04 Road King Custom
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Pomona, Ca
Why, whats wrong with cam on the RK's? I just picked up a 05 custom with 30,000 miles. When should I start worrying about the cam? How much does a hydraulic tensioner upgrade or gear drive cost? Thanks,Ben
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville, TN
He said cam chain tensioners.
In the old setup, they tend to let go in the 30,000 mile range.
You could put fresh tensioners in for around $350.
Upgrade to the newer hydraulic setup for around $850.
Go with gear drives, that is, IFFFF your pinion runout is within spec, for around $1300.
The hydraulic setup is the better of the 3 options, in my opinion.
Whichever route you take, it would be wise to install new lifters, too.
You're already in there.
Cost is around $110 for HD brand.
Before you go dropping off your bike at some shop, get estimates and know exactly what work will be done.
Then come back here and post it.
Chances are they'll be selling you some **** you don't need.
You can get a straight answer here on the forum.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 1
From: Abingdon, Maryland
Typically carbs have a choke **** you pull out on the left side (just forward of the horn). In fuel injection models, they'll be no choke ****... if you look on the speedo and a little yellow light comes on then goes off like 2 seconds later...it means that that it's fuel injected. Easiest answer I can give you.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 383
Likes: 1
I've got an 04 Rk custom carbed with 29,000 on her. Just put new cams, lifters inner bearings and tensioners. My old tensioners had hardly any whare. I was very surprised after reading all these horror stories. The way they looked , The tensioners could have went another 129,000 miles. I still replaced them.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
From: Pomona, Ca
Ok ill wait till 40,000 miles to change them out. As much as i ride that should be in a couple of years. That will give me some time to do some research. I most likely do an upgrade to get more power out of the bike. It does not look to had to change out the cam and tensioners. Ben