TC 103B in Softail question
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
Likes: 296
From: Grand Rapids, MI
TC 103B in Softail question
In another thread I mentioned a good deal on a pre-M8 softail. The deal is not as good as originally laid out, but I am still very interested in the bike and so now I am trying to work through long-term ownership expenses.
I found a youtube video posted on this forum on the 2016 deluxe and in the comment section there was a fairly extensive write-up about stator and starter issues due to the location of these parts relative to heat. It sounds like quite an expensive job to replace - so what is the real-world experience on replacing those? Is this something that is common thing that will near definitely need to be replaced, or something more like the sporadic sumping that happens on just some M8's. Maybe a more general question is just about long-term costs of ownership with this particular engine. FWIW, I would be using this bike as an around town ride, I have touring bikes for long highway trips. thanks for the input
I found a youtube video posted on this forum on the 2016 deluxe and in the comment section there was a fairly extensive write-up about stator and starter issues due to the location of these parts relative to heat. It sounds like quite an expensive job to replace - so what is the real-world experience on replacing those? Is this something that is common thing that will near definitely need to be replaced, or something more like the sporadic sumping that happens on just some M8's. Maybe a more general question is just about long-term costs of ownership with this particular engine. FWIW, I would be using this bike as an around town ride, I have touring bikes for long highway trips. thanks for the input
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: usa
I would definitely say it’s more sporadic like slumping . And if you use a running car to jump your dead motorcycle battery. You will increase the risk of harming the stator . It’s not a heat issue .
Replacing the stator will cost under a buck 50 if you do the job yourself.
Replacing the stator will cost under a buck 50 if you do the job yourself.
Last edited by Iron lHorse; Mar 1, 2020 at 08:23 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
Likes: 296
From: Grand Rapids, MI
thanks - I wish I were mechanically inclined to perform such repairs, but I am a much better rider than wrencher. Would you recommend that someone with mechanical skills own this bike (for ongoing required maintenance)?
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 560
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From: Gila Bend AZ
I have a 16 Deluxe I bought new, I have put 24k plus with no issues at all (new battery) I do change oil a little more often due to the extreme heat we encounter in southern AZ, I put about 7-8K per year on her.
Good luck, Ride safe.
Good luck, Ride safe.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
Likes: 296
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Thanks - with several other bikes, each one does not get too much wear and tear in a given year so that may operate in favor of prolonging any wear issues. Hoping a deal can be reached
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: usa
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
Likes: 296
From: Grand Rapids, MI
OK - I have that stuff covered that you mentioned and actually enjoy the connection it brings to ownership. I just was not sure if deeper skills were required for these engines. I let the dealer handle brakes since ABS adds some complexity from what I could gather, but basic routine maintenance I do like to keep in my garage
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
OK - I have that stuff covered that you mentioned and actually enjoy the connection it brings to ownership. I just was not sure if deeper skills were required for these engines. I let the dealer handle brakes since ABS adds some complexity from what I could gather, but basic routine maintenance I do like to keep in my garage
In some parts of the country, labor rates are $120/hour or more.... The more you can do, the better off you will be.... BUT, you do not need major skills to own one of these bikes...
Sure, you could be unlucky and get a problem bike. That is true with just about any make/model/price of any car, truck, boat, airplane, etc...
If you buy a good, well maintained used bike, keep up with required maintenance, and don't drive it like you stole it.... you can go many miles with just oil and filter changes...
It is my opinion that many of the "problems" with these bikes are caused by the nut behind the wheel......
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 465
Likes: 296
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Just to finish the thought that started this thread - I bought the 2016 Deluxe and could not be happier. I appreciate the advice pre-purchase and feel confident that this forum can steer me in the right direction for maintenance and troubleshooting. Going to stop into the HD shop and order a service manual this weekend. As mentioned in another post, the TC in the sotfail is a very nice powerplant for me even as stock.
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