New 07' Pinging

[sixraven]

I purchase a 07 Ultra Classic in July with 96 ci and 6 speed trans.
During break in period I took it back to the dealer for excessive pinging. Dealer said this common and the engine is fine. I called HD Customer Service about pinging and they had me take it to the dealer for a "technical update service". This was done and it pings less but still pings! The dealer said Harley is aware of the problem. (that isn't a problem?) Dealer said they could fix the problem (that isn't a problem?)
Dealer said for $1000.00 they can race tune the engine and fix the problem.http://www.aimag.com/forums/images/smilies/confused.gif


Anyone had to deal with this?

Thanks
Ron

Hi Ron. Your message makes me so damn mad. You payed a ton of cash for your bike. You should not have to put out one cent to make it run right. It's one thing if you want to make changes yourself but it should run properly from the factory. I had problems with my 06' where is didn't run right. I documented "everything" took some legal action and got a new bike. It took me about nine months but I accomplished my goal. It was the most depressing nine months ever in my motorcycling life. I now have a new 07'. I have changed the exhaust and fuel processor as well as a few other things to make the bike run cooler etc. I put out a few hundred dollars did the work myself and now the bike runs great. My 06' was my first new bike in 22 years of riding. The experience I had really sucked the life out of me. Luckily, it was not my first Harley or my first bike. I was used to buying used bikes which came w/ some problems that I fixed. Thats what you get when you buy used stuff. I just think its sad when you pony up hard earned cash for a new product and your told to put out another grand to make it right.

Sorry Ron I didn't even answer your question. I would bet that your bike is running really lean which is causing the detonation. I'm sure it could be corrected w/ the race tuner but you can probably find a less expensive alternative by shopping around for a different fuel processor. I'm sure you'll get plenty of response here. Good luck and I feel for you man.

[BaggerDad]

Many of the motorcycle manufacturers are selling the bike in a very lean stage of tune. I hear it's to pass the EPA issues. And if they are lean they ping or detonate. Either richen it up or start running high octane fuel additive.

You'd think Harley would figure out a better deal for us.

[sixraven]

If I tune it myself or have it done,would that change my 2 year unlimited warranty?

Thx
Ron

[BlueBob]

Dealership here in Colorado Springs added the race tuner, tune-up, and dyno for a LOT less.

No it will not affect your warranty unless you hose something up that causes damage.

Your bike should not Ping. They are full of $hit if they tell you it will cost a grand to fix.

What octane do you run? If you run the premium stuff over 92 oct and it still pings, ride it in to the dealer and tell them to fix it. Free of charge. Put up a stink about it.

Lean is lean. Ping it to lean and wrong. A bike should not ping.

[macfarlane]

Hi Ron,
My 07 Road Glide has stage 1 intake, SE slip-on mufflers P/N 80490-07 and the computer down load and now runs clean. No pings, pops, burps, or other indigestion. BaggerDad is right about the EPA issues.

[BadBenny]

Check out nightrider.com - your answers are there

[shovelmike]

Best of luck, Sixraven, getting rid of that ping. Ping is death to an engine. Years ago I rebuilt an old 6 cyl engine in the car I drove to and from work. I quickly timed it by ear, figured a light ping on long grades would be OK. WRONG! On the way to work one morning it burned up a piston, right down the ring lands on one side. I was blessed, the rings didn't break so the cylinder wall survived. Grabbed a piston out of another old engine and was up running again. Todays fuel is touchy.
I always love that, "that's normal" response. It sure wasn't part of the sales pitch when they sold the bike.