Softail Longevity
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,904
Likes: 4,633
From: West Texas Sandhills
All I know is that my 06 FLSTC has over 60K and have had no problem with it. I switched out to gear driven cams at 38K, but that was by choice, not necessity. It uses no oil and doesn't leak. I fully expect to get another 40-60K before I even THINK about tearing it down. BTW. my 06 is a TC88B....for now.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
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No sweat Txoval...happens to everyone.
The addition of the counter balancer shouldn't dictate the life of the motor and there's no reason to believe that an a motor will outlast a b motor.
I know folks with an 88b motors that have over 100k on the clock. I wouldn't sweat it...besides, most folks will get rid of their b motored rides well before that anyways lol
The addition of the counter balancer shouldn't dictate the life of the motor and there's no reason to believe that an a motor will outlast a b motor.
I know folks with an 88b motors that have over 100k on the clock. I wouldn't sweat it...besides, most folks will get rid of their b motored rides well before that anyways lol
Counterbalancing has to do with the crankshaft, where there are equal weights on each side of the crankshaft bearing journals. This is what makes the engine run so smooth. Part of the loss in Hp from the A to B engines is due to the extra weights on the B crankshaft. On the other side though, the engine runs smoother and the crank bearings will last longer. Also it allows the crankshaft to spin at higher RPMS.
As to the OP's question...
I've never heard that about the Softail motors, and frankly, it doesn't make sense intuitively. A balanced rotating assembly would tend to be gentler on the inner workings and, if anything, have better longevity. At the end of the day, I don't think it makes much difference either way. H-D's have always lived long lives... even the AMF-era shovels.
Supporter
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,704
Likes: 637
From: San Ramon, Ca
Those balancers basically just free wheel. There's no stress on those chains (like cam chains for example) I can't see that system ever wearing out. Certainly not within the life span of the rest (rings, valves, etc).
My question is . . . when they went to the longer stroke 96" or in the case of a 95 or 103 conversion, have those balancers stayed the same size?
I understand they're only designed to offset a certain amount of vibration (& they do a good job too), but I don't see how the same balance weights in a stock 88, could work the same in a 103.
My question is . . . when they went to the longer stroke 96" or in the case of a 95 or 103 conversion, have those balancers stayed the same size?
I understand they're only designed to offset a certain amount of vibration (& they do a good job too), but I don't see how the same balance weights in a stock 88, could work the same in a 103.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 3
From: Brick NJ
40K on my 03 softie.....just did a top end this year..........exhaust valves were starting to **** the bed, so i grabbed a set of take off heads offa ebay for $125...............piston rings looked a-ok..........stayed at 88 inches (for now) cuz i have too many projects at once..........and people here who know me can attest that i beat the living hell outta that bike
oh yeah, i did cam chain tensioners at 25K.........
cranking compression fell to about 90 psi..........with a hone job, new rings and new heads both cylinders are now dead even @160 PSI
oh yeah i broke a rear axle too once at 60 MPH.........THAT WAS FUN!
thats about all it needed
oh yeah, i did cam chain tensioners at 25K.........
cranking compression fell to about 90 psi..........with a hone job, new rings and new heads both cylinders are now dead even @160 PSI
oh yeah i broke a rear axle too once at 60 MPH.........THAT WAS FUN!
thats about all it needed
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
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From: Rochester, NY
Were you trying out for the Evil Knevil world tour or something?
I'm not sure how much mechanical knowledge you have, but the counterbalanced engine does not have more parts. Counterbalancing has to do with the crankshaft, where there are equal weights on each side of the crankshaft bearing journals. This is what makes the engine run so smooth. Part of the loss in Hp from the A to B engines is due to the extra weights on the B crankshaft. On the other side though, the engine runs smoother and the crank bearings will last longer. Also it allows the crankshaft to spin at higher RPMS.
