in general, do liquid cooled engines....
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Midwest
i know a guy with a liquid cooled bike that has 275k on it. that has never had more than the oil changed and new spark plugs. never seen or herd of a haley lasting that long that didnt have to have at least one gasket fixed or someting.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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From:
I think it depends on the overall design and quality of the engine.
I have heard of many BMW air cooled engines with over 250k without a rebuild, and one of the guys I ride with regularly has 170k on his 05 R1200RT and the engine has never been opened, even for a clutch. Runs like a watch and doesn't use any oil.
There are a numerous Harley's with over 100k but seems a top end rebuild is recommended at about that time.
I have heard of many BMW air cooled engines with over 250k without a rebuild, and one of the guys I ride with regularly has 170k on his 05 R1200RT and the engine has never been opened, even for a clutch. Runs like a watch and doesn't use any oil.
There are a numerous Harley's with over 100k but seems a top end rebuild is recommended at about that time.
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Ultimate HDF Member
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In 1919, Ryan became Harley's first service manager. In the 1930s, he helped the company license its technology to Japan, where Harley was credited with starting the Japanese motorcycle industry.
Ryan put more than 1 million miles on his Harley and a sidecar.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29473659.html
Ryan put more than 1 million miles on his Harley and a sidecar.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/29473659.html
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Danbury CT
http://www.bikernet.com/bikebarn/Pag...sp?PageID=2633
I remember reading that he went through about 9 rebuilds. I'll try to find the details.
I remember reading that he went through about 9 rebuilds. I'll try to find the details.
Last edited by golfblues; Nov 5, 2009 at 10:34 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 786
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From: Sheridan, AR
I disagree at least when a liquid cooled bike is compared to a Harley.
My reasoning? There allot more old (high mileage) Harleys on the road than there are old (high mileage) rice burners. Is there more maintenance on a HD? Sure! Are they more likely to develop leaks? Sure!
Are there exceptions? Sure! There's always "some guy" who babied his Yamaha since it was new, changed the oil like it was a religion, and got allot of miles out of it.
On average though (average bike, average rider, average maintenance) not much will out last a HD.
When compared side by side there are only a couple bikes out there that will last as long as a HD and nothing I can think of will last longer.
My reasoning? There allot more old (high mileage) Harleys on the road than there are old (high mileage) rice burners. Is there more maintenance on a HD? Sure! Are they more likely to develop leaks? Sure!
Are there exceptions? Sure! There's always "some guy" who babied his Yamaha since it was new, changed the oil like it was a religion, and got allot of miles out of it.
On average though (average bike, average rider, average maintenance) not much will out last a HD.
When compared side by side there are only a couple bikes out there that will last as long as a HD and nothing I can think of will last longer.