The compensator sprocket began to thump and knock on curbside starting, indicating wear. It only happens with the bike in gear and the clutch depressed. It does not happen in neutral. It cleared up within 30 minutes, and I changed the gear oil, however now I am afraid to drive it because if it goes completely it will distribute metal shards throughout the gear box and lock up the engine potentially causing a skid and accident. Clearly this is a safety issue. Repair costs are $410.00. I have 48,000 miles on this bike. Harley is aware of this issue with sportsters as well as some of their other bikes. It is my understanding that they have redisigned this part 5 times in the last 20 years. The last upgrades have been in 2007, and 2010. The issue remains. This is a recall matter. I do not have a pic yet because I have not removed the primary, however, this is clearly an issue with the compensator. Fwiw compensator vid re other model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkgqrtt_cry
The worst 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Transmission1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission1
Recalls 3
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- What is wrong
- Certain motorcycles were built with a condition whereby the pant leg of some riders can have direct contact with the exhaust pipe.
- Risk
- This condition could cause the pant leg to char or burn, which could lead to the possibility of injury to the rider.
- Remedy
- Dealers will add a new exhaust shield which provides additional coverage ofthe exhaust pipe. The recall began on july 12, 2007. Owners may contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑343‑4056.
Recall number 07V296000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- Certain sportster and dyna model motorcycles were built with an incorrect front tire.
- Risk
- This incorrect tire could cause performance issues, which could result in a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the front tire and replace it if necessary. The recall began on march 5, 2007. Owners may contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑343‑4056.
Recall number 07V025000 · Recall details
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator
- What is wrong
- On certain motorcycles, as a result of a greater body thickness than used in previous model years, the voltage regulator may contact the front fender under certain conditions. In some cases this contact may allow the front fender to catch on the top side of the regulator body which could impede the operator's ability to steer the vehicle.
- Risk
- This could result in a crash which could cause injury or death to the rider.
- Remedy
- On motorcycles which do not have accessory engine guards, dealers will install an intermediate mounting bracket that will relocate the voltage regulator to a position which provides more clearance from the front fender. On vehicles with an accessory engine guards, dealers will install the thinnner dimension voltage regulator to avoide the front fender clearance problem. The recall began on january 22, 2007. A second customer letter reflecting the above remedy will be sent to owners on march 16, 2007. Owners may contact harley-davidson at 1‑414‑343‑4056.
Recall number 06V476000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R 10
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...
- Noise from the cam chest area possibly accompanied by milky engine oil
What 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R
Other model years
20062007
Questions about the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R
Is the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R, fewer than a typical XL883R model year.
What is the most common problem with the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2007 Harley-Davidson XL883R have?
3 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, tires and electrical system.
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