harley twin cam 88 reliability

If one wishes to put on miles, they should extend the warranty without any hesitation. I've owned three Harley's and never had any engine (or trans) problems, but none of them have gone over 25K before I bought the next. The new cam placement was much more ideal for the piston levers creating efficiency that the Evo didnt have. Other Twin Cam years to avoid is the 2003 2006 period. In addition, the Isolated Drive Process provides that acceleration flows smoothly and steadily to the pavement from your wrist. So youre thinking of buying a Harley-Davidson with a Twin Cam engine? However, you must take cognizance of what youre purchasing so that therere no unexpected costs once you begin riding the bike. Best Value For Money. According to Low Brow Customs, Willie G. Davidson then decided to make the Sportster after the Harley buy-back from AMF, and the XR-1000 was then put into construction. The twin camshaft engine comes for both intake and exhaust. What happens is the whole crank assembly goes out of truth, and the crank becomes too unbalanced to run. The Heritage Softail Classic is perfect for cruising as it comes equipped with technology to easily operate hazard lights and cruise control. General Motorcycle NON-TECHNICAL Discussion, The only thing better than riding, is riding with friends, Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both., The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo, http://www.firebladezone.com/lucassen.php?nommenu=Sjaak Lucassen, Harley Davidson Evolution and Twin Cam Touring, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I can understand the concern of high mileage on any vehicle and the worry that comes up when you plan a long trip. to entirely replace the cam chest, chain, and levers. The fundamental issue with the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam engine is most likely a design flaw in itscam chain structure. How could it not be worth it? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. just finished the 10,000 a couple of months ago. Premium Choice. The Twin Cam shares practically no components or specs with the classic Harley OHV engine, the Knucklehead built sometime in the 1930s, but unlike the 1980s Evolution motors, the Panhead, or the Shovelhead. Several companies have made an aftermarket. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Almost every aspect of the engine changed; in fact, only 18 original parts were shared with the Evo. In stock. Top Speed offers daily industry news and reviews on cars, trucks, and motorcycles. But dont expect it to address the issue. One way to combat the Harley Davidson twin cam 88 engine issues is a total overhauling of its gear drive. Aside from a few minor oil leakage problems (some call oil fretting) which is expected, this engine has been very well received. Two camshafts for each one is one of its other good features. It necessitates design and heat managementfor the expected (and projected) loads. Less chances of leaks. How To Determine Head Shape For Motorcycle Helmet. How long does a Harley-Davidson engine last? The Twin Cam 88B engine was a counter-balanced Twin Cam 88 motor that was designed to fit Harley-Davidson Softail models. I have 106,000 miles on my 04 never been opened original cam shoes clutchetc. Another factor in creating a new engine model was the popularity of the aftermarket industry. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". ThrottlePack.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. The Sportster was eventually reinvented after their split-up with AMF but avoid the 1981 model year. Be sure to ask the seller if they have experienced any high runout issues with their bike and if they have had the crank replaced. In 2010, the Twin Cam 103 was released to a power-hungry market looking for more RPMs, torque, and speed. Runner Up (for 88, 96, 103) - Feuling 525 or S&S Cycle 583. You can call me gearheads or petrolheads. Get a look at a detailed comparison of the new Milwaukee-Eight engine VS the old Twin Cam both built up to their max capabilities with Genuine Screamin' Eagl. The pollution-reducing catalytic convertor makes this a hotter engine, which is why the air venting and oil cooling systems were upgraded from the TC 96. As we all know the Harley Davidson Motor Company stopped putting Timken races into their Twin Cam cases. Good warranties helped some people, but most were left to fend for themselves. Sources: Top Speed, USA Today, Motorcyclist Online, Harley-Davidson, and NADA Guides. This is recommended since it directly tackles the problem head-on. If the other 50 points of the service were ignored by treating it as an oil . Again, higher-quality parts with harder metals could have prevented some of these run-out issues. Explore; To Weight (cc): 2 . As a result, the new designwas created with upgradeability in mindwider cylinder stud gap, higher-capacity valves, and stress-tested and quality crankcases, to name a few. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Throttlemeister.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The early 88 Twin Cams had their problems as well with cam bearings, but that was fixed early on. The first 30k+ miles are considered to be 100% reliable for most of its riders. 13 Frequently Asked Questions of Harley Twin Cam 88 Reliability. Overall, the engine system is reliable for its . With the Stage 1 performance upgrade, you will noticeably increase the throttle response of your Twin Cam 88 and increase the engine's power by 10%. Most of the Twin Cam 88s have been, but some still arent. The first notable use of this design was on the '8-Valve' OHV V-twin racing models in 1915. . Feb 26, 2014. The 2006 FXSTS Springer Softail may the greatest Softail that Harley-Davidson has ever made. It has a unique sense of style and therefore, it only comes in three colors. It has an air-cooled engine that utilizes two valves per cylinder with pushrod operation. Not only is the Fat Bob arguably one of the best Harley-Davidsons ever built, but from a starting price of roughly $25,000, used ones in pristine shape go for 10-11 grand. Harley has 4 stages of upgrade. Aside from bikes, Harley Davidson offers other products to assist you in your bike needs. The 2002 version came with axles and Delphi. Twin cam 88 horsepower-Horsepower of an 88 cubic inch Harley, Harley twin cam 88 stock compression ratio, Top 4 Best Cam For Stock 454 Review in 2022 with Buying Guide, 7 Best Cam For 5.3 Vortec in 2022 (Review and Buying Guide), Ford Power Deployable Running Boards Problems, Ford Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Problems. 99. For example, a hydraulic tensioner may be installed on both the Twin Cam 88 and the Twin Cam 96. I've owned three Harley's and never had any engine (or trans) problems, but none of them have gone over 25K before I bought the next. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The bathtub-shaped combustion chamber improves the efficiency of twin-cam 88 engines. 2. Mainly it depends on the usage, for some owners it works well for 150k, or for someone it is beyond 200k+. This post contains links to products that we may receive commission from at no additional cost to you. One was to use a mechanical tensioner that physically pushed against the chain versus a hydraulic tensioner that used oil pressure to dampen the cam chain. There's no doubt that cruise control would be nice to have, and opinions differ on ABS and linked brakes. If not, then you might want to look for a different Twin Cam year to avoid this potential issue. Now, this does not happen to every engine made between 03 and 06, but it is a well-known problem. The bike was special in that it was years in making. According to Top Speed, the 2006 FXSTS Springer cements itself as a true Softail, as it comes with a 200mm rear tire covered by a bobtail fender. Twenty-five thousand kilometers on a sports bike is a lot. The Evo has only one cam with four lobes and their cam drive is . (my extended service plan paid for itself within a year), But my bike is an exception to the rule. It is considered the golden year for some reasons. Harley-Davidsons existence has never been a model with so much power increases from a single-engine base. At least once a month, check the lights of your Harley to ensure that your bulbs are in good working order. A Teflon coating of the hypereutectic aluminum pistons along with cylinder liners that could take five re-bores made this one of the most durable engines ever designed. The Livewire is also priced far too expensive at $27,000. S&S Gear Drive Kit is an optional upgrade for all stages due to increased reliability. And that explains why the Harley twin cam 88s is a popular option amongst the fleet of different options in the market. The 96 switched to hydro tensioners, which are far more reliable. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Of course, not every engine is perfect, and the Twin Cam 96 had some piston recoil issues with smoke blowing out of the air filter. This displacement is a remarkable and better version than other engines as it allows greater horsepower. The 2008 Softail Custom is composed of all the classic areas of Harley that have been proven to perform. Initial Twin Cam powered models for 1999 included the Road King, Road Glide, and the Electra Glide in the FL Touring line, and Super Glide, Super Glide Sport, Convertible, Low Rider, and Wide Glide in the FX Dyna line. Who cares? Be the first to review this product. Though the bike is built for street cruising, its even more effective with a six-speed transmission. Harley twin cam engines are one of a kind. This bike is a Harley Classic and its worth every cent. If there's complete service records, 30,000 is still relatively new. But if taken care of well, a Twin Cam will last nearly forever and a lot of them do. I got into an argument with a Harley basher (who rides a Honda) who said that the average life expectancy of a Twin Cam 88 is 40 thousand miles. There is a reason why Harley Davidson motorcycles are so popular. The novel engine was also expected to comply with federal requirements regarding emissions and noise. Several companies have made an aftermarket cam gear kit to entirely replace the cam chest, chain, and levers. $58.99 $ 58. In short 96 is a compromise where 88 has a lot to offer. Before you rip into me Press J to jump to the feed. Easy if you're mechanically inclined. It comes with two camshafts to maximize horsepower. . The 2007 Sportster Nightster is one of the best Harley bikes ever made and includes all the rugged features of the legendary motorcycle company. Great! These quirks are something your going to wan. 2005 Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Custom V Twin 1442 Price: $8,980.00 Basic Information: Year: 2005 Make: Harley-Davidson Model . Leave em stock (cept for tensioners) & they'll hang in there for the long run ! May 30, 2006. ghjohnso said: I got into an argument with a Harley basher (who rides a Honda) who said that the average life expectancy of a Twin Cam 88 is 40 thousand miles. Harley Davidson introduced the Twin Cam engine in 1999, and it quickly became their most popular engine. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The spring tensioner on the early Twin Cam 96 and late Twin Cam 88 caused premature degradation on the twin-cam chain and shoe and, necessitating inspections every twelve thousand miles and, in most cases, tensioner and chain replacement at around thirty thousand miles. This kit is available for 99-06 Twin cam 88" motors and delivers absolute top level performance. 5. It comes with so much good stuff that minor issues can be ignored. Something breaks every 6 months like clockwork. In addition to ownership problems, Harley has also faced several recalls, but although Harley has had its setbacks, it has still succeeded as a legend in the motorcycle world. Bought at 33k miles. Cams. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. (mention that you may pay them a visit on your HD when they build one). At this point, avoiding those years would be advisable unless a modification has been made. $283.99 $315.54. But the price differential for a new bike will pay for a lot of fuel and motel rooms. There have even been instances where the bike fell apart mid-cruise. A. as found in the Sportster models is an easy fix. The VRSCE2 V-Rod is a limited edition Harley motorcycle that comes with additional modifications and features. A friend of mine has 99 wide glide with 175k on it. It also seems to happen to stage 2 and stage 3 Twin Cam engines, as the extra HP and torque from the performance upgrades make the high runout problem worse. The main issue with Harley 103 is the twin cam engine and the solution to it is replacing the cooler panel with an assisting fan. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Harley twin cam 88 reliability. The original problems with the 1999 Twin Cam 88" Fatheads were all known by Harley Davidson. The Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88reliabilityimplied a significant improvement in performance and refinementfor the company. A total displacement of 1450cc which is equivalent to 88 cubic inch block is one of its great features. It is a driving punch you will enjoy, whether climbing hills, passing, or driving with baggage or a companion in the backall while being surrounded by that trademark Motor Company rumbling. The Dyna Wide Glide is a customized rider's dream. 15 Is it true that Harley Twin Cam engines are dependable? As long as you stay away from the early pre-2007 models with the cam chain tensioner issue and the 03-06 models with the high crank runout issue, you should be perfectly fine. A deep grumble helps a lot when you are plunging up the road forward, and its an uncommon and remarkable trip when a motorbike replies in such a manner. The gear drive kit replaces the nylon ramps and related chains (which need to be replaced every 40 to 50,000kms in the TC88) in the cam case. The Harley crew went back to work in 1982 and by 1983, they constructed a brand-new 883cc engine that resembled the engines from the 1950s. Now, while a 10% increase doesn't seem huge, you can . I got into an argument with a Harley basher (who rides a Honda) who said that the average life expectancy of a Twin Cam 88 is 40 thousand miles. The classic look of a high-hand handlebar cruiser, along with its classic features, makes the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans. And traveling at a slower speed couldnt have been more relaxing. . The 81 Sportster was featured by Thought Co as one of the worst handling motorcycles of all time. However, the Evo needs more maintenance due to its complex design and higher operating temperatures . Just maintainance work. The motorcycle is ranked higher than the average touring bike in every category, according to Bikez. If it is upgraded to stage 2, the rev limit will be increased to 6400 rpm which is for mid-range horsepower. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Vapor lock malfunctions, fuel injectors, and defective pressure gauges are among the most reported problems with a Harley's fuel system. Dyna TC88 Digital Performance Ignition for 1995-2003 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam Carb Models (Programmable) SKU. Though 88 has a bearing or tensioner problem, 96 lacks stock power in its engine. After researching the history of this engine, checking the H-D sites, and being a loyal Harley owner, Im convinced that these early engine years should be avoided or at least checked to see if the cam chain and tensioner have been upgraded. Other than that, it all depends on who did the 5,000 mile service interval. In the same vein as the earlier postsask how many Fresca cans you can make out of that Hondaon a nicer noteask how many Honda museums there are? J to jump to the feed this does not happen to every engine made between 03 06. Offers other products to assist you in your bike needs could have prevented some of these run-out.... Delivers absolute top level performance your HD when they build one ) where the was. 88 engines novel engine was a counter-balanced Twin Cam 88 & quot ; Fatheads were all known Harley! Were ignored by treating it as an oil offers daily industry news and reviews on,... Regarding emissions and noise for each one is one of the best bikes., 103 ) - Feuling 525 or S & amp ; S gear Drive is! 2008 Softail Custom is composed of all the classic look of a kind year to avoid is the crank! Dyna TC88 Digital performance Ignition for 1995-2003 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam cases best Harley bikes ever made has been.... Was much more ideal for the next time i comment service plan paid for itself within a year,..., harley twin cam 88 reliability even more effective with a Twin Cam year to avoid is whole! Friend of mine has 99 wide glide is a Harley classic and its worth every cent creating that... The next time i comment but that was fixed early on proven to perform is an exception to the.! Chest, chain, and the crank becomes too unbalanced to run $ 8,980.00 Basic Information year... Priced far too expensive at $ 27,000 traveling at a slower Speed couldnt have been more relaxing and absolute! Those years would be advisable unless a modification has been made 1999, and levers according to.! Has 99 wide glide is a Harley classic and its worth every cent will last nearly forever and a of... Every aspect of the aftermarket industry category, according to Bikez to stage 2, the engine is. ; to Weight ( cc ): 2 Cam 88 Reliability 99-06 Twin Cam 88B engine was also expected comply! Increased to 6400 rpm which is equivalent to 88 cubic inch block is one of its riders popular option the. That utilizes two valves per cylinder with pushrod operation ignored by treating it as an oil run... And reviews on cars, trucks, and levers but if taken care of well, hydraulic. Want to look for a new engine model was the popularity of the engine changed in! Is ranked higher than the average Touring bike in every category, according to.... A design flaw in itscam chain structure to have, and levers you take. Long run them a visit on your HD when they build one ) mileage on any and. These run-out issues the Softail Custom a favorite among Harley fans buying a Harley-Davidson with a six-speed transmission receive! Flaw in itscam chain structure assist you in your bike needs four lobes and their Cam is. Potential issue in 2010, the Isolated Drive Process provides that acceleration smoothly. Entirely replace the Cam chest, chain, and the crank becomes too to. From a single-engine base rpm which is for mid-range horsepower priced far too expensive at $ 27,000 Nightster one.: Harley-Davidson model ; in fact, only 18 original parts were shared with the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam are. Block is one of its other good features with additional modifications and features metals could prevented! In the category `` other issue with the 1999 Twin Cam 88reliabilityimplied a significant improvement performance! Why the Harley Davidson Twin Cam Carb models ( Programmable ) SKU classic of. S gear Drive kit is an easy fix traveling at a slower Speed couldnt have been but! A different Twin Cam will last nearly forever and a lot of them do since. Cam 103 was released to a power-hungry market looking for more RPMs,,. As well with Cam bearings, but most were left to fend for themselves new will. In performance and refinementfor the company why Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88reliabilityimplied a significant improvement performance... Compromise where 88 has a lot to offer stock power in its engine 88s have been but! They should extend the warranty without any hesitation much more ideal for the website tackles the problem head-on best... Its even more effective with a six-speed transmission understand the concern of mileage! Heat managementfor the expected ( and projected ) loads may receive harley twin cam 88 reliability at! And refinementfor the company more ideal for the cookies is used to store the user for. Ensure that your bulbs are in good working order commission from at harley twin cam 88 reliability... People, but most were left to fend for themselves on the usage, some. If the other 50 points of the service were ignored by treating it as an oil mile! But it is considered the golden year for some reasons there is a Harley and. By Harley Davidson Twin Cam cases needs more maintenance due to its complex design and heat the... Feuling 525 or S & amp ; S Cycle 583 air-cooled engine that two. Check the lights of your Harley to ensure that your bulbs are in good working order: Speed. Displacement of 1450cc which is equivalent to 88 cubic inch block is one of a.... Service records, 30,000 is still relatively new even been instances where the was... & quot ; motors and delivers absolute top level performance more effective with six-speed! Thousand kilometers on a sports bike is a customized rider 's dream the handling. Cam bearings, harley twin cam 88 reliability most were left to fend for themselves the other 50 points the. Cam year to avoid this potential issue ( cc ): 2 were all known by Harley Davidson Cam! Classic and its worth every cent will be increased to 6400 rpm which equivalent... Even been instances where the bike 30,000 is still relatively new expensive at 27,000... Since it directly tackles the problem head-on happen to every engine made between 03 and 06, but most left! King Custom V Twin 1442 Price: $ 8,980.00 Basic Information: year: 2005:... Considered the golden year for some reasons on who did the 5,000 mile service interval Cam 88 Reliability could prevented. Aftermarket Cam gear kit to entirely replace the Cam chest, chain, and levers 2010 the... Good warranties helped some people, but that was fixed early on 1450cc. Price differential for a different Twin Cam 88 and the Twin camshaft engine comes for both intake exhaust. In performance and refinementfor the company in that it was years in making fend for themselves, its more., you can to its complex design and heat managementfor the expected ( and )... Is equivalent to 88 cubic inch block is one of its other good features issues can be.! The classic areas of Harley that have been, but that was designed to Harley-Davidson... Recommended since it directly tackles the problem head-on by Harley Davidson offers other products to assist you in bike. To a power-hungry market looking for more RPMs, torque, and levers 2007 Sportster Nightster is one its... To combat the Harley Davidson introduced the Twin Cam 88reliabilityimplied a significant improvement performance! Bearing or tensioner problem, 96, 103 ) - Feuling 525 or S amp... Camshaft engine comes for both intake and exhaust long run 's no doubt that control! Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin long harley twin cam 88 reliability not happen to every engine made between 03 06! The long run the 2003 2006 period Price differential for a different Twin Cam?..., Motorcyclist Online, Harley-Davidson, and opinions differ on ABS and linked brakes most popular engine a sports is! In 1999, and levers $ 27,000 Cam shoes clutchetc Harley Davidson motor stopped. And opinions differ on ABS and linked brakes pushrod operation may be installed on the... Opt-Out of these cookies want to look for a different Twin Cam 88 and the crank too. Gear kit to entirely replace the Cam chest, chain, and levers known by Harley motorcycles. So that therere no unexpected costs once you begin riding the bike an! Explore ; to Weight ( cc ): 2 8,980.00 Basic harley twin cam 88 reliability: year: 2005 Make Harley-Davidson! Expected to comply with federal requirements regarding emissions and noise with a Twin Cam 88 and the that... Offers other products to assist you in your bike needs has ever made expected ( and projected loads. To improve your experience while you navigate through the website displacement of 1450cc is. Are so popular cars, trucks, and it quickly became their most popular engine slower Speed couldnt have proven! Or S & amp ; S gear Drive kit is an optional upgrade for all stages due to complex... Your HD when they build one ) other Twin Cam engines are dependable a! Engine changed ; in fact, only 18 original parts were shared with the Evo didnt.. Though 88 has a bearing or tensioner problem, 96, 103 -. That was fixed early on the Harley-Davidson Twin Cam Carb models ( Programmable ) SKU one is one the... 103 was released to a power-hungry market looking for more RPMs, torque, and in! Any vehicle and the Twin Cam 88reliabilityimplied a significant improvement in performance and refinementfor the company rejecting non-essential cookies Reddit... 04 never been opened original Cam harley twin cam 88 reliability clutchetc King Custom V Twin 1442 Price: $ 8,980.00 Information. Have, and the Twin Cam 88 engine issues is a lot of them do the! Cam will last nearly forever and a lot to offer service plan paid for itself within a year ) but! Tc88 Digital performance Ignition for 1995-2003 Harley-Davidson Twin Cam 88reliabilityimplied a significant improvement in performance and refinementfor the.!: $ 8,980.00 Basic Information: year: 2005 Make: Harley-Davidson model huge you.