Glowing Pipes
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 19
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Glowing Pipes
My new '07 RKC runs so hot that the rear header pipe glows in the dark for the first 6" or so towards the right hand pipe, and about 2" down toward the left. My shop consulted with the area HD rep and they have advised it is normal and expected and not a problem at all. It seems likely the bike is running very lean due to HD's efforts to meet the EPA regs, and there is little if anything they can do. I am going to get a Power Commander and new pipes/intake soon, so I'm not too worried but am curious how many others out there have 'glowing pipes'. I'd also like to know whether the Stage I SE download gets you cool enough that it doesn't glow.
I'm not a whiner and count myself as a very happy new owner. This bike has so much over my '91 springer that I am just thrilled with it. I knew there would be some problems, and had some reservations over buying the first of a new upgrade. Just for the record, yes my 5th gear whines and yes it is annoying. My starter kicks the motor in with a loud mechanical pop that I know to be the compensator sprocket. This doesn't bother me. I also have some evidence of the nuts in a can rattle which I had put down to pinging or detonation and have been pretty much avoiding it by running higher revs than I otherwise might do. Now I'm seeing a growing opinion that the rattle might be a primary drive chain issue, so we will see.
Summing up, I'm very happy, waiting on the aftermarket to incorporate the O2 sensors into pipes and PCIII maps (or to bypass), and am just downright curious whether my bike is remarkably hotter than everybody elses. (I have to travel a lot for work, so don't even mind a bit of a wait. I've got no big trips on the horizon for the next few months.)
I'm not a whiner and count myself as a very happy new owner. This bike has so much over my '91 springer that I am just thrilled with it. I knew there would be some problems, and had some reservations over buying the first of a new upgrade. Just for the record, yes my 5th gear whines and yes it is annoying. My starter kicks the motor in with a loud mechanical pop that I know to be the compensator sprocket. This doesn't bother me. I also have some evidence of the nuts in a can rattle which I had put down to pinging or detonation and have been pretty much avoiding it by running higher revs than I otherwise might do. Now I'm seeing a growing opinion that the rattle might be a primary drive chain issue, so we will see.
Summing up, I'm very happy, waiting on the aftermarket to incorporate the O2 sensors into pipes and PCIII maps (or to bypass), and am just downright curious whether my bike is remarkably hotter than everybody elses. (I have to travel a lot for work, so don't even mind a bit of a wait. I've got no big trips on the horizon for the next few months.)
Banned
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,499
Likes: 2
From: CANADA
RE: Glowing Pipes
You have a new bike and that's cool, but HOW can you possibly accept all of the "issues" you have mentioned, and still consider yourself "very happy & thrilled"? Something must be done do address, the developing chronic complaints of '07 owners. At the VERY least, you need a PCIII, stage one set-up/tune! WHY even WAIT? Gear whining, mechanical popping, pinging, nuts in a can rattling....WTF....I would be totally pissed and searching for solutions! Get that machine running right and you will be MUCH more satisfied.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,303
Likes: 4
From:
RE: Glowing Pipes
The standard shop/rep comments are getting old.This is not nomal.I dont have glowing red pipes but another members problem was due to oil pump seal not installed correctly and bike wasnt returning any oil.The rattle noise has me still at two aeas,Rear trans mount hitting at swingarm area.This may be back and forth knock.Primary chain possible due to tensioner not being able to maintain proper tension.This noise is there in 5th but not always heard due to whine noise,and 6th gear between 60 and 70 mph then wind noise drowns it out.Others have rode this bike and said the same thing.The bike runs good but the noise is not normal and I will not let harley or their reps tell me so.Dont be surprised if one of these cycle magazines uses one of these early builds for their tests of new 07 touring models.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 334
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Glowing Pipes
Ive got to agree with Bounty on this one, I cant believe you state all of these problems with your bike and sill say you are "very happy". If my bike would have had 1/2 of those issues when new I would have driven it straigth to my dealer and refused to take "normal" as an answer. I would be such a thorn in their side that they would make the scoot right or give me my $$ back. As far as a glowing pipe, that could really be causing some internal issues. You need to consider the damage this could be doing and remember that some day this bike will be out of warranty and any damage this is causing now will be coming out of your pocket in 2 years. Demand them to fix the scoot and do it now, if people dont start screaming at h.d. now they will never admit to their failures. I for one am very dissapointed with H.D. and the product they put out for the 07 model year. I cant imagine riding anything else but no way am I gonna stick nearly $20,000 into a bike and be required to just accept problems such as the ones you listed. Good luck Bro.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 26
From: Fort Worth, Texas
RE: Glowing Pipes
Old Greaser,
I am very happy with my '07 as well. The pipes do glow red and I got the normal response of being normal. Put the PCIII on and the problem was solved. Stay out of 5th until above 2200 rpm and problem solved. As far as the starter with kickback, on the techinal bulletin I read that it is "normal" since the motor comes to RPM quicker than the older bikes and the springs in the compensator spocket cannot release quick enough..? whatever. I too am very pleased with the product. H_ L L, my '99 twincam had the known problem of the rear cam bearing being bad, I put 36500 miles on it and never had any problem with it EXCEPT me knowing about it. All of these machines have had their day of problems but at least we are supporting Harley. There is probably a weekday or weekend that does not go by that even the guys and gals that complain still walk into their dealers and by the 26.00 Haynes T-Shirt made in El Salvador or some overpriced chrome part made in China and still brag that they have an American HD to coworkers and friends. If we all hated them, then why do we keep supporting their products? Not to start a big argument but come on, this is the only brand that has this big of a brotherhood and have seen the troubled times in the past. WOW, were did that come from, guess I need to go back to bed.
I am very happy with my '07 as well. The pipes do glow red and I got the normal response of being normal. Put the PCIII on and the problem was solved. Stay out of 5th until above 2200 rpm and problem solved. As far as the starter with kickback, on the techinal bulletin I read that it is "normal" since the motor comes to RPM quicker than the older bikes and the springs in the compensator spocket cannot release quick enough..? whatever. I too am very pleased with the product. H_ L L, my '99 twincam had the known problem of the rear cam bearing being bad, I put 36500 miles on it and never had any problem with it EXCEPT me knowing about it. All of these machines have had their day of problems but at least we are supporting Harley. There is probably a weekday or weekend that does not go by that even the guys and gals that complain still walk into their dealers and by the 26.00 Haynes T-Shirt made in El Salvador or some overpriced chrome part made in China and still brag that they have an American HD to coworkers and friends. If we all hated them, then why do we keep supporting their products? Not to start a big argument but come on, this is the only brand that has this big of a brotherhood and have seen the troubled times in the past. WOW, were did that come from, guess I need to go back to bed.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
RE: Glowing Pipes
[:@] lots of you people just don't get it , at 22k out the door WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO DO A THING TO THESE BIKES BUT RIDE THEM , OPEN YOUR D**M EYES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![:@][:@][:@][:@][:@][:@]
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,176
Likes: 1
From: Riverview, FL
RE: Glowing Pipes
06 Ultra had the same heat issue. 06 also had the stalling and coughing issue. Cure=PCIII. 06 has the loud shift and valve train noise. I just drive it so fast I can not hear any of it. Works for me.
Seriously, I bought a 06 Nissan Titan and my 06 Ultra at the same time. Titan has 0 issues or I would be camping out at the dealer. I was told that all the above issues are normal for HD and can do noting about them. I did get 25 degree injectors and new fuel pump but did not help. If PCIII had not helped turn this bike around I would have been really pissed. I can live with it now.
Seriously, I bought a 06 Nissan Titan and my 06 Ultra at the same time. Titan has 0 issues or I would be camping out at the dealer. I was told that all the above issues are normal for HD and can do noting about them. I did get 25 degree injectors and new fuel pump but did not help. If PCIII had not helped turn this bike around I would have been really pissed. I can live with it now.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,571
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
RE: Glowing Pipes
geraldtf,... I agree, but they have some of us trained to think they incorporate problems
so we will have something to do on rainy days.
It about time we all stood up and said " I'm tired of this shoot, and I'm not going to take it anymore" If you have problems and the stealer
doesn't solve it, DEMAND YOUR MONEY BACK... Enough of us says that will get them off there ****... LOL..
Peace, Ride Safe, Always wear a helmet.
[IMG]local://upfiles/11910/FB485D7D604E4FB8B0B97671A95121A6.jpg[/IMG]
so we will have something to do on rainy days.
It about time we all stood up and said " I'm tired of this shoot, and I'm not going to take it anymore" If you have problems and the stealer
doesn't solve it, DEMAND YOUR MONEY BACK... Enough of us says that will get them off there ****... LOL..
Peace, Ride Safe, Always wear a helmet.
[IMG]local://upfiles/11910/FB485D7D604E4FB8B0B97671A95121A6.jpg[/IMG]
Banned
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 17,265
Likes: 21
From: Los Angeles, CA
RE: Glowing Pipes
Anyone who is okay with all those problems and that much of an expenditure has issues. I put myself in your shoes and think man, They'd be hearin from me 5 times a day until I got it fixed or my money back. Good luck to all.