If you’ve ever owned a Harley Davidson motorcycle, you probably already know – they’ve got personality. And like any strong personality, they can be a little dramatic when something’s not quite right. At V-Twin, we’ve seen it all. From tiny hiccups to full-blown meltdowns, Harley Davidson motorcycle issues are a regular part of our day. So, we thought we’d share some of the most common problems we fix.
We’re based in Logan Village and specialise in Harley Davidson motorcycle servicing and repairs. We also work on other makes and models, but let’s be honest – Harleys are a whole vibe, and we love working on them.
8 most common things we fix on Harley Davidson motorcycles
1. Dodgy wiring
Wiring issues are a regular problem with Harley Davidson motorcycles. One minute everything’s fine, and the next minute, your bike is acting up. It could be something as simple as a loose connection or a wire that’s been damaged, but more often than not, it’s a result of a DIY repair that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Harleys and homemade electrical fixes don’t mix. If your bike’s lights are flickering or the horn sounds off, bring it in – we’ll sort it out properly.
2. Oil leaks
If you own a Harley, you’ve probably noticed a few oil stains here and there. Oil leaks are one of the most common issues we deal with. Whether it’s the rocker boxes, primary cover, or base gaskets, oil can sneak out from several places.
While it’s often not a major issue, leaving it unchecked can cause bigger problems down the road. Plus, nobody wants oil stains all over the driveway. If your bike is leaving a trail, it’s time for a check-up.
3. Loose battery terminals
This one’s so simple it almost feels too easy. Loose battery terminals cause a surprising number of issues, from not starting the bike to strange electrical problems. It might seem like a more complicated issue at first, but more often than not, it’s just a loose cable.
We’ve seen this one so much we joke about putting up a sign: “Yes, it’s the battery terminal.” A quick tighten and clean usually does the job, so don’t wait too long to check it.
4. Brake problems
Harley Davidson motorcycles are built to be tough, but they’re also heavy, and that means your brakes take a lot of wear. We fix worn brake pads, spongy lines, and old brake fluid that’s lost its effectiveness.
Whether it’s a squeaky brake or a more serious issue like a lever going all the way to the handlebar, we’ll make sure your brakes are in top shape. We take safety seriously, so you can ride with confidence.
5. Worn tyres
It’s easy to forget about your tyres when you’re enjoying the ride, but worn-out tyres are a serious safety hazard. If your back tyre is looking more like a slick than a proper road tyre, it’s time to get it replaced.
If you’re not sure, we’ll take a look and make sure your tyres are in good condition. The last thing you want is to lose grip when you’re out riding, so don’t neglect your tyres.
6. Suspension issues
After a lot of use, the suspension on a Harley can start to wear out. If your bike’s ride feels rough, or you’re hearing strange squeaks and bumps, it could be time for a suspension overhaul. We tune, rebuild, and upgrade suspensions all the time, so we can get your bike feeling smooth again.
Whether you want a softer ride, a stiffer ride, or just to stop your suspension from leaking oil, we can help.
7. Electrical issues
Harley Davidson motorcycles have a way of messing with their electrical systems, and it’s not always just the wiring or the battery. Faulty sensors, relays, and instrument panels are other common problems we see.
If your speedo is acting up or your fuel gauge is lying to you, bring your bike in. We’ve got the right tools to track down the issue and fix it properly.
8. Strange noises
It’s not uncommon for Harley Davidson motorcycles to develop their own little symphony over time. Clicking, knocking, clunking, or buzzing noises are all things we hear regularly.
Sometimes it’s a small issue, like a loose part or something that just needs tightening. Other times it’s more serious, like worn engine components. We’ll listen to your bike and figure out the source of the sound so we can fix it right.
At V-Twin, we understand your bike is more than just a machine
Your Harley Davidson motorcycle is part of your life. It takes you on adventures, clears your mind, and brings joy every time you start it up. That’s why we treat every bike like it’s our own. We’re riders too, and we know how important it is to keep your bike in top condition.
We don’t do cookie-cutter repairs. Whether it’s a full service, performance tuning, diagnostics, or chasing down an electrical issue, we’ll take care of it properly. Our workshop in Logan Village is fully equipped for all kinds of Harley repairs, and our team knows these bikes inside and out.
Got a Harley that needs some attention?
Come see us at V-Twin. We specialise in Harley Davidson motorcycles, and we’re here to help with everything from wiring issues to dyno tuning. We’ve seen it all and fixed it all, and we’ll get your bike back in excellent shape.