I know that Harley switched over to the hydraulic tensioners sometime in 2007, and these supposedly don't have the danger of disintegrating like the earlier spring-loaded types. Truth be told, I avoided the entire Twin Cam era for this reason.

But is there still anything to be concerned about on a Twin Cam made in 2008 or later?

 

No.
Compensator, wheel bearings, hydraulic clutch, and ABS is another thing entirely though.
Welcome to the family.

 

Thanks, but I don't understand the "Welcome to the family" part. I have an Evo.



And would a 2012 Fatboy have a hydraulic clutch?

 

You don't have chain tensioners then. Enjoy.

 

I have an 08 ultra with 65000 on it , changed compensator at 55,000 fuel pump at 45,000 wheel bearings never changed . a lot of 2 up pulling a trailer. I love my twin cam !!!!

 

To my knowledge post 2008 do not have gears, so they have to keep tension on the timing chains somehow.


Moral of the story get lots of answers when asking people on the internet

 

That was in response to I have an EVO.... So he does not have a Post 2008 TC.

 

Okay, let's back up a bit..... I have a 1994 Fatboy, which of course is an Evo. The cam tensioner isn't an issue here at all because I don't have one.

But I have an interest in moving up to a newer model year. Specifically, there's a 2012 Fatboy that has my interest. I like the idea of going from 80 cubic inches to 103, having a 6th gear, a fat rear tire, and more parts and accessories available.

The only concern is the reason I avoided the Twin Cams in the first place; the cam tensioner issue. But if Harley did away with the spring-operated tensioners and made the hydraulic system standard starting around 2007, did that really and truly take care of the problem or do the tensioner shoes still pose a risk of disintegrating?

 

They are not Bullet Proof... I checked mine when I changed cams and they looked fine at 35k

Hydraulic are much more reliable but should still be checked.

I don’t know anyone personally that has had failure on the 07 up twin cam. Don’t trip on all the horror stories, a well maintained 96 or 103 will take care of you for many miles.

Only thing that I’m moderately concerned about is twisting a crank if I build too much of a top end.... With that said guys are running 120 TQ/HP on stock cranks without twisting them.

2012 Fatboy is a nice ride! 1994 Fatboy ain’t too bad either.

 

2006 88 Dyna 6 speed was the first to get the hydraulic chain tensioner

All models got it in 07 with the 96 roll out!

However, 'the lord giveth and the lord taketh away', eh?

The 96 engine/drivetrain did have teething problems that took years to resolve.