103 overheating
5th Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 9
Likes: 1
From: Kingsland, GA
Agree
It is my understanding that one should use the HD Dino oil 'til, a minimum, of the 1000 mile change to allow the engine to settle in.
I made sure I gave the HD factory oil a chance to do it's work before I put in Amsoil synthetic.
I did confirm that there was oil in the engine and tranny. It can be an item missed during assembly.
I would just ride it and make sure you maintain it as per factory recommendations. Keep excellant records in the event that you do end up with a problem. If you do have a problem... It is under warranty.
Otherwise, just enjoy it.
I made sure I gave the HD factory oil a chance to do it's work before I put in Amsoil synthetic.
I did confirm that there was oil in the engine and tranny. It can be an item missed during assembly.
I would just ride it and make sure you maintain it as per factory recommendations. Keep excellant records in the event that you do end up with a problem. If you do have a problem... It is under warranty.
Otherwise, just enjoy it.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 317
Likes: 1
From: Syracuse, NY
Here's my recommended course of action:
If bike no work, take to H-D.
If H-D no fix, ask to speak to manager.
If H-D still no fix, contact H-D corporate and BBB.
Anything else you do will only complicate matters. There is no break-in period for a bike to run. The break-in is to ease the engine into normal operation.
If bike no work, take to H-D.
If H-D no fix, ask to speak to manager.
If H-D still no fix, contact H-D corporate and BBB.
Anything else you do will only complicate matters. There is no break-in period for a bike to run. The break-in is to ease the engine into normal operation.
Last edited by brak4222; May 25, 2012 at 09:15 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 785
Likes: 2
From: SE TN
Sorry for your troubles. The bike should not require any upgrades to run properly under expected operating conditions. If the dealer says it needs to do $2500 worth of parts and labor to get it run right, you need to find a different dealer.
With just over 2k on the clock in just under 2 months, my 2012 RK is running like clockwork. No stage 1.
With just over 2k on the clock in just under 2 months, my 2012 RK is running like clockwork. No stage 1.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 545
Likes: 8
From: antelope valley ca.
Are you aware that there is a shifter on the bike, are you running down the freeway in first gear? if it "rattles" take it back, I have never heard of a dealer telling someone that to fix it you have to mod it-Im calling bs.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,140
Likes: 17
From: Wisconsin
THERE'S A SHIFTER! That explains a lot of MY problems. That might explain why I can twist the throttle to 35MPH, then it cuts out to like 30MPH, then back to 35, 30, 35, 30, I thought that was how it was supposed to run ..... 
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 10,216
Likes: 224
From: Glendale AZ
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 545
Likes: 5
From: California
I can understand how a dealer might suggest some modifications to address a percieved issue. My dealer, at one point, asked me if I had, or was ready for, a stage one modification. I told him I was not interested at the time.
I have read on this forum that a stage one would allow for better performance. That such modifications help the bike run quicker and cooler.
The cat might make someone unfamiliar with the heat a cat generates wonder if their bike is running too hot.
In an effort to avoid supporting an owner's concerns, - and still make a buck, which is why the dealer is in business after all, the dealer is not a "non-profit" or "not for profit" charity organization, -I can see a dealer suggesting a stage one modification. Which, from what I understand, is about the price suggested in the first installment of this thread.
If the owner has concerns about the bike I suggest he simply ride it in it's stock configuration for a few thousand miles until it melts into a pile of metal. Or, he feels comfortable it is not going to do so.
The owner has done what he needs to. He had a concern. He brought it to the attention of the dealership. His concerns have been recorded. He, theoretically, has a record of his efforts in the form of a copy of the report taken by the service tech. He has, hopefully, made notes to support his concerns for future reference.
Now he just needs to ride the bike.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 669
From: The Rust Belt!
It is my understanding that one should use the HD Dino oil 'til, a minimum, of the 1000 mile change to allow the engine to settle in.
I made sure I gave the HD factory oil a chance to do it's work before I put in Amsoil synthetic.
I did confirm that there was oil in the engine and tranny. It can be an item missed during assembly.
I would just ride it and make sure you maintain it as per factory recommendations. Keep excellant records in the event that you do end up with a problem. If you do have a problem... It is under warranty.
Otherwise, just enjoy it.
I made sure I gave the HD factory oil a chance to do it's work before I put in Amsoil synthetic.
I did confirm that there was oil in the engine and tranny. It can be an item missed during assembly.
I would just ride it and make sure you maintain it as per factory recommendations. Keep excellant records in the event that you do end up with a problem. If you do have a problem... It is under warranty.
Otherwise, just enjoy it.