2004 Reliability

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Jul 9, 2010 | 01:17 PM

Rumdogbiker

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6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 10

Likes: 0

From: Indiana

2004 Reliability

Well respected local mechanic recommends I NOT buy 2004 Ultra with 44k miles because I'm assured engine failure soon due to timing chain and bearing issues that will result in $3-$5k cost. The claim is that the best all around package was in 2002 and to not trust "higher" mileage engines after that year. Help a guy out, I'm riding a 1995 Fatboy with 63,000 miles on it and ready for a change. Nice dressers can be bought locally for $10k, but they have some miles on them. Should i be afraid???????? They cant all be ready to grenade after just 40k miles can they?

I am new to this forum and if there is a sticky I should be reading, point me in that direction and I will waste your time no further. Thanks.

Jul 9, 2010 | 01:43 PM

chance

Club Member

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 5,315

Likes: 1

From: Northern CA

Hello and welcome to HDF from NorCal... I think you will get a lot more advice on this if you post this in the Touring Section (https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touring-models-11/). Although I can not offer you any opinion, I will look forward to following the thread.

Jul 9, 2010 | 01:55 PM

oct1949

Club Member

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 145,895

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From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..

Instead of me typing one (my) opinion, just look at these links below..

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...8-or-95-a.html

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...=&oq=&gs_rfai=

Not sure I'd agree with him on that statement,,

I'm guessing he means that if U don't (haven't/or they were never replaced) the tensioners,,, on the 88's U will have problems,, that is true but if U read anywhere about the 88's most all articles or forums it will be stated to start checking them around 25k-35k..

Some reports anywhere from they still look new to they were almost gone at 25k.
Its a crap shoot on how long they last. Ive also read some still look new at 50K, ????

If U get an 88 used, with 30k or over, one of the first things I'd do is have them checked out/and or replaced. U can just put in new pads, or install the new HYD kit, or just go to gear cams....

Last edited by oct1949; Jul 9, 2010 at 01:59 PM. Reason: added