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[UAV Pilot]

OK, here is a stab in the dark.  When I purchased my 2008 CVO Ultra I did not know or hear of any issues with that year, UNTIL after I bought it.  So I am considering buying a 2012 Yellow CVO Ultra that has been sitting at my dealer for over a year now.  I assume I might be able to make a deal.  Anyway, what I am wanting to know is this.  Any unusual issues with this particular model BEFORE I buy it.  It seems like you dont ever hear anything bad until after you purchase a particular bike.  I have a set of new S&S lifters, Woods 222, and cam bearings for the 2008 as soon as I end this current deployment, but might save them for the 2012 since they will work in that engine as well. Any comments would be appreciated.

Glenn

[ultrafxr]

Only major unique issue I know of is the use of the 'B' lifters (18538-99B) in the '12s.  A failed lifter at 24k took out my motor.  Moco switched to the 'C' lifter in '13 and then in '14 and '15 using the SE lifter.  If the original factory 'B' lifters are still in the motor it would be wise to change them imo.  Changing to the full compliment cam bearings would also be advisable.   

[Cvo dude]

As stated above lifters are the biggie,mine made it to25,000 miles. Then warranty ran out changed to the GMR577 cams and lifters also replaced with good cam bearings. Love it best HD I've owned

[HDGearHead]

Only major unique issue I know of is the use of the 'B' lifters (18538-99B) in the '12s.  A failed lifter at 24k took out my motor.  Moco switched to the 'C' lifter in '13 and then in '14 and '15 using the SE lifter.  If the original factory 'B' lifters are still in the motor it would be wise to change them imo.  Changing to the full compliment cam bearings would also be advisable.   

The -B lifters were made by Delphi in the US and were generally considered to be a good lifter.

The -C lifters made in Mexico are considered by many to be lower quality (crap) as compared to the tried and true -B.  The -C was introduced as the OEM lifter in 2010.

MOCO abandoned the -C lifter and replaced it with the SE lifter in 2013 CVOs due to the failure rate.  MOCO also installed full compliment inner cam bearings in all CVO motors in 2013.

I had a -C lifter fail in my 2010 which required me to rebuilt my motor.  I run S&S Premium lifters now.

[tdowell65]

I had the lifter issue as well caused major motor headaches at 7200 miles.  Caused complete rebuild only good news was it was on its last week of factory warranty.  MoCo okayed everything but took almost 4 weeks to get bike back everytime they would get one piece ok'ed they would find another.  Since then I got a great deal on a 13 and but really liked the 12 as well.  Good luck

[ultrafxr]

The -B lifters were made by Delphi in the US and were generally considered to be a good lifter.

The -C lifters made in Mexico are considered by many to be lower quality (crap) as compared to the tried and true -B.  The -C was introduced as the OEM lifter in 2010.

MOCO abandoned the -C lifter and replaced it with the SE lifter in 2013 CVOs due to the failure rate.  MOCO also installed full compliment inner cam bearings in all CVO motors in 2013.

I had a -C lifter fail in my 2010 which required me to rebuilt my motor.  I run S&S Premium lifters now.

Maybe it was the C lifter in my 2012 that failed.  I checked my parts manual for my 2012 and it specifies the B lifter but with the moco who knows for sure what they may have used.     In any case as many of us have learned the failure rate was high.

[sadunbar]

Maybe it was the C lifter in my 2012 that failed.  I checked my parts manual for my 2012 and it specifies the B lifter but with the moco who knows for sure what they may have used.     In any case as many of us have learned the failure rate was high.

There was a transition from the B lifter to the C lifter in 2012.  In fact for awhile, if you bought 4 lifters from the MOCO in 2012, you may have received a mixture of B and C lifters...   

[b407driver]

Be aware of possible handling issues......my 2012 & my buddy's 2012 both rode like they were constantly "hunting rain grooves" even though the pavement was not grooved. A change of tires to Michelin Commanders solved the problem.

[Rooster]

I believe that issue was brought up a ways back by Ernie Zapp. I think he ended up changing out tires and wheels to solve it.

[ultrafxr]

There was a transition from the B lifter to the C lifter in 2012.  In fact for awhile, if you bought 4 lifters from the MOCO in 2012, you may have received a mixture of B and C lifters...   

No wonder I'm confused.  I think I have a headache.   
My 2012 was made in Oct 2011 so I guess maybe they had transitioned to the C lifter by then.     Like I said the parts manual for the 2012 CVO specified the B lifter but I imagine it went to press very early in the model year intro.  In any case what I had was obviously a pos to have trashed a motor at only 24k.  No idea what is in the replacement motor the moco sent me in Aug 2013 but I sure hope it is the SE lifters.  I'd like to change them to the S&S Premium lifters but I'm not going to since I have ESP coverage until 2018 and I'll not give them any reason to deny a claim should I have motor problems again.   

[UAV Pilot]

To muddy the waters only slightly more, I can purchase a NEW 2015 CVO Ultra while deployed and have it delivered for a fair price and discounted financing as well. Maybe I should just bite the bullet and go for the 2015?

[MikeP1960]

   I have the Orange/Black bought in July 2012     Mine has 16K on it now and have always noticed a lil lifter noise ( I hope it doesn't turn into a problem), I run it two up with a trailer behind and have not exsp. a problem. It handles way better than my 04 Roadking. I REALLY enjoy Riding it. Have not had any issues

[CityLights]

I'm a little late to the party but I  have info that some might find interesting . My previous bike was a 2012 black /orange . I traded her in last September with 45,000 mi on her . Over  three years and under warranty  I twice replaced  the regulator and the  front wheel bearings and hammock seat  once . I also  replaced the head unit once under ESP . I loved that bike , no issues with engine or handling . Changed rear tire three times averaging over 20K the first two times and front tire twice . If you can find a well cared for 2012 , maybe with the B lifters , go for it .

[GeogiaCVOrider]

I have a 2012 with 15000 on it. Is there any way to know what lifter is in it without opening it up? It has always ran great but I will change out the lifters if I need to so I can avoid the possible motor damage.

[johnbv]

to the OP, I feel compelled to share my 2012 FLHTCUSE7 experiences with you, believe me, as I really enjoy this Forum and I have had many very positive comments on the few posts that I have posted, but if I took everyone's complaints, issues, problems, bitches, etc that I have been reading about since I have become a member, I probably wouldn't ever buy a Harley, seems many folks complain, complain and complain some more about Dealerships, the MOCO, their Bike, etc, sometimes depresses me !!

As for my experiences, my 2012 only has 4,000 absolutely trouble free miles on it, but, I have had no complaints, issues, problems or bitches with My 2012 CVO. My Gas Tank Emblems have never gotten loose, my wheels have never thrown a wheel weight, my compensator is working fine, my Regulator was replaced under warranty, my lifters or cams have never failed, my check valve has never leaked, my gas gauge is reasonably accurate, my tires are not cupping or wearing unevenly, my seat has never had a loose thread, my heated hand grips and heated seat work flawlessly, my chrome has never pitted, my Ipod works great, my paint is the absolute best Motorcycle paint job I have ever had, and I have owned many Bikes, and a few High End cars, simply stated, my 2012 is an excellent Motorcycle !!! Folks constantly admire my CVO with compliments that I sometimes feel embarrassed about. I'm not a "flashy" person, just an average guy who likes Harley's, especially the Black and Orange ones !!

Now, I did add a complete Fullsac exhaust system with the TTS Mastertune and it really made my CVO run noticeably better, I even rode it up the Highest Paved Road in America this past July, not even the first hiccup, grunt, backfire, etc, simply trouble free.

Please don't base your opinion on my experiences, Lord Knows there are a lot of unhappy CVO owners out there with much different experiences than mine, I just felt it was time to speak up and tell you how I feel.

A thought, EVERY HIGH END Automobile Manufacturer's Dealership's, including Marques like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes, BMW, Bentley, Jaguar, Lexus, etc all have SERVICE Departments, why, because Chit happens, No Vehicle is perfect, if some CVO owners are looking for perfection with our CVO's, well, no wonder why there are so many complaints out there.

By now, you have probably made your mind up, so, if you did buy the 2012, congratulations, I wish you All the Best with your CVO !!! To the rest of this excellent Forums CVO owners, I hope everyone finds happiness with Your CVO's as our Spring riding season approaches !!! JB