New bike packed in - Any ideas or thoughts appreciated...

[kiltbill]

The New Bike!

Popped into town to do a few odd jobs, short journey only 2 miles there and back. I had just stopped at the supermarket for some bits and pieces. Then headed home, less than a mile from the market I couldn't change gear at all.

Pulled into a petrol station and that's when I realised that the clutch wasn't disengaging, had to hop across the forecourt, clutch fully pulled in and bike still wanting to go, ended up having to shut the engine off just to get it to stop.

Waited a few minutes and tried again, still no clutch. However 10 minutes later I started the bike and all "Seems" okay again. WTF?

Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas?

Doesn't exactly fill you with confidence for going on a long run!


By the way guys and gals, before anyone suggests the obvious, as in get it back to the dealer please remember the dealer I bought it from is 500 miles away and my nearest dealer is 160 miles away.

Really appreciate any ideas or thoughts folks...

Thanks.

Bill.


Details of bike: 2007 Electra Glide standard, just bought from Manchester HD. Ex - demo. 6,200 miles when I got it 2 weeks ago and now has 7,400 miles on it. Was told it was fully checked and serviced before handover.


kb

[lambo]

First thing I would look at is the clutch cable ,is it frayed at all.

[devon.john]

its sounds to me the clutch needs adjusting,
as it worms up the plates expands and starts to drag in your case badly
i would check this first, on a bike this new i would doubt the cable is damaged
please keep us posted

john

[mongrel]

personaly i would call the dealer , I had a small problem after a service, an d riders sent a mechanic to my work place the following day, , brilliant service.

[kiltbill]

Thanks,

I did call the dealer and so far I am waiting for the return call, but it was late when I called so no big deal.

Would be v unhappy if the cable had gone at this early stage...

Will let you know how I get on.


kb

[grbrown]

All the cables on my bike are 18 years old and still going strong. The clutch cables come off an old suspension bridge, surely, so that should be OK!

[kiltbill]

Just Harleys are picking up the bike on Saturday and dropping off a loaner. Didn't even get this bike from the, but they heard of the problem and offered to help out.

Credit where it's due...

Will give you an update when I know more.

[the_monster]

They're part of the same group, along with St Leger and Eddie Wrights - all owned by John Cook as in the car dealers - he's based at St Leger in Doncaster

[kiltbill]

A belated update...

A part (Can't remember which bit) from the starter motor snapped and ended up in the clutch, snapped some teeth. They have completely rebuilt the starter, clutch and gearbox. Done about 1,000 miles since I got the bike back last week and all seems good so far...

Apparently this is not uncommon for bikes used on lots of short journeys (It was an ex-demo bike) but since there will be hopefully few "short" journeys all should be good now.

I realise I should have taken more notice when Ian (The mech) was explaining all this, but if anyone want's to know more detail I can check back with him and update...

Bill

[banquo]

Feck! That's a lot of damage, and a lot of work to put right...
I guess it could have stripped acouple of teeth from the ring gear, and dropped them into the clutch...
All done under warranty with no charge to you, we hope?
Either way, a good result from JH.
They seem to have a better reputation than some...