
There were two (2) recalls performed on these Bikes back in the day.
First: Battery shorting out against frame under seat.
Second:
a) ACR/automatic compression release (possible failures)
b) Head gaskets (oil leaking from head, weak design)
c) Bolt lower left side of case between jugs (leaking oil, placed 'O' ring over bolt fix)
There was a tappet clearance problem (rocker box) that was performed on some
when this recall was done.
My Bike experience all these failures by middle of second season @ just under 10,000 miles.
Do yourself a favor when you replace your tires, usually rear goes first @ 7,000 miles.
Dunlop developed much better tires front/rear for this bike called American Elite.
@ $170/rear, @ $110/front delivered (
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/)
a) more rain grooves (better traction).
b) softer feeling (lighter ?) tire (more comfort, and longer lasting).
Negative: no dime sized bar & shield on side of tires. LOL
I'm on my 8th set of tires.
D407: too hard, uncomfortable. $240 ? H-D recommended tire (antiquated).
D402: too soft, shorter life ?
Tire Pressure:
Front max is 30 PSI
Rear max is 40 PSI
All H-D spec's reflect 180 lb rider. I'm 160 and lower my pressure for comfort
and traction.
Additionally:
Never top off your tank regularly, all you will get is someone's 87 octane in
the most part of the first gallon left in the hose and pump. Soon, that's all
you have. For those who only use 87 octane, get a Honda. H-D is all about
performance. There are many benefits that come with High Octane.
H-D paid for a top end failure that was covered by my extended warranty to
the tune of $2400. Caused by bad fuel I picked up out of town. 87 Octane
will get you there (failure) faster than anything.
I gave this advice sometime ago to HOG Mag. They never printed it. That
would keep you out of their shop. Talk to a Real Service Manager and they
will admit to the high incidence of failures due to bad fuel.
Some problems float on top of your fuel. When you get down to the last
gal or half is when you start to experience idle problems, fuel shut off
rounding slow corners or cruising at speed.
The quality of fuel you're paying for has never fluctuated as much as it is
today.
Shudda-Coulda-Woulda don't get it with the cost of maintaining a Bike today.
that's it.......j