To change the rear tire requires the following several steps including, removal of disc brake pads and compressing the brake caliper piston inward, removing the axle and drive belt also required . After completion of the Disassembly and then reassembly of components including brake pads.The rear brake master cylinder failed, to function, no hydraulic pressure was supplied to activate the brake caliper. I believe when compressing the caliper piston inward (which is a common and necessary practice) caused the master cylinder to fail. Researching this issue I found that this is a common failure to 2004 - 2006 Harley Sportster motorcycles.
The worst 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Engine2
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine2
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C 7
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.
- Inner rocker covers
What 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
2004 harley davidson sportster 886 xlc crank position sensor fails and renders the motorcycle useless. If this were to happen in traffic, the rider could be killed or seriously injured.
The motorcycle sputters off idle leaving the motorcycle unable to move out of the way of oncoming traffic. This poses a serious safety issue to the rider as the motorcycle will stop forward motion. Replacement of the crank position sensor solves this problem.
Compare the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C
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Questions about the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C
Is the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C, close to a typical XL883C model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C?
Engine and cooling, with 2 complaints. Next is brakes (1).
How many recalls does the 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C have?
No recalls on record.
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