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[mrbhd]

Ok gang,  i am a new member here.  I recently purchased a 2008 FLHTCUSE with 14K on the clock.  It is a "Late" 2008 built in August 2008.  As far as I can tell the head gasket recall did not apply to this bike.  Are there other known issues that I should look out for?  I have read a boatload of posts and now I am just a little worried. The bike has been tuned , runs Yuill Bros cams and intakes and the Yuill Bros exhaust.  It runs great (at the moment)  Did I just make a huge mistake and spend a boatload on a "dog"?  Let me know your thoughts.... I am interested in honest feedback, I will not be offended.  Much appreciated!!!

[AR4CE]

Best thing to do for the recall is give your local dealer your VIN. They can tell you id A) the recall covers your bike, and B) if it was completed or needs to be done.

[GregKhougaz]

The same information can be found on the Harley website.  Just input your vin.

[dereck]

Finished with my woman 'cause she couldn't help me with my mind
people think I'm insane because I am frowning all the time
All day long I think of things but nothing seems to satisfy
Think I'll lose my mind if I don't find something to pacify

Oh wait, you were refering to something else.

[grc]

Ok gang,  i am a new member here.  I recently purchased a 2008 FLHTCUSE with 14K on the clock.  It is a "Late" 2008 built in August 2008.  As far as I can tell the head gasket recall did not apply to this bike.  Are there other known issues that I should look out for?  I have read a boatload of posts and now I am just a little worried. The bike has been tuned , runs Yuill Bros cams and intakes and the Yuill Bros exhaust.  It runs great (at the moment)  Did I just make a huge mistake and spend a boatload on a "dog"?  Let me know your thoughts.... I am interested in honest feedback, I will not be offended.  Much appreciated!!!

You like the bike and it "runs great".  What's the problem?

Anyone who owns a Harley, regardless of model year, is subject to experiencing failures; this is just a fact of life, like death and taxes.  Don't sweat it, just deal with it as it occurs.  If it threatens to destroy your mental health, get rid of it and buy a Honda.


Jerry

[mrbhd]

Ok fair enough guys....   I have ridden Harleys for over 30 years and your points are all well taken, I was just curious as to anything "new" that perhaps hasn't been discussed in detail here before.  I must say though, all the issues with the 110 seem a lot more than just "routine" expected failures. That was the reason for my "paranoia".   I appreciate all the responses though.

[timo482]

its unfortunately true that for the most part - the closer to stock they are the longer they last

however - there are occasional issues with cranks, there were problems with head gaskets, and there have been some problems with lifters & cam chain tensioners.

check the cam chest once in awhile and do your oil changes - and ride it - when it breaks or you find something needing help thats the time to look at better parts.

i of course dont even follow my own advise because with a sidecar - its a HUGE job to check the cam chain, id LOVE a clear cover.

to

[Rooster]

Keep an eye on your comp assembly. If you have to go in there it would be a good idea to upgrade to the SE comp assembly that is if it hasn't been changed yet along with the primary bearing upgrade. Some 08's had wheel bearing issues, your tire changer should let you know about any problem there.

[dlaws01]

  If it threatens to destroy your mental health, get rid of it and buy a Honda.



Man, that was cruel !!!   

[timo482]

it is cruel

on the other hand

i had one of those gw things in the mid 80's - it had a coil problem and ruined one cylinder - needed to be honed out and have a new piston put in there - guess what - the SMALLEST component of the rotating assembly on a honda is ... the rotating assembly - 4 pistons, 4 rods, crank and bearings - 1500 bux plus labor and machine shop time - only ONE oversize available 4 to 6 week wait. glad to sell me a new bike and give me 250 bux for trade in on the old one.

and we complain about hd? some folks must just want to complain i figure.

and the folks that complain the most about hd - have not had to deal with a 5 or 6 year old honda thats broken - essentially when its broken its scrap metal.

[Jim Kennedy]

Not to throw a monkey wrench into this whole thread thing....

But.

I doubt very much the bike is a "late 2008 build".

I believe in AUGUST 2008 they were producing 2009 models.

I have one of the early 2008 model CVO Ultra and it was delivered in late July/early August 2007.

Harley generally ramps up production on the new model year bikes in June of each year.

I'ma thinkin' that if you are CERTAIN your bike was built in the month of August that you do indeed have a EARLY 2008 model and not a late one.

[red ben59]

Not to throw a monkey wrench into this whole thread thing....

But.

I doubt very much the bike is a "late 2008 build".

I believe in AUGUST 2008 they were producing 2009 models.

I have one of the early 2008 model CVO Ultra and it was delivered in late July/early August 2007.

Harley generally ramps up production on the new model year bikes in June of each year.

I'ma thinkin' that if you are CERTAIN your bike was built in the month of August that you do indeed have a EARLY 2008 model and not a late one.

He makes a good point 

[grc]

It's real easy to determine when the bike was assembled.  The month and year of production are on the vehicle certification label on the frame near the steering head, along with the VIN.

Harley had a couple years in the past decade where they extended or shortened model years due to things like anniversary models or large inventories.  Can't remember if 2008/2009 was one of those, but I have this thought rolling around that it may have been.

Anyway, if there's any doubt if the bike was included in the "Upgrade" campaign, any dealer can look up the VIN on the Harley network and see exactly if it was involved and if the work was done.


Jerry

[Chris B]

Looks just like mine must be a good choice...

I took delivery in July of 08, have 22k miles and no issues with the recall items that year. Friend had the copper top model and got early in the year, he had many issues.

Less than 1500 of these that year so you will not see a lot out on the road, ride it and have fun.

Chris

[North Georgia Hawg]

If you're worried about your head gaskets, just put in a set of Cometic MLS gaskets and be done with it. They will never fail... and you'll get a bit of a CR bump in the process. Takes about 5-6 hours to do the job, maybe 8 hours if it's your first time. Just follow the instructions, work methodically, and torque 'em to 9, 14, 22, 35, and then a final torque of 42 ft/lbs.