ward's blog

In late 1999, I bought a brand-new 2000 Sportster 883C from a local dealership (Cycle Barn in Lynnwood, WA) and have since put on 17000 miles with relatively few issues. I did have one issue with an oil leak from the rear cylinder's rocker valve cover, but that fit under the first year warranty and was happily repaired by Eastside Harley in Issaquah, WA. Trouble is, the jackass mechanic scratched the rocker valve cover during the process and just threw it back on like I wouldn't notice. A quick chat with the shop manager cleared that up and a new rocker valve cover was installed that afternoon with his sincerest apologies.

The only other issue that I have ever had with her is an oil leak from the primary case cover, which turned out to be a bad gasket. I took this to the dealership I bought it from and it was fixed the next day (schedule was maxed out that day). Cost a few bucks, but it was well worth the saved time and aggravation from having to do it myself (it involves a number of bolts and a lot of oil on the other side of the steel).

I felt so good about the original purchase that I went and purchased a 2003 Road King which has given me no grief at all after 2000 miles (winters are a bit cold in Seattle).