I guess this might be a rant so I am sorry. I have an 08 with low miles and plan on keeping it a long time. I have been reading a lot of threads about the new bikes. Seems like the Moco has made some changes that were much needed and we as customers will benefit from them. Here is my problem. It seems if they keep going the way they are we will not be able to work on the dam things. This new CAN bus wiring is just nuts for a bike that a lot of guys enjoy tinkering with. I guess this is my major complaint. If you pop the hood on a new truck what can you do anymore without the software to read and write to the ECU to make changes. Seems we will be paying more and more for service because the average wrench turner will not be able to do anything. How can you troubleshoot a short when all the computer is doing is reading a specific resistance from that source. Seems to me the older bikes are going to be the ones to have. I am not saying that because I have an 08, I could go get a new one tomorrow if I wanted but more and more I really don't want anything to do with it. The CAN bus is way cheaper than the old fashioned wire and fuse block layout. No switches, less wire, no fuses, all that. But the bikes are more expensive. Anyway, just thought I would throw it out there for all the guys that know more than I do about the changes. Sorry for the rant. Just want to know what you guys think, there are a lot of smart wrenchers around here seems to me we are all going to have to turn into hackers just to see what the bike is doing.

 

yeah.

 

I'm thinking this CAN buss is a good thing.For instance,you don't have all the current for your headlight flowing up through the wiring on your handle bars and though a mish mash of wires in a tight area in the Hi/lo switch.
Now the switches just provide a high(open),lo(closed) signal(very low current) to the chassis computer.They are able to use smaller wiring and that creates less chance of shorting wires to ground.
Maybe some day I'll be eating my words,but in theory it seems like a good idea.

 

I have an 08 also. It really doesn't bother me with the new technology. I bought the tuner because I did an upgrade and needed it. I do everything I can myself. I did the 107 install with no real issues. I guess it depends on your technical and mechanical savvy as to whether or not you want to tackle any work alone. I bought the service manual which help alot and yo an always come here to for help also. I know a few of the more experienced guys will give you their phone number and don't mind you calling them or help. Enjoy your ride, your only here for a little while

 

I think it is a move in the right direction. If that logic applied, everybody would still have tube tvs and not all the large plasmas hanging on our walls.

 

I have a 2010 UC, I have no problems working on her. I just chased a short down tot he tour pack running lights. MOCO may be trying to make it easier for the crappy techs. I for one do not mind it, I work on all my vehicles, no matter the age. With my Chevy, it was a case of beer for the service manual. I am overseas, with a Suburban, people in Italy will not touch it. Remember, the techs, fofr the most part, are less educated than you.

Cale

 

I agree with everyone above. I do all my own wrenching and refuse to take my bike to the dealer. I live in a small town in a small area and we only have 4 HD dealers in the whole state. Just so happens the one in my town is about worthless. Very stuck up and the techs are nothing more than parts changers. That being said, my 08 I find to be pretty east to work on. I guess in the end I was just trying to see who has the newer scoots and are they finding it that they have to take them in more for things that we could fix on the older bikes. This new technology I agree is great for the bikes. More reliable? Time will tell. I just think it seems that the Moco is steering us back towards the service dept. Just my opinion, like I said before I don't have a brand new bike and don't plan on buying one. Just throwing it out there.