When major work expected?
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 674
Likes: 0
From: "In a blaze of glory"
When major work expected?
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.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
Its 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. Ive 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 cant tell you because they simply trade up every year or two, you know those with the big wallets. 
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,404
Likes: 11
From: Southern Nevada (Pahrump)
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!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 20
From: Driftless Area
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??!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,272
Likes: 20
From: Shamokin, PA
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.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 7
From: Clermont, GA, CSA
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.
.
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.
.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
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.
.
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.
.
Last edited by oct1949; Mar 10, 2012 at 01:00 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,106
Likes: 51,387
From: Niles Canyon Ca.
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 .