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[JohnYVR]

Hi all. I just bought a copper/black 2008 FLHRSE4 (#20 of 1800, so I assume an early build), and it now has 3,400 miles on it. I'd like as much feedback as you can give me on these questions. Thanks very much in advance for sharing your knowledge and/or opinions!

1) I'm reading about head gasket issues, and y'all are scaring me to death! I haven't seen any sign of such a problem in my bike. How worried should I be? Is mine one of the affected models?

2) I don't have an extended warranty on my ride, but as you know, I have the option to buy one for a while yet (in-service date was October). Given the above issue, is this a worthwhile spend if I'm thinking of keeping the bike for 4-5 years, or am I better self-insuring? (I've bought extended warranties on previous HD's, rode an average of 9,000 miles/year, and never needed coverage..) That is, if my bike is subject to the above problems, is it likely the issue will assert itself and be resolved within the scope of the 16 months remaining in the standard 2 year warranty?

Many thanks! Cheers!

JC   

[WaSEEG]

You're in the right place, just start reading!

[DESERTBEAR54]

It is not a matter if it will have a problem it's when it will have a problem. If you are putting good miles on it like I do you will get them all taken care of up front. Harley is aware of issues and will continue to support these bikes. If not spend a ton of money and make it custom or ride it as the best bike you have ever owned!!

[Gecko]

And regardless of anything you hear about the MOFO MOCO standing behind you, in the end you'll be the one out front holding the bag.  Make sure your extended warranty covers everything that is going wrong with these as the "fix" is just a delay tactic bandage.  Ask anyone who has had the same gasket installed before, some more than once.  Or ask your service manager if they will warranty the "fix" in writing beyond the basic one already on the bike.  If the factory had any confidence this will take care of the problem they would.