Roadsterrider
Member
I found it on another hd site, so I probably shouldn't mention it
Soft front brake pedal
- Thread starter Roadsterrider
- Start date
Best thing to do if you suspect recall/defects is to go to Google type in keywords: 2004, H-D, sportster, NHTSA and you would have found this:
NHTSA ODI - Recalls
Slow returning piston would cause slow recovery, but not necessarily a soft pedal...but I would still consider rebuilding the M/C just because it is suspect. Rebuild or rebuilt or new...your choice. Replaced with chrome one long ago, but always check the NHTSA website for recalls on any vehicles I buy as a matter of course!
NHTSA ODI - Recalls
Slow returning piston would cause slow recovery, but not necessarily a soft pedal...but I would still consider rebuilding the M/C just because it is suspect. Rebuild or rebuilt or new...your choice. Replaced with chrome one long ago, but always check the NHTSA website for recalls on any vehicles I buy as a matter of course!
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Roadsterrider
Member
Yup, the dealership has the parts on order and plan on rebuilding the mc when the parts come in
Roadsterrider
Member
Well, just got the bike back from the dealership and the problem that I have had for several months has been corrected. :small3d004:
RibEye
Senior Member
Ride it for 2 weeks and make sure that the issue does not return, then relax.
What did they finally do?
Enjoy,
Rich P
Roadsterrider
Member
They ended up rebuilding the master cylinder. Feels like nothing what it did before. And for being recall work, the dealership I went to (Blaine Mn HD)treated me like gold. I've had some bad experiences with stealerships in the past but this place has myself jumping for joy. Service was top notch! 
They ended up rebuilding the master cylinder. Feels like nothing what it did before. And for being recall work, the dealership I went to (Blaine Mn HD)treated me like gold. I've had some bad experiences with stealerships in the past but this place has myself jumping for joy. Service was top notch!
Be sure to post your feelings here:
GOOD Dealers And Experiences - Harley Davidson Community
RibEye
Senior Member
My '03 RKC had a problem, where the front brakes did not engage until I got closer to the grip than I was comfortable with. It would pump up somewhat, but not much, and would be right back down next time I actuated it.
I tried bleeding 1st, to see if I could get better response. I did not notice a change in lever response during bleeding, so I removed the front MC and installed the rebuild kit. I did not see anything with my eyes that would indicate that the original seals were bad (no significant wear on the main cup, but some on the back 'o'-ring). Put it back together and bled it, while pumping a complete replacement of fluid as well as evacuation of any bubbles. Original was yellowish, while the new was purple-ish. DOT 5 was called for. I hope that was what was in it.
Seemed to be slight improvement, but not much. The improvement seems to show on the road test...but only just a bit.
Using the lever, I pumped her up as high as she would go and held her there with bungee cord overnight. Tapped around lines and MC in the morning, then released the lever and pumped her up real good. She seems to have improved greatly. I repeated the bungee today. A bit better. I'll continue for 3 more days then see what develops over the next few days (she pumps up real good now, and relaxes to a much better place relative to the grip)...
Enjoy,
Rich P
I tried bleeding 1st, to see if I could get better response. I did not notice a change in lever response during bleeding, so I removed the front MC and installed the rebuild kit. I did not see anything with my eyes that would indicate that the original seals were bad (no significant wear on the main cup, but some on the back 'o'-ring). Put it back together and bled it, while pumping a complete replacement of fluid as well as evacuation of any bubbles. Original was yellowish, while the new was purple-ish. DOT 5 was called for. I hope that was what was in it.
Seemed to be slight improvement, but not much. The improvement seems to show on the road test...but only just a bit.
Using the lever, I pumped her up as high as she would go and held her there with bungee cord overnight. Tapped around lines and MC in the morning, then released the lever and pumped her up real good. She seems to have improved greatly. I repeated the bungee today. A bit better. I'll continue for 3 more days then see what develops over the next few days (she pumps up real good now, and relaxes to a much better place relative to the grip)...
Enjoy,
Rich P