Hi. I'm looking aT A 04 FLHTCUI with 20.5 k. It is 2 tone blue and looks to be well cared for at least cosmetically. It is at a private dealer who only sells Harleys and he is asking 10,900. I am test riding this week.
What kinds of things should I look for and what should I plan on budgeting over the next year or 2 for repairs etc. I've read something about cam tensioners on the 88 motor.
I appreciate the advice.

 

Looks to be about right in the ball park, price wise, according to KBB.com Good motors, and will avoid lots of the heat issues the newer motors have. Lot's of H-D's for sale, so be selective, it's a buyers market right now.

 

Well, one main thing to think about if you buy any 88ci bike is the Spring loaded Cam Chain Tensioner used on all 88ci motors (1999-'06). They are to be replaced at the 50,000 mile service. But they can go bad faster under heavy use or from non-use (lack of oil).

When Harley came out with the 96ci motors, they changed the tensioner plate and cam tensioner to Hydraulic. Harley has now came out with a kit to be used in all 88ci motors. The Screamin' Eagle Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner Plate Upgrade Kit (25284-08) is for use on all 88ci TC motors from 1999-'06. It removes the spring tensioner and replaces them with hydraulic ones. With the new tensioner, you can expect to get 100,000+ out of the cam tensioner shoes.
An added bonus is the kit comes with an Upgraded Oil pump.

This is from the Harley web site about it.

Screamin' Eagle® Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner Plate Upgrade Kit
This kit updates the cam chain tensioner of your early-model Twin Cam 88® engine to the latest design, as featured on the Twin Cam 96 engine. The billet cam support plate has been designed to allow the installation of the late-model Twin Cam 96 hydraulic cam chain tensionser to early Twin Cam 88®-equipped models. These hydraulic cam chain tensioners will significantly outlast® the spring loaded tensioners, and are an ideal addition to an engine modified for improved performance. In addition, '02-'06 models feature the late-model single row front cam chain and sprockets ('99 - '01 models use the existing front silent chain). utilize a Twin Cam 96 single row front roller chain and sprocket (included in kit). '99-'01 models use Original Equipment front silent chain and sprocket to retain the cam position sensor function. The kit includes the improved late-model Twin Cam 96 oil pump that increases flow by 8% and scavenging by 22% to enhance other performance upgrades.
25284-08
Fits '99-'05 Dyna® models, '99-06 Touring models, and '00-'06 Softail® models. Installation requires separate purchase of Spacer Kit P/N 25285-08
MSRP US $429.95
Download Instruction Sheet

Screamin' Eagle® Cam Chain Tensioner Spacer Kit
Required for installation of Screamin' Eagle® Hadraulic Cam Chain Tensioner Upgrade Kit P/N 25284-11.
25285-08
MSRP US $17.95

 

Thanks for the input. I appreciate any other thoughts about the bike, price etc

 

good bike, nice ride but maybe i'm partial because i have one. I swap tensionners to S&S system, no worries now...

 

I would just ride it until you need or want to upgrade the engine. 95" is a real plus and there are better cams than stock. I changed my cams and tensionners @ 46k they were fine plenty of life left, but if you are going in the cam chest do it!
If you do your own work you can do these upgrades for about $1500. If you pay a good shop with a Dyno tune which you will need about $3,000.
My point is dont be scared into you have to change them right away just ride it get some miles on it and you will know what direction you want to go.
If you do go with engine upgrades think torque not so much horsepower.
Don't worry you will find plenty things that you will need to buy to make it yours!
Get it setup for your body...handlebars if you need them, highway pegs for sure.
And then there's chrome ..*S
Good Luck have fun and be safe

 

I have 20K on my '05 and I'm not even thinking about changing out any of that stuff. I'm just going to ride it until something breaks then I'll fix it (have it fixed).