Do We Have A Cam Chain Problem
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Novice
Joined: May 2014
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From: North Carolina
Do We Have A Cam Chain Problem
I have a couple of friends who have 2012 models with the 103. These guys ride quite a bit so both have around 20K miles. One of their bikes, a Street Glide, broke it's cam chain a couple of weeks ago. I was with him and we were riding along on the highway about 60 and it made a noise and just broke. The second guy who has a Road Glide got worried and took his in. The chain was worn out.
Now the dealer that both bought their bikes from is saying that everyone is going to have to change the chain every 20K miles or so. I hope like the devil that this is not right because unless you can do it yourself it is not a cheap repair.
My question for you guys is:
1. Have any of you heard anything about this?
2. Have any of you had this problem?
Thanks.
Now the dealer that both bought their bikes from is saying that everyone is going to have to change the chain every 20K miles or so. I hope like the devil that this is not right because unless you can do it yourself it is not a cheap repair.
My question for you guys is:
1. Have any of you heard anything about this?
2. Have any of you had this problem?
Thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,374
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From: redbank new Jersey
That gear drive is not answer either as most newer bikes all have some kind of runout... Its really not a big job I just plan on going in there every 30,000 miles and change get them what else can u do... I also do have the hydro cam chain upgrade done
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Novice
Joined: May 2014
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From: North Carolina
Magnum
Thanks.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 12,776
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From: san antonio
The two incidents of broken cam chains are the first I have ever heard of. JMHO, but I doubt that broken cam chains are an epidemic nor will they need replacement every 20K miles. Also JMHO but I doubt that the cam chains just "broke" and I suspect that something else caused the cam chain to break. If you can, provide a follow up with the results of what the techs find when they tear down the motors.
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Novice
Joined: May 2014
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From: North Carolina
I will do that. The thing that bothered me the most was not the fact that two bikes had failures but that the dealer seemed to think that there might be a large scale problem. If any of you guys hear of any of these problems please keep us updated.
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HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: san antonio
Don't take your bike to that dealer for service. Get a service manual and DIY.
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Novice
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 20
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From: Stockton Ca.
cam chain
The dealers have mechanics, not technicians. I changed my 05 88B from the stock timing type chain and phenolic tensioners at 50k to the andrews roller chain and hyd poly tensioners. I just did, (at 101k) a bottom end tear down and repair, (fixing dealer caused crank bearing issue) and my chain was like new and the outboard tension shoe had minor wear. I'm a retired millwright and I have seen lots of roller chain failures on machinery. Make sure it's getting oil and check it once in a while; they aren't that hard to take of, unless it's the inner chain. 
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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a 2012 should run 100k without a cam chain problem...no telling how many compensators and other problems you may encounter. i am pushing 50k on my '12 EGC and do not worry about cam chains--too much other stuff to worry about!
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