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Life Span of Harley Engines

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Old 09-28-2006, 11:46 PM
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Default Life Span of Harley Engines

The other day I saw a documenty on Harley when they developed the V-rod. I was very interested in the testing part of the show. It said all Harley Engines have to be run at the redline for 14 strait days without failing. They also test ride the bike for 80,000 miles.

I guess my question is how far over 80,000 miles could you go before needing to rebuild? Does anyone know of any Hog with this many miles on it?
 
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Old 09-29-2006, 12:51 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines

i know i have read about someone on hear who has been to like 38 states and has like 150,000 miles. but i could be wrong.
 
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Old 09-29-2006, 12:52 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines

A guy I work with told me he had over 100.000 miles on his when he got a new bike. He said if you keep up the service as recommended it should last at least that long.
 
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Old 09-29-2006, 12:53 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines

I had 189,000 miles on my 1989 FXLR when I traded it in for my Electraglide. Engine had never been apart and still ran like new.
 
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Old 09-29-2006, 01:02 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines

I heard EVO's are good for 100,000 miles. Shovels good for about 40,000. Tim
 
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Old 09-29-2006, 01:59 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines


ORIGINAL: Tim

I heard EVO's are good for 100,000 miles. Shovels good for about 40,000. Tim
The BT EVO's are good for well over 100,000 miles without any major problems, and the "improved" Sportster EVO's should be good for even more.

The key is to perform normal maintenance and not try to beat them to death...

That 40,000 mile figure you gave for the Shovel's is kind of surprising.

I know many guys still running older Shovelhead's with 70, 80, or more thousand miles on them.

My '81 Shovel has over 85,000 mile on it, and other than replacing a leaking gasket from time to time it's been 'bulletproof'...

My "Shovel" is in a semi-retirement status right now, but I wouldn't be afraid to pull it out, fire it up, and take it on a coast to coast trip...

 
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Old 09-29-2006, 03:10 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines

Jeez oldfenderguy! How many bikes do you have?! I'm starting to get jeleaous!
 
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Old 09-29-2006, 03:17 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines


ORIGINAL: sealbeachbum

Jeez oldfenderguy! How many bikes do you have?! I'm starting to get jeleaous!
LoL....

Well, the ones I have that are currently in 'ride mode' are the Hot Rod 1200C, the Dyna WideGlide, and the Road King.

I still have the '81 Shovelhead, but it's enjoying a semi-retirement status right now.

I also have a '49 Panhead Chopper, but it's been 'off the road' for a number of years, mainly kept in storage, but from time to time it goes on the show circuit.

You can never own too many Harley's..

 
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Old 09-29-2006, 07:40 AM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines


ORIGINAL: Tim

I heard EVO's are good for 100,000 miles. Shovels good for about 40,000. Tim
Those are average numbers for top end jobs. The bottom end on this bikes will go way beyond those figures.
 
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Old 09-29-2006, 04:20 PM
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Default RE: Life Span of Harley Engines

my 92 sporty has about 70k on her.
 

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