Softail standard questions
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,616
Likes: 12
From: MA
Softail standard questions
Hello, im about to make the move from my 09 sportster custom to a 2005 Softail standard FI, the bike is mint with a tic over 19k, can get some feedback on this model and maybe what to check for when i go look at it?
Im making the move because ive been doing some rides with my wife, but the ride on the sporty is almost unbearable! The burly slammers dont help either!.lol
Anyway..thanks for any info on this model
Im making the move because ive been doing some rides with my wife, but the ride on the sporty is almost unbearable! The burly slammers dont help either!.lol
Anyway..thanks for any info on this model
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Unlike years 2000 and 2007, there are no unusual characteristics or one-off parts on 05 Softails. Eventually you will have to replace the spring loaded Cam Chain tensioners. Not a big deal. Inspect them at roughly 25K miles.
Don't just replace the spring loaded tensioners, they are a flawed design. Which is why you have to check them so often. Do this instead...
http://www.woodcarbs.com/rollerconv.htm
These are the parts you will need to do the cam/tensioner conversion deal to the bike.
26037-06 Oil pump
25355-06 Cam support plate
4741A Plate mounting screws
11461 Retaining ring (front cam)
25683-06 Inner chain
39968-06 Chain tensioner
4740A Tensioner mounting screws
25675-06 Outer chain
39969-06 Chain tensioner
942 Outer chain mounting screws
25673-06 Pinion sprocket(17 teeth)
25244-99A Outer cover gasket
25728-06 Rear cam sprocket 34 teeth (02-06)*
*ALL 99-01 engines MUST use Andrews rear cam sprocket number 216015 to permit engine alarm warning light to operate correctly.
Two alignment spacers will also be needed. Front cam spacer (.100) is part # 25729-06. Other spacers are available from HD from .100 thick to .150 thick in .010 increments.
http://www.andrewsproducts.com/sites...2014-page5.pdf
You don't have to use the Knight prowler cams. Andrews and S&S also make conversion cams.
Mike
http://www.woodcarbs.com/rollerconv.htm
These are the parts you will need to do the cam/tensioner conversion deal to the bike.
26037-06 Oil pump
25355-06 Cam support plate
4741A Plate mounting screws
11461 Retaining ring (front cam)
25683-06 Inner chain
39968-06 Chain tensioner
4740A Tensioner mounting screws
25675-06 Outer chain
39969-06 Chain tensioner
942 Outer chain mounting screws
25673-06 Pinion sprocket(17 teeth)
25244-99A Outer cover gasket
25728-06 Rear cam sprocket 34 teeth (02-06)*
*ALL 99-01 engines MUST use Andrews rear cam sprocket number 216015 to permit engine alarm warning light to operate correctly.
Two alignment spacers will also be needed. Front cam spacer (.100) is part # 25729-06. Other spacers are available from HD from .100 thick to .150 thick in .010 increments.
http://www.andrewsproducts.com/sites...2014-page5.pdf
You don't have to use the Knight prowler cams. Andrews and S&S also make conversion cams.
Mike
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
go gear drive cams! I had an 05 e glide an the shop I was talking to about cams said the 05 had a solid bottom end an would work with gear drive cams.....96 an 103's need crank run out checked.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 24,199
From: NC, USA
This is the most reliable and strongest bike of the 5 I've owned.
Jeff.
Don't let this scare you away from the bike. The '05 Softail is a good bike without any serious flaws. DC Mike is absolutely correct about cam chain tensioners. This was a fairly common problem will TC motors for a long time until HD finally changed to better parts. Still, I'm not entirely convinced that the current system is perfect.
That said, not every bike has worn tensioners, some others don't show significant wear until well beyond 20-25k miles.
The good news is that it's fairly easy to inspect if you choose to just monitor the situation. It's also fairly easy to replace with upgraded tensioners from HD or some aftermarket companies.
The permanent and by far the best solution is as described by the previous posters. This will cost a bit more, but you get the advantage of a performance cam in the mix.
Check this thread to see how mixed the results are.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...o-problem.html
The point is, if you like the bike and it fits your budget, go for it. The tensioner issue is related to all pre-hydraulic tensioner twin cam engines, not just the '05 Softails.
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Jeff.
Don't let this scare you away from the bike. The '05 Softail is a good bike without any serious flaws. DC Mike is absolutely correct about cam chain tensioners. This was a fairly common problem will TC motors for a long time until HD finally changed to better parts. Still, I'm not entirely convinced that the current system is perfect.
That said, not every bike has worn tensioners, some others don't show significant wear until well beyond 20-25k miles.
The good news is that it's fairly easy to inspect if you choose to just monitor the situation. It's also fairly easy to replace with upgraded tensioners from HD or some aftermarket companies.
The permanent and by far the best solution is as described by the previous posters. This will cost a bit more, but you get the advantage of a performance cam in the mix.
Check this thread to see how mixed the results are.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...o-problem.html
The point is, if you like the bike and it fits your budget, go for it. The tensioner issue is related to all pre-hydraulic tensioner twin cam engines, not just the '05 Softails.
Don't let this scare you away from the bike. The '05 Softail is a good bike without any serious flaws. DC Mike is absolutely correct about cam chain tensioners. This was a fairly common problem will TC motors for a long time until HD finally changed to better parts. Still, I'm not entirely convinced that the current system is perfect.
That said, not every bike has worn tensioners, some others don't show significant wear until well beyond 20-25k miles.
The good news is that it's fairly easy to inspect if you choose to just monitor the situation. It's also fairly easy to replace with upgraded tensioners from HD or some aftermarket companies.
The permanent and by far the best solution is as described by the previous posters. This will cost a bit more, but you get the advantage of a performance cam in the mix.
Check this thread to see how mixed the results are.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...o-problem.html
The point is, if you like the bike and it fits your budget, go for it. The tensioner issue is related to all pre-hydraulic tensioner twin cam engines, not just the '05 Softails.
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