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from what I have been seeing, its a whole lot worse than a "small percentage".
Can you tell me exactly what you have been seeing that makes it more than a small number? I saw the poll numbers on this site which indicate a small number. I think if it were a major design flaw we would see it it 80% or better. I have yet to read one motorcycle review that had the problem which kinda tells me it may be a prep issue more than a flaw in design. I am anxious to hear how you determined the larger percent.
friends at two different dealers are telling me that a large amount of the '14s are experiencing coolant issues, I.E. blowing coolant. air is getting into the systems, and the are trying to figure out the how's and whys of the problem. just because its a small percentage here, (if it is) does not necessarily translate into small numbers in the real world. I have no axe to grind, I don't care what the % is, but you will see, its worse than is being told. Why do you think its such a small number?
Dealer told me they had had 4 out of 57 they had sold. Said the parts they took off the shelf and put on were also bad. They had some overnighted in and the problems went away. HD will get them fixed. It would just be frustrating to have a leaker.
friends at two different dealers are telling me that a large amount of the '14s are experiencing coolant issues, I.E. blowing coolant. air is getting into the systems, and the are trying to figure out the how's and whys of the problem. just because its a small percentage here, (if it is) does not necessarily translate into small numbers in the real world. I have no axe to grind, I don't care what the % is, but you will see, its worse than is being told. Why do you think its such a small number?
Dealer I know has sold 12 limited had a puke problem with one. Small survey but the numbers are accurate. That make it 8 out of 100 if my math is right. This and following the comments here is what makes me think it is not a design flaw. I am still very puzzled why the problem did not appear in any of the motorcycle reviews done by various magazine. Can't be that lucky if it were a real design flaw. My gut still tells me it is a very small issue that may have more to do with dealer prep than design.
I have experienced the problem. If my dealership is to be believed (and I have no reason to believe otherwise) they claim mine is only the second they've had to deal with out of over thirty twin-cooled models sold.
One is too many, but I'm inclined to believe it is a small percentage based upon what I've read here and other places, talking with my dealership and talking to other dealerships. Nonetheless, if you're a member of that small percentage, any statement regarding the relatively small number of bikes affected serves as no consolation.
I believe HD will get this sorted out. But I also believe they did a poor job of bringing the dealerships up to speed on the Rushmore rollout - probably due to the extreme (and perhaps over-the-top) secrecy that prevailed. Now, the dealerships are woefully behind the curve, trying their best to get a grip on the situation with little proactive remedy coming from Milwaukie. At least that's my take on the situation. Meanwhile, my pressure cap has been replaced and we're hoping that solves my issue. BTW - I've got about 3400 miles on the bike and mine didn't loose any coolant until almost 3000 miles.
BTW - My bike only lost its coolant after prolonged stop-and-go low-speed riding in traffic, followed by immediately parking the bike and turning it off. It has happened twice to me. It NEVER happened in normal riding. I suspect none of the ride reviews we've seen thus far included this kind of riding, and that may be why there has been no mention of the phenomenon in the write-ups.
BTW - My bike only lost its coolant after prolonged stop-and-go low-speed riding in traffic, followed by immediately parking the bike and turning it off. It has happened twice to me. It NEVER happened in normal riding. I suspect none of the ride reviews we've seen thus far included this kind of riding, and that may be why there has been no mention of the phenomenon in the write-ups.
Steve
Uhh... that kind of IS normal riding. Nothing unusual about getting stuck in traffic these days.
I have a CPO'd 2009 BMW 5-series. A week after I bought it last year, the check engine light came on. Brought it to the dealer, the words hardly finished getting out of my mouth when he said "I bet its the Vanos solenoid". Did the diagnostics. Sure enough. Fixed under warranty for $0 (would have been $500) and I got a free oil change ($150) as part of the repair, so I'm good for another 15K miles.
He said they see a lot of them.
Are they great cars? Yep. Backed up be a great dealer network.
The wife and I flew to San Diego and rented a Ultra Limited. I was surprised when they brought out a 2014 for me.
I made it to Yuma Az and stopped for a picture in front of the HD dealer. About two seconds after I took this picture, the Limited Blew it's coolant.
Exactly why I carry a funnel and bottle of coolant in my bag. Sucks that it happened, but be glad it was a rental and in front of a dealer and not in between El Centro and Yuma.
everything ive heard on puking is after they have been shut down and "heat soak" occurs. havent heard of any puking while bike is in motion or running stopped at lights. so as long as it doesnt puke while running, wont have to worry about running through the coolant, and i hope it never happens to any of those riding them. personally i think the ecm needs programmed to run the fans when the bike is shut down...at least from what has been written on this forum as the different ways riders are shutting the bike down and getting the fans to run a bit. anyways, hope hd gets it figured out...they really seem to be nice bike otherwise
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