1998 Harley-Davidson Harley Davidson

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Power train2
2. Engine and engine cooling1
3. Exterior lighting1
4. Seats1
5. Structure1
6. Suspension1
7. Electrical system1
8. Tires1

Latest complaints

• Jun 5, 2001FL
  Suspension › Front
  The front wheel bearings of this vehicle froze up at 75 mph. This caused the bike to come to an abrupt and shudering stop. If the road had been wet I am quite sure the front tire would have slid out from under me causing injury or death to myself or others. Although I missed servicing these…

  The front wheel bearings of this vehicle froze up at 75 mph. This caused the bike to come to an abrupt and shudering stop. If the road had been wet I am quite sure the front tire would have slid out from under me causing injury or death to myself or others. Although I missed servicing these bearings at the prescribed 10,000 mile interval , I do not think they should be so fragile as to self destruct at 18,000 miles. In fact new models have a different sealed bearing. I called and wrote to harley-davidson suggesting a warning or recall because I seriously believe someone may get killed because of these bearings. Also a major expense was incurred replacing not only the bearings, but axle, lower front fork legs, speedometer drive housing, cable, seals, etc. I would like to stress this IS a very dangerous part that could easily be upgraded before someone gets killed. Harley-davidson blamed me for not servicing the bearings on time. They may have failed even if the servicing took place.

• May 24, 2001VA
  Power train › Manual transmission
  Since purchasing the motorcycle in september of 1997 I have experienced repeated failures when shifting into forth gear, it will act as if it goes into a false neutral. I've had motorcycle to the dealership at least seven times for the same problem since it's original purchase, and in all cases…

  Since purchasing the motorcycle in september of 1997 I have experienced repeated failures when shifting into forth gear, it will act as if it goes into a false neutral. I've had motorcycle to the dealership at least seven times for the same problem since it's original purchase, and in all cases even with a harley representative checking the transmission were unable to corect the problem. The dealership and harley have told me they would do nothing more unless the transmisstion suffered a major failure, I'm still having shifting problems, missing forth gear, and even have an active extended warranty which harley will not honor. I will be happy to send you my letter to harley and their responce to me if needed, please help, thank you. *ak

• Oct 12, 1999NV
  Tires

  Severe front tire instability develops when tire IS run at speeed of 70 mph on warm days, numerous motorcycle riders have experienced high speed falls with this new dunlop tire. severe injuries and possibly deaths are occuring.( dot number: tire size: mt90b16 )

• Sep 21, 1999WA
  Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline

  Motorcycle engine IS designed with powder coating, which could cause premature abrasion to engine. yh

• Jun 11, 1999CA
  Seats › Motorcycle

  Back rest failed. Mjs

• Nov 27, 1998CD
  Power train

  Speedometer failed, unable to get replacement parts due to back order.

• May 14, 1998CA
  Structure › Body › Bumpers

  While driving the motorcycle the back fender which IS attached to the frame broke, causing the fender to cut into the tire. Driver was able to exit off freeway safely. This incident could have caused a blowout of the tire. The motorcycle has been sent back to the manufacturer. model name, big dog pit bull. *ak

• Apr 18, 1998NC
  Exterior lighting › Headlights

  Headlights aim down while high beams are on and driver can't see.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 603428Technical tips from the field.
• 603419A quantity of saddlebag hinges produced by the supplier were improperly found.
• 603418Extra parts.
• 603417Subject regarding fastener change.
• 603416Some vehicles experiencing front end squeak.
• 603414Information pertaining to cruise control kits.
• 603413More on diagnostics.
• 603412Subject regarding historic code 56.
• 603411Short tip on short circuits.
• 603410Concerns with starter clutch failure.
• 603409Brief information on 091 recall.
• 603408Crankcase information.
• 603407Brief information regarding the rocker box head gaskets.
• 603406Procedures regarding twin transmission covers.
• 603405Information regarding S.E. Programming module.
• 603404Brief information regarding battery chargers.
• 603403Conditions with the tank mounted ignition switch.
• 603401Brief information concerning sealed batteries.
• 603396Provided information on warranty information on seats with rider backrest.
• 603271Experiencing excessive rattle associated with some tour - pak lid gasket modification.
• 602490Information and procedures on road zeppelin seats and backrests.
• 600143Information on tire and rim identification.
• 600139Air spring guard installation.

Every Harley-Davidson Harley Davidson model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.