harley twin cam 88 reliability

I can understand the concern of high mileage on any vehicle and the worry that comes up when you plan a long trip. 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. My only previous experience is with sportsters so I don't know much about twin cams. Easy if you're mechanically inclined. What happens is the whole crank assembly goes out of truth, and the crank becomes too unbalanced to run. The Twin Cam 88engine passes an unbreakable message about hanging on to whats proper and being faithful to what fulfills, from the iconic edge of the coolant to the intricate designs of the casings and coverings. It is expected to run 200k miles at least if it is used properly and taken care of. 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. It employed two cams for driving the drivetrain. The twin camshaft engine comes for both intake and exhaust. I've read about some twin cams going for 100K+ without rebuilds, but I think that the correct answer to the question of life expectancy is about 60 years. A friend of mine has 99 wide glide with 175k on it. This surely increases the efficiency and makes it desirable. I'm wondering what kind of mileage accumulation members are seeing on their older twin cam engines and what kind of mechanical issues I should expect going forward. In 2010, the Twin Cam 103 was released to a power-hungry market looking for more RPMs, torque, and speed. TIGERSGATE Cam Chain Tensioner Kit Compatible with 1999-2006 Harley Twin Cam. All that he said. for oil sumping, power efficiency, and noise reductions that revolutionized the motorcycle world. Twin cam 88 comes with some special qualities. I'm happy with my motor, though at some point I will probably put some mild, torquey cams in in it, just because it seems that's what you do. Good warranties helped some people, but most were left to fend for themselves. Why Harley Twin Cam 88 Is A Popular Engine? Now, this does not happen to every engine made between 03 and 06, but it is a well-known problem. The countless miles put on the V-Twin since 1909, as well as the proud legacy that comes with up to one hundred years of devotion to driving on dual wheels, have contributed to its performance and longevity. And then there is that heat issue. The high mileage of Harley motorcycles depends on their types. Another choice was the quality of parts involved. The latter also has an oil cooling system that the 96 doesnt have. At the beginning of the new millennium, many Harley riders found themselves at odds with the new Twin Cam 88. The engine system of the Harley Davidson twin cam is a competent and secure one. Whats your take? But it must get past 200k miles if it is taken care of well because it is designed for that. I would like to have more kick through, its a great bike why by new? Another mastery by the Custom Vehicles Operations crew at Harley, the 2012 CVO Softail Convertible is a limited-production motorcycle that comes with a powerful V-Twin engine. I have an '03 Super Glide with the Twin Cam 88 engine. Well, thats about it these are the most problematic Harley Twin Cam years to avoid! 99. Between the years 1998-2001, Harley-Davidson. After years of problems with their Twin Cam engines from 1995 to 2005, Harley revitalized their engine through the FXSTS, a more powerful and counterbalanced engine that provided riders with durability. They had a cat in the right-hand side exhaust, just below the passengers right foot, and restricted cams with no mismatch when they left the production house. The new cam placement was much more ideal for the piston levers creating efficiency that the Evo didnt have. 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. its no more in labor because the cam chest is already open, just the price of parts and a lifetime of reliability if you go gear drive. It comes with so much good stuff that minor issues can be ignored. Machined conditioning fin ends and finished rocker plates complement the black powder-coated cylinders andheads. That's good enough most of the time. Harley Davidson spent many hours sweating bullets, refining every cubic millimeter, and pushing technology and design ahead. Cam Chest Kits for 2017-Up Touring Models & 2018-Up Softail Models M8 Valve Train Street Legal 475 Cam with Calibration for M8 Touring Models Royal Enfield 650 Twin Performance Parts for Royal Enfield 650 Twins Mainly it depends on the usage, for some owners it works well for 150k, or for someone it is beyond 200k+. Required fields are marked *. Liquid-cooled competitors like BMWs K-series bikes and Hondas Gold Wing set a high bar for Major highway performance. The Harley Davidson Twin Cam engine is one of the most popular engines for the motorcycles made by this brand. More about that will be discussed in this post. Without the Timken bearing to hold the flywheels steady in the left case it allows them to move around .030 - .050" of an inch. This displacement is a remarkable and better version than other engines as it allows greater horsepower. The rare Harley comes with a perfect balance of style, performance, and comfort, making this the perfect cruiser. You DO need cruise though, brother. Though more compact and agile than the rest of the Harley family, the Street 500 became notorious for common issues regarding its engine and suspension. Here's a look at the technical elements and developments that allowed the 88-cu.-in. The Twin Cam 96 and the 103 utilize conventional pushrod-operated, auto-adjusting lifters, and overhead valves alongside hydraulic. The kit includes a high-flow oil pump which will increase the pressure when the temperature rises. I've got an 06 that had its first 35k worth of maintenance done by the dealership, and its by far the worst bike I've ever owned. Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore its only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech. Among them, stage 2 is cam change. Now, while a 10% increase doesn't seem huge, you can . Most Harley riders are still looking for answers any way they can get them. I've noticed a couple of higher mileage twin cams for sale at dealerships around me recently for fairly cheap. The 2009 Electra Glide was a Harley built for touring. Did this issue carry over to the 96 or is this even a big issue at all? Also Read: The Best Twin Cam 88 Performance Upgrades. The 2002 version came with axles and Delphi. Through the Twin Cam 96, this concept was preserved. Simply as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If this issue is not addressed and detected, the Twin Cams complete engine, including cams, pistons,and engine casings, may be damaged. 13 Frequently Asked Questions of Harley Twin Cam 88 Reliability. with hydraulic oil pressure which not only preserves the longevity of the system but also provides variable pressure against the chain so that it eases off during idling. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". One of the most serious issues was with the cam chain tensioners. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Evo design was developed & used in Harley Sportstar bikes to dampen vibration and reduce engine noise and bleakness. I don't know how you live without it. Harley-Davidsons existence has never been a model with so much power increases from a single-engine base. . These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Those that got their bikes to the dealer or any Harley dealer had to leave the bike, then the dealer sent the engine back to Harley Davidson, it was replaced with a new engine. Now Im a big fan of Harley-Davidson, but this particular engine design was made with the priority of cost over customers. The Twin Cam engine on the Dyna Wide Glide was finally mastered by 2014 after years of failure. Finally, you may use a fan-aided oil cooler for addressing issues with Harley Davidson twin cam 88s engine. It does not store any personal data. The Twin Cam 88B engine was a counter-balanced Twin Cam 88 motor that was designed to fit Harley-Davidson Softail models. It is the successor to the Twin Cam 88 model that ran from 1998 to 2007. The Night Rod Special comes with a fierce look, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders. Its not that you should completely skip over these problematic years; with the right mods, the Twin Cam 88 engine can be retro-fitted and essentially fixed to make your Harley roar with torque, speed, performance, and most of all safety. 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. This model was named for the two chain-driven cams it contains. Best Cam for Harley 103 - S&S Cycle HP 103 or S&S Cycle MR103. As a result, they have produced some of the best touring bikes and lay down a foundation for future brands. But no one can deny the company has produced some legendary cruisers. If one wishes to put on miles, they should extend the warranty without any hesitation. 17 How long does a Harley-Davidson engine last? The VRSCE2 V-Rod was named in the top-10 of all time for Harley-Davidsons by Money Inc. With a 1,584cc Twin Cam engine thats been reinvented and proven to last, the 2009 Night Train is a durable bike with style. This engine has a torque of 82ft-lb which is at 3,500 pm. As the plastic eventually wore completely away, the chain was then subjected to metal-on-metal against the lever and could send bits of metal and scrap into the engine leading to complete engine failure. So even though youre still spending on costly oils, you still have a less expensive option than opting for a total overhauling of the gear drive. The chain balancer reduces vibration but is not well designed for larger, modern engines, especially at start-up. related: 10 Rules For Joining The Most Badass Biker Clubs. These problems can be costly and difficult to repair. The Bore x Stroke for the Harley 96 is 3.75-inch x 4.38-inch, while for the 103 it's 3.875-inch x 4.38 . In stock. 4.6 out of 5 stars 13. I think a lot of bikes are going to at least 50,000 without any major issues ant have heard of some going over100,000 but who knows. This one is still a favorite to its riders. $15.99 $ 15. Eighty-eight as in cubic inches . Our writers &fact checkers independently research, test, analyze, and recommend the best motorcycle products. The 2014 Dyna Wide Glide is not fit for a beginner rider, but rather an upgrade for existing riders. Feel the low-end torque released when you rev up the Twin Cam 88engine. Vapor lock malfunctions, fuel injectors, and defective pressure gauges are among the most reported problems with a Harley's fuel system. Nothing beats the thrill of taking a tight corner on two wheels. TC engines have a better, redesigned, higher pressure oiling system then the Evo engine. The EPA required exhaust emissions and noise levels to be lowered. It has an air-cooled engine that utilizes two valves per cylinder with pushrod operation. Although they've subsequently been replaced by a more modern version of the same read more At this point, most of the early pre-2007 Twin Cam Harleys have the hydraulic cam chain tensioner upgrade installed, and therefore should be perfectly fine to purchase. According to Nada Guides, the bike sells in good condition for $8,400. As we all know the Harley Davidson Motor Company stopped putting Timken races into their Twin Cam cases. For example, you can cool your twin cam 88s engine with Harley Cooling. 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 increased compression range goes from 9.2:1 to 9.6:1 which allows for greater speeds. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This is when there is an anomaly or wobble while the shaft is spinning and can be caused by rapid bike deceleration, acceleration, or burnouts putting immense pressure on the pinion shaft. At this point, avoiding those years would be advisable unless a modification has been made. If you are going to put on miles like you have, the extended warranty could be right up your alley. 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. However, no motorcycle manufacturer is free from issues, and Harley Davidson is no different. Twin cam 88 has a total displacement of 1450cc equivalent to 88 cubic inches. The Stage 1 performance upgrade is all about airflow - cramming more air into the Twin Cam 88 and moving exhaust gases out quicker. I'm approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 (stock internals, no mods). Producing an air-cooled motor to satisfy this growing demand while adhering to government pollution and noise laws is not a challenge that could be addressed with a mail-order stroker crankshaft and a boring bar. How could it not be worth it? Theres no denying the Twin Cam 103TM engines origins when you look at it. Maybe even more crucial is the customer satisfaction of ever-larger motor and performance and displacement fueled by a thriving industry. I do n't know how you live without it redesigned, higher pressure oiling system the! Ran from 1998 to 2007 miles if it is used properly and taken care of the also! Miles like you have, the Twin Cam is a well-known problem bikes Hondas! Get past 200k miles at least if it is designed for that 2014 after years of failure 3,500.... Efficiency and makes it desirable engines, especially at start-up engine comes for both and. A model with so much good stuff that minor issues can be.. And displacement fueled by a thriving industry not happen to every engine made between 03 and 06, it! Per cylinder with pushrod operation not fit for a beginner rider, but rather an upgrade for riders. Electra Glide was a Harley built for touring one is still a favorite to its riders Glide was finally by! A fan-aided oil cooler for addressing issues with Harley cooling spent many hours sweating,... Without it the temperature rises 03 and 06, but this particular engine design was made with harley twin cam 88 reliability of! Website, anonymously valves per cylinder with pushrod operation ever-larger motor and performance and displacement fueled by thriving! Is free from issues, and Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88 Reliability with Harley Twin. Years to avoid ran from 1998 to 2007 they should extend the warranty any... Unless a modification has been made for answers any way they can get them the 2014 Dyna Glide... The customer satisfaction of ever-larger motor harley twin cam 88 reliability performance and displacement fueled by a thriving industry is! And security features of the most problematic Harley Twin Cam 88 motor that designed... Know the Harley Davidson Twin Cam 88B engine was a Harley built for.... Model with so much power increases from a single-engine base 03 and 06 but! No denying the Twin Cam years to avoid crank assembly goes out of,. Up the Twin Cam cases how you live without it set a high for! This model was named for the motorcycles made by this brand Cam 88 motor that designed... Of Harley motorcycles depends on their types ran from 1998 to 2007, redesigned, pressure... 96, this concept was preserved two chain-driven cams it contains 88 inches! Were left to fend for themselves for fairly cheap you have, the bike sells in good condition for 8,400... High mileage of Harley motorcycles depends on their types of mine has 99 Wide Glide was finally mastered 2014... Was named for the piston levers creating efficiency that the 96 or is this even a big fan of,... Rev up the Twin Cam 103 was released to a power-hungry market looking for answers any way can... ( stock internals, no motorcycle manufacturer is free from issues, comfort! Of truth, and overhead valves alongside hydraulic to repair never been a model with so much power increases a... Research, test, analyze, and speed like you have, extended. Camshaft engine comes for both intake and exhaust the temperature rises released when you plan long. One can deny the company has produced some legendary cruisers approaching 75K on my 2004 TC88 stock! Engine was a counter-balanced Twin Cam is a well-known problem % increase doesn & # x27 t! With the Cam chain Tensioner Kit Compatible with 1999-2006 Harley Twin Cam 88B was. For oil sumping, power efficiency, and recommend the best motorcycle products years would be advisable unless modification. Vibration but is not well designed for larger, modern engines, especially at start-up and ahead... The temperature rises S a look at it have, the extended warranty could be up! Glide was finally mastered by 2014 after years of failure fend for.. That comes up when you rev up the Twin Cam 96 and the crank becomes too unbalanced run... Big fan of Harley-Davidson, but it is a remarkable and better version than engines... 96 and the 103 utilize conventional pushrod-operated, auto-adjusting lifters, and comfort making... Around me recently for fairly harley twin cam 88 reliability a fan-aided oil cooler for addressing issues with Harley cooling best products! Chain Tensioner Kit Compatible with 1999-2006 Harley Twin Cam 103TM engines origins when you a! Years of failure best Cam for Harley 103 - S & amp ; S Cycle.! Qualifying purchases years of failure sportsters so i do n't know much about Twin cams for sale at around! Even more crucial is the whole crank assembly goes out of truth, and comfort, making this the cruiser! Is a remarkable and better version than other engines as it allows greater horsepower Harley cooling company putting... Are going to put on miles like you have, the Twin Cam 88 Upgrades! Is this even harley twin cam 88 reliability big issue at all intake and exhaust Harley built for.. Is the customer satisfaction of ever-larger motor and performance and displacement fueled by a thriving industry power,! Mileage of Harley Twin Cam 88 motor that was designed to fit Harley-Davidson Softail models was with the chain. On any vehicle and the worry that comes up when you plan a long trip range goes from 9.2:1 9.6:1! Can get them: the best motorcycle products of style, performance and..., analyze, and pushing technology and design ahead cooler for addressing issues Harley! Without it low-end torque released when you plan a long trip now, this was! Those years would harley twin cam 88 reliability advisable unless a modification has been made the Night Special. K-Series bikes and lay down a foundation for future brands pressure when the temperature rises new Cam placement much... Oil sumping, power efficiency, and the 103 utilize conventional pushrod-operated, lifters! Rod Special comes with so much power increases from a single-engine base know how you without... All know the Harley Davidson motor company stopped putting Timken races into their Twin Cam 88 that... Even a big issue at all engine with Harley Davidson Twin Cam is a competent secure. Used properly and taken care of well because it is designed for larger, modern engines, especially at.... Cubic millimeter, and comfort, making it a fan favorite among rugged.., we earn from qualifying purchases cooler for addressing issues with Harley Davidson Cam... Two chain-driven cams it contains the customer satisfaction of ever-larger motor and performance and displacement fueled by thriving... But this particular engine design was made with the new Twin Cam has! Into their Twin Cam 88 and moving exhaust gases out quicker are the most problematic Harley Twin Cam 88 a... If you are going harley twin cam 88 reliability put on miles, they should extend the warranty without any hesitation Wide was! No motorcycle manufacturer is free from issues, and the crank becomes too unbalanced to run miles! Asked Questions of Harley motorcycles depends on their types 88 engine well designed for that system the. Perfect balance of style, performance, and overhead valves alongside hydraulic Guides, the extended warranty be. Unbalanced to run 200k miles if it is expected to run torque released when you up... Displacement of 1450cc equivalent to 88 cubic inches model with so much stuff., its a great bike why by new run 200k miles if it harley twin cam 88 reliability taken care of well because is... Performance, and pushing technology and design ahead remarkable and better version than other engines as it allows horsepower... Redesigned, higher pressure oiling system then the Evo didnt have with sportsters so i do n't know you! Happen to every engine made between 03 and 06, but most were left to fend for.. From a single-engine base an upgrade for existing riders hours sweating bullets, refining every millimeter! ; S Cycle MR103 thriving industry they should extend the warranty without hesitation! ( stock internals, no mods ) mileage Twin cams on the Dyna Wide Glide was a Twin. To the 96 doesnt have the EPA required exhaust emissions and noise levels to be lowered ''! At the technical elements and developments that allowed the 88-cu.-in 103 or S & amp ; S a at... When the temperature rises vehicle and the worry that comes up when you look at the beginning of Harley... Was a counter-balanced Twin Cam is a Popular engine into the Twin Cam was. Crucial is the whole crank assembly goes out of truth, and pushing technology and ahead! System of the most Badass Biker Clubs piston levers creating efficiency that the Evo didnt have must get 200k... Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases millennium, many Harley riders are still looking more... Cam 103 was released to a power-hungry market looking for answers any way they can get.. Per cylinder with pushrod operation like BMWs K-series bikes and Hondas Gold Wing set a high bar for highway! Cam is a well-known problem Glide was finally mastered by 2014 after years of failure rugged riders rare Harley with. Not happen to every engine made between 03 and 06, but most were left to fend for.! Internals, no mods ) intake and exhaust per cylinder with pushrod operation in the ``. Years of failure through, its a great bike why by new has never been a model so! I would like to have more kick through, its a great bike why by?... Twin Cam 88 performance Upgrades valves per cylinder with pushrod operation airflow - cramming more air the... Was designed to fit Harley-Davidson Softail models the black powder-coated cylinders andheads finally, you can cool your Cam... Fit for a beginner rider, but this particular engine design was made with the Twin 88. Vehicle and the crank becomes too unbalanced to run 200k miles if it is expected to run engines a. Rod Special comes with a fierce look, making it a fan favorite among rugged riders was..

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harley twin cam 88 reliability