Worst upgrade you ever made
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,881
Likes: 32,990
From: King George, VA
When I put down several thousand dollars on a 103 motor build with Patriot Harley of Fairfax, VA. I talked with the service manager and the sales guy about what I wanted and in the details they both told me the motor should get at least 75K miles. I had them do the build. 2 years and 35K miles later, the head gasket blew. I took the bike to an indy for the repair because it wasn't under warranty. In the tear down process, the indy discovered that the crank shaft had .019" runout on the cam side. That caused major damage to the oil pump and cam and sent tiny bits of glass hard metal all through the motor. I called the Patriot service manager just to tell him about the problem with the build that his shop did and he lit into me on the phone claiming that I probably didn't do the right kind of maintenance on the bike and probably didn't change the oil for 10K miles.
So, there ya have it. I trusted in Patriot to do a good build but what I got was junk, especially the crank shaft that they should have known was that far flawed.
So, there ya have it. I trusted in Patriot to do a good build but what I got was junk, especially the crank shaft that they should have known was that far flawed.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,435
Likes: 28
From: Living in open carry state :D
When I put down several thousand dollars on a 103 motor build with Patriot Harley of Fairfax, VA. I talked with the service manager and the sales guy about what I wanted and in the details they both told me the motor should get at least 75K miles. I had them do the build. 2 years and 35K miles later, the head gasket blew. I took the bike to an indy for the repair because it wasn't under warranty. In the tear down process, the indy discovered that the crank shaft had .019" runout on the cam side. That caused major damage to the oil pump and cam and sent tiny bits of glass hard metal all through the motor. I called the Patriot service manager just to tell him about the problem with the build that his shop did and he lit into me on the phone claiming that I probably didn't do the right kind of maintenance on the bike and probably didn't change the oil for 10K miles.
So, there ya have it. I trusted in Patriot to do a good build but what I got was junk, especially the crank shaft that they should have known was that far flawed.
So, there ya have it. I trusted in Patriot to do a good build but what I got was junk, especially the crank shaft that they should have known was that far flawed.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Spent $20 bucks on LED replacement bulbs at AutoZone for my StreetGlide rear turnsignal/brakelights......total waste of money. Finally did it right with Custom Dynamics.
Spent like $40 on Saddleman saddlebag lid liners. Neat little pockets to hold **** I dont need in the first place.
BEST mod so far has been the 90 degree bend valve stems!
Spent like $40 on Saddleman saddlebag lid liners. Neat little pockets to hold **** I dont need in the first place.
BEST mod so far has been the 90 degree bend valve stems!
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 900
Likes: 4
From: Wisconsin
Still pondering.......Woods I would imagine.....Head gaskets and triple nickles I think....255's, for anyone who turns the throttle, are worthless, out of steam to early...they were FREE from a friend..and thought they were fine in a 96 so why not.....in a 103 they serve no purpose to me.....And yes its tuned fine.....
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 900
Likes: 4
From: Wisconsin
Yup and yup.............but they wont be out till this fall..............
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 525
Likes: 1
From: Oklahoma
When you yank them out send me a pm. I'm just looking for some more low end torque. Not a speed demon. Just mild.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 274
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
A HD cup holder, HD push button - locking gas cap thing - the dang button is so small in there. Oh, the middle rear light on the new FLHX - the one that goes in the little gap. The damn thing was over $100 and it was chrome plastic. Sent that straight back.
On my sportster a number of years ago, I purchased the mirror extension kit from HD. What a POS. It did raise the mirrors but they shook like a son-of-bitch. Pulled them off the same day.
On my sportster a number of years ago, I purchased the mirror extension kit from HD. What a POS. It did raise the mirrors but they shook like a son-of-bitch. Pulled them off the same day.
Last edited by Bo Joe; Jul 12, 2012 at 11:23 AM.