engine life expectancy
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 557
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From: Colorado
engine life expectancy
I'm new to Harleys and wondering how long does a 96 run with normal maintenance?
I had a BMW airhead and they were suppose to be good for about 200 before rebuild. Mine was stolen at about 65. I had to replace the tranny at about 60.
Ive been on a 1200 for about 4 yrs. 25k and no trouble yet, but I'm thinking of moving up. Now that I'm retired most of my rides are longer.Thanks
I had a BMW airhead and they were suppose to be good for about 200 before rebuild. Mine was stolen at about 65. I had to replace the tranny at about 60.
Ive been on a 1200 for about 4 yrs. 25k and no trouble yet, but I'm thinking of moving up. Now that I'm retired most of my rides are longer.Thanks
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 931
Likes: 3
From: England
I would have thought as long as you don't treat it bad and as you say perform the usual regular oil and filter changes etc. it should be good for 200K / 300K miles. Belts and clutches not so sure about - but a fiend on mine has a high milage now nearly 20 year old dyna on the same belt and clutch plates running as sweet as new.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 750
Likes: 3
From: 3rd Rock
A lot depends on your driving habits. I have an '06 FXD (88) w/ 131 K Mi. on it, and it uses less than 3 oz. of oil between changes.
The only thing I've done to the engine is change the cam chain tentioners @ 90K as a preventive measure, and they didn't really need it.
My belt, primary chain and tentioner, and clutch are all O.E.
I mainly drive freeway speeds, 75-85ish MPH, not much stop-n-go stuff. Normal RPM run range 2500 - 4500, and it's never seen the RPM limiter.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
The only thing I've done to the engine is change the cam chain tentioners @ 90K as a preventive measure, and they didn't really need it.
My belt, primary chain and tentioner, and clutch are all O.E.
I mainly drive freeway speeds, 75-85ish MPH, not much stop-n-go stuff. Normal RPM run range 2500 - 4500, and it's never seen the RPM limiter.
Best wishes....Tim(HT)
Last edited by Harley Tim; Apr 8, 2012 at 12:01 PM. Reason: Because I can
About 40 miles after you get ditch water in it maybe more if you want to ride it all the way to the point of it locking up "but hey i cant say it didnt get me where i was going" just had to change my destination to The Bike Shop once the white smoke started puoring out
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,241
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From: Fort Myers, Fl.
About 40 miles after you get ditch water in it maybe more if you want to ride it all the way to the point of it locking up "but hey i cant say it didnt get me where i was going" just had to change my destination to The Bike Shop once the white smoke started puoring out
................
yeah it sucked and i had just dropped 7500 bucks making it pretty again and then 30 min into my first ride ............you know the rest
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Road Captain
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Well there are quite a few guys in here that have turned 100000 miles on their 96s. With proper maintenance and good riding habits I think these bikes will last.
Keep lugging to a minimum,don't ride it like you stole it until it's warmed up. Change the fluids at regular intervals.
These bikes are easy to re-ring so even if the top end goes it's pretty inexpensive to get em going again,if you do it yourself.
I wonder how guys are doing with their 88s. They tend to rev a bit higher(shorter stroke than a 96).
Keep lugging to a minimum,don't ride it like you stole it until it's warmed up. Change the fluids at regular intervals.
These bikes are easy to re-ring so even if the top end goes it's pretty inexpensive to get em going again,if you do it yourself.
I wonder how guys are doing with their 88s. They tend to rev a bit higher(shorter stroke than a 96).
