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.

 

There are many, many cases of 100k+ bikes out there. Despite a lot of the forum and internet claims, the vast majority of TC motors are highly reliable.

 

80k on the motor and the transmission should be good for twice that. going to need a compensator some where in there. instead of major costly repairs, get a re-manufactured motor...even get a warranty with it.

 

There are things that break, it is mechanical and will fail, eventually...



I'd say stock, there is no reason a twin cam won't run well over 100k,

 

Just a shade over 50k on my 07 RK and she runs like a top. Haven't done anything other than routine maintenance.

 

I think keeping it close to stock is the key to longevity...

 

Oil change every 3000 and don't trust your dealer with the maintenance and you should get well over 100,000 out of it.

 

Great answers guys. Thanks for your quick response. This is an awesome group of people on this forum.

 

When H-D designed the Twin Cam it was meant to be a 100,000 mile engine. Which was a great departure from previous engines, except maybe the Evo which could run pretty long without a major rebuild. The main problem to longevity with the 88 inchers was the spring loaded cam chain tensioners wearing out and breaking, well before 100,000 miles.

On 96" on up engines, they should last the life of the bike in most cases.

 

I have a friend with an 02 Road King Classic (daily rider) and the bike looks and runs like new. Maybe depends more on how the owner treats the bike than the miles or years.