Hey guys, alot of the bikes that fall into my "second bike for two up riding" price range are the 88" t.c. bikes.
Ballpark, what's it gonna cost in labor at the dealer/indie to inspect, replace, or mod the camchain tensioner issue?

 

That’s a loaded question. Dealer probably charge 1 hr to check the tensioners. If they’re bad, and they replace only the tensioners and bearings, probably charge 3 hrs plus parts. To “mod” them as you say, I assume you mean replace with hydraulic or gear? Doing that requires new cams and potentially a tune.

 

Ok. Thanx man. That gives me an idea.

 

Years ago I had a 2001 dyna 88 tc. Great engines. Only weak spot was the cam chain tensioners.

If I recall, my indy quoted about $1200 to convert over. I can't remember but I think that was around 2012.

Hope this helps.

 

$1200??
In my book, that's a sizable expense! If ya put that on top of what they're asking for 88 bikes, ya may as well just buy a 96?
IDK, maybe I'd be better off putting this idea off til next year, and getting a newer bike. I'd get a new one if I could part with the fxbr, but I just can't do it, lol.

 

I had the SE Cam Chain Tensioner and Oil Pump Upgrade done at 30k, when I developed a base gasket leak. I love it. My bike runs like a Dynamo now. Oil psi went up about 15 psi.

You don't need to do it until 30 K. If you mostly run 2 lane stick with the 88. If you run interstate a lot over 75mph, a 6 speed/>88 would be better.

If you find a low mileage 88, you won’t have to do the upgrade for several years. You don’t need a new cam, I didn’t. But if you want one, that’s the time to do it. Was about $300 more, in 2014.

If you find a bike that had it done, it’s probably going to gave higher mileage. If it’s a well maintained bike, it might be a keeper.

I found a 2003 Road King with 1500 miles this year, for $6,900. It was a Fireman’s bike, used only in parades. I didn’t buy it, but they’re out there. Prices are much better in January, than June.

 

A buddy of mine just picked up a 2011 road glide special with nothing wrong with it for $9k. Use that as an example when pricing an 88 up to 2006.

 

I was doing new cams. After looking into it some, I bought a used camplate and oil pump out of a newer 96 inch bike. It bolted right in. Be advised that it will require a cam change, since the inboard bearing is 3/4" od, while the outboard side uses no bearing at all and is 1" od. I personally went with an Andrews cam for this application (the N series, 21N in my case) but I'd bet of cam manufacturers offer one as well. I did all the work myself and my total cost was around $500 including the cams and new S&S lifters and a top end gasket kit. I reused my stock pushrods to save some money even though it was a little more work to do that.

 

What did your Indy/Dealer tell you?

 

Haven't called and checked. Was on here late one night and though "what the hell, I'll ask the guys". I realize prices will vary. I'm not an engine mechanic, but very mechanically inclined. Thought alot about doing it myself if needed. Maybe the inspect, but mod or cam changes a lil out of my comfort zone. I'd love to though. Rewarding.