88 to 103 question.
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6th Gear
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From: Minnesota
88 to 103 question.
So I have a 2005 ultra classic fuel injection. As I was shopping for cams I found a motor in the link below. My question is, will this motor work in my bike or what needs to be done.
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/d...800130683.html
https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/d...800130683.html
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From: SW Ohio
The engine itself is a direct fit if it came out of a Touring model.
However:
I'd want to know who did the work as the displacement increase was a result of installing a different crank. If a later model stock crank was installed who knows what run out would be and you can't use your compensator as the 4 3/8" stroke crank sprocket shaft is different. I can't imagine him selling it for that with an S&S crank, or even a balanced and welded stock unit for that matter. Other questions pop up like:
Why was it rebuilt?
Did the tensioners go and ruin the stock crank?
What was done with the left side bearing?
Roller, or installed a Timken?
What was done about the cam chain tensioners?
What cams?
And the 64 thousand dollar question:
After doing a crank up rebuild (or buying a used one) why wasn't the engine used?
Ad Quote "Over $3000 invested in it. I Bought a new bike instead of installing it in my old one."
Usually, when someone quits mid "project" it's because it turned out to be a nightmare. The text in the ad would suggest this engine isn't from his motorcycle, if that's the case, there's always the potential for ownership issues. Unless you are very familiar with Harley engines and have the tools to correct whatever the "builder" didn't do right I'd steer clear and big bore, cam and head work my own engine instead buying a pig in a poke. (I mean have a reputable builder do it)
All of that said, you can put a lot of money into a Harley engine and still only get something that's passable compared to other machines. There are times where engine upgrades are needed, riding two up, pulling a trailer etc. But in the end, a Harley with a stout motor is still just a Harley. It's a lot cheaper and less frustrating to accept the bike and it's modest power for what it is.
However:
I'd want to know who did the work as the displacement increase was a result of installing a different crank. If a later model stock crank was installed who knows what run out would be and you can't use your compensator as the 4 3/8" stroke crank sprocket shaft is different. I can't imagine him selling it for that with an S&S crank, or even a balanced and welded stock unit for that matter. Other questions pop up like:
Why was it rebuilt?
Did the tensioners go and ruin the stock crank?
What was done with the left side bearing?
Roller, or installed a Timken?
What was done about the cam chain tensioners?
What cams?
And the 64 thousand dollar question:
After doing a crank up rebuild (or buying a used one) why wasn't the engine used?
Ad Quote "Over $3000 invested in it. I Bought a new bike instead of installing it in my old one."
Usually, when someone quits mid "project" it's because it turned out to be a nightmare. The text in the ad would suggest this engine isn't from his motorcycle, if that's the case, there's always the potential for ownership issues. Unless you are very familiar with Harley engines and have the tools to correct whatever the "builder" didn't do right I'd steer clear and big bore, cam and head work my own engine instead buying a pig in a poke. (I mean have a reputable builder do it)
All of that said, you can put a lot of money into a Harley engine and still only get something that's passable compared to other machines. There are times where engine upgrades are needed, riding two up, pulling a trailer etc. But in the end, a Harley with a stout motor is still just a Harley. It's a lot cheaper and less frustrating to accept the bike and it's modest power for what it is.
Last edited by Campy Roadie; Jan 24, 2019 at 08:13 AM.
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From: SW Ohio
Seasoned HDF Member
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From: SW Ohio
If the sprocket shaft looks like this one, he's mistaken or liar.
Easy to check when looking at an engine by itself but your point is definitely made; who knows what's inside, good or bad.
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From: Tampa
SE makes a stock style stroker crank with the early TC output shaft. I owned one. Just sayin'.
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From: Tampa
Back in my Sportster days there was a way you could tell if it was a 1200 or 883 by sticking a coat hanger wire or welding rod down the spark plug hole at BDC and push the wire all the way to the opposite side of the bore. Mark the wire at the spark plug top thread, then raise to TDC and mark again. Based on the distance between the two marks you'd have either a 1200 or 883. I forget the dimensions but there was a good 1/4" difference between the two and that was with the same stroke.
You could do something similar only try holding the rod as parallel as the bore as you can. I'm sure there will be a noticeable difference between a 4" stroke and a 4.375" stroke marked on a stick or something.
You could do something similar only try holding the rod as parallel as the bore as you can. I'm sure there will be a noticeable difference between a 4" stroke and a 4.375" stroke marked on a stick or something.
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From: poway
Also CVOs at the time had 4 3/8 cranks. They were about 700 bucks on line..
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