Longevity
Longevity
A friend of mine got into a discussion on the longevity of our Harleys. He said they are not made to last. He has done just about everything you could do to his 2007 RK. I said if you just leave the bike alone with maybe a stage I the bike would last as long or longer than another bike out there. Harley is not in the business of doing their research and design to have the motors last only 50 70,000 miles. I'm I going crazy, or am I correct.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
You're absolutely correct. There will always be problems, and problem bikes off the assembly line but overall the bike is built to last. At Harley's design specifications anyway. Stage I, a tuner and minor things like that won't change anything, but if you start introducing other parts, you're introducing an unknown factor into the equation.
Leave it alone and ride it, that's my new theory. I haven't done engine mods since my 88 FXR.
Leave it alone and ride it, that's my new theory. I haven't done engine mods since my 88 FXR.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Deltona, FL
It shouldn't, but that depends on what you mean by rebuilt. I don't equate a top end rebuild (basically just replacing gaskets and maybe pistons) a complete rebuild.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 9,335
Likes: 13
From: MA
I believe keeping the bike properly maintained is the key and if done so, should last well past 100k before needing a rebuild. I've got close to 50k on my bike and never had a peep out of it. (Knock on wood....)
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: charles town, wv
He has done just about everything you could do to his 2007 RK. I said if you just leave the bike alone with maybe a stage I the bike would last as long or longer than another bike out there. Harley is not in the business of doing their research and design to have the motors last only 50 70,000 miles. I'm I going crazy, or am I correct.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
If you're not hot-rodding it and you maintain it properly these bikes will run 100k without any serious issues other than routine maintenance. Throw in a rebuild and 200k is not unheard of.
My last bike had 92k on it before it was totalled by a hit n run driver. I was looking forward to seeing it roll over 100k ('05 EGC). I'd had no problems with it at all. It was a stage II and other than it sucked gas more than I liked, it was a great bike and very reliable.
This bike ('09 RK) just turned 35k and is running smooth as silk. I've left this one completely stock and am enjoying it this way. I log alot of miles and will hit the 100k mark with it in about 2 years from now. I'll keep you posted...
My last bike had 92k on it before it was totalled by a hit n run driver. I was looking forward to seeing it roll over 100k ('05 EGC). I'd had no problems with it at all. It was a stage II and other than it sucked gas more than I liked, it was a great bike and very reliable.
This bike ('09 RK) just turned 35k and is running smooth as silk. I've left this one completely stock and am enjoying it this way. I log alot of miles and will hit the 100k mark with it in about 2 years from now. I'll keep you posted...
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Corinth, Ky.
Got a friend with an 02 Nighttrain, 105,000 miles and not opened up yet. Been through 2 high pressure hoses in the tank and one starter relay.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,476
Likes: 23
From: Summit, Mississippi
100k is a piece of cake. Routine maintenance is everything. I ride with a buddy that rolled-over 160,000 on his 01 Ultra this summer and he has had two sets of tensioner shoes and one belt replacement, but he is box-stock.
I have been running the full Stage II since 45,000 miles ago and other than the usual tensioner issues, etc. I am not concerned about it at all. The 07 has the hydraulic tensioners and and larger pump anyway. If I had an older model, I would go to the Hybrid Hydraulic kit and pretty much end tensioner wear issues. I have already done that.
Like you said....leave it alone and it will last longer. When you start bumping-up compression and valve lifts....you just put more pressure on the wear surfaces. The bike was never intended for walking it down the road on the rear wheel....leave that up to the crotch-rockets.
I have been running the full Stage II since 45,000 miles ago and other than the usual tensioner issues, etc. I am not concerned about it at all. The 07 has the hydraulic tensioners and and larger pump anyway. If I had an older model, I would go to the Hybrid Hydraulic kit and pretty much end tensioner wear issues. I have already done that.
Like you said....leave it alone and it will last longer. When you start bumping-up compression and valve lifts....you just put more pressure on the wear surfaces. The bike was never intended for walking it down the road on the rear wheel....leave that up to the crotch-rockets.