2004 Reliability
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,530
Likes: 607
From: Raleigh NC
Well respected local mechanic recommends I NOT buy 2004 Ultra with 44k miles because I'm assured engine failure soon due to timing chain and bearing issues that will result in $3-$5k cost. The claim is that the best all around package was in 2002 and to not trust "higher" mileage engines after that year. Help a guy out, I'm riding a 1995 Fatboy with 63,000 miles on it and ready for a change. Nice dressers can be bought locally for $10k, but they have some miles on them. Should i be afraid???????? They cant all be ready to grenade after just 40k miles can they?
I am new to this forum and if there is a sticky I should be reading, point me in that direction and I will waste your time no further. Thanks.
I am new to this forum and if there is a sticky I should be reading, point me in that direction and I will waste your time no further. Thanks.
I believe what you heard was an "opinion"
I have a 2005 FLTR with 60,xxx miles...
YES.... the cam tensioners are an issue.. they get replaced BEFORE the engine is destroyed. Either look at them carefully, or have them replaced.... You have the options of direct replacement.... gear drive, or an updated hydralic system.
OR......
perhaps YOU mis understood his concerns.....
If you are buying a TC-88, (any year) with 44k on the clock..... you should be asking if the OEM cam tensioners have been replaced. If they have fine (but how? and by whom) if they have not been replaced, then you should factor in replacing them, fairly soon, and consider that price into the purchace.
For that matter... at 44k, you should be factoring in thecost of the 50k service. Even if you do your own service....
I believe 3-5 grand is a bit "steep"..... I doubt new cam tensioners would cost $1000 installed by any shop whether indy, or dealer.....3-5 grand, is more in "crate motor" category (IMO)
unless.....
Did he offer to sell you a 2002 touring bike by any chance??? (smile)
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
Thanks fellas
I had a 1995 Superglide that I put 72,000 miles on, and now have a 95' Fatboy with 63,000 on it; neither of them touched internally, ever. (i sure do hate replacing drive belts though!)
I'm saddened to hear a much newer Harley does require attention regarding the timing and cam issues at 40-50k. I would have hoped we would all be pushing 100k before anybody was tearing apart anything. It appears that timing gears and cams are an assummed upgrade after a very short while; thats a shame. I have been lucky in the past, and I guess we'll have to see what happens.
I have a guy showing up to look at my Fatboy this very morning for $5k.
If he does NOT buy it, i'll be glad, i wanna ride today. I'm tired of thinking about it all. Takes the fun out of it.
Thanks again for all your input, at the end of the day I feel like the concerns on the 04' are somewhat validated.
I'm saddened to hear a much newer Harley does require attention regarding the timing and cam issues at 40-50k. I would have hoped we would all be pushing 100k before anybody was tearing apart anything. It appears that timing gears and cams are an assummed upgrade after a very short while; thats a shame. I have been lucky in the past, and I guess we'll have to see what happens.
I have a guy showing up to look at my Fatboy this very morning for $5k.
If he does NOT buy it, i'll be glad, i wanna ride today. I'm tired of thinking about it all. Takes the fun out of it.
Thanks again for all your input, at the end of the day I feel like the concerns on the 04' are somewhat validated.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
Read this........
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/bike2.shtml
An interesting look at a 2004 model that has travelled the world. This page covers repairs over hundreds of thousands of miles in some of the worst conditions on the planet. Remember this when considering how long the drive belts lasted, when the top end was opened and the cam tensioner. The transmission has never been opened. Follow the pages to stories.
And we thought we were tough.
An interesting look at a 2004 model that has travelled the world. This page covers repairs over hundreds of thousands of miles in some of the worst conditions on the planet. Remember this when considering how long the drive belts lasted, when the top end was opened and the cam tensioner. The transmission has never been opened. Follow the pages to stories.
And we thought we were tough.
Last edited by ktm990; Jul 10, 2010 at 01:32 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 310
Likes: 1
From: White Rock, BC.
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/bike2.shtml
An interesting look at a 2004 model that has travelled the world. This page covers repairs over hundreds of thousands of miles in some of the worst conditions on the planet. Remember this when considering how long the drive belts lasted, when the top end was opened and the cam tensioner. The transmission has never been opened. Follow the pages to stories.
And we thought we were tough.
An interesting look at a 2004 model that has travelled the world. This page covers repairs over hundreds of thousands of miles in some of the worst conditions on the planet. Remember this when considering how long the drive belts lasted, when the top end was opened and the cam tensioner. The transmission has never been opened. Follow the pages to stories.
And we thought we were tough.
Just thought I should clarify for you.
Last edited by Kasper; Jul 10, 2010 at 03:07 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
damn
Sorry 'bout that. But still an impressive account of 15 years on the road. There was a thread over at Adventure Rider which I can't find because the search will not respond to Road King 2004; the owner did not inspect his until 100,000 miles. The rear shoe was shedding pieces. An experienced HD tech suggested to go with the newer HD upgrade if the owner did not want the expense of converting to gear drive. Also the crank has to have a certain tolerance (someone here will know the numbers) or a gear drive will be rather noisy.
Overall I think the OP will do fine with any vintage so long as he meets a good and well informed mechanic and follows through with prudent service intervals.
Overall I think the OP will do fine with any vintage so long as he meets a good and well informed mechanic and follows through with prudent service intervals.
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
Finally...................
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...hain+tensioner
An interesting read. For any HD owner or prospect. Like any thread you need to sift through some responses to get to the better input. A 2000 model but the lesson is the same. Inspect and replace, upgrade when possible.
An interesting read. For any HD owner or prospect. Like any thread you need to sift through some responses to get to the better input. A 2000 model but the lesson is the same. Inspect and replace, upgrade when possible.
Last edited by ktm990; Jul 10, 2010 at 05:34 PM.
