. He said "it threw a code so we'll check it."
Could I have caused it by; ( as you say) "don't touch the throttle when you turn the bike on or off and there will be no problems."
Is that what another poster meant by 'reseting the throttle'?
thanks for any comments
Bought mine (08 Ultra)used as dealer rental in 09 with 10k on it...
Now with over 35k,the only issue has been a small problem with the
variable speed sensor..For me it's been a trouble free ride.
Now with over 35k,the only issue has been a small problem with the
variable speed sensor..For me it's been a trouble free ride.
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