Well maintained 2002 Fat Boy with 30k miles ... reliable or headaches?
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 235
Likes: 27
From: DC
The circled bolts were marked with white waterproof paint on both the bolt and surrounding housing.
It takes me a matter of seconds to walk around the bike and visually see if the marking is "broken" (i.e. the bolt has loosened).
Those few seconds, to me at least, are well worth the piece of mind.
Maybe not HDs but bolts on bikes do come loose.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 868
Likes: 51
From: Illinois
Ok so my definition of frequent checks is:
a) tire pressure (1x/week)
b) oil level (every couple days)
c) critical bolts before nearly every ride (witness marks are on the critical bolts so I can visibly see if any are starting to come loose, everyone should do this)
What else needs to be checked on the Fat Boy and how often?
PS Nice Panamera
a) tire pressure (1x/week)
b) oil level (every couple days)
c) critical bolts before nearly every ride (witness marks are on the critical bolts so I can visibly see if any are starting to come loose, everyone should do this)
What else needs to be checked on the Fat Boy and how often?
PS Nice Panamera
I try to check tire pressure every couple weeks.
Oil level gets checked when I think of it. Like before and after a trip. I know how much oil bike uses.
I have never marked a nut or bolt on any of my bikes.
The only thing I would check on that bike is the cam chain tensioners.
In my opinion you might be a little paranoid for some reason. Ride it and enjoy.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 100
Likes: 26
From: NH
I disagree.
The circled bolts were marked with white waterproof paint on both the bolt and surrounding housing.
It takes me a matter of seconds to walk around the bike and visually see if the marking is "broken" (i.e. the bolt has loosened).
Those few seconds, to me at least, are well worth the piece of mind.
Maybe not HDs but bolts on bikes do come loose.
The circled bolts were marked with white waterproof paint on both the bolt and surrounding housing.
It takes me a matter of seconds to walk around the bike and visually see if the marking is "broken" (i.e. the bolt has loosened).
Those few seconds, to me at least, are well worth the piece of mind.
Maybe not HDs but bolts on bikes do come loose.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
My opinion...I've owned a 2002 Fatboy for about 8 years now and the only weak spot is the cam chain tensioners. Replaced mine with Screaming Eagle tensioners at 30,000 miles and as far as I'm concerned its bullet proof from here on. 2002 is the last year of the forged crank shaft and Timpken Bearings so IMO you won't find a better deal, but check the tensioners.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,830
Likes: 7,968
From: poway
My opinion...I've owned a 2002 Fatboy for about 8 years now and the only weak spot is the cam chain tensioners. Replaced mine with Screaming Eagle tensioners at 30,000 miles and as far as I'm concerned its bullet proof from here on. 2002 is the last year of the forged crank shaft and Timpken Bearings so IMO you won't find a better deal, but check the tensioners.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,255
Likes: 112
From: Florida
Yep, but 2002 was last year for "hot" forged cranks.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 808
Likes: 359
From: NW Indiana
Like anything mechanical, your BMW will be trouble free until it is not, and that day will certainly come!! Ride what you enjoy riding.
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Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 235
Likes: 27
From: DC
1. What is the difference between a cam drive and a cam chain tensioner?
2. If one (or the other) *breaks* while riding, what is the result? Engine failure, no power, pull over.
3. If the tensioner was replaced at the dealer, I'll assume they replaced it with a stock tensioner so if the stock tensioner is weak to begin with I wouldn't think that would solve the problem. Apologies if these are novice questions but can anyone explain how this works and where the failure point is on these models. I appreciate it.
Going to test ride it this weekend