Dt: the contact stated the rear upper valve cover leaked. The dealership replaced the front and rear upper valve covers. Since the valves were replaced the problem has not returned. *ak updated 1/4/2006 - the rear rocker box cover leaked. The front and rear box cover were replaced. The gaskets were replaced with updated ones.
The worst 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Visibility3
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility3
- Engine2
- Fuel system1
- Transmission1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Defect investigations
Rear view mirror stem failures
Prompted by the referenced owner complaint, odi opened this pe after determining that harley davidson dealers had frequently replaced the original equipment (oe) mirrors on 2002 sportster 1200 custom model motorcycles because of stem fractures on the mirror assembly.the stembeing the tubular structure which connects the actual mirror head assembly to the motorcycle.the single crash allegation has not been confirmed.of the two injuries, one occurred when the separated mirror struck the operator.the other occurred during the unconfirmed crash. Subsequently, harley davidson notified the agency that it was recalling the subject motorcycles to address the stem failures.
PE02083
What 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
After motorcycle has been ridden for 30-45 minutes shift lever becomes almost unusable if motorcycle has been left to idle of is turned off, after a few minutes of moving up and down it can be used. Very dangerous if I can not shift into appropriate gear.
Left hand mirror will fly off while traveling on highway. Dealership is aware of problem.
Custom 1200, at 65 MPH, left mirror snapped off and hit consumer in the face. Consumer suffered facial injuries.*ak jlg
Custom 1200, mirrors on vehicle are very high stemmed, vibration will not allow rider to see traffic behind him when changing lanes. Dealer stated there was nothing he could do.*ak
While driving, intake manifold leaks and motorcycle completely shuts down. *ak consumer adds that bike would stall intermittently and is also making a popping noise and backfiring.
Compare the 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster
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Questions about the 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster
Is the 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster reliable?
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster, close to a typical Sportster model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 3 complaints. Next is engine (2).
How many recalls does the 2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster have?
No recalls on record.
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