120r
They can be reliable YES. A lot more involved in making it reliable than just the parts though. Maintenance, tune and break in all come into play. If I was looking to go this route, i'd consider the S&S 124" as well as the 120R. 1 year warranty and very well engineered. I've installed in the past 2 months with great results from all of them.
Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
An S&S 124" is a better route.
The 120R is soft power off the bottom, which is more akin to a Dyna, or Softail build, but then again when the low torque is MIA, you are still fanning the shift lever on occasions, making the rider/owner wishing he had more low power.
A 124" much stronger crankshaft, larger cubes, roller rockers, higher quality lifters, etc.
Built 9, 124"s since just before Christmas, 1 is leaving again today.
Power on tap most anywhere in the rpm band.
Scott
The 120R is soft power off the bottom, which is more akin to a Dyna, or Softail build, but then again when the low torque is MIA, you are still fanning the shift lever on occasions, making the rider/owner wishing he had more low power.
A 124" much stronger crankshaft, larger cubes, roller rockers, higher quality lifters, etc.
Built 9, 124"s since just before Christmas, 1 is leaving again today.
Power on tap most anywhere in the rpm band.
Scott
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
I've had mine since 2013 and put about 23,000 miles on it. The month after it was broke in me and the wife took a 6800 three week road trip, with no issues.
Since then I've had a lifter fail that took out my cam/oil pump and cam plate. I replaced all of that with Tman cams and push rods and S&S lifters and roller rockers.
Plan to spend money on it if you install one and put any amount of miles on it!
Since then I've had a lifter fail that took out my cam/oil pump and cam plate. I replaced all of that with Tman cams and push rods and S&S lifters and roller rockers.
Plan to spend money on it if you install one and put any amount of miles on it!
Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12,084
Likes: 829
Can't say that is an odd scenario, as we've witnessed similar issues as well here also.
S&S offers a very rugged replacement crank for them, for a reason.
Scott
S&S offers a very rugged replacement crank for them, for a reason.
Scott
Trending Topics
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 714
Likes: 120
S&S 124" upgrade using your stock cases or complete crate. As said, these builders can hook you up with a superior S&S platform that will give you plenty of HP and thousands of trouble free miles...win/win...
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Supporter
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4,133
Likes: 147
From: Grays Creek, NC
What model do you own? I suspected touring when you mentioned mileage.
Either way you'll get a lot of mixed reviews from owners/ non-owners and builders, very few of us owners that have a good amount of miles on the 120R will tell you don't buy it if your looking for reliable.
If you can't do any of your own repairs I would stay away from the big inch engines anyways unless you have deep pockets. A year warranty goes by pretty quick!