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[grc]

Update.
Had engine in for 5k checkup.  Primary auto tensioner was too tight, and warranty took care of it.
On the overheat and pinging, H-D hasn't any solution for it as far as the 110 is concerned. They know that it is underfueled.  But will bust you if you use anything non-stock. All that are not having trouble with their 110's, you are blessed.

PS
Stay away from ethenol in the fuel. You wouldn't believe the racket it can cause.

vagabond,

I'm a little confused about your ethanol comment - are you referring to "pinging"?  If so, I would think the '07 closed loop engine management system should be able to cope.  Ethanol will make the engine run slightly leaner, since it has it's own oxygen molecules, but the closed loop system should automatically compensate for that.  In many (most?) parts of the country with air quality issues, it's almost impossible to avoid alcohol in gasoline.  When MTBE was banned as an oxygenating agent, the refiners went with alcohol as a replacement.  And many refiners also use it as an octane booster, since ethanol has an octane rating around 120.

Jerry

[vagabond6542]

To all that are answering this thread, I thank you. This thread had been started with the idea that there would be honest opinions and answers.
The biggest concensus has been "Harley-Davidson isn't perfect, but a great building platform to start from."
I have to disagree with that consensus. Our country wasn't put together with "slipshod" efforts. Self initiated engineering efforts of the deep pocket population will do nothing but promote inefficiency in the "buy and sell" arena.
Basically meaning, you buy something with a warranty, and anywhere from about 50% to 75% of the time of ownership, you have to go back to the manufacture for repair and also look to a engineered product to relieve the incidence of repair. And the manufacturer is counting on the deep pocket population to booster it's sales from the lack of proper engineering.
So the answer to the 110 is: If you are very, very, and very careful, you will see two years of warranty without the engine going back to the dealer for repair. But, on the normal of conditions, Don't count on it.

[vagabond6542]

vagabond,

I'm a little confused about your ethanol comment - are you referring to "pinging"?  If so, I would think the '07 closed loop engine management system should be able to cope.  Ethanol will make the engine run slightly leaner, since it has it's own oxygen molecules, but the closed loop system should automatically compensate for that.  In many (most?) parts of the country with air quality issues, it's almost impossible to avoid alcohol in gasoline.  When MTBE was banned as an oxygenating agent, the refiners went with alcohol as a replacement.  And many refiners also use it as an octane booster, since ethanol has an octane rating around 120.

Jerry

Jerry,
You are correct about the closed loop ecu/ecm system. You would think that the engineers had it right when they mapped the ecm. The system is set to the "07" EPA Emissions standards. I could be wrong, but I think that means the AFR is 14.7. All fuels should, if properly mapped, will burn to those emission standards.  The problem doesn't lie in the fuel or the mapping to make it run without pinging.  In a computer word, IE. ecm, it's does only what it is commanded to do. In the engine's mechanical world, it only does what the engineer designed it to do. The two have to coincide with precision, anything else would result in pinging or detonation. And some fuels are more forgiving than others. Ethanol is more volatile. It has a lower "flash point" than standard gasoline. Thereby lowering the gasoline octane rating.

[vagabond6542]

Update

Mo-Co is aware of the underfueling issue with the 110's.  Out of the last service done on the CUSE2, information was given that there is a fuel map being worked on for the 110's.  The date of release is undetermined. The 96's  have a new map to address the underfueling issue. There are some 110's displaying the problem of pinging and detonation, and then there are some that are not.  So the 110's Long Distance issue is entirely up to the owner.
The engine will speak for itself.

Read the following link,http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=12063.msg253593#msg253593.

[vagabond6542]

For all those that may be following this thread, starting Sept 12 BH/SO and I will be travelling approximately 4000 miles and will end the trip on Sept 24(?).  The "Smurf" will be put through it paces, it will bring me home or be towed. The present mileage on the "Smurf" is a tad over 5K.  BH/SO will be riding her bike as well. The ride will include the "Trail of Tears 07" out of Chattanooga, TN.   

[hdbrad03]

The wife and I are 4500 miles into a 8000 mile trip. The engine noise seems to have returned in the rocker boxes. The whine in the transmission seems louder on deceleration. Also the neck bearing are loose again they were adjusted when the head gaskets were changed. The new tire is wearing crappy like the first one.

[vagabond6542]

The wife and I are 4500 miles into a 8000 mile trip. The engine noise seems to have returned in the rocker boxes. The whine in the transmission seems louder on deceleration. Also the neck bearing are loose again they were adjusted when the head gaskets were changed. The new tire is wearing crappy like the first one.

Well, I suppose I have a little to look forward in problems.
Question: Is the new tire the front one? So far all tires are original on this "Smurf". I have been told to look out for misalignment on the rear axle to the swingarm pivots. It would cause cupping on the front tire.
Wish you safe riding for the rest of the trip.
If all goes right (cross fingers) I should have approximately 9K miles at the end of the trip.

[skreminegul07]

one note here, until the leak starts at the base seal, it is hard to notice the head leak.  In fact Howie pointed out someone's head gasket leak.  On mine, i only noticed seeping at the base.  After it was replaced, the tech noticed it re leaking which I still don't see.

[vagabond6542]

Hey members,
New problem that may shorten your long trips.
I had recently experienced a construction stop and go scenario on a weekend run to the OCC Open House in Newburgh, NY. Approximately 650 miles round trip. I came back with the bottom end of the engine making a "thrashing noises". Place the "Smurf" in the shop and the SM has to wait for a Mo-Co field rep to determine the problem. This problem could make leaking head gaskets a walk in the park. 

[Rhino]

Hey members,
New problem that may shorten your long trips.
I had recently experienced a construction stop and go scenario on a weekend run to the OCC Open House in Newburgh, NY. Approximately 650 miles round trip. I came back with the bottom end of the engine making a "thrashing noises". Place the "Smurf" in the shop and the SM has to wait for a Mo-Co field rep to determine the problem. This problem could make leaking head gaskets a walk in the park. 

I have taken numerous long trips and have no issues with my setup, I just go.
Rhino(amemberofsamsemergencyroadcarejustincaseforcarstrucksrvsandbikes)

[vagabond6542]

I have taken numerous long trips and have no issues with my setup, I just go.
Rhino(amemberofsamsemergencyroadcarejustincaseforcarstrucksrvsandbikes)

Rhino,
I am still running a total stock unit. On the same trip, there was a Jester R/B with two up riding in the group of three bikes on that trip.  His bike had a SERT and Rineharts TD, even his pinged a few times. But the stock bike "smoked" after awhile of pinging.  Oil temp when checked was at 310 deg F at forced shutoff.
The third bike didn't have problems, it was a water cooled engine.

[Rhino]

Rhino,
I am still running a total stock unit. On the same trip, there was a Jester R/B with two up riding in the group of three bikes on that trip.  His bike had a SERT and Rineharts TD, even his pinged a few times. But the stock bike "smoked" after awhile of pinging.  Oil temp when checked was at 310 deg F at forced shutoff.
The third bike didn't have problems, it was a water cooled engine.

I would carefully consider some upgrades, or, bring along a squirt gun to cool cylinders enroute. Water cooled mod.
Actually, if your dealer understood this issue, they could flash a new map in the stock ecm, or at least engage parade mode until you get pipes and AC and a Tmax.

Rhino(wonderingifishouldcarryasquirtbottletosquirtstockenginesasiseethem)

[vagabond6542]

I would carefully consider some upgrades, or, bring along a squirt gun to cool cylinders enroute. Water cooled mod.
Actually, if your dealer understood this issue, they could flash a new map in the stock ecm, or at least engage parade mode until you get pipes and AC and a Tmax.

Rhino(wonderingifishouldcarryasquirtbottletosquirtstockenginesasiseethem)

Your suggestions are well noted, but as long as Mo-Co has the mindset it has on wa...tys.  I'll run as a stock unit. I can keep money in my pocket, ya know. Let them do the fixing.

PS. As of August 27th, the CUSE2 has been in the shop after the overheating.  As of Sept 12, the "01" GL1800 GoldWing, pulling a Trailer, will takes its place on the "Trail of Tears 07" ride. The total ride, when finished will be 4000 miles. Piece of cake for the "Wing".  I wish I had the CVO to do comparison.

[UglyJohn]

Lets think about this.
Old days: We HAD to carried extra oil, lots of tools, spark plugs, light bulbs and booze. We rode anyway short or long distances. Not a problem.
Now days:  Cell phone, debit card or credit card and booze. Humm.... We still ride anyway short or long distance. Not a problem.

Yep, nothing has changed....Just ride 'em. You'll get there and back just like always! 

[vagabond6542]

Lets think about this.
Old days: We HAD to carried extra oil, lots of tools, spark plugs, light bulbs and booze. We rode anyway short or long distances. Not a problem.
Now days:  Cell phone, debit card or credit card and booze. Humm.... We still ride anyway short or long distance. Not a problem.

Yep, nothing has changed....Just ride 'em. You'll get there and back just like always! 

GREAT POST.