I read a lot of for sale adds for harley some of them have had major work done. What miliage do most people get out of their bikes before something major happens or is needed. I mean average engine life before a rebuild or tranny work, not the normal brakes,clutch and tires.

 

I really think there are too many variables for any specific answer, depends on how a person rides, how well was it taken care of even where you ride can make a difference, or was it ridden, did it sit in the weather. I have around 36K on my FX and only major work was getting the SE hydraulic cam tensioner kit installed and that isn't really "that" major and a judgement call on my part.

 

It’s not uncommon to see folks on here that have put a lot of miles on their bikes and they never have had any major repairs. I have seen a few models/years that have had “specific” issues with but nothing too bad. I’ve seen a few folks that have given up on HDs and said nothing but trouble, maybe they got the lemon. A lot of it will depend on your riding habits, your service practices, etc., just like with a cage, it depends. A lot of folks really can’t tell you because they simply trade up every year or two, you know those with the big wallets.

 

Well I've got an 08 & the crank scissored....BTW, I don't ride excessively hard & my vehicles all see excellent routine maintenance. I think MadHog hit the nail on the head, way too many variables. **** happens!

 

Agree with all thats been said, might have something to do with if it was a Monday or Friday built bike too. I too, am surprised when I read of someone having major engine work done on something that has less than 50K on it??!!

 

a lot of the 'major' work that you see is also elective. harley folks just can't help tinkering with their bikes, whether they need it or not

 

So freaking true. I think I'm like $2200 into this bike on just addons alone. I can't imagine what some people have. And I don't even buy top of the line stuff like most do, plus I look all over the net for stuff.

 

Back in '99 I bought a '93 Sportster that had 17,000 miles on it. Overall I babied it, nothing but the best. Amsoil, 2500 mile intervals. Always warmed it up before riding, never riding it 'like I stole it,' although I did get on it now and then.

I heard a 'ticking' noise in the engine and took it to my wrench. He thought it was a lifter and we were going to do the repair over the winter. I bought cams, adjustable poushrods, gasket kit, etc. Turns out it was the oil pump, which starved and killed the motor.

In 2010 I bought a '02 Heritage with 20,000 miles on it. It now has 40,000 and overall I baby it. I changed the cam chain tensioners a few thousand miles ago and they were pretty worn. Glad I did that when I did.

.

 

Most of the time it refers to Mod to enhance the power, not because the motor was bad.

time U do stg1, tuner, cams, headwork, bigger intake, U can have an easy $3K or more (if U really build her up), in just the motor.

add all the chrome:, bars (sissy, engine, and Handle):, seats:, it's pretty easy to spend another $2-$4K.

don't forget the wheel another $1500- $3K and then Air shock for Softies, another $1500 or so.

IMO a well maintained HD should go easy over 100K. if not raced or build to far.




.

 

I see a later model bike that says Major work like fresh rebuild or lower end all I see is a dick that trashed a bike and is trying to dump his fuc ups on somebody else . Older bike I figure they are lying trying to up the resale and it's been beat to hell and gone , had some fast bandaid work done just to move it . Been my experience most the time . If I hear Amsoil anytime the conversation is over .