I have been contemplating between the updated hydraulic cam kits or the gear drive kit. My question is how noisey is the andrews gear drive kit? Also which cams have been used? 88 ci right now but going to upgrade to 95 next year. At 30k miles so need to address cam chain shoes so cams first. Planning on running 26 or 37 andrews cams.

 

Better get the crank runout checked first. Gear drives don't like excessive crank runout. Chain drive has some give so it can take some runout.

 

I thought that unless the runout was more than +3-degrees, shims can adjust for the runout? In any case, my gears are quieter than the chains they replaced. I notice that HD sells an updated chain-type setup, which makes sense since they don't use gears from the factory: EPA mandates to combat engine noise. I'd still use gears (even if they cost more) as they have no chain lash, fewer moving parts, and transfer more energy to the rear wheel.

 

any body with gear drive actually have to have machine work? I have all tools to measure and am just "hoping" to not have to do machine work.

 

Properly set up, you won't hear them. Some complain about hearing a "whine." Many here will warn you about excessive crank runout, which is more apparent on the TC 96's than the '88's.

Don't overlook the Andrews 21's if you are looking for torque where you normally ride.

http://www.americanrider.com/output.cfm?id=1205749

The cams referred to in the link above are the 21's. Joe Minton wrote another more technical article in the Feb 2010 issue that really spelled out why the 21's may be a good choice as compared to others.

 

Andrew's 21 gear cams are great on a touring bike. Just put them in my 88" two weekends ago. Still smiling and glad I got advice from MNPGRider here and others. Both gear and hydraulic cam setups have positives about them, the geared cam just seem the way to go. More power and you eliminate the chain.

 

Before any cam upgrade, it is best to check the runout. I was at .002 on my flywheel. Thought about having it trued so I wouldn't have to worry about anything, but it was too minimal to worry about. I decided to just bolt the cams in and enjoy the bike.

 

You have a 2002 which is forged crank and Timken bearing so there's a good chance your runout will be in spec. It should .003 or less, preferably .002 or less. You can get an oversized or undersized gear to adjust backlash. I ran 26G in my 04 and it was a slight whirring noise but nothing major and I kinda liked the noise.

 

+1 on the noise. That sound is 'peace of mind' to me.
Dawg, you always have great advice.

 

Just wanted to thank you guys for input. Just ordered gear drive and 26g cams. I kinda like the whirring noise on bikes too. comin apart soon.