When should I rebuild
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 11
From: Stockbridge, GA (Atlanta)
RE: When should I rebuild
the truth: If I have learned anything from this forum... it is how to spend my money. 
LOL
LOL
ORIGINAL: PapaTravis
Dude, I have the same bike, and same issue (with oil burning). I posted about it a while back. For the '05 it is an issue with the valve seals. The dealer was swapping them out, if the bike still has warranty left. Mine ended in Sept, and that was when it was becoming an issue. I loose about a quart every 2000, or so. The MoCo allows for a half to one quart every 1000-1500 miles. If you have warranty left, take it in. If not, and the burning oil bothers you, you can have the valve seals replaced. I am sure that is the issue you are having, as it is so similar to what I am experiencing with my '05 rk custom.
As far as a build goes, I am doing a 95" build this winter. I only have 10k on my bike (it was rough getting out this summer), but I am doing it not because the engine needs a rebuild, but because I want some more get up and go. I bought some used jugs and pistons, and am now looking for some cams (and a jet kit). For me, the 88" is okay. Two up, and the bike is a bit sluggish, but not that bad. But, as any type "A" person will tell you, "If a little is good, more is better." LOL You might be just fine with a new cam, which would give you about 4 more HP and Torque. But, with jugs and pistons, you will get a bit more. Then comes head work, and still a little more... it just never ends. LOL Next thing ya know, you will be going to the 120" build so many guys are doing this winter.
If I have learned anything from this forum... it is how to spend my money.LOL
Dude, I have the same bike, and same issue (with oil burning). I posted about it a while back. For the '05 it is an issue with the valve seals. The dealer was swapping them out, if the bike still has warranty left. Mine ended in Sept, and that was when it was becoming an issue. I loose about a quart every 2000, or so. The MoCo allows for a half to one quart every 1000-1500 miles. If you have warranty left, take it in. If not, and the burning oil bothers you, you can have the valve seals replaced. I am sure that is the issue you are having, as it is so similar to what I am experiencing with my '05 rk custom.
As far as a build goes, I am doing a 95" build this winter. I only have 10k on my bike (it was rough getting out this summer), but I am doing it not because the engine needs a rebuild, but because I want some more get up and go. I bought some used jugs and pistons, and am now looking for some cams (and a jet kit). For me, the 88" is okay. Two up, and the bike is a bit sluggish, but not that bad. But, as any type "A" person will tell you, "If a little is good, more is better." LOL You might be just fine with a new cam, which would give you about 4 more HP and Torque. But, with jugs and pistons, you will get a bit more. Then comes head work, and still a little more... it just never ends. LOL Next thing ya know, you will be going to the 120" build so many guys are doing this winter.
If I have learned anything from this forum... it is how to spend my money.
LOL
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,012
Likes: 13
From: Fredericksburg,VA
RE: When should I rebuild
Moutain Man,
I have an 05 RG and had the same issue around 15K I had the dealer swap out the valve guide seals and why they had the bike apart under warranty I had them do the 95" Big Bore kit. You save on a lot of labor costbecause they already have the bike tore apart anyway. Just an idea!!
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
I have an 05 RG and had the same issue around 15K I had the dealer swap out the valve guide seals and why they had the bike apart under warranty I had them do the 95" Big Bore kit. You save on a lot of labor costbecause they already have the bike tore apart anyway. Just an idea!!
Good Luck!!!!!!!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,446
Likes: 5
From: Chicago, IL.
RE: When should I rebuild
I had a 05 Road King with the disappearing oil issue. Pull your plugs out and see what they look like. My bike was also very loud when idlin compared to other harleys cause the oil was not reaching the top of the motor. If the plugs are black and wet it means there is oil blowing past the valve. If you want the big bore kit then take it in and get the problem fixed under warranty then like thundercloud stated you will save a ton on labor if they install the 95kit while the motor is tore down. Once everything is fixed that motor should run fine for thousands of miles even if ur beating the **** out of it.
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