My cam chain tensioners gave up the ghost last night on my '05 FXDXI. I'm now pressed with figuring out the best route to go.
I ride 205 miles a day on my commute. Need something that is reliable enough to do this at 80+ mph, day-in and day-out. Plus, the occasional showboating burnout and typical hard starts. I'd love to see a motor producing 90-100hp/tq, is it possible while maintaining it's long-term reliability? Am I outta my mind to think that's not some sorta unicorn motor? If not, how would it be done?

 

The chain gets polished on the first set of tensioners and the second set will last longer.. There's a better quality tensioner available too..
http://www.harleydavidsontensioner.com/

 

How many miles were on the bike when they gave out? Are you leaning toward gear driven or chain driven?

 

About 20k. Not leaning in any direction right now. Willing to consider all options. Plan on truing and balancing, then welding the crank so anythings possible. Also considering a crate S&S, so everything is on the table at this point. Just want the most reliable motor for daily, long-haul, high-speed commuting.

 

..,.and occasional hot-rodding.

 

If you're doing the crank gear drive is the best option..

 

Yes even though I have heard tell that you must also get used to the extra noise.

OP if you go the crate engine option get the biggest baddest one you can! If you really want to do this just once!

 

HAHA... Copy that.