Normal Engine Life
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 17
From: The Desert SouthWest
103,000 miles and running like a champ. Motor and trans all original. My set-up is described in sig below.
The only problem I've had is the Compensator. It was just replaced for the third time. In the '09s it was a design flaw so lots of failures on the compensator. They have redesigned the compensator and supposedly now it's been resolved.
The starter was replaced at 75k. Otherwise just routine maintenance.
The only problem I've had is the Compensator. It was just replaced for the third time. In the '09s it was a design flaw so lots of failures on the compensator. They have redesigned the compensator and supposedly now it's been resolved.
The starter was replaced at 75k. Otherwise just routine maintenance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
"with normal maintenance and no abuse, how many miles would you expect an engine/transmission to last before major costly repairs could be expected?"
The key here is maintenance. With that being said, maintenance is only as good as the person doing it. Major costly repairs can easily be avoided with proper diagnoses of any issues through the maintenance. Being proactive with the understanding of how your bike works can go a long way in keeping it in working order.
Can't over emphasize the importance of having a shop manual, even if you think you are not a mechanic, being able to read about your bike and how it's components function together will greatly improve it's longevity. There is no reason any HD cannot run forever with proper maintenance.
The key here is maintenance. With that being said, maintenance is only as good as the person doing it. Major costly repairs can easily be avoided with proper diagnoses of any issues through the maintenance. Being proactive with the understanding of how your bike works can go a long way in keeping it in working order.
Can't over emphasize the importance of having a shop manual, even if you think you are not a mechanic, being able to read about your bike and how it's components function together will greatly improve it's longevity. There is no reason any HD cannot run forever with proper maintenance.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
I've done a couple of searches on this subject and can find no direct answer. The question is, "with normal maintenance and no abuse, how many miles would you expect an engine/transmission to last before major costly repairs could be expected?" I'm thinking in the '09 thru '12 years for a touring bike.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 689
Likes: 6
From: Glen Rose TX
What he said
"with normal maintenance and no abuse, how many miles would you expect an engine/transmission to last before major costly repairs could be expected?"
The key here is maintenance. With that being said, maintenance is only as good as the person doing it. Major costly repairs can easily be avoided with proper diagnoses of any issues through the maintenance. Being proactive with the understanding of how your bike works can go a long way in keeping it in working order.
Can't over emphasize the importance of having a shop manual, even if you think you are not a mechanic, being able to read about your bike and how it's components function together will greatly improve it's longevity. There is no reason any HD cannot run forever with proper maintenance.
The key here is maintenance. With that being said, maintenance is only as good as the person doing it. Major costly repairs can easily be avoided with proper diagnoses of any issues through the maintenance. Being proactive with the understanding of how your bike works can go a long way in keeping it in working order.
Can't over emphasize the importance of having a shop manual, even if you think you are not a mechanic, being able to read about your bike and how it's components function together will greatly improve it's longevity. There is no reason any HD cannot run forever with proper maintenance.
What he says...
I work on heavy industrial equipment which is designed to run indefinitely based on doing certain maintenance work AND inspections at regular intervals. IMO Harley are designed the same way... there is nothing lightweight about them, they are made to last and be rebuildable.
Maintain it well and limit modifications to something resembling stock and they should last indefinitely.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 414
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Surely the cam chain tensioners have been replaced.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
Yah that and the shifter shaft bushing. Other than those two common problems, the 88s are bullit proof when taken care of correctly. The 96s have the compensator problem and that is about it.
Honestly I think the twin cams could run 100,000 miles on 10,000 mile oil changes provided they aren't abuse.
I know what the OP is asking, I've had three Harleys and I wonder sometimes what is the reasonable longevity of the twin cams. 100,000 is pretty good for any motorcycle.
Beary
Honestly I think the twin cams could run 100,000 miles on 10,000 mile oil changes provided they aren't abuse.
I know what the OP is asking, I've had three Harleys and I wonder sometimes what is the reasonable longevity of the twin cams. 100,000 is pretty good for any motorcycle.
Beary