What's the deal with my Sportster?

Question

I have a 2007 1200R sportster. I have about two thousand miles on it and already I have had two oil leaks, a bad nuetral indicator switch, and now it is in the shop having the fuel pump rebuilt. Without hearing from the usual Harley bashers, I was wondering if anyone else has had this many problems with a new bike. Thanks

Answer 1

We've (my dealership) have not had a single 07 comeback for a faulty fuel anything (including pump, lines, injectors). So in my opinion this is highly unusual. Very rarely we've had Sportsters with rocker box leaks due to not warming the bike before blasting off on it (I know rider fault, but it doesn't matter because warranty will cover it anyway).

This is going to please the bashers, Very rarely Harley makes a substandard product, (like every manufacture in the world). The difference is Harley stands behind their product like no other manufacture would or does.

The Techs that work on bikes also stand behind their work. A few Techs don't give a **** (like any other manufacture or business in the world there are bad apples everywhere). And if you find one don't let them work on your bike or anything else you own.

Answer 2

As it was stated earlier that you should raise hell with the dealership and be loud about it,Harley dealers have a hard time keeping mechanics for some reason so they will try to blow you off as if was your fault!!(lack of riding skill's) Any EVO rubber mounted motor should not leak any oil,any time...MAKE them fix that for sure. Fuel pump? could be the injectors,Hmmmm

On my 04 XL1200c ,I had a problem of it breaking up on take off(running to rich) and they told me it was my fault for not accelerating fast enough LOL. So I took that as a fix but it kept doing the same thing so I took it back and I said they are full of crap because I have been riding for about 25 years and I know how to ride and they will fix it right or I will call the corperate office....
That was during bike week and they said they were over loaded and have to keep my bike for 3 weeks,so I said give me your phone so I can call the coperate office and let me tell you they took my bike right in and I picked it up the morning...They had to replace the jets....Biker G.....Good luck!!!

Answer 3

Sounds like you're having a run of bad luck. Take heart Harley has one of the best if not the best warranties going. But like with any vehicle, be it import or domestic, motorcycle or car, there's a lemon from time to time.
I'd do as I would for anything I got new. Raise a stink with the dealership. Make them not want to see you again. And the customer service from dealer to dealer as well as their service staff varies. Remind them the bikes not a year old, you should be out riding having your bike worked on. Make it cost them something every time you have to bring the bike in. Those custom grips you saw on the wall, chrome pulley cover, some little extra. If you don't get satisfaction call the corporate headquarters in Milwaukee. Tell them of the dissatisfaction you feel with the bike and the service.
If the situation continues put the bike up for sale and think about what you want in it's place. Whether it be Harley or another make. In that case let's hope you have better luck.

Answer 4

Walter F is right-on. It is up to the tech to put out good work. You can't expect the owner's daughter's boyfriend (tire changer) to be able to do a cam support plate service. My dealership- I am a tech- has seen at least '07 sportsters with leaking fuel pressure regulators, no problems with the pumps. Harley is going to release a recall/ product update as soon as the legals are worked out.

Answer 5

First, get them to replace the fuel pump under warranty. Having a rebuilt anything on a one year old bike with under 2K is wrong.

Find out what the lemon law is in your state for motorcycles. Knowledge will give you power to either get them to the bottom line, get you another bike, or walk away.

If you have to have a H-D, understand that the bikes are loss leaders. Motorclothes and accessories have driven their corporate profits for years, and old school dealerships are constantly being bought out to be replaced by almost cloned showrooms. Ever see any Shovels or even old Evos around factory shops any more?

If you keep the bike, make sure the dealership knows you're committed to them, but will make their life miserable if they mess you over, and trash them to all your riding friends. Even in Nowhereville, there is always another V-twin mechanic, and Victory among others is nipping at H-Ds heels. Also, as soon as its out of warranty, turn your own wrenches as much as possible.

I'm signing off to do some wrenchin' myself.

Answer 6

my buddy has a 03 883 that has a now and then mystery leak from vent on top of case. Not bad just enough to notice. My 79 hasn't leaked since i rebuilt it.I don't think anything is be built like it should nowcars or bikes(personal opinion) and i would tell them to add time to the warrenty if they won't put in a new one

Answer 7

my dad, bought a brand new 1200 sportster in 2000 and it leaked oil after a few thousand miles, Harley changed his gaskets for free and he never had a problem with the bike since then.

Answer 8

I built my own, no fuel injection, no digitals, every part is aftermarket, or one off, and put on with loving care, when I wash and wax it, I see that every part is tight (even tho I put loc-tite and self locking stainless nuts) The only hi-tech item on my bike is a cigarette lighter next to my oil pressure guage. Until any factory bike takes a year to build, Jap or American, you just have to work the bugs out, I spent about 20K on mine, not counting time spent, but in the end, you are riding a Harley, I don't have a thing against Jap or Brittish bikes, to me the Jap bikes are throw aways, 5 or 6 years old and you can't hardly give them away, Brittish is a bit different, except no one stocks the old parts and witworth metric tools, when I see a 60 year old Honda going down the road, might change my mind.

Answer 9

Not as bad as you describe.
I had a loose rivet in the headlight, buzzed like crazy.
Fuel gauge popped out.
Both replaced under warranty.
Fork lock never worked.
4th complaint coming soon at 15K miles because it never was fixed.
A strange intermittent problem in my directionals.
I'll be nice and just say that after I left my transportation overnight, I got it back in worse shape. And they only charged an hours labor. (what a deal!!!) I won't tell you the nonsense they tried to feed me. They don't know I fix machinery for a living.

Answer 10

Really, there are people who bash Harley's? What a bunch of idiots!!!! Sounds like their just getting the bugs out!!!