Softail Longevity
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 1,207
From: Ohio
I don't see any reason why you shouldn't get 75K-100K out of a Twinkie top end with proper maintenance. I don't think it will make any significant difference if its an A or B motor. Granted, the 88s will require some maintenance on the cam shoes.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
I have a good friend that is a master Harley mechanic. He told me that the cam tensioners usually have to be replaced on the 88B at around 30k and that it is best to add the screaming eagle cam set and do away with the tensioners and chain assembly at that point. He also said that the 88B motors should last as long as any other Harley motor depending how it is taken care of and there is no reason that the 96 motors should last any different. The worst thing that can happen to these motors is to let them sit long periods without running. His and my philosophy is to "ride it like you stole it." His 99 Road king has 196,000 miles on it with regular maintanence and it still runs good.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
Many guys I know have well over 100,000 miles on their TC Softails, and I'd say that most of these are 2000 - 2004 models.
It's not hard to roll over the 100,000 mile mark when you are running 20,000 to 25,000 miles a year.
Don't recall offhand any of them having any major mechanical problems with the "B" engines. Like anything else, if you perform routine mainenance and don't "beat" the bike it should last for a long time.
Most that I know use their bikes for long range highway cruisers, and that doesn't put much of a strain on the engine. If you pretend that your bike is a race machine and believe in frequent stop light to stop light full throttle runs your mileage may vary.
I'd have to agree with the statement Donnie Petersen made in that 100,000+ miles on the "B" engines is no big deal.
It's not hard to roll over the 100,000 mile mark when you are running 20,000 to 25,000 miles a year.
Don't recall offhand any of them having any major mechanical problems with the "B" engines. Like anything else, if you perform routine mainenance and don't "beat" the bike it should last for a long time.
Most that I know use their bikes for long range highway cruisers, and that doesn't put much of a strain on the engine. If you pretend that your bike is a race machine and believe in frequent stop light to stop light full throttle runs your mileage may vary.
I'd have to agree with the statement Donnie Petersen made in that 100,000+ miles on the "B" engines is no big deal.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 98
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From: McAllen texas
Who said that, someone in the bagger section?
I don't think the 96" engines have been out long enough to get a clear picture of their long term reliability. I would be interested to hear if anyone has 50-75K + on a 96" A or B engine and tranny and what type of problems they have had (if any).
I don't think the 96" engines have been out long enough to get a clear picture of their long term reliability. I would be interested to hear if anyone has 50-75K + on a 96" A or B engine and tranny and what type of problems they have had (if any).
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
only thing I've read that is hard on a B motor is downshifting a couple gears making the motor go from Idle to high RPM right now. and burns outs going from high RPM to Idle quick, puts a lot of strain in the crank balancers.
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