The contact owns a 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C Motorcycle. The contact stated that there was a failure with the rear brakes. The motorcycle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was sold DOT 5 brake fluid, which was the incorrect brake fluid for the motorcycle. The contact stated that DOT 5 brake fluid was mixed with DOT 4 brake fluid, resulting in a chemical reaction that affected the brake master cylinder, brake lines, and calipers. While riding at approximately 25 MPH downhill, the rear brakes failed to operate properly. The rear brakes lost hydraulic pressure. The contact stated that water was inside the brake lines and the brake needed to be pumped several times for the rear brakes to operate properly. The contact used the front brake while riding back to the residence. The contact returned the motorcycle to the dealer for inspection and repair. The contact requested that the brake lines and calipers be replaced. The dealer flushed the braking system, blew out the brake lines, and bled the brake lines. The contact stated that after the repair, the dealer informed the contact that the motorcycle was operating as designed. However, the contact believed that the entire braking system needed to be overhauled due to the incompatible brake fluids and reported contamination. The contact stated that flushing and bleeding the braking system was inadequate to address the damage or potential contamination of the brake master cylinder, brake lines, and calipers. The approximate failure mileage was 47,407.
The worst 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Engine1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Brakes1
- Engine1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C 11
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Battery warranty guidelines
- Market specific battery introduction
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1158: oil filter packaging and case quantity update
- Digital technician II - updates and release notes
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1146: 68193-95 bulb wedge, fender tip lamp.
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1144: 2021-2022 screamin' eagle stage i (CARB) eo...
- Genuine motor parts and motor accessories bulletin PAB1144: 2021-2022 screamin' eagle stage i (CARB) eo...
- Fuel filler neck emissions recall 0613
- Tech article TA0023: TA0023
What 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Thunder mountain custom cycles frame failure at risers for swingarm and engine mount. R/h weld separated from frame. R/h weld yielding with tubing cracking. Mileage at 4160. Failure collapses rear of motorcycle suspension fouling drive belt with fender and tracking alignment of rear tire. Frame reconstruction required at support locations identified. The company no longer exists and harley davidson dealers are still selling this model,'spitfire' with no notification of impending failure.
Compare the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C
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Questions about the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C
Is the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C reliable?
Owners have filed 2 complaints about the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C, fewer than a typical XL1200C model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2008 Harley-Davidson XL1200C have?
No recalls on record.
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