I looked and read a lot of threads but couldn't find one applicable so here goes.

I have a 2017 Road King with just over 2K on it and started noticing when I am riding at slow speeds ( manuevering in a parking lot etc. ) and apply the brake pedal it goes down and hits a hard surface. I started noticing at some point after my 1K service ( I ride about every week). If I continue to put pressure on it it will continue brake but doesn't feel normal pressing on the hard surface instead of pressure braking. Before this I just felt the air pressure and braking of the bike, never hit a hard surface. At speed, when applying the brake it seems to have normal pressure and doesn't hit hard surface. Only happens at slow speed meneuvers. Like a pressure loss?
Also, don't know if it's related but after riding a while when slowing to a stop I hear a rotational sound, like something touching every once around. maybe uneven? Not loud but it's there.

I took it to the dealer and they said the brakes should be fine on a new bike like that. Agreed. The tech took it for a ride and said he couldn't find anything wrong with it. He said he took it to speed and hammered the brakes and they were fine. That wasn't my issue. I couldn't leave it at that time but it's still doing it. It's ABS, ( added after purchase as they mistakenly didn't get it pre-installed on the bike ) and the fluid res is full and no fluid leaks to be found. Someone told me to just take it back and tell them to bleed the brakes but I don't know why a bike so new would need that.
Looking for thoughts from the experts before I go back. Thanks In Advance!

 

Beyond going back, explaining your first experience and then INSISTING that you get to talk face to face with the technician who will be working on it, I can't help much. I have never heard of a new master cylinder seeping down, but I suppose it is possible. I have found old ones that when gentle pressure is applied, they would slowly bleed down to the stop, but when hard pressure is applied, they would hold. This sounds like your problem. Try gentle pressure while sitting still and see if it slowly bleeds down. It may just be bad luck with the master cylinder and have nothing to do with adding ABS.

 

ABS is a dealer installed option? Tell me more about that...

 

Take it back, and talk DIRECTLY to the SERVICE MANAGER.

 

When I made the deal they didn't have the bike. They had to find it. It was supposed to have ABS and security on it. The day I went to pick it up and do the deal it wasn't until all the paperwork was done and they started going over the bike that it was noticed neither were there. They gave me an IOU and I had it done after. It was late, the paperwork with the VIN and all the insurance work had already been done so I went with it. It was an annoyance but I didn't think anything of it beyond that. It seemed fine til I started having the above issue. It's only 5 months old with 2500 on it.

 

Thanks for the reply. So now i'm taking it out every day for a ride to feel it out. Travel does go to the stop at slow speeds and maneuvering - and does continue to brake the bike when I apply more pressure. That did not used to be the case. Reminds me of when a car pedal hits the floor but no grinding ( or any noise ) and still have some stopping power after it hits the stop on the master cylyner. Does not feel normal.

 

I'm sure I'm going back. I just want to be more informed when I do. The more information I have the better I can handle the situation. Understanding the mechanics is key for me. I'm a tech guy not a bike bechanic but I learn fast if you show me.

 

sounds like when they added the abs module, they haven't bled the system properly. Air in the system would give the results you are getting. I don't know much about the new Reflex® dual disc linked Brembo® brakes with ABS, but its an added complication.

It's a new bike, sold to you without the features you ordered. I would give them another chance to rectify it, or look for a replacement.

I certainly would not be riding a bike on which you have no confidence in the brakes.

 

Your new bike doesn't work right. Take it back and insist they check it over for themselves. You only need to explain what you understand and can describe. They are the experts, not you, so place the burden on them to identify what is wrong, as none of us are able to confirm by firsthand experience. Ask the service manager if he would be happy to take his wife out for a ride on your bike!

 

No, it isn't and I was thinking the same thing. ABS is a factory installed option only. Dealers will not retrofit a bike with ABS. For one, there are numerous parts from ABS module, brake lines, electrical, different ECM, sensors, wheel hubs, etc.

Now, the dealer can install the security system.

No matter. OP, your bike is under warranty. Keep taking it back until the dealer makes your brakes work as they should. Like someone else mentioned, I wouldn't ride the bike if the brakes aren't working correctly.