Feeling out a 2004 FLHTPI
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 105
From: Tennessee
If the OP wants to do some light preventative maintenance on a bike he likes he can get away without spending a fortune. And if ridden lightly it will run just fine for many miles. I would recommend starting with an oil and filter change. Look for metal and little plastic specs from the shoes. Cut the filter open and inspect the media. I do that every oil change.
Before my Evo I was on an older BMW RT sport touring bike. Over there they discuss final drives exploding. I never had that happen to me,
Il probably buy this bike. I have no intention of selling the Bad Boy (aka garage art) and the EG will likely be my go to rider.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,493
Likes: 30,781
From: Pennsylvania
Understand also if you upgrade the cams, you will need a tuner, better intake and better exhaust, so the dollars will start adding up. As stated previously, replace the shoes, they are made out of better material now than the ones that were failing, maybe a better oil pump also.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,915
Likes: 5,929
From: NorCal
Understand also if you upgrade the cams, you will need a tuner, better intake and better exhaust, so the dollars will start adding up. As stated previously, replace the shoes, they are made out of better material now than the ones that were failing, maybe a better oil pump also.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 105
From: Tennessee
I asked the same thing, other than routine maintenance its as he bought it, and I assume the previous owner was the local PD.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,915
Likes: 5,929
From: NorCal
Well then I'd definitely pull the primary cover and check the compensater, clutch, and chain tensioner. Usually cop bikes have heavy duty clutches for a reason.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 107
From: Joplin, MO
Dont let anyone scare you. The twin cam is a good motor. I have 55K on mine and she runs like a scalded dog. Yes I have replaced tensioners, cams, bearings, lifters and push rods. You just have to maintain them, but isnt that true of any HD?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
Budget 2K over purchase price for the unknown. Great motor… a little underpowered out of the box, but it’ll run all day.
Call around. Yes, you can just replace the tensioner pads… but if you’re gonna do something, do it right.
upgrade the cam chest. If everything else checks out… like bearings, bushings, mounts, compensator, clutch, etc., I say go for it.
I wouldn’t hesitate to call around. Cam chest upgrade is very, very common for the TCs.
See what used HDs are going for in your area, see what retail vs. trade in value is…
Call around. Yes, you can just replace the tensioner pads… but if you’re gonna do something, do it right.
upgrade the cam chest. If everything else checks out… like bearings, bushings, mounts, compensator, clutch, etc., I say go for it.
I wouldn’t hesitate to call around. Cam chest upgrade is very, very common for the TCs.
See what used HDs are going for in your area, see what retail vs. trade in value is…
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,520
Likes: 3,953
From: Vermont
If you dont want to upgrade the cams and add tuner, replace tensioner shoes, inner bearings, lifters and freshen up the gaskets as you go down through the top and be done for now. Drill out the oil return holes, install rockouts, and clean/check relief valve in cam plate as you do it. JMHO
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 5,915
Likes: 5,929
From: NorCal
If you dont want to upgrade the cams and add tuner, replace tensioner shoes, inner bearings, lifters and freshen up the gaskets as you go down through the top and be done for now. Drill out the oil return holes, install rockouts, and clean/check relief valve in cam plate as you do it. JMHO