Life expectancy
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Life expectancy
I am faced with a dillema. I average about 20,000 miles a year on my 05 ultra. I am concerned that I will have my bike wore out before it is paid off. I have 6 years left to pay on it. i should have around 120,000 miles on it.
Can i expect to get more miles than that and how comprimised is the motor if I get that many miles? I wonder how bullit proof the TwinCam motors are? If I can't get a lot of miles out of my bike then i can't justify spending this kind of money. I don't ride to look good. i ride to cover ground.
Can i expect to get more miles than that and how comprimised is the motor if I get that many miles? I wonder how bullit proof the TwinCam motors are? If I can't get a lot of miles out of my bike then i can't justify spending this kind of money. I don't ride to look good. i ride to cover ground.
Road Master
Joined: May 2006
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RE: Life expectancy
I have some OLD friends that have over 175,000 miles on their Twin Cams. Naturally, they've had to replace some tensioners and belts, but nothing major. The key to it is religious scheduled maintenance. These two fellas TOUR their butts off. Remember, the worst synthetic oil is better than the best dinosaur oil. Both these guys have run synthetic oil from the first oil change, and they don't run the beejeezuz (high rpms) out of their engines, either.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 705
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From: Titusville, FL
RE: Life expectancy
Watch the cam chain. That will probably go first. If you want a lot of miles replace the cam with a gear driven or change the chain every 30K. Syntheic oil, ride it reasonably and it'll last a lifetime.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,143
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From: Snowflake, Arizona
RE: Life expectancy
The Twin Cam is superior to the EVO, with a great oiling system. All the above posts are right on, especially synthetic and not buzzing the motor. Harley and high speed touring do not make for long life..they will will do great at 70-75, but to run all day past that is pushing em. An EVO was happy to get 100K, a Shovel was rare when nothing major was done on the engine. I admire you for rid'n and not letting it just be a talkn piece...
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2006
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RE: Life expectancy
ORIGINAL: HogBack
The Twin Cam is superior to the EVO, with a great oiling system. All the above posts are right on, especially synthetic and not buzzing the motor. Harley and high speed touring do not make for long life..they will will do great at 70-75, but to run all day past that is pushing em. An EVO was happy to get 100K, a Shovel was rare when nothing major was done on the engine. I admire you for rid'n and not letting it just be a talkn piece...
The Twin Cam is superior to the EVO, with a great oiling system. All the above posts are right on, especially synthetic and not buzzing the motor. Harley and high speed touring do not make for long life..they will will do great at 70-75, but to run all day past that is pushing em. An EVO was happy to get 100K, a Shovel was rare when nothing major was done on the engine. I admire you for rid'n and not letting it just be a talkn piece...
i know of guys that have 150.000 on there evo's....but like everything else, they change oil often, and really take care of them,
im shooting for 300.000 on mine... after that i'll think of rebuilding it.
weet
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,954
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From: jacksonville, nc
RE: Life expectancy
these engines have roller cams, which reduces friction by a crapload. like everyone else said if you keep your fluids changed, keep an eye on your timing chain, and tensioners, dont beat the crap out of it, it should go 200k with no porblems