Question for you long time Harley owners. This is my first foray into the Harley world as all my previous bikes were Japanese (and therefore no problems :-)). I have a 08 SG that is still under warrantee. This weekend the clutch cable broke while on highway. Had it towed to dealer. Just was informed that the cable nut (and I am not sure I am using the right terminology) on the primary side either broke or came loose (have not opened it up as yet). They claimed that this will not be covered under warrantee as it is a serviceable item (which I did not service at 5000 miles, and now have 7000 miles). Does that make sense to you? Not only it makes me nervous that a part like that has to be serviced every 5000 miles, but I would think it should be covered.

Again, my first foray into the Harley world and I need to adjust my expectations

 

So, foreign bike manufacturers warranty items that are supposed to be serviced even when they aren't serviced properly? That surprises me. My expectation from HD or any manufacturer is that if they tell you to adjust/service/replace an item - and you choose not to - and it fails... that they would all refuse to deal with that as a warranty issue.

 

If it's on the primary side it sounds like the clutch adjusting lock nut in the center of the clutch cover backed off. I had the same thing happen two years ago. I had a wrecker haul the bike to the closest dealer ( I was out of town at the time). I asked about whether this was covered under my extended service plan. SM says no, that "A properly torqued fastener will never loosen up". I asked him why all the references to Loctite in the service manual.. Got no response.

It's a nut, it can back off. Stuff happens, H-D or not.

 

sure stuff happens but thats kind of BS for them to deny warranty on it. on the bright side, the fix is much easier and cheaper than a cable replacement. i truly hope they didnt find that nut AFTER replacing the cable, that would just suck

 

I would also agree, sounds like your lock nut under the derby cover came loose on the clutch pack.

 

The manual does call for clutch adjustment or inspection at 5,000 miles. If you didn't have it adjusted\inspected or do it yourself as I do and document it, the dealer can hold out and claim that warranty doesn't cover it since required maintenance wasn't done. If no one has opened the cover though, it's hard for me to understand how the nut backed off after 7000 miles of use. Your clutch would have been loose, but I can't see a nut backing off after 7000 miles. Like you said though, as long as the nut didn't damage anything and was just laying peacefully in your primary cover, this was an easy fix, much easier than replacing the clutch cable. Look at it on the bright side, if you haven't ever adjusted your clutch you were way overdue in 7000 miles. You get your clutch adjusted and primary fluid changed out of the deal.

 

It as exactly as you said. The nut backed off and was laying in the primary cover. They fixed it 'under warrantee' which I was grateful for (bill was around $150). I do not know why locktite or something similar is not normaly used, as this may damage the trassmission.

 

If the dealer did service then they should fix it free and pay the tow bill. I do all of my recommended services at the dealer and have them sign the owners manual in the place it belongs. It costs a little extra to have the dealer do my service but I just consider it an insurance policy for peace of mind knowing that if there is a problem they will fix it. Then again I have a really good dealer that I go to. Consider this a learning experience do the recommended service when it is called for. These machines are not metric bikes you can't just ride them and put them up wet. They are like Lady's they require tender loving care and regular maintenance to preform the way you want them to.

 

Fluid changes I do myself, others I take to the dealer. I do not blame the dealer for this, I was suprised something like this requires such a high service interval. Again, coming from japanese bikes evertime I took my bike in for issues (whatever theywere) during the warrantee period they covered it. Agree, from now on all scheduled maintenence items (except for fluid changes which I rather do myself) will be done by the dealer.