88" engine
88" engine
2005 ultra,,,what other problems with these early 88's other than the cam tensioners,,i really like mine,,i have had alot of bikes ,but this is my first harley,she has 40k on the clock,,just wondering of other issues that come with these that i should be aware of,, tensioners looked good still when i looked the summer but i will keep an eye on them,, i think keep her stock also,, other than the slip ons and stage 1 a/c that the previous owner put on,,.
thanks mike
thanks mike
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
very few are born on a Harley, most run through a series of imports on the way here. understanding that the Harley is a big dumb heavy barge with low power, will help lead to reasonable expectations.
stage 1 is great place ( my opinion) to leave a Harley motor.
best combination of power, reliability and MPG.
I think the cam tensioners --- and possibly cam support bearings are the only potential concerns.
let it warm up before hammering it...don't hammer it too much, don't lug the motor and take care of the oil and filter changes and ride on.
Mike
stage 1 is great place ( my opinion) to leave a Harley motor.
best combination of power, reliability and MPG.
I think the cam tensioners --- and possibly cam support bearings are the only potential concerns.
let it warm up before hammering it...don't hammer it too much, don't lug the motor and take care of the oil and filter changes and ride on.
Mike
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,144
Likes: 10
From: Mass
...first off..a 2005 would not be considered an "early 88", since 88's ran between 1999-2006, 2007 being a 96", so a 2005 is a late 88. That being said, if your 2005 was built EARLY in 2005, then you have to be concerned about it having faulty valve guide seals. They made a "running change" during the production year to upgrade those seals...look on the neck of the frame for the vin tag that will tell you the month and year it was built....then run the date by a dealer to find out if it's before or after the change...05 heads flowed a little less air than 04's or 06's...but they have "beehive" type springs which can handle higher lift cams than before 05's could....good luck
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
The biggest issue on Harleys is the perpetuation of 'issues'! It is true that some of our bikes have suffered from problems over the years, but very few Harley owners come on forums like this and the rest are probably blissfully ignorant they should have 'issues'. Don't over-think this, just ride on and enjoy. There is nothing that can't be fixed.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 824
Likes: 2
From: O'fallon IL
I subscribe to the ole saying "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." Just keep an eye on those tensioners. Other than that, it should go another 100k miles no problem.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,727
Likes: 11
From: TN
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,428
Likes: 0
From: Rescue, VA
Only issue I have seen with my 2005 is some hard starting when hot. Sort of like the starter is not engaging the ring gear. If it does, it will spin a half revolution and then it bangs. Later ones were cured with a new compensator. I'm thinking I might pump it up to a 95" and do the cam tensioners then.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: NB, Canada
Had my 05 Standard for 4 years with no issues at all. Used a bit of oil, but that was it, 1/2 qt about between 5K oil changes. Nice bike!! As said before, don't over think it, if you like the bike....jump on, and go!!!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post