Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[paulNohio]

Well, I picked up my new 07' SERK this past Saturday evening.  Woke up yesterday and drove her about 50 miles or so.  Then, today I starting riding and immediately noticed that the clutch was slippery when shifting.  So, I thought initially that maybe it was grease or something that heated up.  But, after 60 or so more miles of driving today (mostly city), I kept cleaning the clutch off.  It appears that the fluid is leaking the most around the bolt that holds the clutch lever on (its leaking from the top and bottom of the bolt).  I am assuming this is not normal, so I need your help.  This is my first HD and dont know if this is happening because of some seals that havent set yet, or maybe excess hydraulic fluid leaking out, or ?? So, what do I do?  I know I can take it to the service dept., but want to avoid that if there is no reason to or a fix that I can do.  Please help!

[hd-dude]

Are you sure its not coming from the bajo bolt that attaches the line to the cylinder? Try cleaning the area with brake cleaner and see if its from there. If so you can tighten it up so the leak stops.

If its leaking from in and or around the pivot point its probable coming from the piston seal. I would take it to the dealer right away and have the master cylinder rebuilt with a new seal kit.

Either way the clutch needs to be blead out if its leaking. This is a bit of a b*tch on the hydro units so I would take it to the dealer and let them fix it under warranty.

[paulNohio]

Are you sure its not coming from the bajo bolt that attaches the line to the cylinder? Try cleaning the area with brake cleaner and see if its from there. If so you can tighten it up so the leak stops.

If its leaking from in and or around the pivot point its probable coming from the piston seal. I would take it to the dealer right away and have the master cylinder rebuilt with a new seal kit.

Either way the clutch needs to be blead out if its leaking. This is a bit of a b*tch on the hydro units so I would take it to the dealer and let them fix it under warranty.

Is this a common problem?  I am a little frustrated that my bike only has 100 miles on it and is already having issues.  Oh, I forgot to ask about my rotors too....when I am coasting, I can hear my brake pads periodically scraping the rotor...then, when I apply the brake, the sound stops.  Is this normal?  Is this because the pads are new and they need to break in and wear down a little so they are not making contact with the rotors when moving?  And, is my bike safe to ride until I can get it into the shop for the hydraulic leaking issue?Thanks

[Twolanerider]

My bike had a bad clutch master cylinder when it was brand new.  Only three places for that fluid to come from. The lid is loose (not likely and an easy fix).  Banjo bolt is loose (not likely, again an easy fix, but painfully obvious also).  Or the rear seal is bad.  That's the most likely.

There's a rebuild kit for those master cylinders.  It's certainly an annoyance on a new bike.  But it's also not a big deal.  Don't forget, however, that it's DOT4 fluid in that cylinder.  Given enough time that fluid will harm paint.  So keep it wiped off, wrap a rag around it to keep fluid from splashing back while you're riding, and get it fixed before you both lose the clutch function and wreck the paint.

[ultrafxr]

Is this a common problem?  I am a little frustrated that my bike only has 100 miles on it and is already having issues.  Oh, I forgot to ask about my rotors too....when I am coasting, I can hear my brake pads periodically scraping the rotor...then, when I apply the brake, the sound stops.  Is this normal?  Is this because the pads are new and they need to break in and wear down a little so they are not making contact with the rotors when moving?  And, is my bike safe to ride until I can get it into the shop for the hydraulic leaking issue?Thanks

First I've heard with leak in the clutch system but anything is possible.  Could be a less that perfect install or a slight imperfection in a part.  Several years ago I had new brake calipers installed up front and one began leaking immediately around the bleeder valve.  Replaced that part and still leaked so finally had to get new caliper.  Chit happens.  Get it fixed but I wouldn't be overly concerned.

As for the brakes pad noise I think you have diagnosed this for what it is.  

Good luck and enjoy your sweet new ride.  

[steve1911]

My SERK now has about 1000 miles on it.  The other day I noticed a little oily residue around the clutch also.  I wiped it off, and haven't noticed it again, but after seeing your post I am going to double check it.

Harley disk brakes make more noise than Japanese bikes.  I have had both and this has been the case every time.

[paulNohio]

My SERK now has about 1000 miles on it.  The other day I noticed a little oily residue around the clutch also.  I wiped it off, and haven't noticed it again, but after seeing your post I am going to double check it.

Harley disk brakes make more noise than Japanese bikes.  I have had both and this has been the case every time.

Definately check it often.  Where mine is leaking from underneath the clutch pivot point, its hard to know unless you run your hand underneath.  But, mine is also showing a couple of bubbles popping out of the clutch pivot point bolt.  So, my bike will definately go back in the shop tomorrow or asap.  Hopefully, after the rebuild kit, the problem will be solved.  Its still frustrating with a new bike though...and a $30K bike at that

[Twolanerider]

Definately check it often.  Where mine is leaking from underneath the clutch pivot point, its hard to know unless you run your hand underneath.  But, mine is also showing a couple of bubbles popping out of the clutch pivot point bolt.  So, my bike will definately go back in the shop tomorrow or asap.  Hopefully, after the rebuild kit, the problem will be solved.  Its still frustrating with a new bike though...and a $30K bike at that

It may be a $30k bike.  But it's still a two dollar seal on the ass end of that little master cylinder  .

[CVOJOE]

It may be a $30k bike.  But it's still a two dollar seal on the ass end of that little master cylinder  .

Yeah, otherwise a better seal would have made it $30.5K with the engineering, quality control and better matgerials

 

[Chief]

Is this a common problem?  I am a little frustrated that my bike only has 100 miles on it and is already having issues.  Oh, I forgot to ask about my rotors too....

Welcome to the wonderful world of Harley Davidson. They don't all do it, but this is the lore of HD. It's better than it used to be.

[flyingwillie]

Chuck, I disagree.....things are NOT better than they used to be at HD.  They may be better than the real old days of AMF ownership but HD quality has definitely deteriorated in the last couple of years.  Their union problems recently do not help.  But just ask any dealer who uncrates bikes daily and they will tell you about all the surprises they see today.  I'm on my 8th HD and I am beginning to feel it's better to buy a late model used bike that the previous owner had all the bugs worked out on. 
      

[Chief]

Chuck, I disagree.....things are NOT better than they used to be at HD.  They may be better than the real old days of AMF ownership but HD quality has definitely deteriorated in the last couple of years.  Their union problems recently do not help.  But just ask any dealer who uncrates bikes daily and they will tell you about all the surprises they see today.  I'm on my 8th HD and I am beginning to feel it's better to buy a late model used bike that the previous owner had all the bugs worked out on. 
      

Point taken. I was refering to the infamous AMF days, long before I became an owner myself.

FYI, I've got a really nice 1999 FLHTC+ with all of the bugs thorougly worked out. Let me know if you're interested.

Interested in riding this weekend? I'd like to get up into the twisties around TWO for lunch.

[flyingwillie]

Thanks but we are heading to Thunder Beach this weekend in PCB.  Leaving Thursday am.  Come along.  We rode Sunday to the new HD dealership in Cartersville.  Nice building but their touted sale was disappointing.
 

[Chief]

Thanks but we are heading to Thunder Beach this weekend in PCB.  Leaving Thursday am.  Come along.  We rode Sunday to the new HD dealership in Cartersville.  Nice building but their touted sale was disappointing.
 

Sounds like a fun trip, but can't squeeze more than 1/2 a day this weekend for riding.

[ccr]

....  Don't forget, however, that it's DOT4 fluid in that cylinder.  Given enough time that fluid will harm paint.  So keep it wiped off, wrap a rag around it to keep fluid from splashing back while you're riding, and get it fixed before you both lose the clutch function and wreck the paint.

Just be careful where you carry that rag.  Someone just caught themselves on fire having a rag in back pocket. 

Sorry to hear of your trouble, but the more experienced ones are saying just get it back in and get it fixed and you will be alright.  If I can offer any advice at all right now, is try to relax a little right up front, it will all be OK in the end.  I know I was not relaxed in my beginning days of ownership and I am still paying for it.     You have a most fantastic Motorcycle.